Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Jonathan Waters Estate Agents - Guide to Ipswich's Villages

Are you moving to Suffolk? Want to find your dream village location near to the town of Ipswich? Read on for our guide to Ipswich’s villages.

Belstead

Not far from Ipswich, in the heart of rural Suffolk, is the village of Belstead. Very well connected via road and rail, it is ideally situated for those requiring ease of access to surrounding larger towns and cities. If it’s the outdoor life you’re after, this location will definately suit. There are plenty of countryside walks around the village as well as nearby nature reserves and expansive open countryside.

Bentley

Close to Dedham Vale and the Shotley Peninsular, in an area made famous by the artist John Constable, lies the village of Bentley. Handily positioned between the A12 and A137, this lovely village location is ideally placed for the commuter, being just 7 miles from Ipswich in Suffolk and 14 from Colchester in Essex. Within the village there is a three and a half mile route which is ideal for dog walkers and countryside lovers and this is often used as a relaxing unwind, providing a break from the stresses and tensions of the working day.

Bramford

Separated from the town of Ipswich by the River Gipping and very much its own village location as a result, Bramford rests peacefully just half a mile from the outskirts of the town, placing it within an easy commute of Ipswich mainline railway. A quiet backwater, the village consists of a church, a primary school a number of convenient shops and a couple of pubs.

Bucklesham

Equidistant of SE Ipswich and Woodbridge sits the lovely village of Bucklesham. Once there, it is difficult to imagine that these two comparatively large towns are just a short drive away. The village benefits from a truly rural setting and the country life is quite literally, on your doorstep. Bucklesham is a wonderfully quiet retreat which is close enough to town not to be too isolated.

Capel St Mary

Six miles to the southwest of Ipswich is the village of Capel St Mary or “Capel” as it is known. With a primary school, a cricket ground, football pitches and tennis courts, there are plenty of activities in the village and a good selection of local shops including a hairdresser’s and a Chinese takeaway. The village also boasts three churches of different denominations, a Manor house and a castle. On the roads, the A12 will take you into London or directly to Ipswich for the mainline railway link to Liverpool Street.

Claydon

A little to the north of Ipswich lies the village of Claydon which is set within some quite lovely gentle countryside, ideal for long walks or cycle rides. The village has 2 pubs, a primary school and a high school with a specialist college attached. The area offers a regular bus service through to the surrounding towns of Ipswich and Stowmarket and the neighbouring village of Bramford. Of particular local interest, is the Church of St Peter, it has been partially restored and has a fine wooden vaulted ceiling.

Holbrook

A lovely rural village on the northern shore of the River Stour, Holbrook is located on the Shotley Peninsula and has been home to the Royal Hospital School since 1933. The village has 2 pubs and is well served by a number of local shops. There is no shortage of schooling within the area, with a primary and secondary school as well as of course, the RHS which takes pupils from ages 11-18 years.

Kesgrave

Kesgrave has grown from its original village status and is now officially recognised as a small town. Conveniently located, half way between Woodbridge and Ipswich, the town offers all the conveniences you’d expect including ample shopping and three primary schools.

Rushmere St Andrew

Rushmere St Andrew is a village to the west of Ipswich surrounded by the wonderful Suffolk countryside. Plenty of walks and cycle rides along some quite country roads and before long you are into the wide open spaces that this area is famed for.

Stutton

Located on the Shotley Peninsular, this lovely Suffolk village boasts two very fine pubs, a primary school and a hair salon. Surrounded by countryside, the village is just a short distance from the Alton Water reservoir which is popular among wind surfers, hobby boat sailors and canoeists.

Westerfield

Close to the northern edge of Ipswich yet separated by a significant stretch of farmland, Westerfield maintains its village identity, having its own railway station on the Ipswich-Lowestoft East Suffolk Line. The village is served by two pubs, one to the north and one to the south and in the centre is the Westerfield village green.

Property for sale in Ipswich are the surrounding villages - click here to search for properties