The Green, Thornham, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36

The epitome of contemporary coastal living.

Description

Oldfield is one of the finest contemporary homes in Norfolk. The design, the quality of finish, the professionally landscaped gardens all help to set this house apart, but the key above all else is the staggering views of the coastline that can be enjoyed directly from many points of the house. The latter cannot be emphasised enough, as the clever design of the house has maximised the full vista across Thornham marshes and out to sea. They can be fully enjoyed whether relaxing in the bath, in bed, at the kitchen island, a comfy sofa or the balcony. It is quite something when a house takes it all in to this extent.

The house was built in 2022/23, to exacting standards by the well-known team at Rutlands builders. The external aesthetic is highly appealing, with a mix of mellow oak, carefully chosen flint, glass and cladding creating a distinguished and modern look, with a welcoming aura that fits well into its coastal environment. The entrance sets the tone, a wide hall with exposed flint work, the sleek main staircase and immediate views through to the gardens by award winning designer; Tom Howard, which work to draw you into the house.

The ground floor is a mix of bedrooms and living areas. On the south side of the house is a brilliantly spacious and light room almost 10m long. Multi-functional and currently used as a relaxing TV room, the space enjoys a bespoke media unit, contemporary woodburner, and framed views of the garden thanks to floor to ceiling glazing which open entirely with pivot doors out to the paved terrace, on a seamless floor level. There are three double bedrooms, all with their own en suite bath/shower rooms. A practical utility room, also a drying room, has its own external door for when returning from the coast after sailing, or long afternoons on the beach, to prevent sandy, muddy or salty clothes from proceeding further into the house.

Given the position of the house, it made sense to work to a design that placed the principal bedroom area, and the everyday living, on the first floor to make full use of the captivating views. The heart of the house is the open plan kitchen/living/dining space, an area as adept at calm relaxation as it is for drinks and social suppers, all with the common backdrop of the coastline in full view. The kitchen is stylish and subtle, with integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances and Quooker tap, island unit and plenty of cupboards. The dining area adjoins, positioned to enjoy the view of either the coast or the gardens, whilst the living area is where the full impact of the coastal setting is felt most. This area, with carpet inset within the engineered oak floors providing a softness, is complete with cosy contemporary woodburner, and an open and far reaching view over the coastline through floor to ceiling sliding glazed doors, out to the balcony. It is an amazing spot to take in the sunsets, observe the bird life, or watching the tides roll in and out and can be done in any weather, either cocooned within during winter whilst the fire crackles, or with the sliding doors peeled back in the height of summer. The balcony, with glass balustrade, simply amplifies the enjoyment of the position, particularly the famous Norfolk sunsets.

The current owners were of the admirable opinion that a principal bedroom should be given a prominent position with the house, and have been rewarded with among the best views of the coastline from the comfort of bed and equally the bath. The easy enjoyment of the views are surprisingly rare commodities along the coast. The principal bedroom also benefits from sliding glazed doors out to the balcony, whilst a dressing room with bespoke cabinetry is concealed, leading into a luxurious en suite bathroom, with the aforementioned view through glass to glass corner window, and seamless glass shower. It is an excellent layout and a suite that befits the house.

Throughout the home there is a quality of finish and design, with underfloor heating on both ground and first floor, Duravit sanitaryware, USB points in all bedrooms, lighting plan by John Cullen and practical points such as drying room and retractable drying rack. The combination of design meeting how life works has made the house a success.

Location

Oldfield is located on The Green in Thornham, a quiet spot off a small lane within the otherwise bustling village on the famous Norfolk coastline. The village is thriving, providing all the attributes of a coastal lifestyle. The marshes, dunes and beaches are on your doorstep, as is direct access to the coastal path that leads you along the coastline. This coast is good for the soul, whether enjoying the peace of the surroundings, the beauty, or simply observing the wildlife whether rare or regularly seen. It has its own atmosphere. There are plenty of locations from which to sail from and appreciate it all from a different perspective.

One of the key reasons to Thornham’s popularity is what it provides on a day to day basis. At the heart of it all is the Thornham Deli, with its restaurant, deli counter, barista coffee, and lifestyle shop. There are three excellent public houses, The Lifeboat, The Orange Tree and The Chequers all of which are well regarded, and within the village are a cricket pitch, village tennis court and children’s play area.

On the edge of the village is Drove Orchards hosting a farm shop, Gurneys fish shop, the famous Erics fish & chips and Pizza, tapas bar, The Old Stores microbakery and coffee shop, art gallery, antiques, and East coast Gelato. It is a real hive of activity to enjoy.

This stretch of coastline is renowned for its superb sailing at Brancaster Staithe, bird watching at all points, golf at Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster and a course at Old Hunstanton. There is a plethora of restaurants and gastro pubs locally. Burnham Market is about seven 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: 2,633 sq ft


Acreage: 0.27 Acres

Additional Info

Outside
The garden and grounds of Oldfield were as carefully considered as the house, providing the perfect balance. The landscaping was entrusted to Tom Howard, an award winning landscape designer, who had the enviable task of working with a principal south facing garden, and the coastline to the north. The gardens to the south are exceptional. There is a very natural feel to them, yet with a clear definition and structure thanks to statement flint walls, corten steel water troughs, and paved areas, all bordered by billowing herbaceous beds of salvias, euphorbias, grasses and many more within a clever planting scheme. An expanse of lawn provides scale, whilst the patios are divided into garden seating area, outdoor kitchen area with Napolean BBQ and raised flint gabion framed kitchen garden, and patio along the south façade of the house. The entirety is enclosed within mature boundaries, and as a whole is visually impressive and a complimentary contrast to the wildness of the coastline on the other side of the house. On a practical level, the design was to be easy to maintain, complete with irrigation system.

To the north of the house is an in and out drive, of brick weave and gravel, with private parking for vehicles and boats, and leading up to the garaging. Clipped yew hedging runs along the boundary, with simple beds of tall grasses, and herbaceous beds providing interest. The large garage is built in the style of the house, and provides excellent storage whether for cars, bikes, kayaks and kite surfing kit. The garage has a first floor, with steps up to a studio/office, again with fine views of the coastline.

It is a house and garden that truly works to embrace the coastal lifestyle.

Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage. Air source heat pump.

Local Authority
West Norfolk District Council
Council tax band G

Fixtures & Fittings
All fixtures and fittings including fitted carpets and curtains are specifically excluded from the sale, but may be available in addition, subject to separate negotiation.

Viewings
Strictly by appointment with Savills. If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property