Grade II Listed Thatched Farmhouse with Studio and 0.63 Acres in Strumpshaw, Norfolk

A Historic Grade II Listed Thatched Farmhouse in Strumpshaw

A charming detached Grade II listed thatched farmhouse in Strumpshaw, Norfolk, dating from before 1450, with period features, a self-contained studio and more than 4,500 sq ft of living accommodation. Set within approximately 0.63 acres of mature landscaped gardens and grounds, the property includes a swimming pool, covered patio entertaining area, double garage and workshop. It is offered for sale with no upward chain.

Property Highlights

This attractive 15th-century thatched farmhouse offers five double bedrooms, three reception rooms and a studio above the former coach house. The property has been beautifully restored, renovated and extended by the current owners, including a locally sourced green oak-framed extension providing a ground-floor ensuite bedroom. Further scope remains to enhance the main loft, garden, green energy systems and the caretaker role associated with this characterful home.

The farmhouse is ideal for multi-generational living, home working or potential income generation. The first-floor studio has been successfully used for Airbnb and provides privacy and independence. The property also benefits from new sedge ridge work, reed dressing and renewed wire mesh to the thatched roof, oil-fired central heating and solar panels.

History and Restoration

The house predates 1450 and is documented to have been occupied by a yeoman and his family. Red brick crosses are inlaid on either side of the original entrance to Oaklands. The property has welcomed travellers over the centuries and, from the 18th century, became known for charitable giving: four bushels of merchantable wheat were given to the poor of the village every Boxing Day.

The current owners have spent seven years restoring Oaklands. Almost all floors throughout the residence have been newly laid in stone, pamment, solid oak or bamboo. There are many new solid oak internal doors and double-glazed oak-framed windows throughout, except for those on the south wall of the West Wing.

The Main Entrance and Ground Floor

The side entrance leads into a green oak-framed extension with limestone flooring. Designed to maximise natural light and complement the medieval heritage of the original house, the extension links the farmhouse to the former coach house. Grand oak-beamed windows and skylights allow natural light to track through the space from front to back throughout the day.

Stairs lead to the first-floor studio, while a wheelchair-accessible door leads to a ground-floor ensuite bedroom with mezzanine. This provides excellent flexibility for multi-generational living. The entrance hallway includes a Guest WC and leads to a Utility Room with a butler sink, appliance space and plumbing, and solid oak shelving.

The Kitchen, Breakfast and Family Room

The Kitchen, Breakfast and Family Room forms the heart of the home. It features exposed beams, pamment flooring with underfloor heating, an electric four-oven Aga, fitted oak units, a breakfast bar, double Belfast sink and numerous fitted storage cupboards. There is ample room for freestanding furniture, and a new solid oak staircase rises to the first floor.

A Study off the kitchen has dual-aspect windows, oak flooring and views across the rear garden, orchard and pond.

Reception Rooms

The grand Formal Dining Room has high ceilings with exposed beams, oak block flooring, French doors opening onto the patio, fitted shelving, a window seat and an open fireplace. It comfortably accommodates a large dining table for formal or relaxed gatherings.

An original staircase from the Dining Room leads to the first floor. On the other side of the chimney stack is the original Front Entrance Hallway, which provides access to a spacious Sitting Room. This welcoming room includes a large open fireplace, window seat overlooking the front garden, oak flooring and a fitted oak drinks cabinet.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

On the first floor, all four double bedrooms are generous in size and enjoy beautiful garden views through leaded lattice windows facing the front and rear. There is ample storage throughout the first floor.

The handsome Principal Bedroom in the West Wing has a vaulted ceiling, exposed brick fireplace, fitted storage cupboards and a medieval full-height chimney. Its Ensuite Bathroom can also be accessed from the landing.

In the East Wing, the Main Bedroom has oak flooring, a feature fireplace, an Ensuite Shower Room and a quintessential medieval window with wooden mullions fixed diagonally for weather protection. Two further bedrooms are served by a Family Bathroom.

First-Floor Studio and Annexe

The open-plan Studio and Annexe is positioned above the Workshop and Garage, offering privacy and independence. The former coach house has been elegantly converted and is connected to the main farmhouse by stairs in the new extension, as well as by external steps from the driveway.

A Kitchenette at one end includes fitted units, an electric oven and hob, and plumbing for a washing machine. The main living area has a multi-fuel stove, and there is a separate Shower Room. The studio has proved popular for Airbnb, providing useful income for the current owners.

Land, Gardens and Buildings

The property is approached via a gravel driveway with ample parking in front of the Double Garage. The garage has sliding doors and a car pit. The adjoining Workshop and Garage both have power and lighting.

The beautiful gardens are a key feature of the property and have been carefully planned to provide year-round interest. Wisteria, climbing roses and a grape vine adorn the walls. Magnolia blossom marks the beginning of spring, roses flower throughout summer, and a plentiful variety of fruit is available in autumn.

The grounds include a kitchen garden for fresh herbs, a sunny swimming pool terrace within the south-facing walled garden, and a rear garden terrace for outdoor dining in the evening sun. The front gardens are more formal, while the productive walled garden to the west contains soft fruit bushes and vegetable beds. To the rear of the house, a larger lawn surrounded by trees and shrubs provides plenty of space for children to play.

The delightful oval Swimming Pool is set within a sandstone patio area with a covered seating and entertaining area. A brick-built Pool Room houses the pump and filters, and there is an adjoining Store and Potting Shed.

A former Farm Pond within the grounds attracts abundant wildlife, including more than forty bird species, deer, frogs, newts and wild orchids.

Location: Strumpshaw, Norfolk

The thriving village of Strumpshaw sits across from the Yare Valley, roughly halfway between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Local amenities include an award-winning community-oriented country pub, a nearby Spar with Post Office, a garage and a farm shop.

Almost half of the parish lies within the Broads National Park, including nationally and internationally protected areas such as the RSPB’s Strumpshaw Fen. Ancient woodlands designated as County Wildlife Sites, quiet roads, cycle networks and footpaths provide extensive opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation.

Primary schools are located in the adjacent villages of Lingwood and Brundall. Lingwood and Brundall also provide frequent bus and rail services connecting Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Area, Price and Sale Information

The land extends to approximately 0.63 acres, about 0.25 hectares. The property is offered with no upward chain and has been the vendors’ family home for more than fifteen years. In all, it is a stunning lifestyle property, particularly appealing to buyers seeking multi-generational accommodation, home-working space or potential income generation.

Price Guide: £1,187,500.

Contact Rural Scene

For further information, contact Rural Scene on 01264 850700 or email reception@ruralscene.co.uk. Please quote reference AR8599.