Drabblegate, Aylsham, Norfolk

Abbotts Hall is a substantial country house believed to date from the early 18th Century with 19th Century additions. The house faces south overlooking its own gardens and grounds and has well-proportioned accommodation with excellent ceiling heights throughout. There are many period features including sashed and shuttered windows, open fireplaces, exposed timbers and cornicing. There is a fine staircase in the reception hall and extensive panelling in the dining room. Later additions include a superb conservatory with panoramic views and access to the attractive gardens and terracing. Adjoining is a high quality indoor heated swimming pool complex. On the first floor is a wonderful principal bedroom with dressing room, both with south facing views, and an en-suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms that share a Jack & Jill shower room. On the second floor there are three bedrooms all with en-suite shower rooms. The property is Grade II Listed and the accommodation throughout is in excellent order.

To the north of the house is a former Chapel that has been extensively restored. Further to the north west is a charming period former stable block which has been renovated to a high standard providing good sized accommodation. Adjacent to the stables is a general purpose outbuilding which is currently used as a garden machinery store. To the west of the house near the foot of the driveway stands a traditional thatched Norfolk barn which is Grade II Listed. This has full planning permission which is in perpetuity for conversion to a dwelling.

Abbotts Hall stands within landscaped gardens and grounds extending to about 5.12 acres. The principal lawns are to the west and east of the house and are interspersed by a variety of impressive trees, along with shrub borders. The property is approached through wrought iron gates hung on brick piers opening on to a tarmac driveway approximately 100 metres long which culminates in a turning circle in front of the house and also branches off to the rear to the substantial triple garage, which has electric doors. Lining the drive there are areas of lawn under planted with spring bulbs. Situated to the east of the property is a paddock, which is bordered by post and rail fencing and traditional Norfolk hedging. There is currently a 2 bay shelter/stable with direct access to the paddock.

Abbotts Hall is situated ½ a mile to the north of the Georgian market town of Aylsham within the hamlet of Drabblegate overlooking open countryside with views to the River Bure valley. Aylsham has excellent amenities and is 14 miles to the north of the City of Norwich which provides a regular rail service to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. Norwich Airport, situated to the north of the City, provides flights to domestic and international destinations.

Blickling Hall which is owned by the National Trust, is about 1 ½ miles away and the charming Norfolk beaches are 9 miles to the north where there are a wide variety of leisure activities. Schooling is available in both the private and public sectors with Gresham’s School at Holt, Beeston Hall at West Runton and the Norwich School, in the centre of the City. There are extensive walks and bridle paths within the area.