Sue Field explores the unique landscapes and coastal charm of Norfolk in her quest to seek out the best places for smallholder living…

Norfolk is a very popular county and anywhere with land is very much in demand. It’s also varied with a very rural way of life and a terrific coastline. North Elmham, where our featured property is situated, is a small thriving community with a local shop, tea room and surrounded by picturesque countryside.

Whilst no longer served by train, part of the track is being restored as a heritage railway from Dereham to County School (one mile from North Elmham) by the Mid Norfolk Railway. There is a primary school in the parish and good secondary schools within a 15 mile radius as well as a number of beautiful villages and towns such as Fakenham and Swaffham.

The North Norfolk coast is a short drive away with seal and bird watching opportunities at Blakeney and Brancaster. Or take a trip to Sandringham, the Norfolk home of the Royal Family, one of many stately homes in this part of the world. The Breckland Area, which encompasses much of the area around North Elmham, is a 39,000 hectare Special Protection Area and a site of scientific and geographical interest.

The Great Eastern Pingo Trail is 8 miles of tracks and paths on the eastern side, popular with walkers and cylists alike. Pingo Ponds were formed from collapsed earth-covered mounds of ice left after the Ice Age.The area is home to some 12,845 species, making it one of the most important areas for wildlife in the UK including nightjars, skylarks and stone curlews. It is also home to many threatened plants which have special protection status.

Thetford Forest, located in the heart of Breckland, is the largest low-lying pine forest and is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, due in part to it being one of the driest and flattest areas in England.

FEATURED PROPERTY
With property prices forecast to increase over the next few months, this property offers a great deal for the £800,000 to £830,000 guide price.

Situated approximately 5 miles north of Dereham just outside the parish of North Elmham, this detached bungalow with stunning views over the surrounding countryside offers a wealth of updated accommodation. Its location is ideal for those who like the serenity of a quiet position and with no near neighbours, there is no need to worry about noisy dogs, loud cockerels or playing your favourite music at a high volume!

Accommodation
There are so many options with this bungalow, not least the fact that it has a separate self contained annexe known as The Hyde, which could be ideal for an elderly relative or as a holiday let. The Hyde boasts an open-plan kitchen/diner, bedroom with en-suite shower room and a verandah as well as underfloor heating.

The main bungalow has four bedrooms and two shower rooms, a beautifully fitted kitchen/dining area and a light-filled lounge with log burner. French doors lead to the large paved area at the rear of the property, ideal for those summer barbeques and outdoor entertaining. Towards the rear of the property via a lobby is bedroom 4 which is adjacent to a Utility room/WC and a few steps away from a garden room. This area has the potential to be self-contained and with a few modifications and subject to planning permission, would make an ideal holiday let or separate B&B. Another option maybe a studio/workplace for working from home or running a small business.

Outside area
Parkside’s location also gives it wonderful views of some of Norfolk’s finest countryside across fields towards the River Wensum. Standing in three quarters of an acre there is plenty of room for some chickens and a productive vegetable area. The property has post and rail fencing to all sides and within the grounds there is an oil tank, access to septic tank and a considerable amount of outbuildings which include a workshop, selection of sheds/outbuildings, woodstore, lawn mower store and a Shepherds style hut. Whilst Parkside does not offer a large acreage, it would be a very manageable area and appears to offer huge potential. On the market with Warners Estate Agents of Wymondham.

This article first appeared in the September 2024 edition of The Country Smallholder, available to buy here.

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