SPIRALLING property prices in Suffolk have hit a new high as Otley Hall - famed for its role in the creation of the United States – has been placed on the market for a whopping £2.

SPIRALLING property prices in Suffolk have hit a new high. Otley Hall – famed for its role in the creation of the United States – has been placed on the market for a whopping £2.5million.

The hall has a long history and was once owned by one of Suffolk's most famous sons, Bartholomew Gosnold. It has attracted massive interest and is set to spark a flurry of bids.

Gosnold is now widely credited with establishing the first English settlement in the New World in 1607.

Some argue that America was founded from the hearthside at Otley Hall, where Gosnold planned the two maiden voyages on his Godspeed boat.

The hall, which dates from the 15th century, includes six reception rooms on the ground floor, five bedrooms and four bathrooms on the first floor and a further five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen and four bathrooms on the

second floor.

Alexander Hunt, of Cluttons property consultants, who are dealing with the sale, said: "We have had an overwhelming response and calls from all over the country and America.

"It has a remarkable link with the States and obviously when you place a property with such history on the market you do get an overwhelming response."

"It is a very individual

property and is close to Ipswich. It has a wonderful history and has some exceptional features."

The hall was placed on the market on Thursday and is expected to exceed the £2.5m guide price. Mr Hunt said: "It would be surprising if the guide price was not exceeded."

The property, owned by author Nicholas Hagger and his wife, is said to be in good order.

It is the latest in a string of Suffolk properties to be given a mega-price tag, coming only weeks after a Suffolk beach hut was placed on the market for £60,000.