Wilby, Norwich, NR16

Wonderfully private Elizabethan country house set in 12 acres

Description

PROPERTY
Wilby Hall is a significant late 16th century part moated country house, Grade II Listed and wonderfully positioned at the heart of its own 12 acres of mature gardens and grounds. The house is architecturally distinguished, built of mellow red brick with crow stepped gables, mullioned and transomed windows which retain much of the original glass, and fine internal period detail. Historically the house is believed to have been built by Sir Thomas Lovell, and lived in, amongst others, by Robert Wilton a friend of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was known to have visited Norwich and it is thought likely that he stayed at Wilby Hall during his visit. A common theme throughout its existence is the custodians have taken great care to maintain the house with a high degree of sympathy, with the conservation of the outstanding features. There are original doors and achitraving throughout, staircase with gun barrel turned balusters, oak panelling and original room layouts. The accommodation is set over three floors, with all rooms providing a purpose. Of particular note on the ground floor is the impressive drawing room with fire place, delightful sitting room with distinctive wall paper and handsome fire place, kitchen/breakfast room and charming library with direct access out to the gardens. The first floor hosts four spacious double bedrooms, including the principal bedroom with panelled dressing room and en suite bathroom, with a further family bathroom. The attractive staircase continues to the second floor, with large landing leading to three bedrooms, dressing room, sitting room and substantial bathroom. The house enjoys fine views of the gardens and grounds from all rooms.

COTTAGE AND OUTBUILDINGS
There is an excellent range of traditional outbuildings within the grounds of Wilby Hall. These include a 17th century long barn and associated barn, set within the north of the grounds that would be suitable for a variety of uses subject to gaining the necessary planning consents. To the west of the house are a range of store rooms, and a further range of buildings including stabling, open bay garaging, chicken run, and hay loft, all centered around a courtyard. A former dairy building was thoughtfully converted to provide ancillary accommodation to the main house and finished to a high standard. This comprises a entrance hall, open plan kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. The cottage is spacious and light, with a private garden area.

Wilby Hall is approached from the east, over a sweeping tree lined gravel drive, leading past the outbuildings and giving tantilising glimpses of the house to a parking and turning area for many cars. The drive spurs off to the cottage and to the outbuildings. To the north of the house is the Elizabethan walled garden, formally landscaped with box hedging, yew topiary, yew hedging, herbaceous beds, pond and ornamental trees. A gravelled path leads from the main door to the north of the walled garden with wrought iron gate. The south facing garden is a large expanse of lawn, stretching away to the moat that borders the lawns from east to west with mature broadleaf wood land beyond. A terrace adjoins the south facing wall of the outbuildings with a swimming pool.
Established meadowland is to the east and north of the grounds, providing good grazing, with the remaining land including woodland, pond and further lawned areas. The land in all extends to about 12 acres.

Location

Wilby Hall is located on the edge of the hamlet of Wilby, a short drive to the A11 and to the well served village of Old Buckenham famous for its 40 acre green in the centre of the village and well served by two public houses, a village shop and post office and primary and secondary education. Further shopping facilities can be found in the old market town of Attleborough which is about 3 miles to the north. The Abbey town of Wymondham is about 10 miles and has excellent shopping facilities including a Waitrose, and renowned education at both Wymondham College and Wymondham High School. Norwich, the Cathedral city and regional centre of East Anglia lies approximately 17 miles and has a thriving retail and business centre and cultural and leisure activities for most tastes. There is a mainline rail service to London Liverpool Street and an airport providing domestic and international flights with connections to most destinations via Schipol. Diss (8 miles) has a mainline rail station with regular trains to London Liverpool Street with a journey time of about 90 minutes.




Acreage: 11.46 Acres

Directions

From Norwich via A11, continue bypassing Attleborough and upon reaching the roundabout continue straight over and take the first slip road signed to Eccles. At the T-junction turn right. Proceed towards Old Buckenham (Hargham Road) and after the rail crossing take the next right signed to Wilby. Continue for about half a mile and the entrance to Wilby Hall will be found on the right hand side. The postcode for the property is NR16 2JP.

Additional Info

SERVICES
Mains water and electricity, private drainage, oil fired central heating.

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Breckland District Council

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
All fixtures and fittings including fitted carpets and curtains are specifically excluded from the sale, but may be available in addition, subject to separate negotiation.

VIEWINGS
Strictly by appointment with Savills.