4 bed country house for sale

Shotford Road, Harleston, 9 IP20

Behind the walls, this beautifully characterful four bedroom country home unfolds through a series of elegant spaces, where original features, warm heritage tones and thoughtfully considered interiors create an atmosphere of comfort. Surrounded by mature gardens and secluded terraces, it is a home made for long lunches, fireside evenings and the gentle rhythm of family life, with commuter links just 10 minutes away.

From its beautifully preserved details and exceptional kitchen to its generous reception rooms, multiple fireplaces and wonderfully varied gardens, this is one of the oldest homes in Harleston and one that feels deeply welcoming. A property with space to entertain, rooms in which to retreat, and gardens designed to be enjoyed with company, or for quiet moments, throughout the day and across the seasons.

Step Inside

Inside, the generous Norfolk pamment tiled entrance hall provides the perfect welcome, with plenty of space for family and guests to arrive, gather and shed the practicalities of country living. From here, the house opens into a series of beautifully considered reception and living spaces, balancing scale with warmth and comfort. At the centre of the house is an enormous kitchen and dining room, designed as much for entertaining as it is for everyday family life. Beautifully preserved parquet flooring and ancient beams stretching across the ceiling add warmth and character, while a superbly appointed kitchen delivers everything the enthusiastic cook could wish for. An alcove houses double side-by-side ovens, complemented by induction cooking and a separate gas hob, a chef's dream. The adjoining walk-in pantry provides exceptional storage and practicality, keeping the main kitchen beautifully uncluttered and has beautiful beam work inside too. This is a genuinely social space: A kitchen and dining room where people naturally gather, conversation flows and occasions unfold. After dinner, guests can retreat to the living room beyond, a cosy, sophisticated setting with the dual-sided fireplace (currently closed off but could be reopened) forming a focal point. This same feature serves the snug, a wonderfully inviting room with French doors at one end open onto the west-facing terrace and gardens. This is a great spot for reading with so much natural light flooding through. At the opposite end of the house, across the hallway, the sitting room offers something altogether quieter. Fireside and intimate, it is a peaceful space in which to escape the bustle of the life, snuggling by the biofuel burner with a good book and is also, being south facing; a sunny spot for a morning cuppa. French doors open directly onto the south-facing walled garden, accessed only by this room and from the hallway, creating a seamless connection with this secluded outdoor space. A conveniently positioned cloakroom completes the reception accommodation.

Explore Upstairs

The staircase rises to a generous first-floor landing, complete with open fireplace and chimney, and filled with natural light, offering far more than simply a passage between rooms. There is ample space to create a charming reading corner or a small home office beside the window, a peaceful retreat, tucked away from the more sociable areas of the house. At one end, a substantial bedroom is complemented by a walk-in wardrobe and has plenty of additional space for a sofa or desk. Equally suited to an older child, an au pair or visiting family, it offers a degree of independence rarely found within a family home. Across the landing is an elegantly appointed family bathroom, before reaching the principal bedroom, complete with its own beautifully fitted ensuite and west aspect window offering a soft evening light. The landing continues to two further bedrooms set in the oldest part of the home, one larger than the other with a walk-in wardrobe and connected by an internal door. Historically, this arrangement may well have served as a nursery suite, and it remains a wonderfully versatile configuration today. For younger families, the arrangement provides an ideal children's wing, with bedrooms close together while retaining a sense of their own space. Alternatively, the rooms could be transformed into a bedroom and adjoining dressing room or sitting room. Flexible, characterful and full of potential, these rooms can evolve effortlessly with the life of the household. On the first floor, exposed beams feature throughout, adding warmth, texture and a tangible connection to the property's history.

Step Outside

Approached through a white double gated entrance, and enclosed in a beautiful brick wall, a generous gravel driveway provides an elegant arrival with ample parking for up to 6 cars, as well as the substantial double garage. The gardens are a defining feature of the property. Mature hedging and the superb wall create a wonderful sense of privacy and enclosure, safe for children and animals, while the grounds unfold into a series of distinct and interesting spaces, each with its own character. To the rear, a west-facing terrace opens directly from the snug, an idyllic setting for afternoon and evening entertaining, with mature planting and a tranquil pond adding to the atmosphere. Ducks and Moorhens have made the pond their home over the years providing much entertainment, along with the visiting insect life including beautiful Dragonflies. A separate walled garden area, accessed from the sitting room or hall, faces south and offers a more intimate outdoor retreat: A wonderfully private spot for quiet mornings, reading or simply enjoying the garden.

On the Doorstep

Harleston provides an excellent range of independently owned shops along with two supermarkets, doctors, dentist and vets, flu jab clinic, schools to gcse level, along with cafes, restaurants and pubs. Within walking distance are Weybread Fishing lakes, a group of five lakes with both coarse and carp fishing opportunities and offering locals the opportunity for a peaceful stroll.

How Far Is It To....

The market town of Diss is just 10 minutes away with supermarkets, dentist, doctors, vets, schools, parks, Golf club, and the scenic Diss Mere. Rail links from Diss take approximately 90 minutes to London, Liverpool St and a mere 20 minutes to Norwich with its international airport. For beach lovers, Southwold and Lowestoft are in easy reach, and the historic town of Eye with amazing architecture and local independent eateries is a lovely coffee spot.

Services, District Council and Tenure

Gas Central Heating and lpg for hob

Mains Electricity, Water & Drainage

Broadband Available – Fibre to the property but please check

Mobile Phone Reception - varies depending on network provider Please see to check.

South Norfolk District Council – Band E– Freehold