Mill Lane, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11

An exceptionally unique home.

Description

The Water Tower is a landmark structure in the small market town of Aylsham and its surrounding countryside – and one that has evolved into an exceptional and unique home. The tower itself was built in 1923 to exacting standards and incredible robustness, as one would expect of a structure originally engineered to bear the weight of an enormous cast iron water tank. The challenge was to add finesse without compromising industrial heritage, to create a practical and stylish internal layout, and above all maximise the incredible views from the tower top.

The current custodians commissioned and oversaw the works, which resulted in the creation of a high specification, spacious, secure and extremely private home – unlocking some of the finest views in Norfolk in the process! The project included the conversion of the existing tower, the addition of a glass enclosed staircase ascending 18m to the side, a significant three storey extension, and the capping of the tower with a glass and steel room with a zinc roof. The latter was constructed at ground level and then craned into position, weighing over 15 tonnes – and was designed to emulate the original water tank that it replaced.

At the foot of the building, a subtle contemporary entrance leads into a lobby area, with access into the integral garaging, a WC, and an office with French doors out to a courtyard garden. The office could easily be redeployed as a further bedroom with ensuite. There is a large double garage and interconnected single garage – both with top quality steel roller doors by Hormann to provide a high level of security. There is a further private parking space in the shared courtyard. An industrial grade lift by Schindler provides access to six floors and itself has a stylish custom-built interior.

The first floor is for day-to-day living. A functional kitchen, with fitted cabinetry and distinctive granite worktops and slate flooring, is conveniently opposite a hall to the open plan living/dining room. This a beautiful space reminiscent of a warehouse apartment with solid oak flooring, 9.5m in length with dual aspect allowing in plenty of natural light. The room has been stylishly curated, with the juxtaposition of a contemporary gas stove at the far end, and the exposed original brickwork of the tower at the other. French doors open onto a balcony garden with glazed balustrade – a summer morning suntrap!

The second floor hosts, in its entirety, the principal bedroom suite. A super stylish and spacious bathroom is complete with copper roll top bath, matching vanity unit and colour schemed floor to ceiling tiling, and a large walk in shower. The main bedroom is opposite - an expansive dual aspect room with seating area, which also benefits from 2 dressing rooms. The scale and design give the feeling of a boutique hotel and the space is readily adaptable should the needs of a new owner be different.

The third and fourth floors are purely within the tower itself and are identical in layout. Both provide double bedrooms, with wardrobes and ensuite shower rooms. On these floors one gets a taste of the views across Aylsham and beyond to open countryside. The fifth floor is currently used as a media room as engineering constraints precluded the addition of windows. It could easily be adapted as a further temporary bedroom space if needed.

The pièce de résistance is the viewing/living room at the very top of the tower. Reached by a custom built spiral staircase (a lift lobby would have spoilt the view), this truly exceptional room is one of a kind with ceramic parquet flooring. Whilst there are a number of notable water tower conversions in the UK, this one is distinguished by four sides of glazing that provide 360 degree armchair views of Norfolk – literally horizon to horizon. Norwich Cathedral spire is visible to the South along with a multitude of other landmarks up to 30 miles distant. It is captivating, intriguing and beguiling all at once, a showstopper for guests, an inspiring place to sit as the homeowner, offering views that constantly change with the seasons and daily weather. Weather watching, stargazing, even photographing the Northern Lights… it’s all possible from here!

The entire south facing elevation opens up with bi-fold doors to connect you with the Norfolk sky – an amazing place to raise a glass or two on a summer evening. A steel balcony runs round the entire perimeter – protected by laminated glass balustrade – and the views from here have helped a few lucky people get over their fear of heights! In the foreground are a range of wonderful buildings designed by the eminent Victorian architect W.J. Donthorn (a founder of RIBA).

Location

The Water Tower is located on the Western edge of the thriving market town of Aylsham which offers a great range of independent shops along side a supermarket, BP/M&S petrol station, green grocers, bakers, butchers, hardware shops and florists. There are several cafes and the popular Bread Source artisan bakery, art galleries and public houses. The town has many notable Georgian buildings and is bordered to the North and West by the Blickling Estate – with its stunning hall and connections to Anne Boleyn. Owned by the National Trust, the estate has a network of paths to enjoy and around the lake and park. The Buck Arms, a well-regarded Public House/restaurant, is situated by Blickling Hall – and is a convenient 20 minute stroll across the fields from The Water Tower.

The Cathedral City of Norwich lies 12 miles to the South – with excellent retail, business, education, cultural and leisure sectors. The entire North Norfolk Coast is 11 miles in the opposite direction, renowned for its sandy beaches, bird reserves and sailing (also possible on the nearby Norfolk Broads)

Square Footage: 3,400 sq ft


Acreage: 0.05 Acres

Additional Info

Services
Mains water and drainage, Heating (switchable to air conditioning) provided by Air Source Heat Pump, Gas fired boiler for hot water, 3-phase electricity (potential for rapid car charging)

Local Authority
Broadland
Council Tax Band G

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