6 bedroom house

A historic and commanding country house


Description

The Property
Hardley Hall is a distinctive Grade II Listed country house, set in a commanding position that immediately draws attention when approaching through undulating countryside.

Constructed of an aesthetically pleasing mix of limestone, brick and flint, the house is believed to date back to the 16th century with Pevsner’s The Buildings of England noting that ‘with its wave moulded surround the inner doorway still looks pre- reformation, as does the original door’. The detail continues throughout, with Elizabethan mouldings, octagonal chimney shafts, some lovely original fireplaces and many other points of interest.

The current owners have taken great care during their 35 year
custodianship to create a comfortable family home that
is sympathetic to its surroundings. Rooms of particular note are the elegant drawing room, with open fire, the panelled study,
atmospheric dining room and a spacious kitchen/breakfast room complete with Aga. Further useful rooms include a utility, TV room, cellar and original Aga.

The house has two staircases leading to the bedrooms. On the first floor are five bedrooms, including the wonderful master bedroom with fireplace and en-suite bathroom, a family bathroom and further en-suite to bedroom five. There are two further rooms which are spacious and could be utilised as a dressing room and sitting room, but are currently walk through rooms to bedroom five. The second floor is host to a substantial party/entertaining room with vaulted ceilings and natural light, complete with fully functional bar. Also on this floor is a dressing room with bespoke cabinetry, a well fitted shower room and a further room that could be another bedroom if required, or perhaps a study.

There are fine views from all rooms, over the gardens and
countryside beyond.

Outside
Hardley Hall is approached from the North, over an adopted road which concludes at the driveway to the Hall. It continues as a gravelled driveway sweeping up to a parking and turning area in front of the house, bordered in part by low brick and flint wall, and herbaceous beds with a central parterre. The initial drive continues over a shared drive to the outbuildings, garaging and further parking area.

The gardens and grounds are a charming feature of the property with many points of interest. To the north of the house is a well-stocked kitchen garden of raised beds complete with fruit cage, with hard tennis court to the west and further lawned area beyond. A formal lawn is to the west of the house, bordered by well stocked herbaceous beds. To the south of this is the rose garden, divided from the parterre by beech hedging. Beyond is further lawns and beds, with a greenhouse on brick plinth and poly-tunnel with grape vine. Adjoining the south elevation is a gravelled seating area, nestled under a wisteria clad wall. Also to the south is a paved terrace leading out to a further lawn flanked by well stocked beds and high brick wall, culminating in a traditional outbuilding with fireplace that is ideal for covered entertaining. To the east of the house is a secret enclosed garden.

To the far south of the property is a post and railed paddock, within which is a particularly fine Oak tree, with neighbouring enclosed manege, and woodland beyond.

Outbuildings
The property has an excellent range of outbuildings, of traditional brick construction under a pantile roof. The main buildings are in a U plan, and were formerly calving sheds and the dairy, and more recently used for storage, games room and stabling. The barns and enclosed yard were subject to planning consent for conversion to an indoor swimming pool and associated rooms which has now lapsed. The buildings could now be utilised in many different ways and provide an excellent opportunity. Within the grounds are a double carport, garage and further store rooms, all of traditional
construction.

Location

Situation
Hardley Hall is located at the end of an adopted country lane, to the south of the small village of Hardley with it’s distinctive mill and Staithe on the River Yare. Local amenities and village shop can be found in the nearby village of Chedgrave with the attractive and larger village of Loddon approx. 1.5miles, with a range of amenities including post office, doctors surgery, dentist, library, public houses, a range of shops and access to
the Broads network. Public sector schooling is available in Loddon and private sector education is available at the reputable Langley school, located just to the north of Chedgrave. The house is a short walk to footpaths along the river Chet and through surrounding countryside. Norwich, the cathedral city, is about 11 miles from the property with thriving retail, education, cultural and business sectors with a direct service to London Liverpool Street. The heritage coast of Southwold is 20 miles.

Square Footage: 6,548 sq ft




Acreage: 2.65 Acres


Additional Info

Services
Private Water, Mains Electric, Private drainage and Oil Central heating

Local Authority
South Norfolk District Council
Council Tax Band: G

Fixtures & 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.

Marketed by: Savills, Norwich