Sharrington RoadGunthorpe, Melton Constable, Norfolk, NR24 2PB

White Horse Barn is a property with a charming subtlety to it. Whilst initially it would seem a stereotypical traditional Norfolk barn, on entering it soon becomes apparent how special the house is and what it has to offer. With the wonderful gardens, stylish principal barn and the holiday cottage and annexe, this is a brilliant lifestyle house.

You immediately get a sense of the style of the main barn as you enter from the south. With full height oak windows and French doors along the length of the initial elevation opening out to one of the delightful courtyard gardens, this is very much a home that links to the outside. Upon entering you are met with the superb open plan kitchen/dining/living room, the nucleus of the house for sociable suppers or simply relaxing with family. The vaulted ceilings accentuate the space, which is dressed to create different spaces to enjoy, all with lovely views of the garden. A woodburner brings a cosiness, whilst the bespoke kitchen is complete with 4 oven Aga, a large island unit, and a useful pantry. The light and airy space continues in the sitting room, a comfortable room with part vaulted ceilings and distinctive fireplace with wood burner.

The bedrooms are divided over the ground and first floor, making the house future proof and adaptable. The principal bedroom, 6.2m x 4.6m, is a spacious double aspect room, with extensive fitted wardrobes and en suite shower room, together with direct access out to the gardens. A further two bedrooms on the ground floor are served by the family bathroom, with all bathrooms well fitted and neutral in style. Stairs lead up to a further double bedroom, with en suite shower room.

Holiday Cottage and annexe
Detached from the house, and entirely self-contained, is a second pretty barn comprising of a one bedroom holiday cottage, and an annexe. French doors, from its own private garden area, open into the kitchen/living/dining room of the holiday cottage, beautifully presented with vaulted ceilings, fitted kitchen and wooden floors. A double bedroom is off this, with an en suite shower room. It is an idyllic cottage that has always performed well, with single bedroom units renowned for the highest occupancy rate.

In addition, at the other end of the barn is a spacious bedroom with en suite shower room, utilised as an annexe with over flow accommodation for the principal house. This could be incorporated into the holiday cottage if required.

Gardens and grounds
The gardens of White Horse Barns are an absolute delight. Curated over many years by the current custodian, working with the original walls of the old farmyard that the barns formed a part of, there are plenty of areas to enjoy.

The more formal gardens are immediately to the south. A pair of courtyard gardens, between tall brick and flint walls adorned with roses and climbing hydrangea, are gravelled with herbaceous beds against the wall and between buttresses. A wide archway leads in to one of the courtyards which is a complete sun trap, and has made the most of this with a pergola and water feature underneath, and outdoor woodburner for long summer evening suppers. Between the principal barn and holiday cottage is a more open area, yet still sheltered between the buildings and the walls. This area is landscaped with a lawn, in the centre of which is a paved seating area, with deep herbaceous beds, gravelled paths lined with Mexican Fleabane and ladies mantle, pleached lime trees, and wooden framework trained with roses, it is a wonderful area to enjoy. A further entirely walled garden hosts the kitchen garden, with raised beds of many variety of vegetable, an area for cut flowers, and soft fruit. In one corner is a potting shed.

Beyond the walled areas the gardens open out to further lawns and a wild area of cow parsley and long grass, with mown paths meandering through and underneath some fine trees. It adds another dimension and experience to the grounds.

Plenty of off street parking for cars and boats are to the front and side of the house, with the entrance defined by a five bar wooden gate.

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