Waterhall Farm, a fine property near Newmarket

The recently purchased Waterhall Farm is a substantial, grade II-listed country house, set in 11.31 acres, which comes with a detached three-bedroom annexe, 11 stables and paddocks.

The seven-bedroom farmhouse is accessed via a gated entrance to a long private driveway, which also provides access to the stable yard and parking.

The house is surrounded by mature gardens, and a mature tree belt surrounds the property on all sides, providing a good degree of privacy and security.

Those who enjoy exercise can benefit from an indoor swimming pool complex, which boasts a 30ft x 15ft pool with fully-tiled surround, and equestrian facilities which are situated to the rear.

The reception hall has stairs to the first floor and a built-in cupboard. There are three reception rooms and an oak-framed garden room.

The kitchen/breakfast/family room is a particular feature, with two sets of French doors opening out onto the garden. It also has an oil-fired Aga and inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove.

A useful utility room is located off the kitchen/breakfast room and a cloakroom adjoins the garden room. The basement houses a basement/games room.

There are five bedrooms on the first floor – two of which have en-suite bath/shower rooms – and there is a family bathroom. The second floor has two more bedrooms and a shower room.

The detached 1,712 sq ft annexe comprises an entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms and a roof terrace.

Despite its outstanding features, Waterhall Farm is a bit of a fixer-upper.

Jock Lloyd-Jones, of agent Jackson-Stops & Staff, said: “I think it was a property for improvement and renovation, and this appeals to people because they can put their own stamp on it.

“The other thing I would say is that it had a bit of land with it – a well above average amount. There are a couple of ponds, which are nice to have as well. Water always adds a dimension.

“It has a swimming pool and stables, all of which need improvement, but sometimes people like a bit of a blank canvas to work on.”

Jock continued: “I think it’s very accessible, easy to get to and ideal for horses. There’s plenty of room to manoeuvre your horses in and out, that sort of thing – that’s always important with those sorts of properties. There was a lot of interest in it.”

The opportunity to renovate appealed to the new owners. However, certain problems may arise when it comes to doing so.

“It won’t be straightforward because the house is listed,” said Jock, “so there’ll be certain constraints which will apply.

“I think to live there comfortably, though, you would want to improve the house quite a bit.”

jackson-stops.co.uk