Leonard James Residential is delighted to present Fretherne, an exceptional five-bedroom detached bungalow occupying an attractive plot extending to approximately 0.49 acres (subject to measured survey), in a desirable rural setting close to the villages of Banham and Old Buckenham.
Offering approximately 1,924 sq ft (179 sq m) of beautifully presented internal accommodation, this individually styled home has undergone extensive renovation and improvement, creating a wonderful combination of contemporary design, generous proportions and versatile single-storey living.
The accommodation has been thoughtfully arranged to provide a superb open-plan kitchen, dining and family living area, a separate reception room, four bedrooms within a dedicated bedroom wing, and a generously proportioned guest bedroom conveniently positioned off the principal entrance hallway. A dedicated home office, which could alternatively serve as a sixth bedroom, adds further versatility, while the principal en-suite shower room and stylish family bathroom complete the accommodation.
Externally, the property is equally impressive, with extensive driveway parking, a garage and cart lodge, established gardens and a superb detached garden entertainment building incorporating a bar area.
The Accommodation
Entrance – 2.51m × 3.56m (8'3" × 11'8")
The property welcomes visitors through a spacious entrance area, featuring contemporary tiled flooring and an impressive range of bespoke fitted cabinetry, incorporating practical storage and attractive oak seating.
This thoughtfully designed space provides an ideal everyday entrance for family living, with ample room for coats, shoes and outdoor essentials.
Glazed internal doors lead through to the central hallway, providing an attractive introduction to the remainder of the accommodation.
Entrance Hall and Inner Hallways
The welcoming entrance hall sets the tone for this beautifully presented home, with attractive oak flooring, natural timber doors and matching skirting boards creating a sense of warmth, quality and continuity.
The entrance hall leads through to the principal living accommodation, providing access to the spacious lounge diner, kitchen diner, separate reception room or games room, home office and guest bedroom. This thoughtfully arranged layout creates an inviting and versatile space, ideally suited to both everyday family living and entertaining.
A separate inner hallway, measuring approximately 2.78m × 3.38m (9'1" × 11'1"), leads through to the main bedroom wing, providing access to the bedrooms and family bathroom.
This carefully considered arrangement provides a natural separation between the sociable living spaces and the more private bedroom accommodation, ensuring both practicality and comfort throughout the home.
Kitchen / Diner – 3.40m × 4.38m (11'2" × 14'4")
At the heart of the home is a beautifully appointed contemporary kitchen, combining striking deep navy cabinetry with natural ash detailing and contrasting light work surfaces.
The kitchen has been carefully designed to offer both practicality and visual appeal, featuring an extensive range of fitted units, integrated appliances and generous preparation space.
A substantial central island incorporates additional storage and a breakfast bar, creating an ideal setting for informal dining, entertaining and everyday family life.
Stylish pendant lighting, contemporary fittings and carefully considered finishes complete this exceptional space.
The kitchen opens directly into the adjoining lounge and dining area, creating a wonderfully sociable arrangement.
Lounge / Diner – 6.37m × 2.99m (20'11" × 9'10")
Flowing naturally from the kitchen, the lounge and dining area provides an inviting space for both relaxation and entertaining.
The living area comfortably accommodates substantial seating, with a charming wood-burning stove set beneath a feature stone mantel creating an attractive focal point.
Large glazed doors connect the accommodation with the outside space, allowing natural light to fill the room and providing convenient access to the gardens.
The open-plan arrangement is particularly well suited to modern family life, allowing cooking, dining and relaxation to take place within one connected living environment.
Utility Room – 2.11m × 2.58m (6'11" × 8'6")
A generously proportioned and practical utility room, providing a dedicated space for household laundry and everyday domestic requirements.
The room accommodates a washing machine and tumble dryer, together with a WC and wash hand basin, offering the additional convenience of cloakroom facilities.
This versatile space helps to keep laundry facilities separate from the principal kitchen and living areas, while enhancing the overall functionality and practicality of the home, particularly for busy family life and visiting guests.
Reception Room – 3.60m × 3.66m (11'10" × 12'0")
A further reception room provides valuable additional living accommodation and is currently arranged as a comfortable television and entertainment room.
Featuring a striking dark accent wall and French doors opening onto the garden, the room offers a cosy retreat away from the principal living accommodation.
Its versatility makes it equally suitable for use as a snug, games room, children's playroom or additional sitting room.
Guest Bedroom – 3.58m × 3.79m (11'9" × 12'5")
A generously proportioned guest bedroom, conveniently positioned off the principal entrance hallway and separate from the main bedroom wing, providing an ideal arrangement for visiting family and friends.
This attractive double bedroom offers excellent proportions, with ample space for a substantial bed, bedside tables, wardrobes and additional bedroom furniture.
A large window provides excellent natural light, while the contemporary decorative finishes create a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Its position away from the principal bedroom accommodation offers an additional degree of privacy, making it particularly well suited to accommodating overnight guests.
Office / Bedroom Six – 2.51m × 2.58m (8'3" × 8'6")
A dedicated home office provides an excellent environment for remote working, with space for a desk, computer equipment and additional office furniture.
The room benefits from natural light and is conveniently positioned close to the principal living accommodation.
For purchasers requiring additional sleeping accommodation, this room could alternatively serve as a sixth bedroom, subject to individual requirements.
The Private Bedroom Wing - Four Bedrooms and Family Bathroom
Principal Bedroom – 3.31m × 3.96m (10'10" × 13'0")
The principal bedroom is an elegant and beautifully presented double bedroom, featuring a striking deep blue accent wall, attractive timber flooring and generous fitted wardrobe storage.
The room comfortably accommodates a super king bed and accompanying bedroom furniture, while windows provide natural light and pleasant outlooks.
The combination of contemporary decoration, fitted storage and private en-suite facilities creates an inviting principal bedroom suite.
En-Suite Shower Room – 2.42m × 1.16m (7'11" × 3'10")
The contemporary en-suite shower room is stylishly appointed, featuring a shower enclosure with rainfall showerhead and additional handheld attachment, a modern vanity washbasin and WC.
Large-format wall tiling, a chrome heated towel rail and a carefully considered neutral colour palette complete this attractive and practical space.
Bedroom Two – 3.88m × 3.34m (12'9" × 10'11")
Another generously proportioned double bedroom, offering comfortable accommodation for family members or guests.
The room features attractive flooring, neutral decoration and ample space for freestanding bedroom furniture.
Bedroom Three – 2.87m × 3.66m (9'5" × 12'0")
A well-proportioned third bedroom, suitable for use as a double bedroom, guest accommodation or an additional home working space.
Its flexible dimensions allow the room to be adapted to suit a variety of family requirements.
Bedroom Four – 2.53m × 2.79m (8'4" × 9'2")
A versatile fourth bedroom within the private bedroom wing, currently arranged with a single bed and dressing table.
This attractive room would be equally suited to use as a child's bedroom, nursery or hobby room, providing flexibility to accommodate changing family requirements.
Family Bathroom – 1.96m × 3.28m (6'5" × 10'9")
The stylish family bathroom has been finished to a contemporary standard, featuring a separate bath and shower enclosure, WC and modern vanity washbasin.
Large-format tiling, chrome fittings and natural light from the window create a bright and practical space.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology
Fretherne benefits from a range of renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage and a dedicated solar hot water system.
The solar panels generate electricity, with the battery storage system allowing surplus energy to be stored for later use, helping to reduce reliance on mains electricity.
A separate solar thermal installation contributes towards domestic hot water production, further enhancing the property's energy efficiency and offering the potential for reduced household running costs.
These installations complement the extensive improvements undertaken throughout the property, combining modern comfort with a practical approach to sustainable living.
Outside
Gardens and Grounds – Approximately 0.49 Acres (Subject to Measured Survey)
Fretherne occupies a generous and beautifully maintained plot, with attractive grounds combining expansive lawned areas, established planting and thoughtfully arranged outdoor entertaining spaces. The grounds also benefit from a useful workshop and additional garden storage facilities, providing excellent practicality for gardening enthusiasts, hobbies and everyday storage requirements.
The property is approached through an impressive gated entrance, framed by attractive brick pillars and fitted with electric gates, opening onto an extensive gravelled driveway providing generous off-road parking for multiple vehicles.
The gardens are predominantly laid to lawn and benefit from established hedging and mature planting, providing an attractive setting for the bungalow.
A series of paved terraces and seating areas offer excellent opportunities for outdoor dining, relaxation and entertaining.
The generous grounds provide considerable flexibility for families, gardening enthusiasts and those seeking additional outdoor space.
Garage, Cart Lodge and Outbuildings
The property benefits from a garage and cart lodge, together with additional outbuildings providing useful workshop and garden storage accommodation.
These facilities offer excellent practical storage for vehicles, gardening equipment, tools and recreational items.
Detached Garden Entertainment Room
A particularly appealing feature of Fretherne is the detached timber-clad garden entertainment building, creating a superb additional space for leisure and social occasions.
The building features contemporary dark-framed glazing, substantial opening doors and a fitted bar area, making it an ideal setting for entertaining family and friends.
An adjoining paved terrace provides further outdoor seating, allowing the entertaining space to extend naturally into the garden.
Whether used for summer gatherings, celebrations or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, this versatile building is a wonderful addition to the property.
Location – Banham, Norfolk
Fretherne is situated on Doe Lane, within an attractive rural setting conveniently positioned between the villages of Banham, Old Buckenham and New Buckenham.
Banham offers a range of everyday amenities, including a primary school, village facilities and the well-known Banham Zoological Gardens.
Nearby Old Buckenham is an attractive Norfolk village, recognised for its extensive village green and traditional rural character. The village provides additional amenities, including schooling, local services and public houses.
The market town of Attleborough is within convenient driving distance and offers a wider range of shopping, leisure and educational facilities, together with a railway station providing services towards Norwich and Cambridge.
The nearby A11 offers excellent road connections towards Norwich, Thetford and Cambridge, making the location particularly attractive for purchasers seeking a rural lifestyle while remaining connected to surrounding towns and employment centres.
Summary
Fretherne is a beautifully presented and substantial detached bungalow offering an exceptional combination of contemporary interiors, flexible accommodation and generous outdoor space.
With four bedrooms arranged within a dedicated private bedroom wing, a separate guest bedroom, a versatile home office, multiple reception areas, a stunning open-plan kitchen and living space, and an impressive detached garden entertainment building, Fretherne offers an exceptional balance of family living, guest accommodation and entertaining space.
The generous grounds, extensive parking and additional outbuildings further enhance the appeal of this distinctive Norfolk home.
An internal viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the quality, proportions and lifestyle opportunity offered by Fretherne.