One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the rich variety of property I get to see. Reflecting over the last 10 days, it has included everything from a 1970’s two bedroom detached bungalow in Weybourne, a stunning apartment on the North Norfolk coast, to a significant Georgian cliff-top house. Likewise, condition varies from stunning to full-modernisation and agent’s favourite word ‘potential’!
Personally, I love period property and it is really interesting to see how owners are improving their homes to keep pace with the trend for contemporary, whilst maintaining the period features and character of the time. One particular period, Arts & Crafts, I find delightful. Spanning between 1880 to 1920, it was an international movement started in Britain which went onto flourish in Europe and North America.
I am sure many of you witnessed on the news recently the devastating fire at The Glasgow School of Art. I now feel very privileged to have viewed this building prior to the first fire (which destroyed the library) never mind the more recent one, which sadly appears to have taken the whole building. This building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a name is synonymous with the Arts & Crafts movement in Scotland. It is still worth heading north to look round Hill House in Helenburgh, a stunning house designed by Mackintosh for the Glasgow publisher Walter Blackie. The triumph here is not just the house but the gardens and much of the furniture, equally The Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow is a must. The tea and cake is rather good as well!
This brings me to Sheringham, where a number of properties on the north eastern side of the town were designed or influenced by the Arts & Crafts style architect John Brocklesby. The designs as you would probably expect are much simpler in interpretation than Mackintosh, but nevertheless, still impressive, and follows the principals of simplicity of design and reviving of traditional craftsmanship.
This can be identified in a lovely 4/5 bedroom home we are about to place on the market with a Guide Price of £575,000, positioned on Nelson Road, Sheringham. The property, arranged over 3 floors, was constructed in 1908 and occupies an elevated position within nearly half an acre, with delightful views to towards Beeston Heath at the rear. The property’s external appearance from the front is modest and functional with the large porch being the only feature to give some indication of what might be expected internally. You won’t be disappointed!
The property is flooded with light, space and many original features which typify the era. The entrance doors open to a truly delightful reception hall with fireplace acting as a focal point to the room, traditional beamed ceiling finished with a dark stain, gentle staircase with small hearts cut into the occasional balustrade and panelled doors with decorative architraves. The sitting room is very unusual with two semi-circular bays with arched openings and fitted window seats supported on decorative brackets. The adjoining dining room has a square bay with door leading to the garden and this room, like the sitting room, has original fireplaces. Fireplaces can also be found in all the first floor bedrooms, all are cast iron, with three having differing coloured tiles tracing the fireplace opening and the final one with a simple heart in the centre.
This property will be available for viewing from Saturday 14 July 2018, when we will be holding an open house (details will be posted to our blog and social media platforms closer to the time). There is scope for updating the kitchen, which does feature an aga, but this is most definitely a property not to be missed.
Nick Eley – Partner Watsons Period & Prestige – You can contact Nick on his email: n.eley@watsons-property.co.uk or call 07717 667 054
First seen in EDP Homes Supplement – 29 June 2018
