Harkstead: Huge farm in Shotley Peninsula for sale for £5m

With its large skies, rolling landscapes and slightly less frantic pace of life, Suffolk has long been a popular choice for would-be homeowners looking for an escape to the country. 

The last three years in particular have seen more and more people decide to up-sticks and settle in our quiet corner of East Anglia.

If you’re tempted by a change of lifestyle promising lots of fresh air, an abundance of green space and plenty of privacy then Red House Farm, in Harkstead, on the Shotley Peninsula near Ipswich, could be just what you’re looking for. 

The property is described as an exemplary residential farm, offering strong income potential and excellent living accommodation (Image: Savills)

The farm has been a treasured family home for the past 50 years but is now offered for sale for £5m (Image: Savills)

Offered for sale by the rural agency team at Savills, the property is on the market with a guide price of £5,000,000 and is described as an “exemplary” residential farm with strong income potential and 260 acres of land currently farmed under a Farm Business Tenancy (FBT). 

Selling agent William Hargreaves, who leads the rural agency team for Savills in Suffolk, said: “Sandwiched between the River Stour to the south and River Orwell to the north, Red House Farm has been a treasured family home for more than 50 years. 

“Very rarely does such a fabulous opportunity arise in such a coveted location. 

“It would suit anyone who’s perhaps thinking of a change of lifestyle – yet still wants the ability to generate a little extra income through various rentals and farming agreements. 

“Harkstead itself is a picturesque village, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life – the perfect place to escape and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The village is home to a quaint church, charming pub, and a small array of shops and amenities. 

The main residence is Georgian in style, with excellent ceiling heights and a stylish and modern finish (Image: Savills)

The living spaces are beautifully finished (Image: Savills)

“There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, with excellent walking and cycling trails for those who want to explore the countryside, while the River Stour is home to boating and fishing with stunning views of the surrounding woodland and fields.

“All the while you’re just a short distance from lots of amenities and other services – including nearby train stations at Ipswich and Manningtree providing direct services to London Liverpool St in less than an hour.”

At the heart of Red House Farm is a pretty, five-bedroom unlisted Georgian farm house with outdoor swimming pool, summer house, tennis court and vegetable garden.

Constructed of red brick elevations under a newly tiled roof, later additions were made to the property in the 19th and 20th centuries and it was comprehensively renovated in 2019. 

Features of note include elegant timber sash windows throughout and well-proportioned accommodation across three floors. 

The property has been tastefully but sympathetically updated (Image: Savills)

The living spaces are a mix of the modern and the traditional (Image: Savills)

The rooms at the front of the property date from the Georgian era and include open fireplaces and views across the garden, while to the rear is a modern kitchen with dining area and snug.

Outside, the gardens are predominantly laid to lawn with attractive hedging and flower beds looking over paddocks and open farmland.

There is also a series of useful outbuildings and garages set around a gravelled parking area. 

In addition to the residential element, Red House Farm also offers the opportunity for additional revenue.

The grounds also contain an outdoor swimming pool, summer house, tennis court and vegetable garden (Image: Savills)

The property includes a hard-standing tennis court (Image: Savills)

With a range of traditional and modern farm buildings, the property generates a strong rental income and its 260 acres (105 hectares) of accompanying farmland is currently occupied under a FBT. 

“The land has recently been cropped in a rotation of potatoes, sugar beet, wheat and barley and is currently occupied by a local farmer under a FBT until the end of September 2026, providing a helpful extra income,” William added. 

For more information about Red House Farm, contact William Hargreaves at Savills on 01473 234802 or email WHargreaves@savills.com.

PROPERTY FACTS
Red House Farm, Harkstead
Guide price: £5,000,000
Savills, 01473 234802
www.savills.com