High Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23

Offered for sale with no onward chain, Chancery House is a unique and iconic Grade II Listed residence situated in a designated Conservation Area of Wells-next-the-Sea and less than a minute's stroll from The Buttlands.  The High Street is now almost entirely residential but still reflects its former character and grandeur with an attractive collection of quaint period shop fronts and is generally regarded as one of the town's most prestigious addresses.  This house and its extensive range of outbuildings have been comprehensively refurbished by the current owners to create a substantial exceptionally comfortable family home, together with a range of ancillary accommodation.  The property reflects a fascinating evolution over the centuries  incorporating Victorian and Edwardian elements alongside period features dating back to its earlier use as boat building premises.   

The principal house is thought to comprise a traditional Victorian/Edwardian wealthy merchant's residence, adjoined to number 46, formerly G F Rose Ironmongers, which retains a distinctive late 18th century bow-fronted shop front with elegant slender fluted columns.  This combination of uses and architectural periods gives Chancery House its particularly distinctive character and charm.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and now comprises six bedrooms, four reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, five bathrooms and a substantial cellar, all connected by an intriguing arrangement of hallways, landings and corridors.  Outside, an impressive range of outbuildings provides versatile ancillary accommodation including a self-contained former coach house and a detached two storey former stable.  The good sized courtyard garden is accessed from the High Street through large double timber gates, providing secure private parking within the property. In addition, the sale includes six further off street parking spaces a short walk away.

Wells-next-the-Sea has been a commercial and fishing port for nearly 600 years and still supports a thriving fishing fleet bringing in a catch of, predominantly, shellfish sold locally on the quayside and in nearby restaurants. With a growing number of leisure craft moorings, a lively, sociable sailing club, harbour and sea fishing trips, the town caters for every type of water activity including “gillying” - crabbing on the quayside. Situated a mile from the Quay, the extensive sandy beach is often ranked as one of the top 10 in the country by travel journals. Set against a backdrop of Corsican pinewoods, the stunning beach is home to the much publicised, iconic colourful beach huts, which are available to buy or can be rented daily.

From the top of town down to the Quay, Staithe Street provides visitors and locals with a wide variety of shops, cafes, galleries and speciality food stores. For entertainment, the recently opened Wells Maltings offers live entertainment and exhibitions, whilst alongside the Quay, are all the usual popular traditional seaside attractions. Alongside coastal scenery, wildlife and water sports, the town has a primary and secondary school – both rated Good by Ofsted - as well as a library, doctor’s surgery and cottage hospital providing a range of accessible and integrated health and well-being services.

Mains water, mains drainage and mains electricity.  Gas-fired central heating to main house and electric radiators to coach house and stables.  EPC Rating Band D.

North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EN.  Council Tax Band n/a (registered for Business Rates).

COACH HOUSE ACCOMMODATION

The former coach house now provides spacious annexe accommodation, centred around a vaulted open-plan living room with a discretely hidden kitchenette, double bedroom and shower room. It is accessed either from the property’s main courtyard or via a side door, providing separate access from Chancery Lane.

STABLE ACCOMMODATION

The detached former stable now provides a self-contained bedroom suite laid out over two storeys, comprising a living area, shower room and double bedroom, with access from the courtyard.

OUTSIDE

Imposing full-height, painted timber double gates open onto a gravelled parking area with a pair of vintage gates screening the large courtyard garden beyond. The courtyard has been attractively landscaped and extensively paved with Indian sandstone for ease of maintenance and is enclosed on all sides by the main house and its associated outbuildings. An external kitchen/utility room provides useful additional facilities, including utility connections, a worktop and a large butler sink. Chancery House also benefits from six additional parking spaces located approximately a five minute walk away - please ask for more information.