Country houses for sale

Regency house in Norfolk

A Regency house, the design of which was influenced by leading British architect Sir John Soane, is on the market in Norfolk at £1.95 million.

It is believed Soane had considerable influence on Cranworth House, a fine Grade-II listed house in the village of Cranworth to the west of Norwich, when he designed nearby Letton Hall.

An exceptional nine-bedroom 7,500-square foot house, described as a ‘proper house’ by selling agents Bidwells in Norwich due to its size, has many of its original details still in place.

‘The character of the house still is intact,’ points out Carl Eastwood from Bidwells (01603 763939, www.bidwells.co.uk ). ‘The full height sash windows bring the light in and there also is a dining room screen with a pair of Ionic columns, some fine Green derived plaster cornices and plaster vaulted rooms on the first floor.’

The current owners have lived in the house for four years and during their time there have carried out a good deal of remedial work and decoration.

‘They love the house but are very into horses and need more land,’ explains Mr Eastwood.

Situated on nearly 13 acres, the house also has a self-contained annex, stables, paddock, hard tennis court and woodland.

Cranworth House also makes a good party place, adds Mr Eastwood. ‘There is a lovely entrance hall, which is brilliant to have when you have guests for supper. The dining and drawing rooms are separated by double doors, which can be thrown open to create one huge room when you are entertaining.’