A listed former Victorian school house with stunning character features has come up for sale in the village of Rushford, near Thetford on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, at a £1.35m guide price.
The school was opened in 1872 to serve the Shadwell Estate following the Education Act of 1870. It is built of brick and flint under pitched tiled roofs and boasts 3,480 sq ft of accommodation and grounds totalling 0.78 acres.
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Tom Orford, director in the residential sales team at Savills in Suffolk, said: “Situated in an idyllic elevated position overlooking the attractive village green and lying just north of the River Little Ouse, The Old School House is an extraordinary award-winning Grade II listed property that blends historic charm with modern luxury alongside some truly stunning gardens.
“Upon entering the property, I felt immediately charmed. There are numerous original features throughout and the attention to detail is incredible. From the school bell to the AGA kitchen, every detail has been thoughtfully preserved and restored.”
Entering through the oak studded door, The Old School House’s entrance hall with its handcrafted oak staircase makes a staggering first impression.
This room provides access to a cloakroom, utility and the grounds, as well as a triple-aspect dining room with an open fireplace, gothic arched windows and two sets of oak doors opening to the rear terrace.
On the opposite side of the entrance hall is the kitchen/breakfast room, which has a bespoke fitted kitchen with granite and oak worktops, an electric, four-door AGA set into a limestone chimney breast in addition to a separate Miele oven and a built-in dishwasher and fridge/freezer.
A charming library with fitted, handmade bookcases and a Victorian cast iron fireplace provides a lovely space to unwind. Beyond this is a study, also with a fireplace and fitted bookcases, and the original entrance porch.
“The triple aspect drawing room – an original school room – is of particular note,” said Tom. “An incredibly impressive vaulted roof and brick fireplace are complemented by a feature arched window that allows the room to be filled with light and offers lovely views to the front and rear of the property. It’s a unique Victorian gem.”
The drawing room also benefits from access to the garden and another handcrafted oak staircase, matching the one in the entrance hall, which rises to the first floor.
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There are four spacious bedrooms upstairs, including the triple-aspect principal bedroom overlooking the surrounding countryside and featuring a carved vaulted ceiling and en-suite wet room with Duravit sanitary ware. The remaining three bedrooms are all doubles and are served by a family bathroom.
The Old School House overlooks Rushford’s village green from its elevated position. A five-bar gate with a gravel path at the side of the property leads to the terrace and gardens.
The large terrace benefits from a water feature and a water rill and is surrounded by mature cottage garden plants including roses, foxgloves, irises and hollyhocks.
The gardens are mainly laid to lawn with mature trees providing seclusion and privacy. There is also a greenhouse and shed within the garden and raised vegetable beds to the side of the house.
Parking for several vehicles is provided via a large, gravel driveway with gated access and a double cart lodge with an electric charging point. The cart lodge also has a room above, which Savills said could be used as an office.
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Rushford is a small village on the banks of the River Little Ouse approximately three miles from Thetford and 15 miles from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The village is home to the Rushford Estate, which has a long, distinguished history.
For more information, please contact Savills.
PROPERTY FACTS
The Old School House, Rushford
Guide price: £1.35 million
Savills, 01473 234800
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