Deopham, Near Wymondham | Guide price £850,000 | 6 bedroom Detached  

Enjoying the beautiful view from the sunny terrace or soaking up the heat by the glowing fire in the sitting room – whatever the season, life at Deopham House is in a class all of its own. The converted Victorian village school has been home to its current owners for more than 16 years now and during that time they have transformed it into the most fabulous retreat, right in the heart of Norfolk. It really is just so lovely and peaceful here. This is a wonderful village and we have a beautiful home here, said the owner. It has been a superb place to live for all these years. The red brick building, which dates back to 1894, was the village Deopham’s primary school until 1960. The character-filled property was already partly converted when the current owners bought it but they could see how the rest of its open spaces and former school rooms could be transformed into comfortable bedrooms and stylish living areas. Because there was this amazing ceiling height, we were also able to put in a mezzanine level and add extra bedrooms and bathrooms, he explained. We really did all the work very carefully and very sympathetically. It is now an absolutely wonderful home. This delightful home is located with easy reach of Wymondham College. The property is being sold with no onward chain. Period home The red brick building, which dates back to 1894, was the village Deopham’s primary school until 1960. The character-filled property was already partly converted when the current owners bought it but they could see how the rest of its open spaces and former school rooms could be transformed into comfortable bedrooms and stylish living areas. Because there was this amazing ceiling height, we were also able to put in a mezzanine level and add extra bedrooms and bathrooms, he explained. We really did all the work very carefully and very sympathetically. It is now an absolutely wonderful home. School days Original wooden floors were retained throughout the property and two huge fireplaces were refurbished. Solid oak school doors were also worked into the new interior design, as was the beautiful vaulted original ceiling. Everything else we have done has been very much in keeping with the period style too, he continued. It’s wonderful being able to relax in the sitting room, by the fire, gazing right up into the beamed ceiling above. We use this room, which used to be the main school room, for entertaining. It is a lovely peaceful room, which is nice in summer as well when we open up the French windows, he said. Fireside warmth Another favourite room is the dining room. Here the couple have made a stunning feature of an old school window. This is a formal dining room with a log burner in it, explained the owner. We spend a lot of time in here because we love it so much. We put a leaded fleur-de-lis design in the huge window and now it really is quite breath-taking. The huge kitchen, with its antique pine units and Italian ceramic tiles, is another space that is well-used by the family. An enormous room, with a generous breakfast area, it can accommodate up to 10 people comfortably round its table for enjoy casual lunches or weekend breakfasts. If we have one of our girls over for Sunday lunch we often have it in the kitchen, he added. Despite its size, this is another very warm and welcoming space. Unique appeal With four double bedrooms on the upper level, as well as two on the ground floor, guests are always welcome at Deopham House. Beautifully decorated and featuring French-style furniture, each of the rooms has its own unique appeal. The master bedroom is absolutely huge. In fact it’s so big we decided to have a special 7ft bed made for it – and you still hardly notice it, he said. The feature window from the dining room comes up into the master bedroom as well and so you can look down from above, almost as if you are on a balcony. Country lifestyle From the master bedroom, and indeed from many of the rooms, the owners enjoy the most beautiful views out across the gardens and fields beyond. It is so lovely to live somewhere like this, somewhere that is so beautiful, said the owner. Over the years, the family has entertained on numerous occasions, hosting parties both in the house and out on the lawn. It is a wonderful place to invite people to come and visit, he said. We will certainly miss it when we leave. Setting the Scene When the sun shines, the owners of Deopham House spend as much time as possible out on their terrace. From here they enjoy the sweeping views out across their gardens and the surrounding south Norfolk countryside. The Italian-style terrace is a real sun trap, said the owner, and the perfect place to host barbecues and summer garden parties. We have a huge archway out there that is totally covered in ivy and has a lovely statue in the middle, he said. The lawns and flower beds are beautiful and the large pond, which has a waterfall that is just full of koi carp. It’s fabulous. MEZZANINE Because there was this amazing ceiling height, we were also able to put in a mezzanine level and add extra bedrooms and bathrooms. DINING ROOM We spend a lot of time in here because we love it so much. We put a leaded fleur-de-lis design in the huge window and now it really is quite breath-taking. BEAUTIFUL This is a wonderful village and we have a beautiful home. haart is the seller’s agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate