Visitors to the Grade II Listed semi-detached property at High Kelling always comment on its charming appearance and its exceptional position within leafy High Kelling, North Norfolk. The attractive property, which has been home to the current owner for some 50 years now, has a unique appeal and a long history of association with one of the best-known buildings in the area. “We believe the cottage dates back to the early 20th century,” he explains. “It used to belong to Voewood, the large house next door, and would have originally been home to those working there.” Beautiful Voewood is a splendid, Grade II* Listed Arts & Crafts property. Set in magnificent grounds and once named Home Place, it was designed by architect Edward Schroeder Prior in a butterfly style. It was initially a private home and later a hospital and nursing home. “These were the cottages for Home Place,” he says. “Voewood was still a nursing home when we moved here but is now in private hands once again.”

IDYLLIC SETTING

Looking back, he can still recall his great attraction to the three-bedroom abode. “It was set in such a tranquil place, surrounded by woods and yet also within easy reach of the market town of Holt, as well as Sheringham,” he remembers. “I worked at Voewood for a time and so it was extremely convenient for me. It was also a lovely house with a great deal of character.” Designed and built in a similar style to Voewood, the cottage features flint with carrstone dressings externally at ground-floor level. “I have very carefully carried out some work to the property over the many years I have been here,” he says. “This has included extending the kitchen and removing a wall to make the room much larger.”

FAMILY LIVING

The two-storey property has been a great family home. Its accommodation includes a drawing room and kitchen. It has three upstairs bedrooms plus a four-piece family bathroom and a cloakroom. “We always found the living space here worked very well for us as a family,” he says. “The drawing room was where we would spend most of our time when we were not outside. This was a perfect place to bring children up, especially with the wonderful gardens.”

CLOSE TO NATURE

Indeed, the grounds have been well maintained over the years. These include a generous driveway, with ample parking, areas of garden and stretches that have a more parkland feel. “There was always space for the children to kick a football around,” he recalls. “The wooded areas attract a lot of wildlife. We see lots of birds here, as well as the occasional deer that wanders in.” Within the grounds, there is a timber garage and a fairly substantial outbuilding. “This could have great potential to be extended and converted for an alternative use,” he says. “It would be subject to the relevant planning permissions but there is a precedent as our neighbours have extended theirs.” This building could have all sorts of possible uses, from self-contained annexe accommodation to a leisure or work space.

BUSTLING HOLT

Set less than a mile and a half from the centre of Holt, the property enjoys good access to supermarkets, independent shops, schools and other amenities. The popular market town has an attractive centre, with lots of small lanes and yards, which are home to a range of outlets selling crafts, furniture and other items. There are several art galleries, as well as boutiques, bookshops and antiques’ stores. The town is just three miles from the North Norfolk coast and has a station with steam trains that run along the North Norfolk Railway to Sheringham. “Sheringham is also a lovely town,” he says. “It is right on the beach, for anyone who enjoys being close to the sea, and it is easy to Cromer from there too.”

PICTURESQUE AND PEACEFUL

Sheringham is also known for its famous National Trust park, with its beautiful walks. Wooded Holt Country Park is also a scenic place to visit and North Norfolk is known for its breath-taking beaches and expansive nature reserves. “This is a very picturesque and peaceful place to live,” he says. “At the same time, it is not far to reach the city of Norwich, which is just over 20 miles away.” Historic Norwich is known for its high street stores, major shopping centres, lanes of independent shops and leisure facilities, such as cinemas, theatres and music venues. It has an international airport and a station with mainline trains into London. “It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Norwich,” he says. “This is a great location to live in as it offers the best of all worlds.”

SETTING THE SCENE

The semi-detached house is set in large grounds, with a sizeable driveway, where up to seven cars can park. The grounds are extremely private and feature lots of mature trees. There is a detached timber garage and a separate outbuilding, which could have alternative uses.