North Elmham, Dereham

Stepping through the doors of Wellesley House, you immediately feel at home. This home as been lovingly cared for and restored over the years whilst keeping it’s unique charm and character alive. With its spacious, versatile layout, a self-contained annexe, and stunning landscaped gardens, this exceptional five bedroom home is as practical as it is beautiful.

Wellesley House has a fascinating and well-documented history that adds to its unique character. Originally believed to have been the village coaching inn in the 18th century, complete with a single cottage, records of a sale date back as early as 1728. At that time, part of the property operated as a public house known as the “Great A”. Around 1860, the building was divided into four cottages, one of which was owned by the Duke of Wellington. These were later purchased in 1912 by Henry Kerrison, whose family retained ownership until 1968.

In that year, respected local builder Bill Gorrod bought the group of cottages and began their transformation, converting three into one main residence and repurposing the fourth as a garage and art gallery. Further evolution came in 1981, when C.E. Rhodes acquired the property and converted the former gallery into additional living space. Then, in 2007, Wellesley House was carefully reconfigured from a seven bedroom layout to a five bedroom family home. Improvements included the addition of french doors leading out to the terrace, the installation of a new bathroom on the top floor, and the reworking and enlargement of the main family bathroom. The current owners took over in 2021, continuing to maintain and cherish this remarkable home.

Set beyond private gates, Wellesley House today offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat with all the space and flexibility needed for modern family life. At its heart is the stunning bespoke kitchen and breakfast room, where mornings begin with coffee at the central island and evenings unfold over home-cooked meals and conversation. The open plan design flows effortlessly into the formal dining area, which opens fully onto the terrace, blending indoor and outdoor living - perfect for entertaining on warm summer evenings. The separate sitting room is a cosy haven, ideal for curling up with a book or enjoying a relaxed night in. A ground floor study provides a quiet space for working from home, with a convenient cloakroom nearby.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom is a true sanctuary - light-filled and spacious, complete with a stylish en-suite shower room. Two further double bedrooms and a beautifully appointed family bathroom complete the first floor, while the second floor offers two more double bedrooms and an additional modern shower room. This flexible layout makes it ideal for growing families, guests, or even a private retreat.

The self-contained annexe is a fantastic addition, full of charm and original character. Accessible both internally and independently, it features its own open plan living area with a cosy wood burner, a fully equipped kitchen, and a stylish shower room. Whether used for multi-generational living, hosting guests, or as a peaceful creative space, the annexe offers endless possibilities.

Outside, the gardens are simply breathtaking. Framed by mature trees and colourful planting, the expansive lawn provides plenty of room for children to play, while the large terrace is ideal for outdoor dining or morning coffee in the fresh air. With parkland and open countryside behind, and even your own stream running through the grounds, it feels like a private slice of nature.

The property also benefits from a private driveway with ample parking, as well as a large brick-built barn, garage, workshop, and log store, offering excellent storage and workspace.

Wellesley House is not just a home. It is a piece of living history, carefully adapted over centuries into a truly special place. A place to put down roots, create memories, and enjoy the best of village life, past and present.

NORTH ELMHAM
North Elmham is a delightful and historically rich village in central Norfolk, offering a perfect mix of rural charm, community spirit, and convenient access to nearby towns and cities. Steeped in history, the village was once the site of the Anglo-Saxon cathedral for East Anglia, and today, the fascinating ruins of North Elmham Chapel, managed by English Heritage, stand as a reminder of its past.

The village enjoys a thriving community with excellent local amenities, including a well-stocked village shop, a post office, a doctor’s surgery, and a highly regarded primary school. The popular King’s Head pub offers a welcoming atmosphere with hearty meals, while a local tearoom provides a cosy spot for coffee and cake. For those who enjoy the outdoors, North Elmham is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with scenic walking trails along the River Wensum and access to the renowned Norfolk countryside.

Despite its peaceful setting, North Elmham is well-connected, with the nearby market town of Dereham just a 10-minute drive away, offering a wider range of shops, supermarkets, and leisure facilities. Fakenham, known for its racecourse and bustling markets, is also within easy reach. For those commuting or seeking cultural attractions, the historic city of Norwich is around 40 minutes away, providing excellent shopping, dining, and transport links, including direct trains to London.

With its rich history, welcoming community, and idyllic surroundings, North Elmham offers a wonderful balance of village life with convenient access to the wider region, making it a highly desirable place to call home.

SERVICES CONNECTED
Mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil fired central heating.

COUNCIL TAX
Band F.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING
E. Ref: 2885-3042-3201-4104-4204
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.

LOCATION
What3words: ///samplers.gestures.tribe

WEBSITE TAGS
fresh-visions
garden-parties
room-to-roam
family-life

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that we have recently transitioned to a new CRM system. While we strive for accuracy, some property information may not have been fully verified during this changeover. For clarification on important details, including (but not limited to) flood risks, rights of way, restrictions and other critical matters, we strongly recommend contacting us directly. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Parking - Secure gated