Tanns Lane, North Lopham

Hidden at the end of a quiet Norfolk lane, this early-18th-century estate tells a story more than three hundred years in the making, where historic architecture and modern elegance meet with effortless grace. Once a rural farmhouse, Tanns Lodge has evolved into a home of rare refinement. Panelled walls and grand inglenook fireplace’s speak of its Georgian origins, while a luminous garden room and a bespoke country kitchen reflect a sensitive reimagining for contemporary life. Upstairs, five bedrooms, including a principal suite of boutique-hotel calibre, promise privacy and comfort, every detail considered with care. Beside it lies Newts Cottage, a beautifully converted barn with its own garden and views across the meadow and pond. Perfect as a guest retreat or for multi-generational living, it adds a layer of versatility to this exceptional setting. Beyond the doors, the gardens unfold like chapters of a living story. Rose-filled borders, a koi pond, a kitchen garden, and a covered terrace invite both quiet reflection and spirited gatherings. Rarely does a home combine such history, beauty, and life so seamlessly—here, every day feels like a new chapter.

Experience the best of village living in North Lopham

Tanns Lodge is set within the quaint village of North Lopham, a quintessentially English rural community in the heart of South Norfolk. North Lopham is known for its rural countryside setting, with rolling fields, historic architecture, and a warm, welcoming community that epitomises village life. The village itself has St Andrew’s Primary School, a well-regarded primary school, ideal for families requiring quality local education, while older pupils benefit from a range of highly regarded schools in nearby Diss.

For social and leisure pursuits, the village is centred around its much-loved pub, which regularly hosts street food evenings, live music events, and seasonal gatherings, offering a vibrant hub for residents and visitors. The two Lopham villages, North and South, share a village hall that serves as a focal point for community engagement, hosting a variety of clubs and societies such as gardening, painting, exercise classes, and the Diss Quilters.

Residents of Tanns Lane enjoy the best of rural life while remaining exceptionally well connected. Peaceful walks and countryside trails are easily accessible directly from the property, allowing residents to explore the surrounding fields and woodlands at leisure, often finishing with a leisurely stop at the village pub. For those commuting further afield, Diss offers a mainline railway station with direct services to London Liverpool Street in approximately 90 minutes, while nearby Attleborough and Thetford also provide additional rail links, opening up the wider region for both work and leisure.

Diss, just a short drive away, offers an extensive range of amenities including supermarkets, independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and specialist stores. Healthcare needs are well catered for, with doctors’ and dentist surgeries in the town, while more comprehensive medical facilities can be accessed in larger nearby towns and cities. For families, the area also benefits from a variety of educational options, including Diss High School, Hartismere School and Easton & Otley College, ensuring that all stages of learning are easily accessible.

Tanns Lane is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Norwich, which is a vibrant and historic city renowned for its cultural heritage, thriving independent shops, and a wide range of restaurants and cafés, particularly within the charming Norwich Lanes. The city also offers excellent shopping centres, including Chantry Place and Castle Quarter. Norwich Railway Station also provides direct services to London Liverpool Street in around 90 minutes, as well as connections to Cambridge, Manchester, and other major cities. For air travel, Norwich Airport offers flights to domestic and European destinations, making the city highly accessible.

Tanns Lodge & Newts Cottage – Circa 1720, reimagined for modern living

Hidden at the end of a secluded no-through lane, Tanns Lodge is a home of rare distinction. Dating from circa 1720, it has been carefully and thoughtfully transformed over generations, blending its historic character with the conveniences and sophistication of contemporary life. The result is a residence that feels immediately welcoming, yet offers the scale, flexibility, and refinement sought by discerning buyers.

Entering through the panelled front door, the solid wood floors of the entrance hall set a graceful tone. Ahead, the wide staircase rises with understated elegance, while to the right, the Country Living kitchen reveals a space designed for modern life. Light pours through a lantern window, highlighting a substantial central island with an integrated sink and wine cooler, complemented by beautifully crafted cabinetry, a pantry, and intuitive pan drawers. Twin ovens, an induction hob, and electric range allow for effortless entertaining, while the adjoining utility room discreetly accommodates practical needs.

The kitchen flows seamlessly into the garden room, a bright, versatile space with panoramic views over the grounds, creating a natural connection between indoor and outdoor living. A snug sits adjacent, providing a quiet retreat, while the sitting room impresses with its grand inglenook fireplace, exposed brickwork, and reclaimed timber bressumer beam – a striking celebration of the home’s heritage. The property also offers a formal dining room and a private office with external access, ideal for work-from-home arrangements or hosting clients with discretion.

Ascend the staircase to the first floor, where four bedrooms are arranged to maximise privacy and comfort. The principal suite is a sanctuary of calm, with a triple-aspect, rustic beams, an exposed brick chimney breast, and a luxurious en-suite, reminiscent of a boutique country hotel. Two further bedrooms are separated by the family bathroom, whilst another generous bedroom flaunts a private en-suite and built-in storage. A second-floor room offers flexible potential as a hobby space, office, or an additional bedroom if required.

Newts Cottage, recently converted from a barn just two and a half years ago, is quietly tucked to one side of the estate, with its own entrance, garden, and parking. Overlooking the pond, meadow, and open countryside beyond, it offers privacy while remaining part of the wider estate. The farmhouse-style kitchen flows into a bright, triple-aspect sitting and dining area, complemented by a double bedroom and a modern shower room. Planning permission exists to extend into the adjoining garage, offering opportunities for multi-generational living, a dedicated office, or an additional bedroom suite.

The grounds at Tanns Lodge are truly astonishing, conceived as much for experience as for beauty. Within the fully enclosed estate, winding paved paths guide you through herbaceous borders and rose-filled corners, where specimen trees provide dappled shade and a natural rhythm of discovery. Each turn offers a new perspective: a shimmering koi pond that catches the late-afternoon light, a summerhouse perfect for morning coffee, and a woodland Pagoda where birdsong becomes the only soundtrack.

For those who love to entertain, the gardens are equally captivating. A covered outdoor lounge, complete with a fully fitted bar, cooking facilities, and generous space for a hot tub, creates an effortless transition from relaxed family afternoons to convivial evening gatherings beneath the stars. Beyond the entertaining area, a dedicated kitchen garden with raised beds and a large Victorian style glasshouse offers the simple pleasure of cultivating homegrown produce. Framed by open fields and mature trees, the entire provides a timeless backdrop for both everyday life and memorable celebrations.

In a market where country homes of this calibre and provenance are increasingly rare, Tanns Lodge and Newts Cottage present an opportunity far beyond the acquisition of a house. This is an invitation to become the next custodian of a beautiful estate, one whose story stretches back over three centuries and continues to evolve with grace and relevance.

Agents note

We understand that this property is freehold

Oil fired central heating

Main residence - Septic tank

Newts Cottage - Treatment plant

Disclaimer

Minors and Brady (M&B), along with their representatives, aren’t authorised to provide assurances about the property, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of their client. We don’t take responsibility for any statements made in these particulars, which don’t constitute part of any offer or contract. To comply with AML regulations, £52 is charged to each buyer which covers the cost of the digital ID check. It’s recommended to verify leasehold charges provided by the seller through legal representation. All mentioned areas, measurements, and distances are approximate, and the information, including text, photographs, and plans, serves as guidance and may not cover all aspects comprehensively. It shouldn’t be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulations, or other consents. Services, equipment, and facilities haven’t been tested by M&B, and prospective purchasers are advised to verify the information to their satisfaction through inspection or other means.