House price barrier smashed

A house within walking distance of Woodbridge's historic Market Hill has gone on the market for £1.25million.

James Neal, of Neal Sons and Fletcher estate agents, said: "It is the first one in the town which has openly marketed with a price tag of £1m-plus, certainly to my knowledge."

The grade II listed house, Seckford Lodge, has an enviable position in Seckford Street, just off Market Hill, and has views over the Abbey School grounds and towards the river Deben.

Mr Neal said it was the old adage of

"location, location, location" justifying the price tag.

"The position is great, close to the Market Hill, and you have a lovely outlook to the Abbey. It is even better in the winter when you see through the trees and see the river in the

distance. The house faces the right way, it has such character and I think it is presented in an extremely attractive way.

"The house has been brought up to date but in keeping with the style of the building."

The 18th century property is described as one of the finest town houses in Woodbridge and includes an outdoor swimming pool, five bedrooms and an independent flat above the garage.

It used to be owned by Daly Briscoe, a retired doctor, who lived there for more than 50 years. He died in January aged 101 and had moved out of Seckford Lodge in 1997.

The value of Seckford Lodge has increased considerably following extensive improvements and a price boom in Woodbridge.

It is understood a couple of houses have

privately changed hands with prices of over £1m close to the town centre.

Mr Neal said: "I don't think anybody should be surprised the £1m barrier is being breached, but it is interesting. Woodbridge is one of those towns which possibly does not follow the national trends.

"Woodbridge is among a group with Orford, Aldeburgh and Southwold that perhaps reacts differently from the market in general."