It's a sunny start to our visit to Norfolk. After a couple of false turns we arrive at our home for the next four nights 'Mergate Hall'. Or to be more specific 'The Peach House' the former Victorian Greenhouse, now converted into living accommodation.We have already been greeted by the house 'Peacocks upon arrival. We are located on the southern edge of Bracon Ash, about seven miles south of Norwich. The house is steeped in history dating from the 15th century. The house has been home to several significant historical figures. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth I may have stayed on her progress through Bracon Ash in 1578. In all that time the house has only had 5 owners (3 in the past 5 years). The house is now in the hands of the Chubb family.
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The Peach House
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The Peach House offers a unique space to relax, filled with interesting antiques and curiosities.there is much to take in. Quirky and unique it is a perfect place for wildlife spotting, along with the resident animals.
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1919 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost
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There is a large reclaimed fish tank in the living area. As residents it was our duty to feed them 2 scoops of Fish Food daily. There is wonderful
beautiful
natural light and is surrounded with lots of green mature rooted plants
growing around the inside perimeter of the main living space.'The Peach House' and nearby ;Hobbit House' were both 'Covid Lockdown' projects. Phillip Chubb is pictured above with his majestic Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Something that he built himself from just the chassis. One of only 10 females worldwide who is licensed to fly Sea-Planes. He has also build an aircraft , flown regularly by his wife Rosita.  |
Fruit and Vegetable Garden
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The Peach House and the main garden are both East facing, allowing the space to perfectly capture the morning light and sun. There is over 14 acres of garden to explore containing many interesting species. These include around 200 named Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There are some interesting specimen trees too. One of which is a Canadian Weeping Larch, believed to be first planted in England in 1712.
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The Japanese Garden
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Although it is close to Norwich the is complete privacy and surrounding countryside. There is even a 500 yard grass runway (pictured left) adjacent to the house. The Japanese Garden is another lockdown project. The Peacocks though are ever present there is even a white one. They can be noisy though, particularly in the early hours of the morning.Not helpful when trying to sleep....
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Chief noise maker
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A haven for wildlife there is an active Badger Sett in the woodland area.Sadly I didn't see a Badger despite looking as dusk fell. I did see a beautiful Roe Deer though on the edge of the runway. It seemed very inquisitive and despite noticing my presence didn't scamper away.
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1920's BSA Bicycle
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There is so much storage around the property it sometimes feels like a reclamation site. There are multiple cars from all eras and even a Dutch Barge awaiting restoration. I loved the BSA cycle which is probably over a hundred years old. Mr Chubb was only too happy to let me take a spin on it.After some air was put in the tyres I managed a 4.5 mile circuit down to nearby Mulbarton and back. The bike had 3 gears, although I hardly got out of the lowest gear. The bike was incredibly heavy and hard work. I did manage to overtake another cyclist though. I averaged a speed of 10.5 mph with a total elevation of 972 feet. Good fun though nevertheless.
It is an excellent place to stay and look forward to a return visit in the future.
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