17th Century Manor House: Full Refurbishment on a Budget

Set on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, the Grade II listed former manor surrounded by fields and old trees. Today it is a welcoming, big-home retreat with landscaped gardens, a tennis court, stables and a heated outdoor pool.

The brief When we first visited, the house was uninhabited and tired but full of promise. Our remit covered interiors, exterior specification and full project management to bring the hall back to life as a modern family home. The aim was to keep the character of a traditional country house and introduce a fresh, contemporary feel, with moments of fun and a tightly managed budget.

Our approach With a listed building, sensitivity comes first. We worked with the original architecture and chose honest materials, classic profiles and a palette that suits Norfolk light. Joinery, textiles and finishes were selected to feel quietly luxurious and practical for everyday use. Across the estate, the scheme acknowledges Tudor and Georgian influences while pairing them with simple, modern lines.

Making the budget work Coming in under budget was the result of planning and restraint. We combined durable, high-value materials with carefully chosen hero moments. Where it made sense, we restored, re-upholstered and repurposed, so every element earns its place.

Spaces to live in The house needed to be easy for family life and generous for guests. Rooms flow naturally, storage works hard, and lighting supports everything from early swims to late evenings by the fire. Finishes are robust where they need to be, and textiles are forgiving without losing elegance.

The result The hall now feels settled and comfortable, with its history intact and its spaces ready for real life. It is a place for long tables, muddy boots, quiet weekends and celebrations. A traditional country house with a fresh, modern twist, delivered under budget and designed to feel as though it has always been this way.