Nestled beside the historic St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the three-story Norman Tower Cottage in the heart of Bury St Edmunds is up for sale, inviting new owners to take part in its rich history. Priced at £485,000, this Grade II listed gem offers not only architectural grandeur but also an ideal central location amidst the town’s historic sites and charming parkland.
Built in the 1850s, Norman Tower Cottage began its story as an office for Thomas Farrow, a master stonemason under renowned Suffolk-born architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham. Cottingham, a pioneering figure of the Gothic Revival movement, is celebrated for his restoration of the Chapel of Magdalene College at Oxford and his architectural contributions throughout England, including the neighbouring Savings Bank House, completed in 1847.
Described by agents Whatley Lane as an “architectural jewel,” Norman Tower Cottage impresses with its distinct red and black brickwork, diamond patterns, gothic gargoyles, and heraldic shields. Adding to its unique character, an oriel window and a picturesque tower capped with a leaded spirelet grace the façade.
Inside, the cottage has been carefully restored by the current owner, blending contemporary living with historic charm across its 1,147 square feet. Bright and open plan, the living spaces feature views over the nearby ancient abbey gardens, making the home feel even more expansive and inviting.
The entrance to Norman Tower Cottage is a fitting prelude, with a stone-carved arch bearing Thomas Farrow’s initials and a sturdy oak door adorned with a coach light above. Inside, the entrance hall greets visitors with a vaulted wood ceiling and a travertine floor. The spacious adjoining vestibule is perfect for boots, cloaks, and coats.
A gothic-styled door with stained glass panels opens into the elegant dining area, where mullion windows and a limestone-carved fireplace add warmth and character. Underfoot, zoned underfloor heating and a Victorian-style cast iron radiator offer a blend of modern comfort and period charm.
The kitchen, sleek and stylish, boasts high-gloss cream cabinetry, soft-closing drawers, and premium Blanco ‘Steel Art’ work surfaces. Designed for culinary ease, it’s equipped with Gorenje appliances, a stainless-steel sink, and task lighting, all warmed by underfloor heating.
Downstairs, the basement doubles as a utility space with ample storage, a washing machine, a secondary refrigerator, and a Victorian-style radiator to keep it cozy.
Ascending from the hall, a statement staircase with glass panels leads to a spacious reception area, where the period character of the home shines. The room’s Gothic Revival touches include a carved limestone fireplace, an oriel window with a cozy upholstered seat, and original coving. This level also features a snug split-level corner, perfect for a home office or reading nook, complete with mullion windows and even an arrow-slit window for added charm.
A bathroom with a panelled bathtub, WC, and pedestal basin completes this floor, and above it, the second floor is dedicated to a serene bedroom suite. Accessible by another statement staircase, this suite includes a large dressing area, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and dual-aspect windows that let natural light pour in. A cast iron basket fireplace and thoughtfully designed storage further enhance the room’s appeal, while a hidden door provides access to the cottage’s unique tower.
Outside, a tree-lined avenue leads to a secluded residents’ driveway, adding a sense of privacy. The cottage also enjoys direct access to the Cathedral Quarter’s beautiful parkland and gardens, home to the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the historic Benedictine Abbey ruins.
For those seeking a residence with both charm and historical significance, Norman Tower Cottage offers an elegant balance of past and present, all within a lively cultural hub. With shops, restaurants, and direct rail links to Ipswich and London, the vibrant town of Bury St Edmunds lies just beyond its doorstep, promising a life surrounded by heritage and convenience.
