This brilliant two-bedroom semi-detached house lies on the fringe of Marshland St James, a small, idyllic village in West Norfolk. It has been creatively reimagined by its artist owners, who have made room for a library and study space within the light-filled kitchen/living space extension. It has an expansive roof terrace with far-reaching Fenland vistas as well as a well-tended garden chock-full with mature trees, thriving plants and several outbuildings. The local towns of Wisbech, King’s Lynn and Cambridge lie six, 14 and 40 miles away respectively, with London easily accessed by train.

The Tour

Set off a quiet country lane, the house sits behind a wooden gate and shingled driveway. The plan unfolds through an arched and fan-lit recessed doorway. Hardwood floorboards run underfoot and the bright palette reflects the lovely quality of natural light that flows throughout.

The dining room has been brought forward to the front of the home, with the living space behind. A log burner, one of two on the ground floor, is housed within the chimney breast, adding to the cosy, calming ambience.

The kitchen has been cleverly laid out with a central stainless steel chef’s island housing the sink, hob and oven. A generous run of pantry storage sits adjacent, neatly arranged along the left side of the room and under the stairs. A further seating area is perfectly positioned for sociable gatherings and is immersed in colourful garden panoramas. A library and a built-in desk have been cannily slotted into the corner of the plan.

On the first floor, a hallway leads to the two double bedrooms. Both overlook the bucolic garden and the wider Fenland topography and have plenty of built-in storage. A glazed door leads from the main bedroom to a wonderful decked roof terrace with a vista stretching far and beyond. The bathroom is simply finished with white fittings and tiles has a separate bath and walk-in shower.

Outside Space

Beautifully tended by the current owners, the garden stretches to around a quarter of an acre and has been planted with a plethora of specialist broad-leafed and productive fruit trees.

The space has been divided into quarters and enclosed by arrays of hedging, bushy shrubs and colourful plantings punctuating the grassy lawns. Paved seating areas lie adjacent blossoming fragrant rose bushes, providing a choice of lovely nooks to sit amidst.

The house has six outbuildings, which are used as a gallery, painting, sculpture and welding studios and for workshop and tool storage. One of the smaller sheds has a gardener’s WC and houses utility machines.

There is room at the front of the house to park several cars.

The Area

Marshland St James is a small, peaceful village in West Norfolk. It has a primary and nursery school and active village hall life. Emneth, another tranquil hamlet, lies two miles south-west and offers a further range of handy local facilities, including a post office and two mini markets.

Described by renowned architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as having “one of the most perfect Georgian streets in England”, Wisbech lies six miles west. An historic market town brimming with elegant architecture and beautifully preserved buildings it is also famed for its moniker as the ‘Capital of the Fens’ – a richly ecological marshland. Urban reformer and one of the three founders of the National Trust, Octavia Hill was born in Wisbech, and her important work can be seen in the resplendent National Trust Peckover House and Garden. Along with independent shops and restaurants there is also a hospital and an arts cinema the Luxe.

A short cycle ride from the house is a very popular farm shop, Worzals. Here locally sourced produce, a butchery and a deli sit alongside an in-house bar and grill. Following a browse around the temptations of the garden centre this is a great place to indulge at lunch, tea and dinner.

The rich ecology of the area can be found in The Wash National Nature Reserve, the largest bay in England and under a 30-minute drive away. An abundance of wildlife flourish here including seals and pink-footed geese. A ornithologist’s paradise, thousands of birds are attracted by the vast wetland, saltmarshes and mudflats with bitterns and marsh harriers particularly welcome visitors. The beauty of the North Norfolk coastline is around an hour away and dotted with beautiful traditional seaside villages and miles of sandy beaches.

In conjunction with the village primary school there are plenty of good schooling options locally including the highly regarded Wisbech Grammar School, Terrington St John Primary School and Marshland High School.

Watlington Rail station is around 20 minutes from the house, with direct trains to Cambridge in 40 minutes and London Kings Cross in an hour and 45 minutes. Peterborough lies around 25 miles west, with ready access to the A1 and from there central London can be reached by car directly of via the M11 in under two hours.

Council Tax Band: A

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.