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Dereham,Norfolk

• A very pretty Semi-Detached Cottage with a Two Bed Self Contained Annexe in a Conservation Area within Dereham

• Three Bedrooms; Two Bathrooms/Shower Rooms

• Main Reception; Breakfast Kitchen

• Original Character throughout including Pamment Tiles, Fireplaces, Exposed Beams, Exposed Brick, Part Vaulted Ceilings

• Detached Double Garage complete with WC and Kitchenette

• Parking for Several Vehicles

• Standing in Generous Grounds of 0.75 acres

• Part Wooded Setting with Views over Adjoining Farmland

• The Accommodation extends to 1,597sq.ft

There has been a house on this site for many centuries, but the current property dates back to the mid-1800s, built by the owners of the nearby hall, then called Quebec Castle.

“All is not what it seems at this magical home, a fairytale place full of wonder and charm. Character features appear throughout, with delightful extra touches that are sure to disarm. A part of the area’s history, this property has a fascinating story to tell. It’s been a much-loved home for many years and is a wonderful place in which to dwell.”

A Sweet Surprise An Interesting PastThe hall itself had been built in a gothic style and the cottages were designed to reflect this and to be pleasing to the owners, so as not to spoil their view when they gazed out over the land. Although the building looks like one home from the front, it is in fact a pair of dwellings. Census records show that the coachman lived in one from 1836 and by 1851 this particular cottage was home to John Barnes, the gardener, and his family. It would seem that John Barnes was much in demand, as the lady of the house hired him to work here after buying a cucumber from him for a whopping 5 shillings – more than a month’s salary at the time!

A Labour Of LoveIn more recent times the cottages belonged to a local farmer and were rented out before standing empty for several decades. The current owner came along and purchased this in 1998 and has made it home ever since, lovingly restoring and renovating it with great care and authenticity. “I fell for it right away,” she smiles,” I pulled over in the car and got out to take a look and that was that! It’s such a pretty place with the Carrstone shaped like little arrowheads and the pointed end pushed in to give a textured effect that looks like gingerbread crumbs.” Building the cottages must have been a huge amount of work at the time and the finish would have come at great expense, especially since the Welsh

“This is an amazing location in the heart of Norfolk, with easy access to the coast, the Broads, Norwich and more.”

slate, Carrstone and Suffolk White brick would all have been transported in from out of the area.

Times Gone ByThe annexe here was originally made up of two rooms – the bakehouse on one side and washhouse on the other. The owner has opened the two rooms up to create a versatile and characterful space open to the ceiling. “We once had a man visit who explained that his grandparents used to live in the cottages. When poor Victorians came by on their way up to the workhouse at Gressenhall they would be offered food and shelter here in return for collecting wood for the bread ovens and to keep the washhouse boiler going. They would also collect acorns and sell them to the local farmer to feed his pigs.”

A Glorious SettingThe cottage originally came with a much smaller garden but the owner has since purchased more land and the plot now extends to around 0.75 acre. It’s full of colour from spring onwards and adjoins woodland that forms a private nature reserve. This gives it a wonderful rural feel, despite being so close to the town, and the owner enjoys sitting out in the sunshine here, feeding deer, pheasants and more. Until recently the front meadow was rented and had four Shetland ponies on it, so there’s potential here too. “It’s lovely having all

this outside space and a real feeling of tranquility while still being able to walk to the pub and shops,” she smiles.

The AccommodationThe property has a magical and enchanting feel to both the cottage itself and the setting it is surrounded by and has been featured on historical postcodes and calendars. Originally built for the staff of Quebec Hall, the Suffolk white brick and welsh slate are complimented by the carrstone with its perfect orange/brown colour which replicates the gingerbread. The accommodation consists of a spacious…

Breakfast KitchenWhere cabinets can be found to three aspects contrasting well with the darker work surfaces. There is space available for a range of white goods, whilst you also notice the stainless steel sink unit. Twin windows offer wonderful views over the gardens and woodland. From the breakfast kitchen you move through into an inner lobby. Here you discover the downstairs WC and shower room along with the stairs which rise to the first floor. Also found off the lobby, double doors take you through into the…

Sitting RoomLocated to the front of the cottage, fabulous original windows offer stunning views over the gardens

and adjoining farmland. Within the room itself, a Victorian fireplace takes centre stage complete with its original surround. From the sitting room a door leads out to the original entrance porch and front door which is no longer in use.

Moving up the stairs to the first floor, you discover…

Two Double BedroomsEach at opposite ends of the cottage. The master bedroom has access to its own en suite bathroom as well as fitted wardrobes. Windows offer plenty of natural light as well as a double aspect over the gardens and adjoining farmland. The second bedroom which is located to the rear of the home also offers spectacular views over the gardens and farmland. The two bedrooms character is very similar with sloping ceilings and exposed beams.

Third BedroomThis is currently used as a single bedroom would also prove ideal as a study or storage area, with a roof light providing plenty of light.

To the landing there is also additional storage. Other points of interest include china and glass which is hidden in some of the flint walls, bread oven fronts and even paw prints on the locally made bricks captured during the drying out process.

“There are some stunning features, including an original bread oven, a door dating back to the 1700s and more.”

“We do a calendar each year with different seasonal photographs of the house. It’s been incredibly popular and the cottages are something of a landmark for people in this area.”

“You could run a holiday business here, renting out the main cottage or annexe, with room for three yurts in the garden. We’ve had the septic tank and drainage put in for this.”

Self Contained AnnexeCalled The Old Bakehouse and situated to the rear of the main cottage. The two bedroom annexe could be used for a number of different purposes including holiday cottage income, in law accommodation or as a home office. The accommodation consists of a double bedroom, a single bedroom, a main bathroom, an open plan kitchen/sitting room and a breakfast room/conservatory style area. This annexe was developed from an original outbuilding that belonged to the cottage.

Agents NotePlanning permission has been granted by the current owners to extend the self contained annexe. Planning documents are available to be viewed at the Fine and Country office.

The OutsideThis historical property can be found to the outskirts of Dereham and is accessed by a shingle drive. This shingle drive not only leads to a detached garage but also opens up to a large shingle forecourt providing parking for several vehicles.

The garden enjoys a mature woodland setting and extends to approximately 0.5 of an acre.

Thousands of spring bulbs have been planted throughout the garden, where you also enjoy wonderful views over adjoining woodland and farmland.

The majority of the garden can be found to the rear of the cottage, whilst there is also a part enclosed front garden, which is bisected by a right of way enjoyed by the local farmer. In all, the gardens and grounds extend to approximately 0.75 acres.

Floor Plans

Floor Plans Energy Graphs

Additional Information

The floor plans are for illustration purposes only. All measurements: walls, doors, window fittings and appliances and their sizes and locations are shown conventionally and are approximate only and cannot be regarded as being a representation either by the seller or his agent. © Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in the employment of Fine and Country or Norfolk County Properties has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property.

We would also point out that we have not tested any of the appliances and purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any services.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

AGENT’S NOTESBreckland District CouncilOil Central Heating, Mains Water, Private Drainage via Septic Tank

Location

To arrange a viewing of this property please contact Our Park Lane office

www.fineandcountry.com

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Norfolk & North Suffolk7 Bank Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4SFTel: 01603 221888 www.fineandcountry.com

If you have been thinking of selling and getting nowhere fast then the first move you should make is to an agent who can deliver outstanding results. Here at Fine & Country we know that our unique approach to selling houses works. For more information on any of the services Fine & Country can offer please call 01603 221888 and speak to Sally Jackson at our Norfolk & North Suffolk office.

On The Doorstep How Far Is It To...? DirectionsThe market town of Dereham has a large range of amenities including two superstores, a newly constructed leisure centre, a good range of shops, library, cinema, hotels and restaurants. You also have easy access on to main trunk roads into Norwich, Kings Lynn and out of county areas.

Dereham can be found 12 miles east of Fakenham and 16 miles north west of Norwich. Often described as the gateway to the north Norfolk coast the thriving market town of Fakenham has the famous Fakenham Race Course, Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park and the Thursford Collection right on its doorstep. The cathedral city of Norwich offers a wide range of cultural and leisure facilities, and a variety of good skills both in the public and private sectors. Norwich also benefits from its own rail line link to London Liverpool Street and an International Airport.

Leave Norwich travelling west on the A47 Southern Bypass. Leave the bypass at the East Dereham exit. Proceed out of Dereham on the Quebec Road signposted the B1110. After a short distance the property will be on your right hand side clearly signposted with a Fine and Country For Sale Board. .