A stunning Grade II listed Victorian former rectory set in extensive grounds of about 9 acres on the edge of this picturesque small market town.

Description

The Old Rectory is a handsome Grade II listed family home, the recent subject of a quite superb renovation process to create what is now a stylish, spacious, light and functional home. The works have provided the perfect blend of updating and modernising the house, whilst retaining and indeed enhancing the period detail of a fine Victorian Rectory. The extent of the renovation, mostly completed in 2020/21, included re-wiring, plumbing, replacement roof and roof lantern, remodelling of ground floor layout, new heating system including Nest controls, Devol kitchen, utility and pantry cabinetry, and Corston switches and sockets throughout. The combination of all works present a house in excellent order and ready to provide a wonderful lifestyle of grand rural living within a market town setting.

The entrance and staircase hall sets the tone perfectly, with striking Victorian tiling, glimpses through to the formal rooms, and roof lantern flooding the area with light. The hall is the conduit to all principal rooms. A double aspect drawing room, with bay window and fireplace with wood burner and marble surround, is an elegant room to enjoy, as is the sitting room, again with woodburner and French doors out to the garden, and crittall doors into the kitchen area. The most significant change to the house has been the creation of an open plan family area spanning about 14 metres and incorporating a dining area, sitting room and exquisite kitchen space, with underfloor heating. The latter is by Devol, wonderfully crafted, with granite and distinctive copper work surfaces, a large central island and brick weave flooring. This space is a brilliant focal point for life at the Rectory, with a clever use of exposed steel and original brickwork, displaying how the house has now evolved for modern day living. A useful utility with Devol cabinetry, a butlers pantry, and impressive cloakroom complete the ground floor with all rooms benefitting from the tall ceilings typical of this period.

There are two staircases to the first floor, with the main staircase leading up to a large landing space. The bedrooms, over the first and second floors, are all double bedrooms with natural light and views of the gardens. A principal bedroom has particularly fine views down the gardens, with twin dressing areas and a wonderful principal bath/shower room, with copper roll top bath, walk in shower and bespoke marble vanity area. There are two further en suite bedrooms, together with two further bedrooms served by a family bath and shower room. The second floor hosts two bedrooms, divided by a bathroom which will be left as a blank canvas for a buyer to add their own stamp.

Garden and grounds
The gardens and grounds are an extraordinary feature of The Old Rectory, given its location within the sought-after market town of Reepham. To have the enjoyment of about nine acres, and the lifestyle it presents, set behind a high wall providing complete privacy, yet with all the convenience of the market town simply moments away, is incredibly hard to find.

The grounds are entered through a pair of electric high wooden panelled gates, onto a gravelled parking and turning area for many cars, with the drive continuing to the side of the house and down to the outbuildings.

The formal gardens are to the west and south of the house, and have been landscaped to ensure the space is enjoyed. A new paved terrace wraps round the house from east to south, providing many areas for outside furniture, to entertain and dine and follow the sun throughout the day. The terrace is framed with box hedging and steps down to the lawns, and a lovely old wisteria adorns both elevations. The lawns sweep away from the house, to the high wall boundary to the south, and to the east blending into the meadows, and delightful broadleaf woodland, croquet lawn, orchard and kitchen garden, all combining to create a haven for wildlife and family life. Multiple areas accentuate the contrast of living styles separated by the high wall at the front of the house, between town and rural living, it really is the best of both worlds.

The extensive range of outbuildings are out of sight of the house, and are of traditional construction with excellent potential for further development, with the scale of the buildings displayed on the floor plans.

Location

The house is nestled on the edge of the market town of Reepham, a charming rural town with a weekly market that was established in 1277. The distinctive market square is host to antiques fairs, and is the focal point of the town with the imposing Dial House Restaurant, a delicatessen and butchers, public house, florist, gift shops, antique shops and post office. Beyond the market place is a Co-op & Spar, further antique shops, newsagent, health care centre and cafes including the Railway Station, on the edge of the Marriots Way, a public owned 26 mile long disused railway between Norwich and Aylsham, providing excellent walks. The town has become renowned for its state education, with a highly regarded primary school, and an ‘outstanding’ secondary school with sixth form college.

The ever popular town of Holt is about ten miles and is famous as the home of Gresham’s Public School as well as for its excellent independent shops and restaurants. The town of Aylsham is about seven miles and also has a lovely market square, with the national trust owned Blickling Estate to the north-west of the town. There are also excellent shopping facilities. Norwich the cathedral city and regional centre of East Anglia is about 12 miles. The city offers an extensive shopping district comprising national retailers, charming boutiques and specialist independent stores. There is also a fantastic mix of theatres including the Theatre Royal, Maddermarket Theatre and the Norwich Playhouse, cinemas and numerous museums and galleries.

Restaurant lovers may take advantage of the diverse range of cafes, brasseries and restaurants, as well as local eateries. Private education can be found in a number of schools, for both boys and girls, alongside state education from primary through to the University of East Anglia. There is a regular rail service to London and Norwich airport provides domestic and international flights with connections to most destinations via Schiphol.

The North Norfolk Coast, renowned for its sandy beaches, bird reserves and sailing facilities is about three miles to the north of Holt.

Square Footage: 5,445 sq ft


Acreage: 8.81 Acres

Directions

From Norwich take the A1067 Fakenham Road and after about 13 miles turn right onto the B1145 and continue towards Reepham for approximately 3.8 miles. Continue through the picturesque market square, passing the church on the right and heading south out of the town after passing the church the gates to The Old Rectory will be found facing you. The postcode is NR10 4JW.

Additional Info

Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil fired central heating. CCTV

Agent’s Notes
1. The property has the benefit of a right of way over the neighbouring property (Glebe House), giving easy access to the garden, outbuildings and to the Norwich Road.

Local Authority
Broadland District Council
Council Tax Band G

Fixtures & Fittings
All fixtures and fittings including fitted carpets and curtains are specifically excluded from the sale, but may be available in addition, subject to separate negotiation.

Viewings
Strictly by appointment with Savills. If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.