Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HW

Guide price £895,000 - Freehold

House for Sale in Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HW

The Property
Beech House is a commanding Grade II listed house, dating back to the mid 18th century with later additions and alterations. Acquired by the current owner in 2007 the house has since been sympathetically refurbished and renovated with all period detail being retained and enhanced.

The classically proportioned rooms are a highlight of the house and enjoy a mixture of Victorian and Georgian sash windows with a particularly attractive and rare canted bay widow on 2 levels on the east front. These allow plenty of light into all rooms and increase the feeling of space and light.

The entrance hall, accessed via the main door with fluted pilasters and open segmental pediment, leads onto to the central staircase hall, the main reception rooms and the large kitchen/breakfast room which has fine views over the garden and a separate entrance. There is an elegantly proportioned dining room with fireplace and a drawing room and living room which is essentially open plan and runs the full width of the house. These two latter mentioned rooms are divided by a central chimney breast with wood burner on either side and although still very much a grand room there is a cosiness created by the 'rectory red' Farrow & Ball paint and the mellow brick chimney breast.

The first floor has a striking central upper staircase hall with an impressive wide barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling. This area is almost a reception room in its own right due to its size. This leads to the two main bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms and two further bedrooms and bathroom, all bedrooms are double rooms with plenty of cupboard space or scope to create them. There are a further two staircases leading up to separate second floor accommodation. On the north side of the house there is two double bedrooms and a central bathroom. On the south side of the house there is two bedrooms.

The house is a fine advertisement for mid 18th century to early 19th century architecture and has a plethora of period detail throughout the house that blends well with the style of rooms and accommodation.

Historical Note
Beech House was the former residence of Sir Arthur Wilson (4 March 1842 – 25 May 1921) who was born and died in Swaffham having led a highly successful career in the Royal Navy.

During this career he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courage during the Battle of El Teb in Sudan in 1884. Here, Captain Wilson of HMS Hecla as he was at the time, attached himself to the Naval brigade in place of a lieutenant that was mortally wounded. As the troops closed on the enemy battery, the Arabs charged out on the detachment that was dragging one of the guns, whereupon Captain Wilson sprang to the front and engaged in single combat with the enemy thus protecting the detachment until men of the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment came to his assistance.

Wilson continued to climb the ranks and in 1907 became Admiral of the Fleet and then went on to become First Sea Lord (head of the Royal Navy) in 1910. He was known as " Old 'Ard 'Art ‘ for his refusal to consider the cares and comforts of officers and men and no one expected more of his captains and officers than Wilson." (taken from Admirals by Andrew Lambert). Wilson retired in 1911 and received the Order of Merit in 1912. He is buried in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul's in Swaffham which can be seen from the house.

Outside
The property is entered through a pair of electric wooden five bar gates leading up a sweeping gravelled drive to a large parking and turning area in front of the house and the coach house. The grounds have been carefully landscaped to create a park like feel that befits the grandeur of the house itself.

To the west of the drive is a large area of lawn with a central raised bed bordered by a circle of privet hedging. There are also an assortment of young saplings planted parallel to the drive on this lawn which will grow to create an avenue leading up to the house. The main expanse of lawn is to the east of the house and leads round the back of the house to a lawn on the west. This is bordered on the south and east by a brick and flint wall with fine mature trees in front creating privacy. On the eastern boundary there is a gravelled path, with rose beds either side, leading up to a raised decking area with trellis work behind, creating a lovely seating area for outside dining and with fine views back up to the house. Leading from the kitchen door is a patio area which adjoins the house on the east, south and west and out to a door in the boundary wall with ornamental wrought iron work within the frame. The house itself has a well established trained wisteria on three sides and other climbing plants and shrubs adding colour throughout the year.

The coach house is located to the north of the house and is of traditional mellow brick construction. This provides extensive storage space through a pair of double doors. Inside there is a staircase leading up to a first floor which can be used for further storage. This building would lend itself to conversion to ancillary accommodation or similar subject to the necessary planning consents being obtained. This also has a productive vine on the south east side and a trained rambling rose to the side and above the main doors.

Services
Mains water, electricity, drainage and gas. Recently updated gas fired central heating.

Local Authority
Breckland District Council.

Fixtures and 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.

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.

NB Floor plans prepared by ehouse and are for guidance only. Savills do not accept any responsibility for their accuracy.

Important Notice
Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:

1.They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.

2.Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.