Norfolk Broads Property
Norfolk Broads property is popular with buyers for many reasons, here we take a look at why and where you might consider looking in the area.
Norfolk has many wonderful places to live, whether that be a coastal village or an inland countryside retreat. One further gem of the county of Norfolk are the Norfolk Broads – known as The Broads locally.
The Broads form part of The Broads National Park. They are made up of several linked rivers and lakes that cross into both Suffolk and Norfolk. The area is managed by the Broads Authority and is a special area that is protected.
They are huge and cover a large area within Norfolk. In total there are 7 rivers and 63 broads (of varying sizes). 13 of these broads are open for wider access and public boating.
What makes the Norfolk Broads so popular?
The Broads are very popular with both residents and visitors offering peace and quiet and a genuine stillness to life. The area is a massive habitat for wildlife – whether that be water based or land based.
By their very nature, The Broads are found inland and therefore the water is not tidal which further adds to the tranquillity.
This is particularly evident when the water is not being used by boats – typically at sunrise or sunset. In addition to boating, The Broads are a popular destination for fishing – whether it be off bank or boat.
Norfolk Broads property is also popular due to being situated conveniently close to Norwich City and its extensive amenities. An additional draw is their proximity to the north and east Norfolk coastlines and their beaches.
What types of property are available in the Norfolk Broad areas?
There are many different styles of Norfolk Broads property. Houses available within the Broadland area range from waterside homes with boat moorings to traditional village houses and cottages.
The style of properties is anything from flint cottages to wonderfully characterful barn conversions to converted boat houses.
Key villages on the Norfolk Broads
Wroxham and Hoveton
Wroxham and Hoveton are commonly referred to as the ‘capital of the broads’ and are the main place where boating companies are located for holidaymakers to start and finish their boating holidays.
The River Bure separates the villages which are a hive of activity with a selection of pubs and restaurants. Also, the Hotel Wroxham boasts a spacious riverside restaurant, bar, and coffee lounge.
There is a riverside park that provides an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll, perhaps feeding the ducks, enjoying afternoon tea at a quaint tearoom, or simply watching the boats pass by.
The local rail station offers easy access to Norwich, and nearby coastal towns.
There are a number of houses available to buy of varying sizes – some of which have water views. Many residents, specifically those that own as holiday homes, choose the outlying smaller villages and Broads as set out below.
Ludham
Ludham is located at the end of a scenic watercourse that leads to Womack Water and flows into the River Thurne.
A short stroll from the village along Horsefen Road, with its charming maltings and thatched cottages, brings you to Womack Staithe.
This delightful area with a large, tree-lined green and a splattering of shops offering gifts and refreshments is perfect for a quiet afternoon by the water.
The village itself has a post office, village store, butcher, florist, and The Kings Arms, a traditional pub and restaurant. Additional conveniences include a garage, primary school, church, chapel, and a doctor’s surgery.
Just 1.5 miles to the east lies Ludham Bridge, which crosses the River Ant and is a hub of activity. It has a café, shop, and cycle hire facilities and nearby pub. It is a popular spot for those looking for Norfolk Broads property as well as visitors exploring the Broads.
Horning
Horning is a charming village set along the banks of the River Bure, between Wroxham and Ludham.
It is a favoured destination for boating enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the serenity of the Norfolk Broads. The village has quaint riverside cottages, many with traditional thatch, and cosy tea rooms.
A river cruise aboard the iconic Mississippi double-decker paddle boat – The Southern Comfort – is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty and peaceful waterways and also see some exceptional Norfolk Broads property along the water’s edge.
Horning has a variety of small shops, restaurants, and pubs. You can watch the comings and goings of the Southern Comfort from The Swan Inn or enjoy the quieter river views at the New Inn or The Ferry.
Hickling
Another desirable location to consider for Norfolk Broads property is Hickling, a village adjacent to Potter Heigham. It boasts one of the largest Broads, covering over 1,500 acres, and is home to England’s largest reed bed, making it a unique and scenic spot.
Hickling has an infant school and two public houses. One of these – The Pleasure Boat Inn – is situated by the water and is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The village hall, known as Hickling Barn, serves as a community hub, hosting a variety of activities.
Hickling is a popular destination for birdwatchers and walkers.
Additionally, Hickling has its own sailing club. The coast is just three miles away, and the nearby market town of Stalham offers a full range of amenities, including a supermarket, schools, doctors, and a library.
Filby
Filby is a tranquil village set between the scenic Filby Broad and Ormesby Little Broad, now part of the Norfolk Broads National Park.
The Broad at Filby is a waterway that provides no real access to the public for boating or fishing. As such it has an abundant collection of wildlife that benefits from the absence of human disturbance.
The Broad also serves as a water source and reservoir for neighbouring towns. Filby and the picturesque Filby Broads are a particularly tranquil and popular place to live.
Filby has a family-friendly pub – The Kings Head, and a restaurant at Filby Bridge which overlooks Filby and Little Ormesby Broad. Additionally, there is a large village shop with post office.
Situated between Caister-on-Sea and the nearby village of Acle, Filby enjoys an ideal location. Acle offers regular train and bus links to Norwich. Unspoiled beaches can be found just a short distance away at Caister-on-Sea and Winterton.
Coltishall
Coltishall is a peaceful village on the banks of the River Bure. Its picturesque staithe, located a mile from the village centre near Coltishall Common, offers a perfect spot for outdoor activities.
The village has a shop with a post office, a butcher, a doctor’s surgery, and a village school. Additionally, Coltishall is home to a Georgian country-house spa hotel.
There are two charming riverside pubs: the 17th-century Kings Head and the Rising Sun, a former granary mill.
Just 3.5 miles from Coltishall is Wroxham. The seasonal Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk’s second-longest narrow-gauge heritage railway, is also nearby. Norwich lies just 7 miles to the south.
Reedham
The village of Reedham captures the essence of the English countryside. Situated along the tranquil River Yare, this picturesque location is ideal for nature enthusiasts, boating lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The village boasts a warm, close-knit community with a range of local amenities that cater to everyday needs.
The surrounding countryside offers opportunities to explore nearby nature reserves, observe wildlife, and enjoy all that the Norfolk Broads has to offer.
If you are looking for Norfolk Broads property in a tranquil village that has good access to further amenities, Reedham is ideal. Its train station provides convenient links to Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and Lowestoft. Additionally, the Reedham Chain Ferry offers a unique way to cross the River Yare towards Beccles.
The nearby market town of Acle provides a wide range of services whilst Norwich is approximately 15 miles to the west.
South Walsham
South Walsham is a lovely village with direct access to the River Bure. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – a stunning 130-acre site featuring woodlands and waterways – is located in the village. It is perfect for walking, birdwatching, and immersing yourself in nature.
The village is about a mile from South Walsham Broad, and Fleet Dyke offers free 24-hour moorings, making it easy for boaters to explore further.
A footpath around the village’s staithe, suitable only for rowing boats, leads to a charming green surrounded by thatched cottages, adding to the village’s appeal.
Within the village itself, the village hall, known as The Viking, hosts regular events and offers a bar and function room while the recreation ground has a football pitch and cricket club.
South Walsham also has a preschool and primary school, making it popular with families looking for Norfolk Broads property.
South Walsham is well-positioned for a variety of amenities with Acle, 5 miles southeast, and Wroxham, 6 miles northwest. Meanwhile, Norwich is just 10 miles away.
Ranworth
Just over a mile from South Walsham is the quaint village of Ranworth which is set on the edge of Malthouse Broad.
From the village staithe, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the boardwalk leading to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s floating wildlife centre. From here you can take in the stunning panoramic views across Ranworth Broad.
The boardwalk meanders through woodlands and reed bed habitats, home to a variety of fascinating plants and woodland birds.
One of Ranworth’s key attractions is St Helen’s Church, famously known as the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’. Visitors can ascend its tower via 89 steps, two ladders, and a trap door to experience breathtaking views from the top.
Mooring spaces at the staithe are often in high demand, with boats frequently waiting offshore until spaces become available.
For refreshments, the nearby Granary Stores and Tea Shop, located by the staithe, offers a relaxing spot. Alternatively, you can enjoy food and drink at The Maltsters pub and restaurant, which has a large outdoor seating area.
Riverside properties in Norfolk
Given the amount of open water found in the county, there are always fantastic opportunities for home ownership. Sometimes properties will benefit from the stunning views that waterside properties can provide. Whether it be looking at the sea, a river, or a Broad, Norfolk’s waters offer a range of choice.
The most popular properties typically have their own private boat moorings or boat houses. Owners can therefore benefit from a home adjacent to the water and also the luxury of being able to access the waterway from their own Norfolk Broads property.
Houses that have this benefit are also extremely popular with holidaymakers. Therefore those who own and let their property for others to enjoy as a holiday home can achieve a premium.
Homes with river or sea views for sale
At any given time, there are several properties available to buy within the wider area of the Norfolk Broads and those that have river or sea views. This will likely suit most tastes and budgets – whether that be a riverside family house with private mooring for boats or smaller cottages.
It is often the case that the best properties, don’t get to market. This is because they are carefully placed by sales agents to particular, credible parties. Therefore, availability and what is actually visible on well-known property portals do not always reflect the total extent of what is available.
Norfolk property finders
It is well known that buyers represented by a property finder often have access to the full market and many more purchasing opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about our services and how we might be able to help you find your perfect Norfolk Broads property please contact us to discuss your search in greater detail without obligation.
