The Cedars, Long Stratton, Norfolk

Stretching to around 6,421 sq ft, this Grade II-listed house lies on the fringes of Long Stratton, a small but perfectly formed village in south Norfolk. It was first built in the 17th century and was substantially extended around 200 years later; period features from both remain and intermingle effortlessly. A more recent appointment by the current owners has introduced a contemporary flair to the home’s spacious rooms, making refined use of hardy materials and white-washed walls. Two acres of private gardens surround the house, chock-full of mature broad-leaf trees. Close to the coast, the house is poised to make the most of the singular surrounding landscape. Equally, Diss station is close for easy travel into London, and Norwich airport is around 30 minutes’ drive away.

Setting the Scene

Built in the 1600s, The Cedars was once part of a working farm. Its timber frame and steep, sloping roof remain as reminders of this history. In the late 18th century, the house was transformed into a gentleman’s residence; as a result, its appearance today is resolutely Georgian, with a symmetrical façade, three-storey elevation and elegant fluted doorway. Features from this time adorn the interiors and include sash windows, cornices and sweeping proportions.

Much has happened in the last 200 years at The Cedars: during the Victorian period, the house became the residence of William Formby, a local landowner and Justice of the Peace. During the first world war, Formby’s estate played a role in housing German prisoners of war. In the second world war, the house sheltered members of the Home Guard, with one of the Formby family serving as a sergeant. In the 1950s and 1960s, The Cedars became home to a successful fruit-growing business, its orchards stretching across the grounds. More recently, the house was lovingly restored by its current owners, who worked to preserve its period atmosphere.

The Grand Tour

A sweeping horseshoe driveway forms the entrance to this remarkable house, which is embraced by magnificent cedar, oak and copper beech trees. An elegant brick façade – partly wrapped with climbing wisteria and studded with a series of sash windows – creates a striking first impression.

On entry, a grand pilastered doorway unfolds onto a generous hallway with polished pamments underfoot. On the right is a drawing room, where a handsome original cast-iron fireplace acts as a centrepiece, and an oversized sash window with original shutters faces out to the garden.

A welcoming dining room – historically the setting of many fine gatherings – is to the left of the entrance hall. It retains its original fireplace and is grounded by handsome oak floorboards.

The expansive kitchen sits adjacent, with access also provided through a Tudor doorway from the entrance hall. DeVOL cabinetry is washed in a midnight-blue tone, with marble worktops and a large central island, characterfully bisected by an original post. Fittings include a cream-coloured four-oven electric Aga and a double Belfast sink, and there are spacious pantry cupboards and a coffee station. Flagstone spread out underfoot, while white-washed beams signal that this is the older, 17th-century part of the home. On one side, French doors provide easy passage to the garden.

A utility room, with lovely views of the verdant grounds to the rear, lies off the main kitchen – perfect for back-of-house preparations. The ground floor is also home to a wonderfully bright and cosy sitting room, complete with an open fireplace and dado panelling, as well as a large butler’s pantry (presently used as an office), a rear entrance hall and a WC.

From the entrance hall, a marvellous sweeping staircase ascends to the first floor, with an elegant, rattled handrail, white-painted risers and thin balustrades. A large landing at the top of the stairs offers panoramic views of the farmland beyond and is a wonderful spot to curl up with a book.

There are four double bedrooms on this floor, each with commanding views over the surrounding landscape. The largest of these bedrooms has a large sash window and a cast-iron fireplace. Walls are washed in a calming neutral tone, and there is an en suite bathroom. Three additional bedrooms sit on this floor (one of which also has an en suite) as well as a playroom, an ironing room and a modern bathroom with a bathtub, shower and wood panelling. A dog-leg staircase descends from the playroom to the kitchen.

A set of timber stairs leads to the second floor, where a magnificent principal bedroom is located. Here, exposed roof trusses and exposed red brickwork contrast with walls washed in a crisp white tone, creating an embracing, retreat-like feel. The room offers superb views from its large sash windows, alongside an en suite with a bathtub and a walk-in shower, along with a dressing room.

There are two additional bedrooms on the upper level, one with an en suite and one of which is used as a bright office/studio.

The Great Outdoors

The house is surrounded by around two acres of land, where a variety of cedar, oak and copper beech trees create a sense of privacy and remove. The grounds include an excellent gravelled and tiled garden area to the rear of the kitchen, with ample space for dining and entertaining outdoors. Here, shrubs and trees continue to create a sense of tranquillity, and an imposing garden wall, strewn with fragrant climbers, sits as a relic of the home’s layered history.

The house also has a series of versatile brick-built outbuildings, including a garage, a barn and a log store, as well as paddocks where the current owners previously kept goats.

Out and About

Long Stratton is nestled in the south Norfolk countryside, with arresting views over the surrounding rural and agricultural landscapes. It is a village that combines the charm of rural living with the convenience of modern amenities.

Award-winning bistro Huggers is an excellent spot for lunch, and Grade II-listed The Swan Inn serves a range of local ales – both of these establishments are just a 16-minute walk from the house. For provisions, the highly regarded Goodies Food Hall and Café is a seven-minute drive away, and comprises a butcher, bakery, deli and a café serving locally sourced fare.

The Norfolk Broads and the Norfolk and Suffolk coastlines are within easy driving distance. There are also endless opportunities to explore in nature within the local area; the ancient woodland of Tyrrels Wood is just an eight-minute drive from the house, and the picturesque Boudicca Way walk (named after the legendary Queen of Iceni, whose tribes once inhabited the area) is also close by. Frenze Beck Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Diss, is a 15-acre county wildlife site with a variety of wetlands, meadows, pastures and scrub habitats. The stunning Dunwich Heath and RSPB Minsmere are also reachable within an hour.

The thriving city of Norwich, the most complete medieval city in the UK, is approximately 10 miles from the house. The city also holds the title of UNESCO City of Literature, and offers a diverse range of cultural, dining and shopping opportunities. The ancient Lanes in the city centre are filled with independent eateries and shops, including Michelin-recommended Benedict’s restaurant and the wonderful St Gregory’s Antiques and Collectables. The city’s 928-year-old cathedral is another must-visit, and for art aficionados, the Sainsbury Art Centre on the university campus has an excellent programme of exhibitions.

There are local primary and secondary schools in the village. There are popular private options in Norwich, along with several well-regarded boarding options, including Framlingham College, in the wider area.

Despite its rural feel, the area is well-connected. Diss rail station is approximately 12 miles away, and provides direct services to London Liverpool Street in 90 minutes. Norwich airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Council Tax Band: G