Heathfield is a charming and beautifully presented Grade II listed character property exuding a wealth of period charm, with fine red brick elevations, a handsome double-fronted façade with sash and bay windows with working shutters. Internally, the home offers over 4,100 sq. ft. of versatile, light-filled accommodation across three floors, with elegantly celebrated and meticulously refurbished Georgian and Victorian features, including tall corniced and moulded ceilings, rich wood and tiled flooring, feature fireplaces and more.

The ground floor accommodation is accessed via a grand double-height reception hall with stairway that branches off onto the expansive 37 ft. drawing room with its ornate dual fireplaces and a bright bay, with double doors opening to the southwest facing terrace. Adjacent is a tasteful sitting room with bay window, fitted furniture and further, a formal dining room. There is an office, with access to the basement and wine cellar below, adjacent utility space and cloakroom alongside. The in-keeping country style kitchen has a range of bespoke cabinetry and granite worksurfaces, a range cooker and a corresponding island with a wooden worktop and inset sink.

The airy first-floor landing branches off onto four of the property’s six well-proportioned bedrooms with a myriad of aspects framing pleasing elevated views of the grounds and countryside beyond. One of the bedrooms features an en suite shower and WC, whilst two luxury family bathrooms with freestanding rolltop bathtubs and separate walk-in showers complete the floor. A further two bedrooms occupy the second floor, one of which is currently being used as a studio.

Outside

The house sits within a rural setting of about 5.5 acres, nestled among picturesque countryside and with exceptional views. The house is approached via a long oak tree-lined gravelled driveway sweeping past the cottage and ending in a parking and turning area. The substantial garden has a professionally designed scheme of skilful landscaping, with expansive formal level lawns, detailed planting schemes, stone pathways, topiary, hedging, specimen trees, orchards and an area of woodland and wildflower meadow. The garden was designed by renowned designer Verity Hanson-Smith. A substantial elevated terrace offers the ideal spot for al fresco dining, whilst a cobbled courtyard houses the versatile two-storey former coach house.

The traditional two-storey detached cottage with its own private garden provides tranquil and attractive accommodation, with a 23 ft. sitting room containing a fine inglenook fireplace and log-burning stove, a well-appointed kitchen, WC and two second-floor bedrooms served by an adjacent bathroom.

Situation

The well-served market town of Dereham is known as the “heart of Norfolk” and has excellent access to Norwich, along with Swaffham, Holt and the scenic coastline. Holt contains Greshams School, a renowned public school which caters for girls and boys from 4 – 18. Dereham itself offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, banks, a health centre, dentists, golf and hockey clubs. Norwich provides even more extensive facilities including supermarkets, notable schools and numerous recreational and cultural interests. The A47 final dualling is now confirmed and this will reduce journey times to Norwich. The mainline station at Wymondham links to London, whilst the A11 provides connections to the M11 and further afield. To the north of Heathfield is charming countryside with some attractive villages. Brisley (5 miles) contains the Brisley Bell which is a multi-award winning pub with rooms, and there are other good pubs in the area.

The property is adjacent to the Wendling Beck Environment Project, which is a pioneering habitat creation, and nature restoration project, which spans almost 2000 acres of land to the North of Dereham. This is a project between private landowners, local authorities, environmental NGOs and Anglian Water.

Directions

From Holt: follow the B1110 southwards for just over 15 miles and continue onto Holt Road for a further 2.2 miles. Turn right to Dillington after passing Gressenhall, just before Dereham Golf Course. Turn sharp left after about 200m into Sandy Lane. Turn after first house on the right down gravel driveway with white reflector poles. Drive up gravel drive for 30m until you see white gates on right.

From Dereham: turn up Sandy Lane from Swaffham road. Continue in a straight line up Sandy Lane to the top of the hill with the golf course to your right. The road changes name but goes back to Sandy Lane at the top. Once leaving the 30 mph zone take the first left at two white reflector posts. Continue down the gravel drive to the white gates at the end.