Cross Lane, Brancaster, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31

A coastal gem. An architect designed house with exceptional views, and direct access to the coastal path and marshes.

Description

The Property
It is often the case that a house is defined by it’s setting. Whilst there are many houses along the Norfolk coastline, to secure a house which enjoys a genuine sea view can often be once in a generation.

Pump House is one of those houses that makes full use of the amazing vista that the Norfolk coastline is so famous for, and the lifestyle. Direct access to beguiling walks along the boardwalk, long summer al fresco suppers whilst admiring the marsh, kayaking through the creeks, days on the wide sandy beach, a famous golf course within sight of the house, or taking the boat down to neighbouring Brancaster Staithe, the house is surrounded by opportunity.

Designed by renowned architect, Thomas Faire, and completed in 2008, Pump House is an exceptional family home with the emphasis on fun, comfort, practicality, space and natural light and of course the views. The position becomes immediately apparent on entering the house where the view of the coastline is directly ahead, it sets the tone. At the heart of the house is an amazing open plan expanse, which somehow combines formal and informal living to create a wonderfully adaptive living space that is adept as absorbing friends and family, as it is for cosy winters as a couple. The space spans almost 17meters in length, encompassing an entrance area, living area, dining area and the kitchen. The living area is to the west, with open fireplace with Regency style surround, bespoke bookcases and cabinetry, and plenty of room for large corner sofas. The dining space is spacious and conveniently positioned next to the fitted kitchen, with large central island, pantry and further bespoke cabinetry.

A concealed sliding door divides the open plan space from the sitting room, providing the ability to add to the open plan nucleus of the house, or to create a more intimate and quiet room for relaxing, with floor to ceiling glazing allowing in plenty of natural light. Practicality is provided by the bootroom/utility, with good storage, and a convenient shower room for hosing down dogs and children after a day on the coast. At the opposite end of the house is the study, which, much like the rest of the house enjoys natural light and tall ceilings.

An impressive element of the house are the bedrooms. The main staircase, which drinks in the view through plenty of glazing, leads to a large landing that links all five double bedrooms on the first floor. A highlight is the principal bedroom, a triple aspect room with vaulted ceilings, together with an en-suite dressing room and bathroom with view of the coastline through a trademark Thomas Faire round window. The further four bedrooms are all double bedrooms, each enjoying an en-suite bathroom with the clever arrangement of accommodation that creates a spacious and airy feel. On the second floor is a large bedroom suite, with dressing area and bathroom, eaves storage and brilliant views of the coastline.


Outside
Approached by a discreet driveway, the entrance to Pump House opens up to a parking area to the south of the house, with plenty of space for many cars and boats. Alongside the parking area is a double garage, and an excellent studio, insulated, with great storage and an entire west elevation of bi-fold doors providing plenty of natural light, a real asset to the house.

The gardens link the house to the coastline, and therefore a key part of life at Pump House. Designed by Verity Hanson-Smith, there are zones within the garden for different uses and each with the backdrop of the coastline. Immediately adjoining the house is an expansive decked terrace, with defined seating areas for large and small gatherings, with flower beds and shrubs breaking up the eyeline. Lawns sweep away from the terrace, down the gardens which have matured with shrubs and structural hedges on either side.

An attractive gazebo with oak frame, pantile roof, and clad on two sides, makes for a perfect covered dining area within the garden, with paved area spilling out to the front creating a great place for parties or relaxed suppers. The lawns continue down to the marsh edge, where a brick and flint wall provides privacy for the gardens whilst cleverly not obscuring any of the view.

A further paved dining area is at the bottom of the garden, making the most of the view, open skies and the incredible sunsets over the marsh, whilst listening to the resident bird life. Also at the bottom of the garden is a small brick and flint barn, used for storage of coastal kit including kayaks, beside which is a pedestrian gate directly on to the marsh and coastal path, leading off to the beach or alongside the marshes.

Location

Brancaster, situated on the famous Norfolk coastline, is a charming village with direct access to the coastal lifestyle. The village hosts arguably the best beach of Norfolk, well known for its wide expanse of sand, where many a happy childhood has been spent, and has become a destination for kite surfers. Running alongside the beach is the famous Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, a fine links course immersed within the coastline and where from the 3rd and 17th tee you can spot Pump House across the marsh. Also within the village is The Ship public house, which is now run by the Michelin rated team of the Sculthorpe Mill, and a village stores and post office.

The coastline as a whole offers further beaches and golf courses, a delicatessen, village stores and popular public houses in nearby Thornham. Just beyond Thornham is Drove Orchards hosting a farm shop, Gurneys fish shop, and the famous Erics fish & chips, and Erics Pizza. Excellent sailing is from the neighbouring village of Brancaster Staithe, a village with further excellent pubs including the thriving White Horse, fish shop, cafes and village stores.
This stretch of coastline is renowned for superb bird watching, whilst Burnham Market is 7 miles from the house, with an array of boutique independent shops, bakery, butchers, fishmongers and restaurants including Socius and Number 29.

The local and historic market town of Kings Lynn is about 18 miles, with main line rail service to London Kings Cross.

Square Footage: 4,685 sq ft


Acreage: 0.7 Acres

Additional Info

Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil fired central heating.

Local Authority
West Norfolk District Council