WHEN the Orwell Bridge was completed in late 1982 it opened up splendid vistas of the Suffolk river from which it takes its name. Not that you should spend much time looking at the Orwell while you are driving across it, of course!

Over the years, though, the Orwell is a river that has brought great pleasure to many boating enthusiasts and inspired writers such as Arthur Ransome. Author Eric Blair went so far as to give himself the pseudonym George Orwell in its honour.

If you, too, are a fan of Suffolk and have discovered the attractions of the River Orwell, or you’d like to, we know just the place where you can really appreciate it – Priory Park.

The 100-acre Priory Park estate has enjoyed a fascinating history and takes it name from its origins as an Augustine Priory, which was rescued by Cardinal Wolsey after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and later subjected to the attentions of Oliver Cromwell.

It subsequently became a successful working dairy farm and later formed part of a gentleman’s estate. Today Priory Park offers a well-thought-out blend of park and holiday homes plus luxury lodges in its splendid setting overlooking the Orwell.

Investment
Priory Park has been in the Little family’s ownership for the past 30 years, with much investment having been put into developing the site to the well established and thriving standard it is today, while recognising that there is plenty of scope for the future too. It is now run by the second generation of the Littles, with James and Lisa living on the Park, and the third generation, Jake and Sophie, growing up fast!

It is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest and the homes have been carefully positioned to make the most of the exceptional river views and blend into the surrounding mature woodland, with sensitive planting to further enhance the environment and ensure privacy. There are some marvellous pines, oak and silver birch trees, nature trails leading down to the estuary shore plus feature ponds and fountains.

What is wonderful about this park is that as you sit in its secluded tranquility it is difficult to appreciate that you are just a few miles away from Ipswich’s thriving town centre and only minutes away from major road and rail links. The varied delights of the Suffolk coast and a host of picturesque towns, villages and countryside are all to be found close by.

Distinct areas
Priory Park is divided into distinct areas, with The Abbots and Friars exclusively for lodges. Lodges are sold to the private individual for use by the owner and their immediate family. No sub-letting is allowed.

The Abbots was the original pilot plot for just 14 lodges, enjoying a woodland backdrop and views across an attractive lily pond. Friars is now the flagship development for up to 68 lodges, set amid mature woodland with views out across the estuary. Occupation on The Abbots and Friars is unlimited, so you can enjoy the changing seasons in luxury.

Two other areas, Lookout and Monks Meadow, offer a choice of season length from seven to ten months. In these areas you can buy new and previously owned holiday homes in sunny locations, some with stunning river views. In addition to lodges, caravan holiday homes are available offering lower cost options and it’s a good way to get into holiday home ownership.

There is also a private residential park home village, Priory Court, catering for those aged over 50, with no resident children. This offers a relaxed way of life in a low-maintenance, secure home within a superb setting. South facing, like the rest of Priory Park, it is terraced with attractive brick walling, there are 100 bungalow style homes each with its own private drive and generous landscaped plot. Its attractive main entrance has wrought iron automatic gates, planted areas and water feature.

These bespoke homes and individual gardens are complemented by wide drives, grass verges and Victorian style street lamps. Each of the wide range of homes has been positioned at different heights and aspects to create an interesting, rather than regimented, environment. Gardens range from maintenance-free courtyard style to traditional lawn with herbaceous borders.

Facilities
Facilities at Priory Park, available to residential and leisure home owners, include a well-maintained nine-hole golf course (with five par 3s and four par 4s), two hard-surfaced outdoor tennis courts, heated outdoor swimming pool, table tennis, children’s play area, laundrette, small boat compound and launch area, numerous nature trails and woodland walks.

The well-stocked Alnesbourne Priory bar and restaurant offers an ever-changing menu featuring local produce with a range of wines, beers and soft drinks.


WHAT FACILITIES ARE NEAR THE PARK?

• Local amenities: Shops, supermarkets, post office, banks, etc, can all be found within about 1-1.5 miles
• Health: There is a GP practice and pharmacy within 1 mile, dentists around 2.25 miles away and opticians 3 miles; the nearest hospital with A&E 2.75 miles.
• Transport: Nearest station Ipswich (3 miles); nearest buses about 1 mile.
• Food and drink: Bar and restaurant on site. Pubs and takeaways within 1 mile.
• Entertainment: Multiplex cinema and theatres in Ipswich (3 miles); 9-hole golf course, tennis, heated outdoor swimming pool and boat launch facilities on site; sports and leisure centre within 1 mile; dry ski slope and golf range (2 miles); 10-pin bowling (3 miles and 4 miles); sailing and other water sports, plus cycle hire, at Alton Water reservoir (5 miles); fishing (5 miles)
• What can I do around here? Suffolk is the home of Greene King ale and the brewery tour is educational and entertaining, plus you get a great view across the roofs of Bury St Edmunds, described by William Cobbett as “The nicest town in the world”. Up the coast at Southwold you’ll find the other famous Suffolk brewers, Adnams, who offer brewery and distillery tours, plus their cellar and kitchen store. Among other things, Southwold is also home to the Latitude music and arts festival at Henham Park in July, while the Suffolk Show is held in Ipswich in June. A short drive south of Ipswich you’ll find Jimmy’s Farm, founded by TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, which is home to rare breed pigs, cattle and sheep and lots more. Further south is Constable country, while just to the north the attractions include the market town of Woodbridge.


FOR SALE

2 bed from £124,995 Type: Twin unit park home Size: 44ft x 20ft Make: Stately-Albion Model: Cardigan Cottage
2 bed from £159,995 Type: Twin unit leisure lodge Size: 41ft x 20ft Make: Wessex Model: Milbourne
2 bed from £36,500 Type: Single unit holiday caravan Size: 36ft x 12ft Make: ABI Model: Derwent
Other models and vacant plots available. The park can offer lodges from any manufacturer and discuss specific requirements with customers. There is a mailing list for anyone interested in receiving details as other properties become available.


PARK INFO

Priory Park, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0JT
Tel: 01473 727393/726373 Email: [email protected] Website: www.priory-park.com

• Season: Open all year for residential homes and lodges; open seven to ten months for caravan holiday homes
• Office: Open seven days a week, March-December; weekdays January and February
• Site fees: from c£149pm (residential)
• Refreshments: Bar and restaurant on site
• Recreation: Golf, tennis. Table tennis, kids’ play area, swimming pool and boat launch area on site
• Pets: Dogs permitted
• Prices: pre-owned homes from c£19,995 (holiday caravans), c£64,995 (leisure lodges), c£124,995 (residential)


This feature was published in the June 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here