Property description
This most impressive and prominent Georgian residence is privately positioned at the very heart of the pretty mid-Norfolk village of Great Dunham. Dating back to around 1750, The Old Rectory is a fine example of a traditional country residence from the period with an array of architectural features and impressive proportions, which are further enhanced by a later Victorian extension.
The property has an abundance of character features, including original fireplaces in most rooms, cornicing and sash windows with their original shutters. The striking reception hall gives an early indication as to the scale and character on offer, with a superb oak staircase and an original fireplace. Along the main south facing elevation, the dining room, bay-fronted sitting room and library look out to the formal lawns, with the 24ft drawing room and recently updated kitchen/breakfast room completing the main ground floor accommodation.
On the first floor there are five large double bedrooms, two of which are en-suite, all arranged around the galleried landing. In total, the internal floor space in the main house extends to around 4,300 square-feet. The current owners have recently undertaken the paintwork of the external masonry woodwork throughout the main house, as well as replacing both en-suite bathrooms with luxurious new fittings. There is also a brand new high efficiency oil-fired central heating boiler.
In addition to the main house, there is also a recently constructed two bedroom coach house set within the grounds, which provides greater flexibility within the overall accommodation, and also has permission to be used as a holiday let. The Coach House is located across the yard from the stable block to the west of the main house, with pleasant views over the formal lawns to the south.
The grounds extend to around 3 acres (sts) and include a delightful walled garden, formal lawns, a paddock and woodland area. Adjoining farmland along much of the perimeter, the site enjoys a pleasant rural atmosphere with countryside views; there is also an unavoidable sense of longevity as you walk around the grounds with many of the trees being as old, if not older, than the house itself. Of particular note are the two protected Beech trees alongside a most impressive Horse Chestnut which flank the driveway to add to the sense of seclusion and grandeur as you approach the house.
GREAT DUNHAM Great Dunham is a small community village with access to the A47 and is 7 miles from Swaffham, with King's Lynn and its rail links 22 miles away. The village, which has an ancient church and a primary school, is surrounded by rolling countryside making it a great location for those wishing to enjoy walking or cycling. Litcham heath and Castle Acre are both nearby.
The position of Great Dunham means it is just a 30 minute drive from Downham Market railway station with its direct rail link to London King's Cross, yet is also just 45 minutes from the beautiful North Norfolk coast. Great Dunham is within the Litcham High School catchment area and is a 45 minute drive from Gresham School.
ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:- Timber door in to entrance vestibule, with double doors opening to the reception hall.
RECEPTION HALL 30' 4" x 12' 11" (9.25m x 3.95m) A most impressive entrance area with a stunning oak staircase rising to the first floor. An original marble fireplace houses a modern wood burning stove. From the main reception hall an inner hall extends along the spine of the ground floor.
DRAWING ROOM 23' 10" x 15' 10" (7.27m x 4.84m) Formal reception room with an ornate marble fireplace.
DINING ROOM 20' 11" x 15' 11" (6.39m x 4.86m) Double aspect room with sash windows to the side and also overlooking the formal lawns. Original folding doors to the sitting room.
SITTING ROOM 25' 0" into bay > 18' 0" x 16' 1" (7.63m into bay > 5.51m x 4.91m) A pleasant bay-fronted room, full of natural light with an expanse of glazing overlooking the formal gardens to the south.
LIBRARY 16' 3" x 12' 7" (4.96m x 3.84m) Another south facing reception room with an attractive fireplace and a range of fitted bookcases.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 22' 2" x 12' 0" (6.77m x 3.67m) A more contemporary open-plan space with a selection of base level and wall mounted storage units arranged along three walls at one side of the room, with granite work surfaces and Rangemaster oven. To the other side of the room there is space for a large breakfast table with chairs. Adjacent to the kitchen there is further storage available by way of a walk-in pantry [measuring 6' 4" x 4' 1" (1.95m x 1.25m)]. Concealed hatch with a step ladder down to the original cellar with brick flooring.
LAUNDRY 14' 3" x 6' 11" (4.36m x 2.11m) With fitted work surfaces.
CLOAKROOM
BOOT ROOM 15' 6" x 3' 10" (4.73m x 1.18m) Housing a brand new, high efficiency oil fired boiler.
FIRST FLOOR LANDING With the original sky light and door to a first floor hall.
MASTER BEDROOM 17' 1" x 16' 1" (5.22m x 4.91m) With a large window to the front and en-suite bathroom.
EN-SUITE 16' 0" x 8' 0" (4.88m x 2.44m) Recently refurbished suite comprising free standing bath with central taps, corner shower enclosure, WC with concealed cistern and twin washbasins set into a vanity unit. Window overlooking the gardens.
BEDROOM THREE 16' 1" x 12' 6" (4.91m x 3.83m) With en-suite shower room.
EN-SUITE Newly installed suite comprising corner shower cubicle, close coupled WC and washbasin.
GUEST BEDROOM 23' 9" x 15' 10" (7.26m x 4.85m) A large double bedroom with a pair of windows on the east wall.
BEDROOM FOUR 17' 1" x 12' 10" (5.22m x 3.93m) Double aspect bedroom.
BEDROOM FIVE 16' 2" x 13' 0" (4.93m x 3.98m) Double aspect bedroom with fireplace.
FAMILY BATHROOM 13' 0" x 12' 0" (3.96m x 3.66m)
THE COACH HOUSE Having been recently re-built in 2012/13 on the site of an original barn to the west of the main house, The Coach House provides excellent additional accommodation for family, guests or to generate income by using it as a holiday let. Unlike a 'traditional' annexe, The Coach House is a comfortable home with over 1,200 square feet of accommodation.
Accessed across the stable yard, The Coach House is entered through a timber door which opens into a pleasantly spacious entrance hall from where a staircase rises up to the first floor. The main sitting room is a well-proportioned L-shaped room with double doors on to the garden which could easily be adapted into use as a sitting/dining room if required. The kitchen provides a range of brand new fitted units with appliances, as well as offering the space for a dining table with chairs. There is also a utility room and shower/wet room on the ground floor. The main bedroom enjoys a pleasant outlook to the south as well as an en-suite shower room. There is a further double bedroom, a single room/study and family bathroom.
For full details of the original planning permission on The Coach House and the subsequent change of use as an approved holiday let, please visit the Breckland Council planning website quoting the references 3PL/2012/0357/CU and 3PL/2013/0088/CU respectively.
ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:-
ENTRANCE HALL
SITTING ROOM 21' 9" x 19' 6" > 12' 9" (6.65m x 5.95m > 3.89m) Spacious reception area with double doors opening to the rear.
KITCHEN/DINING ROOM 15' 8" x 10' 3" (4.79m x 3.13m) Fully fitted kitchen with appliances and space for a dining table with chairs.
SHOWER/WET ROOM Shower area with non-slip floor and flush-level floor drain, washbasin and WC.
UTILITY ROOM 6' 0" x 5' 8" (1.85m x 1.75m) Fitted work surface and plumbing for washing machine.
BEDROOM ONE 14' 8" x 12' 9" (4.48m x 3.89m) With storage cupboards, views over the formal lawns and en-suite shower room.
BEDROOM TWO 14' 8" x 8' 9" (4.48m x 2.69m) Velux roof lights to two sides providing field views.
STUDY 7' 8" x 5' 2" (2.36m x 1.58m) Window to front.
BATHROOM With panel sided bath, washbasin and WC.
OUTBUILDINGS Between the main house and the grounds stands the original stable block which has been partially re-built and extended to also include a double garage [21' 3" x 17' 10" (6.48m x 5.45m)]. The pre-existing part of the structure, which is in a good state of repair, still displays some original features; such as the brick herringbone flooring and an authentic cast iron fireplace. The stables are entered in to a lobby area from where the two looseboxes [17' 7" x 11' 9" (5.38m x 3.60m) & 12' 3" x 11' 9" (3.75m x 3.59m)] can be accessed. There is also a timber staircase rising into a room within the roof space which provides useful additional storage space.
OUTSIDE The mature grounds in total extend to around 3 acres (sts) and comprise various sections of lawn, woodland and meadow. Flanked by open farmland to three sides, the perimeters are predominantly defined by tree lines with a number of the more established and impressive species protected by TPO's. The woodland is at its densest along the south and east sides of the plot towards the roadside, where a laurel hedge lines the sweeping driveway which passes the front of the house. To the west of the plot there is a 0.6 acre paddock which can be accessed by a vehicle, and also houses another original barn, although it should be noted that it is in somewhat dilapidated condition. Between the paddock and The Coach House there is a delightful traditional walled garden which is currently laid to lawn, with more formal lawns to the south of the main house. The owners of The Old Rectory are responsible for the maintenance of all boundaries.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATINGS F. Ref:- 9538-9023-7257-3845-2944
To retrieve the Energy Performance Certificates for this property please visit https://www.epcregister.com/ and enter in the reference numbers above.
SERVICES CONNECTED The property is connected to mains electricity and water supply. Oil fired central heating, septic drainage and telephone connected