With its pretty Dutch gables, beautiful brickwork and rows of sash windows, The Grange at Thornage seems to be waiting patiently to be brought back to life again, writes Abigail Saltmarsh.
The exquisite property, which is believed to date to the 17th century, is a true English country treasure, sitting within beautiful grounds of a little over an acre and including a walled garden with fruit trees.
Clearly a much-loved home for many years, it now needs to be filled with roaring fires, laughing children and the clatter of everyday life again.
Admittedly it will be a renovation project for its new owners but opportunities to acquire homes like this are rare and this proud Norfolk home
certainly has a lot to offer. Currently on the market with Bedfords at a guide price of £950,000, The Grange nestles in the peaceful village of Thornage, just two miles from Holt.
Its appeal is not only in its location – which marries tranquility and country views with access to the spectacular coast – but also its immense potential.
This impressive Grade II listed house, with a wing which could be used as a separate cottage or self-contained annexe, still features the most beautiful fireplaces, pamment floors and original shutters in places.
There are rooms that could stay almost as they are now – just with some redecoration and refurbishment – and there are parts of the property that may perhaps be reorganised.
Subject to the relevant planning permissions, of course, new owners may wish to make some gentle and sympathetic changes, rendering areas of the house more conducive to modern living.
Entered via a large reception hall, where a magnificent staircase sweeps up to the landing above, The Grange offers generous living space.
To the left is the drawing room, with its wooden floor, original stone fireplace and windows to the front and side.
Behind this, is perhaps a study or playroom and then overlooking the garden are the sitting room and dining room. Hidden beneath a carpet and leading up to the large back door is the most beautiful flagstone floor.
The kitchen, which has original pamment tiling and an oil-fired Aga, is to the front of the house. Steps from here lead down to the most wonderful walk-in pantry, with raised tile plinths and a meshed window.
Further on is a set of back stairs and what is likely to have been the original scullery. This could perhaps become a kitchen if someone wished to use this end of the house as an annexe. The back stairs lead up to two very pretty bedrooms, one of which has an en suite bathroom.
The new owners of The Grange are more than likely to replace the bathrooms – and perhaps even consider bringing one or two of them together with the master bedroom to create a sumptuous suite. And at one end of the master bedroom there is also a fabulous room, which could become a very spacious dressing area, with walk-in wardrobes.
Three more bedrooms can be found along the front of the house, all of which benefit from built-in storage.Rooms in The Grange look out over its pretty gardens. At one end of these is a meadow and a small stable, where someone could possibly keep a pony.
The walled garden, which must be truly delightful when everything is in full bloom, encompasses many attractive places to relax and includes a charming summer house.
It is a joy to picture the next inhabitants of Grange House sitting out here, soaking up the sunshine and delighting in their surroundings.
It is also intriguing to imagine just what the interior of the house might look like in years to come.
This is an enchanting property, which must have had a fascinating past and looks set to have an equally exciting future.
Grange House is on the market with Bedfords at a guide price of £950,000. For more information call 01328 730500
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here