Church Lane, Baconsthorpe, Holt, Norfolk, NR25

A fine example of an Old Rectory.

Description

The Old Rectory of Baconsthorpe is as you would hope a former Rectory to be. With a handsome and grand Georgian façade, west facing and within sight of the Medieval village church, there is a wonderful presence upon arrival. Built in 1770 of gault brick, with later additions, the house and associated barns are surprisingly unlisted which is advantageous. The house also has the accolade of surviving a second World War bomb, when on the 1st February 1941, a German bomber likely took aim at the church, only to hit the north wing of the house. Subsequently rebuilt in a red brick, it provides a timeline to the house's history.

The house is full of charm. It has an endearingly unspoilt and timeless feel to it all, with a formality yet an overarching welcoming and homely feel, no doubt helped having been a much loved family home since being sold from the diocese in 1979.

The south wing of the house hosts the most refined rooms of the house. An elegant drawing room, with fine bay window and open fireplace, is a delightful room with lovely light, with large arch behind panelled doors opening to an equally well proportioned sitting room. The two rooms can combine to create one large entertaining and living space. As with many houses, the focal point is the kitchen, and despite the age of The Old Rectory the house enjoys an open plan kitchen breakfast/family room that is well suited to modern living styles. It is a brilliant space that absorbs life, with tall ceilings, lots of natural light, door out to the gardens, and woodburner. A utility adjoins it, with a larder beyond, making it a functional area of the house. A middle hall leads to a library/dining room conveniently close to the kitchen, and a large study, both with fireplaces. A barrel vaulted wine cellar is cool, dry, well ventilated and brilliantly authentic, with brick wine bins. Adjoining the drawing room is an 11m long conservatory, to fulfil gardening aspirations or perhaps as a summer dining room.

Two staircases lead up to the first floor. The main staircase leads up to a bright and spacious landing, thanks mostly to the attractive roof lantern flooding natural light in. This open space leads to the south wing, which has become a principal suite. A large principal bedroom has fine views over the gardens and countryside beyond, with adjoining bathroom, and a dressing room with fitted wardrobes. A further four double bedrooms are on the first floor, all with character including fireplaces, distinctive sash windows and cupboards. These rooms are served by two family bathrooms, and separate WC. A linen/sewing room is a practical and helpful space tucked away at the back of the house. The back stairs continue up to the second floor, as well as a second staircase from first to second floor. There are a further three bedrooms, again with original fireplaces, making for a great children’s floor. There is access to loft storage.

The house has been a cherished home for the current custodian. It is anticipated that the future owners will likely wish to update in areas of the house.

Outbuildings
A feature of The Old Rectory is the excellent range of outbuildings, which is unusual for a Rectory where the Rectors funds were normally only able to stretch to a fine house, and many had no need for outbuildings. In this instance, a significant 18th century barn with walled courtyard, original stables and potting sheds provide excellent opportunity to create lifestyle assets. They all retain a charming originality, with chickens running around the courtyard for good measure, but could become anything from Swimming pool area with party barn, wellness zone, art studio, annexe to the main house, or frankly it has the space to create all the aforementioned. The large barn has access from the country lane, and is therefore helpful as storage for boats or similar. There are first floors to the main barn, together with a first floor above the potting shed.

The buildings have a good connection to the house, being just to the north, making any changes easily reached from the house and therefore an area that is well utilised in whatever form.

Location

Gardens and Grounds
A highlight of The Old Rectory are the wonderfully mature gardens, which have been curated over the years by the current custodians who had a keen interest in plants. This is most apparent within the conservatory, where specimen plants were propagated, and within the walled garden which has featured in the past on the National Garden Schemes openings.

Whilst there are lovely areas of annual colour and herbaceous beds, there are also more relaxed Country House style gardens. A subtle entrance, flanked by mellow brick and flint walls, has a sweeping drive up to the front of the house, providing a great sense of arrival. An expanse of lawn stretches away to the west, with borders of shrubs, a thatched folly, and a view through to Baconsthorpe church. A wide yew hedge, with arch, leads through to the south lawns, a gloriously open area bordering farmland to the south, with sweeping lawns including croquet lawn, and dotted with specimen trees on the periphery including a fine Quercus Ilex, walnut and copper beech. Seasonal bulbs, particularly bluebells and daffodils, provide earlier annual colour.

To the east of the house is an enclosed walled courtyard garden, onto which the kitchen opens to. This then leads out to the partly walled gardens. Grass paths meander through abundantly stocked herbaceous beds, with iris, geranium, euphorbia and many other specialist plants, with a long border running along a high south facing wall, complete with wisteria, roses and espaliered fruit trees. There is a highly productive kitchen garden, the beds are dotted with apple and pear trees, with a fruit cage for soft fruit, asparagus beds and artichokes. Areas of lawn provide open areas within the border, and a sunken ornamental pond, bordered by gravel paths and flint walls.

Further to the east is box topiary, a seating area to look back to the house and gardens, and the hard tennis court that would now require renovation, but is in an ideal position. Beyond this is a copse, providing variety to the landscape. Between the outbuildings are courtyards of lawns, herbaceous beds and shrubs.

Situation
The Old Rectory is set on the edge of the unspoilt North Norfolk village of Baconsthorpe, best known for its 15th century castle ruins, looked after by English Heritage and open to the public. The village is a short drive to Holt (3½ miles), the bustling Georgian town famous for its boutique shopping including Bakers & Larners, Byfords delicatessen and many independent retailers alongside art galleries, antiques shops, jewellers and public houses. The town is fast becoming known for its restaurants too, with Michelin starred ‘Meadowsweet’, alongside cafes including ‘Two Magpies’ and artisan coffee shops such as ‘Cross Street Union’. The renowned Gresham’s Preparatory and senior schools are on the edge of the town, with further preparatory education at Beeston Hall School near Sheringham.

The North Norfolk Coast, designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, can be found approximately three miles in Weybourne, an attractive coastal village with the excellent public house and hotel, The Maltings, together with further pub, general stores and direct access to the shingle beach. The coastline as a whole provides excellent sailing and bird watching, with a network of footpaths to enjoy, alongside a plethora of gastro pubs.

The nearest train station is located in Sheringham, approximately a 15 minute drive away.

Square Footage: 7,761 sq ft


Acreage: 2.94 Acres

Additional Info

Services
Main water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating.

Local Authority
North Norfolk District Council
Council Tax Band G

Fixtures & 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. The AGA in the kitchen will be included in the sale.

Viewings
Strictly by appointment with Savills. If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.