STATELY TWO-BEDROOM TOWN APARTMENT LIVING WITH STUNNING CATHEDRAL VIEWS, RESIDENTS’ GARDEN & PARKING

Situated in a tranquil area and positioned in an elevated leafy setting, this apartment is serenely located within an imposing building with stunning garden views towards the Cathedral tower in the distance afforded by its pair of eye-catching substantial period oriel windows of the bedrooms and living/dining space – the former school Headmaster’s rooms. A graceful two-bedroom apartment that forms part of the conversion of King Edward VI Grammar School, commissioned by the 3rd Marquess of Bristol among other patrons and governors of the time. This architectural gem is exemplar of the late 19th century Arts & Crafts Movement with its steeply pitched roofs, tall chimney and alternate rows of decorative rectangular and rounded hung tile motifs along the upper storey and gabled ends. Following refurbishment in recent years by the current owner with a new kitchen and shower room suite. Pleasant and welcoming apartment entrance hall.

Approached along a leafy driveway with access to a large residents’ and visitors’ gravelled parking area. Exceptional well-kempt communal landscaped grounds to entertain and relax in. Elevator access from dual entranceways. Pedestrian walkway to neighbouring tennis court and bowling club facilities.

LOCATION:

No.6 St. James Court is conveniently located on the northernmost fringe of the ancient abbey off Eastgate Street within the historic Cathedral town of Bury St. Edmunds and is situated in a residential area with the tranquil nearby award-winning floral Abbey Gardens and River Lark. Excellent A14 access is provided via Northgate Street. The bars, restaurants and shopping of Abbeygate Street and the Market Square are in easy walking distance.

FULL DETAILS:

No.6 St James Court displays a wealth of period features well-blended with modern comforts and since its conversion in the 1980s benefits from more recent updating. The stately accommodation with its high ceilings, measures approximately 658 sq ft (61.1 sq m) and will suit a broad range of buyers, whether downsizers, or young professionals – all who seek the convenience of town centre living with picturesque Cathedral views, parking and all-important outdoor amenity.

Communal Entrance Lobby - Dual entranceways from either the front or rear elevations. To the rear is a welcoming residents’ lobby with accessibility ramp and plush elevator access. Secure entry phone system.

Apartment Reception Hall - Front door opens into a useful wide entrance hall that exudes warmth. Water cylinder and linen closet. Decorative picture rails and deep coving. Connecting all accommodation.

Kitchen - Located off the Sitting Room with door opening into an updated kitchen consisting of matt white wall and base cabinetry with tile splashbacks incorporating decorative frieze. Glazed and illuminated display unit. U-shaped work surfaces with task lighting and a mixer tap and 1 ½ bowl stainless steel sink and drainer inset. Vinyl floor tiles. Appliances include: oven/grill in stainless steel, concealed upright fridge / freezer, four ring hob. Washing machine. Tall sash window to side garden aspect fitted with privacy blind.

Sitting Room / Dining - An impressive and altogether uplifting living space with its double window frontage (comprising a wonderful array of glazed period fenestration) with picturesque manicured garden views and ancient abbey park trees beyond that frame an unrivalled vista of St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in the distance. Further period details include picture and dado rails. Formerly the Headmaster’s Rooms, part of the converted Grammar School, the versatile space is ideal for entertaining or relaxing. TV and phone points.

Bedroom One - A bedroom of princely proportions and formerly the Headmaster’s Study. The grand ‘Arts and Crafts’ window lets in plentiful natural light with beautiful views to wake up to with a deep window architrave to perch. Period picture rail. Phone point.

Bedroom Two (Currently Dining Room) - With its tall, elegant slender sash window, the space (currently used as a dining room) could easily configure as a further bedroom. The high ceiling theme continues with period picture rail. Views across the grounds towards St. Edmundsbury Cathedral.

Shower Room - A well-appointed shower room. Suite comprising large walk-in corner shower tray with electric shower, basin and mixer tap inset within vanity unit and low level wc. Large illuminating mirror unit. Floor to ceiling tiles throughout with decorative frieze in addition to floor tiles. Extractor fan. Heated towel rail. Recessed lighting.

GARDENS & GROUNDS:

A splendid private residents' garden creates a welcome oasis given its enviable town centre proximity with its pleasant walk through the historic Abbey Gardens afforded by pedestrian access from the grounds which connects the neighbouring tennis court and bowls club facilities. The elevated position boasts unrivalled far-reaching views of the Cathedral and townscape illuminated at night. Laid mainly to lawn with specimen trees interspersed along the boundary and enclosed by fencing. There is a residents’ seating area for enjoyment of the south westerly aspect.

Adjacent is a residents’ and visitors’ large gravelled parking area and bike store.

PROVENANCE:

“St. James Court” was commissioned as a purpose-built home to King Edward VI Grammar School and Sir Arthur W. Blomfield (6 Mar 1829 – 30 Oct 1899) was tasked with its design on 1st July 1882. A proponent of Gothic Revival style of architecture and former vice president of RIBA whose notable works included The Royal College of Music, London, Selwyn College, Cambridge, and St. George’s Anglican Cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana. The building remained as a school from 1883 to 1972 on the Vinefields site. Its conversion into sixteen apartments took place in the 1980s by well-renowned local builder: Baker Construction.

In 1217 Robert of Graveley, was elected Abbot of Thorney and Sacrist of Bury (1217-1237) who was recorded in Gesta Sacristarium as an efficient and active Sacrist. It was in the 13th Century vineyards were planted on the slopes facing the Abbey and enclosed with stone walls.

Along with other areas surrounding the abbey, the wine pressed from the vineyards was all part of what was needed to supply the monks and workers in the Abbey. Sometime around 1500 a chill in Northern Europe caused all the English vineyards to be closed down.

Vinefields farm has then for 500 years been farmed as arable land. This area is still known as the Vinefields and as the access road was named ‘Vine Fields’ in the 19th century.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

TENURE
The property is offered for sale by Private Treaty on a Leasehold basis.

SERVICES
Mains water, drainage, electricity.
AGENT’S NOTE: none of these services have been tested.

We understand the property has the remainder of a 90 year lease term. Maintenance/Service Charge of £219.50 per month to include buildings insurance, external decoration (full list available).

LOCAL AUTHORITY
St. Edmundsbury District Council
Tax band B – £1,394.12 (2020/21)

VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS
Strictly by prior appointment through the seller’s sole agent: Whatley Lane. If there is anything of particular importance, please contact us to discuss, especially before embarking upon your journey to view the property.

DIRECTIONS (IP33 1YD):
From London/Cambridge leave the M11 at junction 9 and take the A11 towards Newmarket. Continue on the A14 towards Bury St. Edmunds. Exit the A14 at Junction 43, signposted 'Bury St. Edmunds Central'. Take the A1101 towards the town centre and take the first exit at the roundabout into Northgate street. Continue along until reaching the traffic lights at the end of Northgate street, then turn left into Eastgate Street. Continue along passing The Fox Inn on your left and a convenience store after which turn right into The Vinefields. Follow the street along until reaching St. James Court and the residents’ car park for No. 5 can be found on the right hand side.

From the town centre (on foot) leave the Market Square, proceed down Abbeygate Street into Angel Hill and either continue along through the Abbey Gardens crossing the River Lark to Vinefields or walk along Eastgate Street proceeding to turn as above.