A unique, Grade II Listed property, with more than a tale or two to tell, has come to the market in Wrentham.
The Old Reading Rooms, which has a guide price of £270,000 and is being marketed by Paul Hubbard, of Lowestoft, was converted into a holiday property by its current owners.
Set on the village's High Street, the striking building, which is well placed for access to the Suffolk Heritage Coast, as well as Beccles and Bungay, dates back to 1858 and has some beautiful architectural detailing.
It is said to have been built as an alternative to the pub: a hub for the men of the village, where they could congregate, smoke their pipes and perhaps even read a little, away from the temptations of alcohol.
In its hey-day, some 130 local men are thought to have been encouraged by the church to gather here in front of a roaring fire to escape the stresses of family life.
Today, however, the handsome Victorian building is being offered for sale either as a holiday property, complete with advance bookings, or as a permanent home. It also comes with a small retail unit, off-street parking and an external workshop or store room.
When the current owners bought The Old Reading Rooms, it was little more than two storeys of open space. In its past, it had been used as a village hall and even a small antiques centre but they could see how it could be transformed.
The small room to the left of the front door was made into the shop, with its own storage area and cloakroom. This, the current owner points out, could either become part of the main building or could continue to have business use.
The ground floor of the principal space remains open but has been converted into an inviting kitchen, dining and sitting room.
A beautiful red brick fireplace is very much the focal point of the generous space and there is pamment tiling in the kitchen and dining area, where there is ample room for a large table. This is a room which has been designed for socialising and has proved a great attraction for multi-generational holidaymakers seeking the space to relax together.
Also on the ground floor is a pretty bathroom, complete with a free-standing, roll-top bath.
Stairs from the main room lead up to the first floor where the current owners had the vision to create three charming bedrooms and a shower room.
Original floorboards have been exposed and walls have been added carefully to incorporate exquisite timber beams. A glass-block wall keeps the landing light and enhances the sense of space.
The current owners have cleverly arranged the accommodation so two of the bedrooms can take a single, as well as a double, wrought iron bed. They have furnished The Old Reading Rooms in a traditional style to complement the age of the building and are happy to negotiate selling it with everything in if someone wishes to take it on up-and-running as a holiday rental property.
To the rear of the property is the outbuilding, which, subject to the relevant planning permissions, could lend itself to a variety of uses. This backs on to a stream, where there is a small area for sitting out in the sunshine.
The Old Reading Rooms is at the heart of Wrentham's history and will remain very much part of the village, however it is enjoyed from now on.
It could offer business potential or it could become a character-filled permanent home – but, whatever its future holds, its interesting story looks set to be continued…
*The Old Reading Rooms is on the market with Paul Hubbard at a guide price of £270,000. For more information call 01502 531218 or visit www.paulhubbardonline.com
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