Valley Farm,
Walberswick

Valley Farm's History

The house, originally a 16th century farmhouse, has an interesting history. It was owned by the English impressionist painter Philip Wilson Steer, who painted 'The Bridge' (1887-8) this bridge stands very close to Valley Farm.

Walberswick has been and continues to be a Mecca for artists over many generations as this painting from 1893 that hangs in the house shows. It was here that Charles Rennie Mackintosh stayed in 1914, where he painted his famous botanical paintings and was arrested and imprisoned for being thought to be a German spy.

In the 1930s, Valley Farm was rebuilt by famous local architect Frank Jennings who installed many ancient materials - see in the Gallery the oak floor in the living room and the stairwell. In the early 1940s a cinema was operated from the barn at Valley Farm to entertain the troops stationed in Walberswick. An original poster for the 'Barn Cinema' also hangs in the house.

About the Area

Valley Farm is located past The Bell Inn at the end of a lane with no passing traffic. The sea wall, a grassy bank with wild flowers, forms the boundary between the property and the coastal strip. At the very end of the large, sunny, enclosed garden, a gate at the top of the sea wall gives access to Walberswick's dunes and the beach, just two minutes' walk away.

The famous crabbing bridge, as depicted by Philip Wilson Steer in the Gallery section, is almost below the balcony

Walberswick has two delightful pubs, as well as cafés, swings on the Green, a Deli and a well-stocked village shop about five minutes' walk away.

Also three minutes' walk away is the river Blyth and Southwold Harbour. Crossing the footbridge over the river, or taking the seasonal Foot Ferry leads you into Southwold High Street, under a mile beyond.