Station Road, Thorpe Market, Norwich, NR11

Distinctive former railway station with royal connection.

Description

East Norfolk House is both a collector’s item and a highly practical home. Originally built as a station on the East Norfolk Railway line, it later became a private residence following a sensitive and thoughtful conversion. The result is a distinctive and attractive Victorian building with a rich and distinguished past.

Commissioned by Lord Suffield to serve the surrounding Gunton Hall Estate, the station was designed to accommodate the convenient visits of Lord Suffield’s friend, King Edward VII. Reflecting the calibre of its guests, the building was constructed to an exceptionally high standard, with English bond brickwork, tall sash windows, an elegant platform canopy and generously proportioned internal rooms. These fine original features proved invaluable during the conversion and have been beautifully preserved.

The house offers a wonderfully practical layout, with an excellent balance of living space and bedrooms. An entrance porch leads into a welcoming hall, an essential feature given the rural setting, before opening into the fitted kitchen with dining area and pantry. A particular highlight of the home is the pair of impressive reception rooms, both are large room with striking vaulted ceilings, original panelling and an abundance of Victorian sash windows that flood the rooms with natural light. Each room has a fireplace, one with a woodburner, along with bespoke display cabinetry and the characteristic double doors opening onto the former station platform. The living room also enjoys direct access to the south west facing garden.

At the far end of the house are the bedrooms. The principal bedroom is a generous room with an en suite bathroom, while two further bedrooms also benefit from en suite facilities. All three rooms feature tall ceilings, enhancing the sense of space and grandeur.

The house would now benefit from updating in some areas, to optimise the grandeur of the house.

Outside
The grounds extend to approximately 1.1 acres and have been thoughtfully arranged to provide a variety of different environments. Formal lawns sit comfortably alongside productive vegetable beds and areas of more natural planting, creating an attractive and ever changing backdrop through the seasons. The areas are divided by mature yew hedging.

Within the grounds are useful outbuildings including potting shed/studio, the former station storage of traditional build, and further storage shed.

One of the most striking features is the original station platform, an evocative reminder of the building’s past and now a unique element within the garden. Trains continue to pass on the active Greater Anglia line, connecting Norwich with the North Norfolk coast, adding a sense of heritage rather than intrusion.

To the west, the gardens enjoy open views across surrounding countryside, enhancing the feeling of space, privacy and rural calm. A gravelled drive leads to private parking and a turning area.

Location

East Norfolk House lies beside the still operational Gunton Station, offering an unusual and appealing balance of countryside living with excellent connectivity. A rail service runs between Norwich and Sheringham, making the property particularly attractive for commuters, second home owners or those seeking easy access to both coast and city.

An easy stroll from the house is the excellent Suffield Arms, a pub and restaurant renowned for its tapas menu, cocktail bar and interior design. It is the sister pub of the famed Gunton Arms, a pub that has done so much to raise the profile of the location, with is atmospheric dining and setting, alongside rooms to stay in and its notable art collection on the walls.

Everyday amenities are close at hand, including an excellent farm shop approximately two miles away, offering organic produce, delicatessen, butcher and restaurant, with further facilities in Roughton. Cromer and North Walsham, both around five miles away, provide a broader range of shopping, supermarkets, schools and leisure facilities. Cromer is particularly well known for its elegant pier, Pavilion Theatre and strong Victorian architectural heritage.

There is a good choice of schooling in the area, including Beeston Hall Preparatory School at West Runton.

Square Footage: 2,130 sq ft


Acreage: 1.09 Acres

Additional Info

Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil fired central heating. Private drainage. Bottled gas cooker.

Local Authority
North Norfolk District Council.
Council Tax Band E

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.

Important Notice
Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:
1. They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.

2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.