At the end of a long quince tree-lined drive, High Common Cottage nestles in exquisite grounds of approximately 6.65 acres and offers country character within striking distance of Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Gardens of High Common Cottage.Gardens of High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

The beautiful, thatched property at Wreningham is believed to be about 450 years old and still presents an abundance of magnificent features, from great oak beams to impressive inglenook fireplaces.

The current owner, who has lived here for about nine years, explains the Grade II listed, chocolate box home was in complete contrast to the house she was seeking at the time – but when she laid eyes on the character property, she fell head over heels in love with it.

Eastern Daily Press: Interior of High Common Cottage.Interior of High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

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'We were looking for a Georgian rectory, something quite different to this,' she recalls.

Eastern Daily Press: Games room at High Common Cottage.Games room at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

'It needed to be somewhere that would accommodate the eight children we had between the two of us, while also being in a good location for Wymondham High School and within easy reach of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for reasons of work.

'This house was not really what we had in mind but as soon as we walked in that was it!

Eastern Daily Press: EDP Prop 05.05.17 POTW PicEDP Prop 05.05.17 POTW Pic (Image: Archant)

'It was the whole feel of the place, with its mullioned windows, beautiful beams and warm atmosphere. It was exactly where we wanted to be and it was set back, in the middle of its own grounds.'

Currently on the market with Savills for a guide price of £850,000, the property near Wymondham is thought to have once been three workers' cottages.

Eastern Daily Press: Outback buildings at High Common Cottage.Outback buildings at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Today it is one outstanding home, comprising a main two-storey house with four bedrooms, as well as an annexe, offering an additional two bedrooms.

There is also an external games room and there are equestrian facilities, including paddocks, a stable block, a feed and tack room, a hay barn and a Charles Britton ménage.

Eastern Daily Press: Kitchen in High Common Cottage.Kitchen in High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

The property is entered via a charming wooden front door which opens into a reception hall. This leads through to the triple aspect dining room that takes in views across the mature grounds.

The large drawing room sits at the heart of the house and features exposed timbers and a splendid brick inglenook fireplace, complete with wood-burning stove.

Eastern Daily Press: Lovely kitchen at High Common Cottage.Lovely kitchen at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

It opens into the garden room, were the owners can again relax against the picturesque backdrop of their glorious garden.

The kitchen breakfast room is another character-filled space. Here an inglenook fireplace houses an Aga and there is room for a table and chairs for casual family dining.

Eastern Daily Press: Kitchen and dining area at High Common Cottage.Kitchen and dining area at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

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Eastern Daily Press: Hallway in High Common Cottage.Hallway in High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

There is a walk-in larder and access to a cloakroom and the utility room, and then the long, cloister-like boot room, which leads to the annexe.

The four bedrooms and family bathroom of the main house are all up on the first floor. The annexe is single storey and includes two bedrooms, a sitting room and a shower room.

Eastern Daily Press: Lounge area in High Common Cottage.Lounge area in High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

'The annexe was self-contained with its own kitchen but we took that out and made it into another bedroom – someone else could replace it, however, if that suited them better,' she points out.

'You do have the flexibility here of having one large house with six bedrooms or a four-bedroom home and then a two-bedroom annexe.'

Eastern Daily Press: Living area in at High Common Cottage.Living area in at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

The current owners have maintained and upgraded High Common Cottage in their time here: they have re-ridged the thatch, redecorated the house inside and out in specialist paint, and built the ménage and stable.

The children have enjoyed the spacious games room, with its vaulted ceiling, but this could equally make a superb office space or even additional accommodation (subject to the relevant planning permissions).

Eastern Daily Press: Conservatory at High Common Cottage.Conservatory at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

The owners have savoured the country life High Common Cottage has given them – the lively family meals around the kitchen table, the long Sunday afternoons by a roaring fire and the summer days spent by the pond or out with the horses.

'We all love being outside and living here has allowed us to have a full-size football pitch, camping parties and access to wonderful woodland walks,' she adds.

Eastern Daily Press: Hallway at High Common Cottage.Hallway at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

'Sometimes it is hard to believe we are just 10 minutes from Norwich – it you love country living and yet also want convenience, then this is perfect.' High Common Cottage in Wreningham is on the market with Savills at a guide price of £850,000. For more information call 01603 229229

Eastern Daily Press: Bedroom in High Common Cottage.Bedroom in High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Outside High Common Cottage.Outside High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Gardens at High Common Cottage.Gardens at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Outbuilding at High Common Cottage.Outbuilding at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Outside area at High Common Cottage.Outside area at High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Rear exterior of High Common Cottage.Rear exterior of High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Driveway of High Common Cottage.Driveway of High Common Cottage. (Image: Archant)