A former village pub near Swaffham is for sale after its owners finally secured its change of use.

The former Black Swan public house in Little Dunham is listed with Sowerbys at a guide price of £375,000 – over £100,000 more than when it was for sale as a pub.

The building dates from the 1740s and is thought to have been owned by William Nelson, the great-uncle of Admiral Lord Nelson.

After extensive renovations, the pub ceased trading in 2017. Two years later, the owners applied for a change of use, but it was turned down after the parish council rejected the bid and Breckland Council refused planning, stating it would “result in the loss of a local community building.”

Eastern Daily Press: The property looks very much like it did when it was a pub, although extensive renovations have been done to it over the yearsThe property looks very much like it did when it was a pub, although extensive renovations have been done to it over the years (Image: Sowerbys)

The owners launched another unsuccessful application in 2020, but an appeal lodged in 2021 saw the restrictions lifted after an inspector agreed that the pub was no longer a viable enterprise. Now it's offered for sale as a potential home.

Inside, the property still has a huge amount of character, with the old bar still in place and a large open-plan room which would have been the bar lounge.

Eastern Daily Press: Two bedrooms and a family bathroom are located on the first floor, with the potential to create two moreTwo bedrooms and a family bathroom are located on the first floor, with the potential to create two more (Image: Sowerbys)

Behind the bar is the pub’s former kitchen, which also provides access to living accommodation at the front of the property and is divided into a sitting room and dining area.

Upstairs there are two bedrooms, separated by a large landing, and a family bathroom.

Planning permission is yet to be granted but a spokesperson for Sowerbys says the building offers real potential.

Eastern Daily Press: The property dates back to the 1740sThe property dates back to the 1740s (Image: Sowerbys)

It is understood that the current owners have been in touch with a local architect to discuss ideas, including suggestions that the bar be converted into a large kitchen and dining room and the old kitchen made into a utility area.

The ground-floor living room could stay untouched or be sectioned off, and a ground-floor bedroom could also be created, along with a modern en suite built out of the former toilet block, and the two upstairs bedrooms converted into four.

Outside, the property has a good-sized, south-facing garden and there is parking for two cars at the front.

For more information, contact Sowerbys.

PROPERTY FACTS
The Street, Little Dunham
Guide price: £375,000
Sowerbys, 01362 693591
www.sowerbys.com

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