Costessey Road, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR8

An exceptional 6-bedroom former rectory overlooking the River Wensum, set within 5.7 acres (stms) of private gardens, woodland and riverside grounds. Offering elegant period accommodation, a detached three-bedroom Coach House, extensive outbuildings, fishing rights and stunning countryside views, this is a rare and highly distinguished Norfolk residence.
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GROUND FLOOR

- Entrance hall
- Sitting room
- Garden room
- Dining room
- Kitchen/breakfast room with Aga & larder
- Laundry room
- Boot room
- Study
- Inner hallway
- 2 cloakrooms
- 2 room cellar
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FIRST FLOOR

- Main bedroom with dressing room & en suite shower room
- Bedroom 4 with en suite bathroom
- 4 further bedrooms
- Family bathroom
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COACH HOUSE

- Sitting room
- Dining room
- Family room/gym
- Kitchen
- 3 bedrooms
- Shower room
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OUTSIDE

- Electric gated entrance
- River frontage (approx. 200m)
- Walled garden
- Woodland
- Vegetable garden
- Greenhouse
- Potting shed
- Summer house
- Kitchen garden
- 3 bay cart shed
- Double garage
- Ample off-road parking
- Garden & grounds extending to approx. 5.7 acres (stms)
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ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Utilities

- Water supply: Mains
- Electricity: Mains & PV panels with feed-in tariff & storage battery
- Oil: Private supply
- Heating: 2 oil-fired boilers
- Drainage: Mains
- Broadband connection: FTTP
- Security: A comprehensive CCTV and security system
- Parking: Double garage, triple cart shed & off-road parking
- EV charge point: Yes

Rights and Restrictions

- Private rights of way: No
- Public rights of way: No
- Listed Property: No
- Restrictions: Yes
- Easements: Yes
- Conservation area: No

Risks

- Flooded in last 5 years: No
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TENURE & LAND REGISTRY

Freehold: NK281745
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LOCAL AUTHORITY

Broadland District Council, Band: G
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EPC RATING

Main House: E

Coach House: E
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DESCRIPTION

The Old Rectory is an elegant and substantial period residence, occupying an elevated position overlooking the River Wensum within an Area of Special Scientific Interest. Built circa 1850, the property is believed to have replaced an earlier, smaller rectory which once stood within part of the grounds. Constructed of grey brick beneath a slate roof, the house presents a refined and handsome façade, while internally retaining a remarkable wealth of original character and architectural detail.

The Old Rectory has, over the years, undergone significant renovation and modernisation, carefully balancing contemporary living with the preservation of its historic charm. The beautifully proportioned interiors display many classic period features, including Georgian proportions, ornate ceiling roses and cornicing, shutters, high ceilings, sash windows, deep skirting boards, and impressive fireplaces throughout.

At the heart of the home is a striking entrance hall with a classic Georgian staircase, setting the tone for the elegant accommodation beyond. The property offers five reception rooms, six bedrooms and three bathrooms, including two en suites, together with a cellar, providing versatile and generous family living space within this exceptional riverside setting.

The ground floor of this distinguished former rectory offers an exceptional blend of Georgian elegance, period charm and beautifully designed living spaces, perfectly arranged for both family life and entertaining.

A beautiful entrance hall immediately sets the tone, featuring a classic Georgian staircase and a striking tiled main hall leading through to an inner hall bathed in natural light, complemented by warm wood flooring throughout.

At the heart of the home lies the impressive kitchen, thoughtfully appointed with an extensive range of bespoke fitted and hand painted Bryan Turner fitted units, granite worktops and a substantial central island incorporating an integrated electric fan oven and fridge. Further features include an induction hob, dishwasher and traditional oil-fired Aga, all set against stylish Amtico flooring. A walk-in larder with fitted shelving provides excellent additional storage, while double doors open directly onto the side garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

The adjoining utility room is both practical and well-equipped, offering further units, a butler sink, integrated full-height fridge and freezer, space and plumbing for two laundry appliances, a heated towel rail, water softener and the boiler discreetly housed within. Luxury vinyl flooring completes the space.

The property benefits from two cloakrooms, each fitted with a WC and wash hand basin, ideal for guests and family convenience.

Rich in character, the snug provides a wonderfully cosy retreat centred around an open fireplace and enhanced by an array of original period features.

The elegant study enjoys a further open fire with built-in cupboards and shelving to either side, creating an ideal home office or library space full of charm and atmosphere.

Designed for entertaining, the dining room showcases half-panelled walls, wood flooring, an open fireplace and a wealth of period detailing, including original shutters. French doors lead directly onto the garden, drawing the eye towards the picturesque River Wensum beyond.

The beautifully proportioned sitting room enjoys a desirable south-facing aspect with double doors opening onto the garden and delightful views overlooking the river. An open fireplace and further period features create a warm and inviting principal reception room.

Adding a stunning contemporary touch, the orangery is flooded with natural light from a striking roof lantern and features two sets of French doors opening onto the garden, making it a superb year-round entertaining space.
Completing the ground floor are useful understairs storage areas and a wide split staircase with additional storage, together with elegant window shutters that further enhance the property’s timeless Georgian character.
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OUTSIDE

This former Rectory occupies a truly exceptional setting, approached from Costessey Road through impressive electric timber gates set between traditional brick pillars, with a security entrance system providing both privacy and peace of mind. A sweeping driveway meanders through the grounds to the principal residence and the detached Coach House, with the property positioned well back from the road amidst mature landscaping.

The gardens and grounds extend to approximately 5.7 acres (stms), offering a remarkable combination of formal gardens, woodland and riverside frontage. The established landscape is enriched by an array of magnificent specimen trees, including willow, beech, oak and yew, creating a private and tranquil environment with a distinctly rural feel.

A wrought iron gate to the northern side of the house leads into an attractive courtyard area situated between the main residence and the Coach House. Adjoining the Coach House is a substantial storeroom with timber double doors, while a separate workshop with double doors provides excellent space for hobbies, storage or practical use.

The grounds are particularly well equipped for keen gardeners, featuring a greenhouse with established vines, a traditional potting shed, additional garden shed and south-facing soft fruit cages. A delightful summer house, installed in 2020, enjoys an elevated south-facing position with a seating terrace overlooking the river, providing an idyllic spot for relaxation and entertaining.

Further outbuildings include a three-bay cart shed, incorporating one open bay, together with a double garage fitted with an electric door. Extensive parking is available within the grounds for numerous vehicles.

One of the property's most exceptional features is a beautiful stretch of the River Wensum (approx. 200m). The river frontage not only enhances the idyllic setting but also includes fishing rights, with an abundance of brown trout and a rich variety of wildlife regularly observed along its banks.

Combining mature gardens, productive grounds, woodland, extensive outbuildings and private riverside frontage, The Former Rectory enjoys a beautiful and highly sought-after setting that is rarely available.
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COACH HOUSE

The Coach House is a charming detached and self-contained conversion, included within the same title as the main residence and offering versatile ancillary accommodation. Rich in character, the property features exposed beams, panelled ceilings, exposed brickwork and wood flooring, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The ground floor accommodation comprises a fitted kitchen, dining hall, cloakroom/WC, and an attractive sitting room centred around a feature log-burning stove. Bi-fold doors open through to a spacious family room, while additional double doors provide direct access to the patio and gardens, creating an excellent flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

To the first floor are three bedrooms and a family shower room. The principal bedroom is particularly light and airy, benefitting from a conventional window in addition to two Velux rooflights.

Adjoining the Coach House is a substantial storeroom with timber double doors, providing excellent storage and potential for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary consents.

This delightful secondary dwelling offers considerable flexibility, whether for multi-generational living, guest accommodation, home working, or potential income generation.
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SITUATION

Taverham sits just 6 miles from Norwich city centre, offering countryside tranquillity alongside city convenience. Nestled on the River Wensum, it provides scenic landscapes and outdoor amenities. The village has an abundance of green space and access to the historic Marriot's Way footpath and cycle route, connecting the market town of Aylsham and Norwich. Taverham Mill is a local landmark and was once a major producer of paper which was used to produce The Times newspaper, Oxford English Dictionary and even banknotes for the Bank of England, before the mill's closure in 1899. Now the 100-acre site is a picturesque nature reserve with walks and four lakes fondly fished by anglers for carp, tench, roach, perch and pike.

Taverham has an excellent range of local amenities, including a village hall offering varied activities, there is a library, schools for all age groups including a sixth form and the independent Langley Prep School. There is a doctors’ surgery, veterinary practice, scout hut, public house, pharmacy, dentist, and a good selection of shops and food outlets.

Norwich city centre is easily accessible and provides excellent shopping and cultural facilities. Norwich Cathedral is situated in The Close on the edge of the River Wensum and there is an extensive variety of restaurants, wine bars and leisure pursuits available within the city and a good selection of schools in both state and private sector. On the eastern side of the city is a mainline railway station (about 7.5 miles from the property) which has a direct line to London Liverpool Street and there is also a regular train service to Cambridge. The Southern Bypass gives access to the Midlands to the west via the A47 and to London and the south via the A11 and M11 and to the north of the city Norwich International Airport city with regular flights to the UK and Europe with connections worldwide.
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DRIVING DISTANCES (approx.)

- Northern Distributor Road: 1.7 miles
- Norwich Airport: 4.2 miles
- A47 Southern bypass: 3.5 miles
- Norfolk & Norwich Hospital: 7.0 miles
- Norwich Railway Station: 7.3 miles
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WHAT3WORDS

We highly recommend the use of the what3words website/app. This allows the user to locate an exact point on the ground (within a 3-metre square) by simply using three words.

///companies.broad.hobble
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AGENTS NOTE

Prospective purchasers, particularly those with children, should exercise appropriate care and ensure close supervision at all times when near the water.

There are a number of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within the grounds. Further information can be found on the Broadland District Council website under protected trees.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE

1. These particulars have been prepared in good faith as a general guide, they are not exhaustive and include information provided to us by other parties including the seller, not all of which will have been verified by us.

2. We have not carried out a detailed or structural survey; we have not tested any services, appliances or fittings. Measurements, floor plans, orientation and distances are given as approximate only and should not be relied on.

3. The photographs are not necessarily comprehensive or current, aspects may have changed since the photographs were taken. No assumption should be made that any contents are included in the sale.

4. We have not checked that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation approval, statutory or regulatory permissions or consents. Any reference to any alterations or use of any part of the property does not mean that necessary planning, building regulations, or other consent has been obtained.

5. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves by inspection, searches, enquiries, surveys, and professional advice about all relevant aspects of the property.

6. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact; we have no authority to make or give any representation or warranties in relation to the property. If these are required, you should include their terms in any contract between you and the seller.

7. Note to potential purchasers who intend to view the property; if there is any point of particular importance to you, we ask you to discuss this with us before you make arrangements to visit or request a viewing appointment.

8. Viewings are strictly by prior appointment through Jackson-Stops.
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DATE DETAILS PRODUCED

May 2026