Having been beautifully restored and converted, The Old Barns won the South Norfolk Council Design award in 2005 and the Campaign to Protect Rural England Norfolk award in 2006. Built of brick and timber clad elevations under a mixture of slate, pantile and zinc roof, this beautifully designed barn conversion enjoys an abundance of natural light through large oak framed doors and windows and roof lights. The juxtaposition of the original sandblasted timber frame alongside striking industrial steel supports in the open plan sitting, dining and family room with contemporary freestanding Hase wood burning stove, evokes a sense of luxury, sophistication and spaciousness.

The kitchen is minimal in conception with walk-in larder and extensive storage in full height wall units with integrated Neff fridge/freezer and Siemens double oven. There are further storage units in the kitchen island with double sink and Siemens dishwasher. A polished chrome work surface extends from the island with a Siemens Japanese style induction plate and breakfast bar, which faces huge sliding doors that lead to a decked terrace.

At the other end of the property is a stunning curved feature open staircase, which overlooks a wonderful studio space with double height ceiling. A sliding barn door opens to a rear hall providing access to two large ground floor double bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is underfloor heating throughout with polished concrete flooring on the ground floor and oiled wood flooring on the first floor.

Upstairs there are two independently accessed double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, featuring natural stone tiles and chrome fittings. The accommodation throughout is presented to an extremely high specification with a considered use of materials to balance the old with the new. The property seamlessly connects to the outside from every angle increasing the sense of space and tranquility, and utilizes eco-friendly energy efficient ground source heat pump powered by solar panels making the property very economical to run.

This property has 1.45 acres of land.

Outside

Outside, a decked terrace spans one side of the property with a sunken dining area at one end with a wisteria-covered pergola providing shade and cascades of fragrant mauve in late spring. This overlooks a walled garden with espalier pear trees, quince tree, fig tree, mulberry tree, and established plant borders including roses, lavender, geranium, and a central lawn with shingle paths. Outside of the walled garden, the grounds extend to 1.45 acres and contains wildflower meadow, wooded area and a wildlife pond, which attracts dragonflies, moorhens, ducks, herons, kingfishers, kestrels, owls, redpolls and deer. The extensive use of timber on the property’s exterior façade ensures that the building is inconspicuous in its setting. The Old Barns are approached via five-bar wooden gate onto gravel drive to parking area for numerous vehicles and double garage built of brick and timber clad elevations under pantile roof.

Agents Note: An overage clause will apply to the wildflower meadow area to the south of Chandler Road and the seller’s solicitor will provide exact wording and terms.

Situation

The Old Barns is situated just outside the popular village of Stoke Holy Cross about 4.5 miles to the south of Norwich. Stoke Holy Cross has a number of amenities including primary school and a shop with post office. The village enjoys excellent eateries with The Wildebeest, which is a well-regarded public house with restaurant and Stoke Mill restaurant – both award winning. The area is surrounded by unspoilt rural countryside yet is within easy access of Norwich.

The Cathedral city of Norwich has a vibrant business community and is the regional centre providing excellent schooling in both the public and private sector, as well as shopping with John Lewis only 15 minutes away, leisure and cultural facilities. There is a mainline railway station to London Liverpool Street and an expanding airport to the north of the city.

Directions

From Norwich, head south on City Road and continue onto Long John Hill. At the traffic lights, go straight over the ring road, under the railway line and take the first exit at the mini roundabout onto Stoke Road. Follow this road over the River Tas and the Southern Bypass and after 1 mile take a left turn upon entering Caistor St Edmund onto Markshall Road. As the road bears left, take a right turn onto Caistor Lane signposted Upper Stoke. After half a mile, follow the road left onto Chandler Road and the entrance driveway to The Old Barns can be found on the right hand side.