Mill Lane, Thorpe Abbotts

Thorpe Abbotts’ finest farmhouse awaits, a Grade II listed 17th-century residence that transcends mere living, offering over 6,000 sq. ft. of versatile space across two stories and 1 ½ acres of meticulously curated gardens. Exposed oak beams, original floorboards, inglenook fireplaces, and vaulted ceilings combine historic grandeur with modern refinement, while expansive reception rooms flow for both entertaining and intimate family life. The kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, with black marble surfaces, state-of-the-art appliances and rustic detailing, complemented by a sun-drenched breakfast nook and an exquisite iroko glass conservatory overlooking the gardens. Five double bedrooms, including a master bedroom which features the four-poster bed, a large en-suite with jacuzzi bath, and a walk-in wardrobe, provide luxury, while a vast games room offers limitless flexibility for bedrooms, offices, or creative space. Outside, the grounds are a symphony of lawns, mature trees, herbaceous borders, a walled vegetable garden, greenhouses and a natural pond, with multiple “garden rooms” for entertaining or quiet reflection. Practical outbuildings, including a double garage, single garage, and fully insulated workshop—combine convenience with potential, completing a home that is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

A Tranquil Village Within Reach of City Convenience

Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Waveney Valley, Thorpe Abbotts is a charming and peaceful village that offers the perfect blend of countryside serenity and excellent connectivity. It feels worlds away from the bustle of modern life, yet provides remarkable practicality for those who need to stay connected.

Just 6.5 miles from Diss and only 4½ miles from the mainline station, the village places historic market towns, scenic countryside, and essential amenities effortlessly within reach. The Great Eastern Main Line from Diss offers a direct service to London Liverpool Street in as little as 90 minutes, making daily commutes entirely feasible.

Excellent road links, including easy access to the A143 and onward to the A14, ensure smooth travel by car, while Norwich International Airport is nearby for longer journeys. For those who love the coast, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns are just a 40-minute drive away.

Life here moves at a gentler pace. Enjoy quiet country lanes, explore picturesque river meadows, or embark on great nature walks across the lush Waveney Valley. The village itself retains a strong sense of community, with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. A village hall hosts regular events and gatherings, making it easy to get involved for those who want to join in, while for others, the setting is wonderfully calm and private.

Nearby towns provide a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural highlights, ensuring convenience without compromising on the beauty and tranquility of rural living.

For those who value countryside peace, excellent connectivity, and the opportunity to be part of a vibrant yet relaxed community, Thorpe Abbotts offers a rare and enviable balance: a place to breathe, explore, and return home to a truly special property.

A Timeless Grade II Listed 17th-Century Farmhouse Set Amidst 1 ½ Acres of Enchanting Gardens

Step into a home that doesn’t just shelter you—it inspires, delights, and celebrates the art of country living. This Grade II listed farmhouse, dating back to the 1600s, is a tapestry of centuries-old craftsmanship, modern comforts, and enchanting spaces that invite long weekends, fireside evenings, and garden adventures. Spread across over 6,000 sq. ft. of flexible living space on two stories, it sits within approximately 1 ½ acres of meticulously tended grounds, including ornamental gardens and walled rear gardens, offering the rare opportunity to embrace the serene Waveney Valley lifestyle while staying within easy reach of Diss and London.

From the moment you enter, the house reveals its heartbeat. Exposed oak beams, original floorboards, and inglenook fireplaces speak of its storied past, while thoughtful contemporary touches ensure everyday living is effortless. The principal reception rooms flow with an understated grandeur: open studwork connects the sitting and dining areas, creating a sociable, welcoming atmosphere while preserving their individual character.

A vaulted ceiling and partial gallery above the sitting room draw your eyes upward, where sunlight dances across historic timbers. Nestled in the fireplace, a wood-burning stove promises cosy winter nights, while a second sitting room, equally charming, offers a quieter retreat for reading, reflection, or intimate conversation. A dedicated office, complete with built-in furniture and ample room for two workspaces, makes this home ideal for remote working or creative projects. The whole house is fitted with an ADT alarm system and CCTV for peace of mind.

The heart of the home is a kitchen that effortlessly blends heritage and modernity. The kitchen, utility room, and adjoining dairy are fitted with matching pale green Howdens kitchen units, all topped with elegant black marble surfaces. Built-in AEG appliances, including cookers, fridges, and dishwashers, ensure modern convenience without compromising the period aesthetic. A large central island invites casual gatherings, while eye-level ovens and an induction hob cater to every culinary ambition. Robust oak beams and subtle period detailing ensure the space feels warm and grounded, and the adjoining dairy, complete with its original brick floor and cold shelves, offers both storage and charm.

A light-filled breakfast room is the perfect setting for slow weekend mornings, while the adjoining iroko glass conservatory brings the garden indoors, creating a tranquil spot for tea, wildlife watching, or contemplation whatever the season.

Under the staircase, a dedicated wine store provides the perfect space for keeping your collection at hand.

Upstairs, the home’s five double bedrooms unfold across two staircases, each offering flexibility for family life. The principal suite is a true statement of luxury, featuring a four-poster bed, a large en-suite bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, and a walk-in wardrobe. Another generous bedroom offers a private sanctuary, complete with a spiral staircase leading to an attic room that works as a versatile room. Additional bedrooms, many with original fireplaces, combine generous proportions with period elegance, while a galleried landing overlooks the sitting room below—a light-filled pause in the day. The large family bathroom, featuring a freestanding bathtub and classic detailing, could easily be divided to create an additional large bedroom with ensuite facilities.

On the second floor, a very large attic room currently serves as a games room but could be easily divided into two separate rooms—perfect for extra bedrooms, offices, or creative spaces.

Outside, the gardens are nothing short of magical. The ornamental gardens span approximately 1½ acres, with expansive lawns bordered by mature trees and deep herbaceous borders, creating spaces for play, relaxation, and alfresco entertaining. A walled vegetable garden, productive kitchen garden, and two greenhouses cater to the most passionate gardeners, while a cutting garden and natural pond add charm and a haven for wildlife. The grounds also include a pet enclosure, a wooden garage, a garden shed, a large wood store, and a fully insulated garden workshop/hobby area with double-glazed windows—ideal for crafts, art, or a home business.

Multiple “garden rooms” offer private corners for summer dining or quiet reflection, all enclosed within a rabbit-proof plot, perfect for pets.

Practicality meets potential with outbuildings including a double garage with two electric roller shutter doors, a single garage, and additional storage spaces. There’s even the possibility of a building plot, subject to planning consent.

This farmhouse is more than bricks and mortar, it’s a lifestyle. Picture summers spent wandering the gardens with friends, evenings by roaring fires, and weekends exploring the surrounding countryside. It’s a home designed for joy, flexibility, and the simple pleasures of village life, where historic charm meets modern convenience at every turn.

This Grade II listed farmhouse isn’t just a residence, it’s an invitation: to live generously, celebrate the seasons, and create your own story in a home that has been loved, admired, and crafted across centuries.

Highfields Farmhouse through the eyes of its current owner

“Living at Highfields Farmhouse has been a joy. The village is so quiet and peaceful, with very little traffic, and there’s abundant wildlife all around, alongside fantastic walks right on the doorstep and the countryside feels endless.

The house itself is full of character, with beautiful exposed oak beams and original timbers, yet it’s light and welcoming throughout.

Despite the rural setting, it’s a great base – Norwich, Ipswich, and the Suffolk coast are all close by, and Diss station makes London just an hour and a half away. It’s the perfect mix of peace and convenience.”

A Word from the Agent

Sold Freehold

Connected to oil-fired heating, mains water, electricity and treatment plant.

Disclaimer

Minors and Brady, along with their representatives, are not authorised to provide assurances about the property, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of their client. We do not take responsibility for any statements made in these particulars, which do not constitute part of any offer or contract. It is recommended to verify leasehold charges provided by the seller through legal representation. All mentioned areas, measurements, and distances are approximate, and the information provided, including text, photographs, and plans, serves as guidance and may not cover all aspects comprehensively. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulations, or other consents. Services, equipment, and facilities have not been tested by Minors and Brady, and prospective purchasers are advised to verify the information to their satisfaction through inspection or other means.