Guide price £700,000-£750,000 Set within over two acres of landscaped grounds in the rural village of Southburgh, lies this historic 16th-century Grade II listed farmhouse. It is striking example of English heritage, with a traditional thatched roof, exposed beams and a discovery of an original 17th-century ‘Cheese Room’ tax sign adds exceptional historic value, rarely found in this region. Extended and enhanced over the centuries, with notable additions in the 1800s and mid-20th century, the home now has a total of 3,064 sqft of accommodation. Highlights include two grand reception rooms, a farmhouse-style kitchen with a central island, four bedrooms, and a luxurious family bathroom. An array of outbuildings, including a double cart lodge with workshop and multiple stores, offer superb potential for further development (stpp). A viewing must take place to appreciate the historic significance and beauty within this home.

Explore the village of Southburgh

Southburgh is a rural village situated in the Breckland district of Norfolk, approximately 15 miles southwest of the historic city of Norwich. Surrounded by scenic countryside and close to the villages of Reymerston, Hingham, and Shipdham, Southburgh offers a quiet setting with excellent access to local amenities and transport links.

Shipdham is situated around 7 miles southwest of Hingham, easily reachable by car in about 15 minutes. It is a charming village known for its historic architecture and vibrant community atmosphere. Hingham offers a variety of amenities that support both daily life and community engagement. Residents and visitors benefit from a local Co-op supermarket, a bakery, and several independent shops. The village is also home to friendly pubs like The White Hart, as well as cosy cafés that serve homemade food and drinks. For healthcare needs, Hingham has a GP surgery and a pharmacy. Families are served by Hingham Primary School, with secondary education options available in nearby towns.

The city of Norwich is a short drive away, with over a thousand years of heritage. Norwich offers a wealth of amenities, including a diverse shopping scene with high-street retailers, independent boutiques, and local markets. Healthcare is well-catered for with numerous GP surgeries, dental practices, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The city's transport links are excellent, with Norwich Railway Station connecting to London and regional destinations, along with convenient bus services and road access via the A11 and A47.

The Grand Tour

Steeped in centuries of heritage, this farmhouse embodies the architectural evolution of English domestic design. The original structure, with roots tracing back to the 16th century, offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship of the Tudor period. Subsequent enhancements in the early 1800s and mid-20th century have elevated its form and function, blending period character with considered modernisation. Today, the home offers approximately 1,699 sqft of elegantly arranged accommodation, offering spacious and flexible living space that can easily adapt to a family with a variety of preferences and style.

Among the property's most extraordinary and historically significant features is the discovery of an original “Cheese Room” tax sign, an evocative relic from a bygone era. This rare find directly connects the home to the 1696 window tax imposed by King William III, a levy calculated based on the number of windows within a property. Ingeniously, rooms designated for specific agricultural uses, such as dairies or cheese-making chambers were often exempt, provided they were clearly labelled. The presence of this tax exemption sign is exceptionally uncommon, particularly in southern England, as such markers are more frequently associated with rural properties in the North. Its survival here is both a historical treasure and a unique testament to the property's remarkable past.

The home’s interior is thoughtfully arranged to balance refined comfort with generous space for entertaining. Two large reception rooms provide an inviting setting for both relaxation and hosting guests. Arranged as a formal dining room and a cosy living room, each showcasing exposed timber beams and exquisite herringbone-patterned flooring. The living room is further enhanced by an open fireplace, a focal point that adds both character and ambience on cooler evenings.

In addition to these principal rooms, the property also features a dedicated study, ideal for remote working or quiet reading, and a versatile family room that can be tailored to a variety of lifestyles, whether as a playroom, studio, or informal lounge. Together, these spaces combine to create a home of enduring charm, historic character, and modern adaptability.

At the heart of the home lies a beautifully appointed farmhouse-style kitchen and dining room, designed to blend traditional charm with contemporary practicality. Crafted with Shaker-style wall and base cabinetry and finished with rich oak worktops, the space exudes understated elegance. An integrated double oven and a classic ceramic sink with drainer offer both function and form, while the central island, fitted with an induction hob and a wine fridge beneath statement pendant lighting, serves as a natural gathering point for family and guests.

Adjoining this central hub are a series of thoughtfully designed utility spaces, including a practical boot room, a fully equipped utility room, and a convenient ground-floor shower room, each providing discreet yet essential support to everyday living while maintaining the home’s cohesive aesthetic.

Upstairs, the accommodation continues to impress with four beautifully proportioned bedrooms, each thoughtfully positioned to capture sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The principal suite is complete with bespoke built-in wardrobes and private access to the family bathroom. The second bedroom benefits from a generous walk-in wardrobe, offering both style and storage. The family bathroom is a striking blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, featuring a classic three-piece suite enhanced by a Jack and Jill vanity with twin sinks. Patterned tiled walls add a touch of vintage-inspired character, while an exposed timber beam serves as a gentle reminder of the home’s rich architectural heritage. Every element has been carefully considered to offer a restful and refined living environment.

Set within over two acres of meticulously maintained private grounds, the farmhouse enjoys an expansive outdoor setting that is as impressive as the home itself. The gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to provide both beauty and function, with manicured lawns bordered by mature circular hedging that subtly defines different sections of the grounds. This beautiful environment offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, entertaining, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, making it perfectly suited to families, garden enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a rural lifestyle.

Among the numerous outbuildings are a charming summerhouse, a dedicated greenhouse for growing fresh produce, a mower shed, and two additional stores that provide ample amount of storage options. A detached double cart lodge with an adjoining workshop further enhances the property’s versatility, with an extensive driveway that offers parking for multiple vehicles. These outbuildings present exceptional potential for conversion into a self-contained annexe, multi-generational living space, or a home office/studio, subject to the necessary planning permissions.

Agents note

Freehold.

Superfast broadband.

Underfloor heating in both bathrooms.

Bore hole with a pump station within a neighbouring plot.

Septic tank that completes the full regulation.