Swanhaven is a rare Norfolk home that combines period charm with modern comfort in a village setting. Once at the heart of the community as Morgan’s Ales and Stout, this four-bedroom cottage has been thoughtfully renovated, offering a welcoming interior, a well-equipped kitchen, inviting dining and living spaces, and a flexible reception room. Outside, a private garden laid mainly to lawn, bordered with planted beds and shrubbery, alongside a sheltered courtyard and wood store, provides a perfect retreat. Complemented by a versatile barn with conversion potential (stpp), Swanhaven presents a unique opportunity to embrace village life while enjoying space, character, and comfort in equal measure.

Location

Tucked away in the heart of central Norfolk, East Bilney is a quintessentially quiet village, where rolling farmland and winding lanes define the landscape. Life here moves at a gentle pace, with the village itself made up of a scattering of homes and historic cottages, anchored by the 14th century St. Mary’s Church. While East Bilney doesn’t host a traditional high street, daily essentials and community life are just a short drive away in nearby Swanton Morley, which offers a village store, post office, a couple of local pubs, and a primary school. For more extensive shopping or leisure options, the market town of Dereham lies roughly five miles to the south east, providing supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, and secondary schooling.

Families in East Bilney often attend Brisley or Swanton Morley primary schools, with Litcham School and Dereham schools serving older children. Road links are convenient, with the B1146 connecting the village to Dereham and Fakenham, while bus routes through surrounding villages offer practical access to local towns. The city of Norwich is around 15 miles to the east, offering a mainline train station with services to London and beyond, as well as Norwich Airport for domestic and short-haul flights. Living in East Bilney appeals to those seeking a serene rural lifestyle without feeling cut off: the charm of country life combines seamlessly with easy access to neighbouring communities and the amenities of a regional city, making it a place that balances quiet reflection with everyday practicality.

Swanhaven, Fakenham Road

From the moment you step inside, there’s an immediate sense of warmth. The main sitting room is the natural gathering space, centred around an exposed brick fireplace and wood-burning stove, perfect for relaxed evenings. It opens to a flexible reception room, ideal as a study or a playroom for families with children, ready to adapt to your own living requirements.

The kitchen combines country style with modern convenience. Fitted base units provide generous storage, while a Belfast sink and a range master oven with extractor create a practical, well-equipped workspace. Integrated appliances, including a fridge and freezer, ensure day-to-day functionality, and a wooden stable door leads directly to the garden, making indoor-outdoor living effortless.

Adjacent, the dining room is generous in proportion and character, featuring its own wood-burning stove and a welcoming layout for entertaining family and friends. The ground-floor benefits from a family bathroom, including a bathtub, a hand wash basin and a WC.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are bright and comfortable, each with its own character. The main rooms overlook the village, while the smaller fourth bedroom is well-suited as a study, nursery, or guest room. The first-floor is complemented by a modern shower room, comprising of a three-piece suite.

Outside, the garden continues the sense of calm and functionality. Mainly laid to lawn and bordered by planted beds and mature shrubbery, it offers both space and privacy. A wood store sits conveniently close to the house, while a sheltered courtyard provides a perfect setting for outdoor seating and dining, creating distinct areas for relaxation or entertaining. The wide gravel drive ensures ample off-road parking and a sense of arrival.

One of the property’s most exciting features is the detached barn, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and bi-folding doors. With previous permission to convert into a one-bedroom dwelling, it offers flexible potential, whether as a studio, guest accommodation, home office, or additional living space (stpp).

Swanhaven is a rare opportunity to enjoy a home that blends character, comfort, and versatility, set in a village where heritage and community remain at the heart of daily life.

Agents note

Freehold

Some images used in this listing have been AI staged to illustrate potential furnishing and layout options. We recommend arranging a viewing to assess the space and features in person.

Disclaimer

Minors and Brady (M&B) 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 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.