Hillington, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31

A handsome and refined Georgian Country House.

Description

Uphall is a handsome Grade II listed home, with refined living on a manageable scale. A house with charm, starting with the wonderful symmetry to the welcoming Georgian front facade, continuing inside with the classic country house interiors, it is also a house that befits modern day living such as open plan family rooms, and practical points such as a new and highly efficient heating system.

The history of the house is compelling. Uphall was previously owned by Lady Femoy, Lady in Waiting, grandmother to the late Princess Diana, and a great friend of the Queen Mother, who used the house as her Norfolk base whilst Sandringham House was being renovated in the early 1970s. The house dates back to the 18th century, and has continued to evolve, with the current custodians having remodelled the north end of the house. Crucially, the core of the house, the architectural merit and detail has retained a wonderful originality.

This is immediately apparent upon entering. A grand reception hall is a fine welcome, with alcove shelving and cabinetry, and open through to the staircase – a great room to host drinks parties in. A panelled living room is off this, with lovely mellow panelling and double aspect making for a light and comfortable room. Further formal rooms include the elegant drawing room, a fine room with open fireplace, and bespoke shelving and cabinetry that compliments the room, and the dining room of equal stature with three full height sash windows looking out over the gardens.

A focal point of the house is the open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room, a space that absorbs day to day life. A hand built kitchen is complete with four over electric Aga and larder, opening out to the family room with bespoke media unit. Further practicality is provided by the relatively recent addition of a boot room, gym and storage rooms, whilst a cellar comprises a utility/laundry, storage and wine cellar, plant room and a cosy snug.

The bedrooms are over two floors, with a front and back stairs, and enjoy similarly fine proportions and tall ceilings to those of the ground floor. A principal bedroom suite has been created, with a bedroom enjoying both morning and evening light, an en suite bathroom, and a spacious dressing room with built in wardrobes. Further notable rooms are the two bedrooms on the west side of the house, both with en suites, pretty fireplaces and original cupboards. There are a total of eight bedrooms on the first floor, albeit one is utilised as a study, and three bedrooms on the second floor.

The house has a very user friendly layout, and works well whether as a couple of full of family and friends.

Gardens & Grounds
Uphall enjoys a central position within its glorious 5 acres of gardens and grounds. It creates a great sense of privacy, and control of your surroundings.

A gravelled drive sweeps up to the front of the house, with plenty of parking and turning space, creating a wonderful approach with the Georgian façade in full view.

The parking area is framed by bay topiary, open to sweeping lawns leading to a parterre of box hedging, topiary and shrubs, together with productive kitchen gardens and attractive greenhouse. A hard tennis court is to the north of this. To the south and west of the house are further lawns providing an openness to the surroundings. A paved terrace runs along the west elevation of the house, an expansive space for outside dining, entertaining and relaxing, with the backdrop of the house adorned with wisteria and roses. A gravel path from the terrace runs alongside a long border of well stocked herbaceous beds, with high mellow brick wall creating an ideal growing environment. A croquet lawn divides the border from the Victorian Swimming pond, the original version of the now trendy swim ponds, with defined rectangular shape and central fountain.

The grounds then continue in park like fashion, with mature broadleaf woodland providing meandering walks, to open areas of lawn and wild flower meadow. Throughout the grounds are fine trees, bold old and more recent, with beech, lime, sweet chestnut, oak, mulberry and walnut.

To the north of the house is the traditional chalk stone coach house. An attractive building in its own right, with original Georgian stalls, there is clearly scope for a variety of uses to suit requirements. Further outbuildings include carports and storage.

Location

The house is located on the edge of the village of Hillington, part of a cluster of well served West Norfolk villages. The village has a petrol station which incorporates a post office and village store, and the Folkes hotel and spa.

The nearby village of Roydon has a pub, The Three Horseshoes, whilst the close neighbouring villages of Congham and Grimston provide a further post office, village shops, vets, GP surgery and the renowned Congham Hall Spa.

Royal Sandringham it the neighbouring village to the north, with Howards butchers within the village selling Sandringham Red Poll beef and Sandringham lamb. Sandringham itself is well known for its shop, restaurant, Sandringham House and the endless walks through woodlands.

The local and historic market town of Kings Lynn is close by, and was once a major port and centre of trade, resulting in some fabulous and architecturally notable buildings. The town has a range of retail offerings, local amenities, supermarkets, golf club and other sports facilities, and a main line rail service to London Kings Cross, and to Cambridge.

The Norfolk coastline can be accessed to the north, about 10 miles away in Snettisham, with the coastline as a whole providing excellent bird watching, sailing, golf at Old Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk, and a plethora of gastro pubs through to Michelin starred dining at The Neptune in Old Hunstanton.

Square Footage: 7,627 sq ft


Acreage: 5 Acres

Additional Info

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

Local Authority
Kings Lynn & West Norfolk District Council
Council Tax Band H

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.