Set high above the road at the end of a circular drive, this 4-bedroom home turns its back to the street and faces inward toward its own private, professionally landscaped grounds — a true sanctuary in the woods, with Hood Pond just across the way. Extensive stonework throughout the property — a stone outdoor fireplace, garden beds, and winding stone steps — gives the grounds the feel of a curated retreat rather than just a yard.Inside, the first-floor primary suite offers easy one-level living with long-term flexibility for aging in place. The eat-in chef's kitchen flows into an adjoining dining room and family room, ideal for entertaining, and opens onto a full-length deck that runs the front of the home — a lovely place to take in the setting, but just one of many features here. Hardwood floors run throughout the first floor, and a new roof and freshly stained exterior (both 2025) mean the big-ticket items are already done.On cool fall evenings, the outdoor stone fireplace becomes the heart of the property. By day, Hood Pond across the street offers swimming, kayaking, fishing, and skating right at your doorstep, and the home abuts the desirable Hood Farm neighborhood with easy access to hundreds of acres of conservation land. I-95 and Route 1 keep the commute simple, and Crane's Beach, local farms, breweries, and downtown Ipswich's restaurants and shops are all close by.