Location

The small and unspoilt village of Swannington is situated in an area of open countryside about 10 miles to the north of Norwich, the cathedral city and regional centre of East Anglia, which is renowned for its excellent shopping and cultural facilities. There is an airport to the north of the city with most international destinations available via Schiphol.

The picturesque market town of Aylsham, about eight miles has some fine Georgian architecture and a traditional market square where a local farmers market is regularly held. The town has excellent shopping facilities and adjoins the Blicking Estate in the care and ownership of the National Trust.

Holt, another picturesque North Norfolk town with excellent shopping facilities and renowned as the home of Gresham’s public school, is about 14 miles. The North Norfolk coast at Cley-next-the-Sea is approximately a further three miles to the north of Holt.

Beeston Hall preparatory school is also situated nearby at Beeston Regis between Sheringham and Cromer. Much of the North Norfolk coast is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are excellent walks, sandy beaches and bird watching facilities. The pretty small town of Reepham is approximately three miles.

Description

Visually, this house is a wonderful surprise. In an area known for its 18th century cottages, halls and rectories, Church Farmhouse is a classic example of 16th century timber frame architecture, complete with jettied frame on the east and main elevations. It is an appealing contrast to the traditional red brick, and is a rare find in this relatively rural part of Norfolk.

Originally a farmhouse, the house was altered in the 19th century to become the village pub, before returning to life as a house with major works in the mid 20th century.

The resulting house is one that has an easy living style, whilst retaining a sense of age and charm. The principal reception room is a spacious and open-plan area of sitting room, with a feature fireplace and dual aspect enjoying plenty of light, with a cosy study area or snug. A dining room is at the centre of the house, again with a fireplace and most likely the bar area of the old pub with the ancient door opening into it. A fully-fitted kitchen, with a mix of granite effect and teak work surfaces, is a functional space. There is also a WC on the ground floor and two staircases, including a conventional one and a traditional Norfolk winder.

Upstairs are four double bedrooms, all enjoying exposed beams, At one end of the house is the principal bedroom and further double bedroom, with shower room in between, whilst at the other end are the two remaining double bedrooms, served by a spacious family bathroom.

Outside
With an edge-of-village setting, opposite the village church, Church Farmhouse is in a peaceful setting on a single track road leading out to open countryside. The entrance is onto an expansive, gravelled parking and turning space, with room for many cars and an adjoining the double garage. These, together with a storage room, all adjoin the house and offer the tantalising option of converting to become part of the house if required, or as a separate studio or similar.

Between the parking area and the house is a large paved area, with south to west aspect making it a complete sun trap for al fresco dining, entertaining or simply relaxing. A path leads along the side of the house to a delightful enclosed south facing garden with shingle, herbaceous beds, rose beds and yew hedging: a great space for quiet contemplation. Of further note is a wisteria on the east elevation: almost a local landmark when in full bloom.