Martello Tower Y
Bawdsey, Suffolk

SOLD

Architect: Piercy & Company

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“One of the most original and soul-stirring modern homes in Britain” Jonathan Glancey, The Guardian

Described by The Guardian’s architecture critic Jonathan Glancey as “one of the most original and soul-stirring modern homes in Britain”, this is a wonderful conversion of an early 19th century Martello Tower overlooking the sea in Suffolk. The tower sits on a quiet stretch of coast, with the sea and beach in front and open farmland behind. It is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the towers at Bawdsey are designated as Scheduled Monuments by English Heritage.

The Martello Towers take both their name and structural design from 16th-century Corsican examples at Mortella and were conceived in an attempt to protect against the Napoleonic invasion, that never came. The conversion at Martello Tower Y, described as “exemplary” by English Heritage was undertaken in 2010 by the architect Stuart Piercy of Piercy & Company in collaboration with Duncan Jackson of Billings Jackson Design. A string of prestigious accolades  followed, including the RIBA Award of 2010.

The property is entered via a metal staircase that leads up to the first floor. There is an entrance hall here which gives spectacular views of the internal space across two floors. The hall has a coat cupboard and WC off it. Also on this floor is a reception room with a wood burning stove to hunker down in front of. But as Hugh Pearman wrote for The Times “The big draw is the room on top, an eyrie with a high-tech curving roof set on that wraparound band of glazing”.

This floor,  which incorporates a kitchen / living / dining area and opens out onto a terrace is described by Glancey as “a revelation: all light, space and comfort… with the sea and all its moods just beyond the parapet, with ships hoving in and out of view and, sunlight playing over the lichen-encrusted brickwork throughout the day”. Glancey goes on to state that “here is a special place to cook, entertain, or just while away the day… Stroll onto the terrace and you feel as if you’ve walked from the bridge of a modern liner out onto its deck, where you stand bathed in light and sucking in sea air”.

This space was created by the addition of an undulating roof that not only provides a beautiful ceiling for the room but also allows for far-reaching 360 degree views of the surrounding sea and countryside. The roof extension, in the words of Jackson, “echoes the sculptural interior of vaulted brickwork creating a congruency between the contemporary and historic”.

The ground floor incorporates three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two study spaces. Light is bought into this floor by the ingenious use of light wells cut through the brick. The fittings and finishes throughout are largely bespoke given the unique nature of the property and have been selected and installed with great care and attention. Notable features include a camera obscura fitted into one the bedrooms that reflects the seascape onto the walls.

Bawdsey is a quiet and secluded village, ten miles from the popular Suffolk market town of Woodbridge, which has good local amenities and a bustling farmers market on the second Saturday of every month. The Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo is also just around the corner. The attractive town of Orford, a 20 minute drive away, attracts visitors for its twice daily drops of fresh lobster and crabs, its renowned oysterage and smokehouse and the excellent Pump Street Bakery. Further up the Suffolk coast can be found the popular seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold and Benjamin Britten’s renowned concert hall at Snape Maltings.  There is a train station at Woodbridge that runs services into London Liverpool Street (journey time approx 1 ¾ hours).

The tower currently provides a substantial income as a holiday let. Further details are available on request.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.


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