Looking to live in…Sudbury?
Looking to live in Sudbury?
Located on the River Stour near the Essex/Suffolk border, Sudbury is a thriving market town surrounded by picturesque countryside. Yet, with a railway station on hand enabling residents to reach London in a little over an hour, and Colchester, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich within a comfortable drive, Sudbury is increasingly a popular choice for homebuyers.
Graham Buxton, Partner at Fenn Wright, is based in Sudbury and explains why he believes the town is growing in popularity: “Fenn Wright has had a branch in Sudbury for over a year now and, during that time, we have noticed a double ripple effect of people relocating from London to Chelmsford or Colchester before moving again to Sudbury. It is a beautiful market town with lots to offer and, despite the recent increase in house prices; it still offers good value for money.
“We genuinely see Sudbury as a hidden gem among potential commuter towns – especially for those who no longer need to head into London five days a week. The twice weekly market held on Market Hill, brings with it a sense of community that other busier towns might lack.”
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and meadows with direct access to the Stour Valley Path which runs from Newmarket to Cattawade. Sudbury has an excellent selection of modern and period properties within easy reach of the town centre as well as a wide range of high street and independent stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
During the 18th Century, Sudbury was home to famous artist, Thomas Gainsborough and inspired many pieces by John Constable too. About the same time, the town contained a busy and thriving river port. Today, however, Sudbury’s last industrial building on the riverside has long since been converted and is now home to the town’s Quay Theatre.
For those who enjoy water sports, Sudbury also holds strong appeal. The River Stour Trust, formed in 1968, has its headquarters in Sudbury, and a purpose built visitor centre is located at Cornard Lock. The trust operates electric-powered boats from the Granary in Quay Lane, to Great Henny, a few miles downstream. Each September, the River Stour hosts hundreds of canoe and small boat enthusiasts in a weekend event called Sudbury to the Sea. There is also a thriving and established rowing club which hosts Sudbury Regatta on the first Saturday of August each year.
Graham adds: “Sudbury offers something for everyone – whether a first time buyer, growing family or empty-nester. As well as water sports, there are excellent sporting facilities including football and cricket, and the well-known Valley Walk cycle route, which starts at the Sudbury water meadows and continues along the disused railway track, finishing close to Long Melford Country Park. The town also benefits from two strong senior schools – Thomas Gainsborough and Ormiston Academy – and a number of good primary schools.”
Here are a couple of great properties currently on the market in Sudbury to give you an idea of what’s out there:
This wonderful four bedroom house situated on Friars Street has been meticulously refurbished to retain all of the original charm and character of the property including a wealth of exposed structural timbering and a working Rayburn Regency fireplace. On the market for £625,000 with Fenn Wright Sudbury.
This superb semi-detached property is situated in Quay Lane, in the very heart of old Sudbury, and one of the most sought-after residential locations in the town. On the market for £395,000 with Fenn Wright Sudbury.
This Victorian townhouse, situated on Queens Road is deceptively spacious. A great house for those looking to move to this highly regarded road and within comfortable walking distance of Sudbury town centre. On the market for £280,000 with Fenn Wright Sudbury.
*Data sourced and publicised by Rightmove.