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Suffolk, England
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Number of guests
Sleeps up to 24 (in twelve double bedrooms - there are extra beds for children in three of the rooms.)
Property description
In 1490 a wealthy wool merchant built himself an elaborate and beautiful Suffolk mansion. The Old Neptune Inn, as it became, is steeped in history and over the centuries has seen smugglers, sailors, artists, even, it is said, Charles Dickens. Today, after sensitive restoration, it is a magnificent Grade II* listed medieval house at the heart of Ipswich’s restored waterfront. It is an enchanting place which you can now take over for a family get-together, wedding, school reunion, birthday or company event.
The Old Neptune truly looks the part. It is a big, white, half-timbered building with leaded windows, built around three sides of a leafy, Italianate courtyard. Inside, the generous reception rooms are more than big enough for sit-down group meals and partying with an impressive sound system. The eleven bedrooms are all stylish and luxurious. In short, the house is a winning combination of history and contemporary style.
Location
The house stands in the heart of the award-winning Marina in Ipswich, where luxury yachts and power cruisers float alongside bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops. The whole marina is an easy walk away from the paved streets and historic architecture of the town centre. Ipswich is less than an hour from junction 28 of the M25, and is the county town of Suffolk.
Accommodation
As the Old Neptune used to be an inn, all the rooms are generously proportioned, making it a magnificent self-catering house for a large group. The four reception rooms – the kitchen, the East Wing, the Drawing Room and the Dining Room – are warm, wood-panelled and luxurious.
The Drawing Room has sumptuous leather sofas grouped around an enormous coffee table (an old 18th century Indian Marriage Bed). The medieval fireplace is gigantic and mesmerising when lit. There’s also a widescreen TV/DVD with a surround sound system.
The heart of the house is the Dining Hall. This is where you would all dine in style and opulence, enjoying a double-height, timbered ceiling, dog-leg staircase reminiscent of a minstrel’s gallery, full-length leaded windows, parquet floor and beams galore. After dining, clear the tables and this room becomes the central stage for a party, whatever your taste. There is an integrated sound system, with DJ decks by arrangement. The East Wing room is set up as a games room, but can also be a bar or further dining area if required.
The large, farmhouse-style kitchen is a treat to cook in, with lots of space for communal breakfasts, group meal preparation or simply taking a back seat, drink in hand! This room used to be the stable block. The floor is polished York stone and, surprisingly (though hopefully not spookily!), the threshold up into the dining room is a gravestone dating back to 1811. If you don’t have a willing chef or two in the party, there are several excellent restaurants nearby (or catering can be arranged).
Upstairs, the twelve double bedrooms come with distinctive names and character. Many have teak four-poster beds imported from Indonesia, while others have a unique theme such as The Galleon or The Beach Hut. All are immensely comfortable and will ensure guests feel pampered and special. There are eight bathrooms, some ensuite and the Raffles room has “in-suite” facilities.
Facilities
The Old Neptune has every gizmo and gadget guests could need. In the main kitchen you’ll find a state-of-the-art double cooker and all modern culinary facilities including microwave, food processor, even a bread maker should the mood take you. There is another cooker in the second kitchen, invaluable when catering for larger parties.
The courtyard garden has ample seating and a patio heater to take the party outside all year round.
Besides catering more than admirably for a group of friends celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a weekend away, The Old Neptune would also perfectly suit a small conference group of up to ten.
The house is a paradise for children with its spaciousness and hidey-hole places, and offers total privacy and security. It is not really suitable for pets.
Area
The Marina is a handy doorstep asset with its bars, cafes, shops and bistros. And if you love boats you’ll find the vessels moored here are endlessly fascinating. Orwell River Cruises runs two hour trips from here throughout summer weekends, and the Bluebaker Sea School offers day skipper and other RYA sailing courses.
Ipswich is the perfect base for enjoying the Suffolk countryside and coast. Within fifteen minutes you can be enjoying both Gainsborough and Constable Country along the river Stour. Hire a rowing boat and meander down the gentle river to the beautiful village of Dedham. Also within half an hour or so’s drive are the Tide Mill at Woodbridge, the Celtic ship remains at Sutton Hoo, the old fashioned seaside port of Felixstowe, the perfect medieval town of Lavenham, and the Heritage Coast.
This charming stretch of coast is most famous for the Minsmere Bird Reserve, the lost village of Dunwich, the trendy seaside town of Southwold, the classical concerts at Snape Maltings and the popular pastel-coloured houses and various cultural attractions of Aldeburgh.
Prices
Weekend (Fri-Mon) £3,250
Bank Holiday weekend (Fri-Tues) £3,650
Midweek 2 nights £1,750
Midweek 3 nights £2,150
Contact the property owners
Phone: +44 01473-251110
Fax: N/A
Please note that you cannot rent this property directly from The Big Domain. If you wish to rent The Old Neptune, or would like to enquire about availability, please click on the Contact the Property Owner button above, and use the form provided to contact the owner directly.
