4 bedroom detached house

Occupying a one-acre plot (stms) this exceptional former schoolhouse was decommissioned in 1992, constructed as the village school in 1855 to accommodate 70 children and cost a grand total of £1,350 to build. The land was donated to the people of Bradenham by William M R Haggard who at the time resided in Bradenham Hall, his father was Henry Rider Haggard, author of adventure books such as King Solomon's Mines, Allan Quatermain and She.

Positioned on the fringe of the Norfolk village of Bradenham, within walking distance to lovely, peaceful countryside walks. The Old School is entered through a five-bar wooden gate, onto a central sweeping driveway rising to an elevated position. Approaching up the driveway exposes the charming elevation and character of the former school and Headmaster's house. The former bell tower was destroyed following a storm, which was sympathetically rebuilt in the 1990s, following the previous owner's restoration, who initially converted the property approximately 30 years ago.

Externally the property still offers many of the original features, which have been maintained throughout the years, including the original school playground giving the property ample parking to host a number of guests. In addition to, there is an original washroom and external toilet block, subject to the relevant permissions this could be converted into ancillary accommodation, perfect for an Airbnb or annexe for multi-generational living.

Upon entering the ground floor, you are greeted by a sophisticated, yet charming, entrance hallway. Welsh quarry tiles have been recently laid, guiding you through and expanding into ground floor of the former Headmaster's house. The owners have created a beautiful cosy living space, giving a cottage feel, promoting a wealth of character and contemporary finish to this part of the property.

Continuing into the dining room, which overlooks the newly landscaped garden and paddock views beyond. It's a great place for the family to sit down and enjoy a meal together or have friends over and it leads through to the study. Currently used as an art studio, this room could provide a multitude of uses, including an office space to work from home or even a sixth bedroom.

From the entrance hall, stairs rise to three of the potential five bedrooms and a door leads into the former old school room.

The old school room is an incredible feature of this fabulous home. Extending over 34ft, this room is partly vaulted and enjoys a dual aspect, including three large windows to the side, flooding an immense amount of light into the room, perfect for entertaining and hosting large parties. Not only is the room vast, but the original solid wooden floor, wood panelled walls, wood-burning stove and original radiators really complement the space. From here, a secondary staircase rises to the principal bedroom and a door leads into the side porch, fitted with original hooks from where the children formerly used to hang their coats and provides access to the downstairs cloakroom.

The kitchen/breakfast room is currently housing a fitted wooden, shaker style kitchen with island, complemented by solid wood surfaces, stainless steel appliances and original wooden flooring, giving the space a rustic feel. Another benefit is the vaulted ceilings, exposing the wooden trusses, and fitted with three large windows to side aspect and window to the rear above a wooden glazed door. The kitchen has an integral door straight into the garage, which offers a great opportunity to expand the living space further, subject to the relevant permissions.

Entering back into the former Headmaster's house, the owners have created a snug living space, dual windows look out onto the front aspect, along with a side aspect window complete with wooden shutters. The original fireplace and quarry flooring creating a cosy ambience, ideal for those early winter evenings. In addition to, this could become an optional fifth bedroom if required, benefiting from the downstairs four-piece bathroom being directly next door.

Heading upstairs into the former Headmaster's house, you are greeted by three bedrooms and an upstairs cloakroom. Each bedroom has been personalised, using complementary colour schemes, highlighting the original features. Additionally, bedroom three could benefit from a balcony, which would expand over the ground floor flat roof, subject to the relevant permissions.

The principal bedroom is accessed via the sitting room and enjoys a mezzanine window overlooking the vaulted living space. Furthermore, there is an en-suite bathroom and space for free-standing wardrobes or the opportunity to create your own built-in storage.

Outside, the owners have created two small paddock areas, which currently houses the owners rescued donkeys. Field shelters have been erected in each paddock, which are housed on skids and considered mobile so planning permission not required. The perimeter has been completely fenced in with excellent quality stock fencing, post and rail paddock fencing and five bar wooden gates. Furthermore, due to the owners having pets, the boundaries are dog proof, ensuring any family pets won't escape.

Heading across the former playground, the owners have created a hay store and storage shed, which leads around the side to the landscaped courtyard garden. The garden has been recently landscaped and designed by the owners, a mixture of shrubs and seasonal flowers have been erected in the raised borders, complemented by railway sleepers and grey shingle. A paved patio has been laid connecting the kitchen and dining room together with a fabulous place to sit out and watch the world go by, overlooking the paddocks.
 

BRADENHAM A large village green houses a children's play area and hosts a very active and well-known cricket club in addition to bowls and a football club. Bradenham is very much a desirable location for people of all ages.
The River Yare rises to the east of Bradenham and flows to the east, and the River Wissey rises in the village and flows to the west.

Just over six miles away, in the heart of the county, Dereham is a classic market town and an architectural haven with plenty of Georgian gems set on generous plots, blended with more recent developments.

The town's recorded history dates back to 645AD when a monastery was founded by St Withburga and the town is said to derive its name from a miracle by the saint. Today, a twice weekly market, on Tuesdays and Fridays, along with a strong cohort of independent and specialist shops and free parking make the town a fabulous place for an afternoon spent browsing.
Look out for the town's other historic landmarks, which include the Mid-Norfolk Railway, a heritage line which runs 1950s railcars to Wymondham Abbey, Dereham Windmill, a Grade II listed building which was saved from the brink of destruction, and Bishop Bonner's Cottage, established in 1502 and believed to be the oldest building in town.

Heritage buffs are spoilt for choice with living museum Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse just a few minutes out of town, or step back in time and adventure at Castle Acre Castle and Priory, an 11th century monastic site, and National Trust property Oxburgh Hall, which is half an hour's drive away.

When you've worked up an appetite exploring, Dereham is home to one of Norfolk's best pubs, The Brisley Bell, which has a first-rate menu and a warm welcome which has earned it multiple awards. With good local schools, a leisure centre and golf course, Dereham and its surrounding villages are a fantastic spot to enjoy the best of Norfolk country living with easy commuting access to Norwich and the coast at Wells-next-the-Sea, just 22 miles away. Come discover a Norfolk gem.
 

SERVICES CONNECTED Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil fired central heating. LPG for gas hob.  

COUNCIL TAX Band B. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING E. Ref:- 0380-2885-7020-2799-4381
To retrieve the Energy Performance Certificate for this property please visit and enter in the reference number above. Alternatively, the full certificate can be obtained through Sowerbys.
 

TENURE Freehold. 

PROPERTY REFERENCE 39757.