Quidenham Norfolk Past, Present and Future
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
QUIDENHAM NORFOLK PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE “Originally part of a landowner’s estate, today this is a wonderful family home. In a peaceful position wrapped around by its gardens – wonderful surroundings in which to roam. With tennis court and superb office or studio, the potential for work and pleasure is clear to see, while the convenient position heightens the appeal with every amenity within easy reach.” • An impressive Grade II Listed Georgian Residence standing in Generous Grounds which include a superb External Office • Five Bedrooms; Two Converted Attic Rooms; Five Bathrooms • Four Receptions • Spacious Family Kitchen with Separate Utility • Original Character can be found throughout • Formal Gardens and Lawn Tennis Court • The Grounds extend to 0.82 of an acre • Wonderful Views over Adjoining Farmland • The Accommodation extends to 5,340sq.ft • No EPC Required A handsome Georgian frontage with the impressive internal proportions to match, this is a splendid yet comfortable home that has so much to offer. Situated beside woodland with walled gardens and a tennis court, the outside space is most attractive, while the property itself is comfortable and inviting. Living Local History For many years, Quidenham was a private village, owned by the family at Quidenham Hall, originally the seat of the Earls of Albermarle. The village has an attractive church and the hall itself still stands and is today a Carmelite monastery with a chapel where weekly Roman Catholic services are held. This particular home owes its character to the Georgian brick built front section and outer walls which enclose an older timber framed structure in the back part of the house, probably dating back to the 1700’s. It’s been in the owners’ family for around 60 years and has been home to the owners themselves for the past three decades. “It’s been well looked after but during our time we have further upgraded and improved, as well as maintaining all the original character and the wonderful features,” the owners confirm. Work, Rest And Play They have done plenty of entertaining here, both within the house and the charming gardens – all the family love to come over! In summer, the bright, airy reception rooms are lovely, while the garden is perfect for parties. In winter, you can sit around the kitchen table with a coffee, enjoying the warmth of the Aga, or relax in the well-insulated sitting room with the log burner ensuring you don’t need the heating on. “One of the things we most love about the house is that you have all this space for family but you can also work here uninterrupted,” explain the owners. The property includes part of a former school hall that can be found across the garden – the owners use this as a very large office and meeting room but it would also be perfect as a playroom, games room for older ones, a great studio space or even converted into an independent annexe, subject to the relevant permissions. Tennis And Tranquility There’s a beautiful walled garden that may well have been the original kitchen garden for the house but is now where you’ll find a grass tennis court – a wonderful addition to the property. “We love playing tennis and have had regular tournaments with friends and family. People are always keen to come over and play! And because we have plenty of parking, it’s not a problem if you want to host a crowd.” There’s also a productive vegetable plot and a couple of fruit trees, plus a gorgeous, Victorian conservatory which is draped with a vine that produces the most beautiful grapes, whilst also providing shade in the summer. The garden looks out over fields to the west so you enjoy magnificent sunsets, plus there’s plenty of wildlife around. You can head out through the wooded area into the fields to the rear of the plot and walk dogs across open countryside. It’s a lovely spot and you’ll rarely see another soul. Quiet Yet Convenient Quidenham is a small, rural village, close to the A11 for easy access to Norwich and Cambridge. This is a conservation area so the character of the rural setting is secure. Another interesting fact about the village: there’s a mound here said to be the burial place of Boudicca. Although it feels very rural, the village is well catered for, with an excellent shop just down the road in Kenninghall, as well as a doctors’ surgery and primary school. You’ll find more amenities in Banham and in the pretty village of East Harling, as well as Garboldisham and Attleborough, so you’re spoilt for choice! The Accommodation You take in the wonderful front elevation of the Grade II Listed property, whilst also taking in the fabulous views of the farmland opposite, before moving through the recessed front door into the… Main Reception Hall Stairs directly in front of you rise to the first floor, whilst you notice the timber flooring. Either side of the hall, you have access to the two main reception rooms. Sitting and Drawing Room Similar in dimensions and character, they both offer fireplaces and impressive sash windows. From the drawing room you have access to the Victorian conservatory as well as the formal dining room, whilst the sitting room offers access through to the family kitchen. Also located to the rear of the home and accessed via an inner hallway is the WC, the servants staircase and a study, as well as access to the cellar. Family Kitchen This spacious room incorporates a table to the centre of the room, with a large window providing plenty of natural light. An oil fired Aga with an electric module takes centre stage within the fireplace, whilst you also discover a walk-in pantry. Beyond the kitchen you have a very large… Utility Room Which provides plenty of space for a range of white goods and storage cupboards as well as a stainless steel sink unit. Here you also discover the original game larder. The first floor accommodation consists of… Five Double Bedrooms With the largest of the bedrooms afforded the possibility of incorporating one of these bedrooms as a large walk in wardrobe, with the main bathroom also being part of the master bedroom suite. Each of the bedrooms offers its own independent access off the split level landing along with large windows which offer different views over the formal gardens and the farmland. The first floor also offers… Four Bathrooms/Shower Rooms All of which offer en-suite capabilities. The second floor is divided into two areas, accessed by separate staircases. The first area is located on the southern side of the home and consists of… Two Attic Bedrooms Which are serviced by a shower room. The second area of the second floor is located on the northern side of the property, once again it consists of… Two Large Rooms Which are used more as a loft space rather than bedrooms, but could easily be converted into additional accommodation if required. The Grounds The property is accessed from the quiet country lane, with both mature hedging and wrought iron railings acting as a divide from the road. A shingle drive leads both along the front of the home and also along its northern side sweeping round to the rear of the property, providing parking for a good number of vehicles. The house is surrounded by formal gardens and bordered by a small area of woodland which is found along its northern boundary. Adjacent to the small woodland, is the kitchen garden, which contains a few fruit trees. On the southern side of the property is the superb walled garden, with the current owners incorporating a lawn tennis court. Garden beds can be found to its perimeters, whilst climbing rose, fig and a pear tree drape the walls enhancing the charm of this particular area of the garden, as does the magnificent eucalyptus and willow. The garden is fully enclosed and therefore child and dog proof. Also accessed from this part of the garden is the… External Office This is the original main hall of the adjoining old school. This generous space benefits from vaulted ceilings, a triple aspect, a small kitchenette and a WC. Although it is currently used as an office, it could also be used for additional accommodation if required. Outbuildings Additional outbuildings include a wonderful Victorian conservatory with grapevine included and three storage sheds, one of which is situated just off the enclosed rear terrace. In all, the gardens extend to approximately 0.82 of an acre. Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Printed On Your Doorstep… Quidenham is a wonderful small, rural but not isolated village within Norfolk. The village of Kenninghall is just 2 miles away and is a well-served Norfolk village with stores, post office, public house, active local community and primary school.