Location

Hethel is a well positioned village to the south-west of the cathedral city of Norwich. The village is best known for hosting the HQ of Lotus, which sits to the west of the village and the Hethel Engineering Centre, an innovation hub and business centre. To contrast with the forward thinking industries, the village is also home to the Hethel Old Thorn, believed to be one of the oldest hawthorns in the country dating back to the 13th century.

Approximately a five minute drive from the property, in the village of Wreningham, is an award winning family run freehouse and restaurant, The Bird in Hand.

The village of Mulbarton, approximately two miles, has good amenities including a village school, doctor’s surgery, Co-op, farm shop, pharmacy, two takeaways and public house as well as a 14th century church.

For everyday shopping and wider facilities, the house is only approximately three miles from the market town of Wymondham. The town has a Waitrose supermarket, independent shops, GP surgery, primary and secondary education and a rail service to Norwich and Cambridge. The town is defined by its wonderful Abbey, a historic building that has ensured the importance of the town throughout the centuries. Also helping put the town on the map is the well respected Wymondham College, a Co-ed state boarding and day school, rated Ofsted Outstanding and Wymondham High Academy.

Norwich, the regional centre of East Anglia, is approximately 8 miles miles with a range of excellent schools, thriving retail, cultural and business sectors, alongside a renowned restaurant and café scene, with many excellent independently run offerings. The city provides a main line rail service to London Liverpool Street.

Description

Brunel House is one of those houses that cannot fail to catch the eye. A Grade II listed timber framed house, dating back to the 16th century with classic exposed timbers, rendered brick, and bespoke mullioned styled double glazed windows throughout, all providing authenticity. Yet this is also a house that has evolved to cater for modern day living thanks to the current custodian's meticulous renovation efforts, which have included added modern insulation throughout the property and an Air Source heat pump.

The seamless blend of old and new is soon apparent within the spacious kitchen. A dual aspect room, with east and west light, tall ceilings and exposed beams juxtaposed with modern bespoke cabinetry complete with Iroko worktops, built in appliances and a bit of fun provided by a built in beer tap. It is functional, with plenty of work space, and an electric ceramic hob range cooker nestled into the old chimney breast where it's likely an old range would have once stood and an induction hob in the island unit. Conveniently next to the kitchen is the utility room, essential for a rural house, complete with shower room & WC. A highlight of the house is the comfortable and atmospheric open plan sitting/dining room. A homely and multi-functional room, with a lovely fireplace with wood burner, solid English oak flooring, triple aspect to enjoy plenty of light, and French doors out to the gardens. It is as enjoyable on a cosy winter's evening as it is in the height of summer with the doors open to the sounds of birds.

A traditional staircase leads up to the first and second floors, with a consistent theme of restored character. A principal bedroom is served by an en suite shower room, with an adjoining dressing room which could also be a third bedroom if required, particularly as there is a bathroom adjoining. At the opposite end of the house is the second spacious double bedroom, again with en suite shower room and charming old fireplace with ancient bricks and lime mortar. Solid oak flooring throughout the bedrooms and hallway completes the first floor. The second floor is a brilliant space with striking vaulted ceilings and natural light. There are two double bedrooms, with the larger of the two at about 6.8 metres long enjoying an en suite shower room.

The craftmanship, both original and more recent, is evident throughout and allows the next custodian to enjoy a house in fine order.

Outside
Brunel House is nestled within its own 0.65 of an acre garden, approached through panelled gates onto a gravelled drive and parking area, where a 21Kw EV charge point is easily accessed. There is a second entrance at the opposite end of the garden, with further parking.

The gardens have been laid out for ease of maintenance, with sweeping lawns to both the east and west. This provides a blank canvas to those that wish to fulfil their own vision, with plenty of space for outdoor kitchens, pond, wildflower areas and indeed for any outbuildings that are required, perhaps garaging or a studio to work from home. Within the garden is a copse, providing seasonal blossom and a shady area in the height of summer.