As Sir John Betjeman sagely observed: ‘Norfolk would not be Norfolk without a church tower on the horizon or round a corner up a lane.’
In fact, Norfolk has more than 650 medieval churches, a rich architectural legacy that’s spawned the many enchanting rectories and old vicarages for which the county is rightly famous.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but among the most striking is Grade II-listed Old Vicarage at Sedgeford, four miles from Hunstanton on the prosperous north coast, which is currently for sale through Strutt & Parker for ‘offers over £1.795m’.
The Victorian former vicarage, built in the Gothic Revival style in about 1840, is one of Norfolk’s famous ‘gingerbread houses’, constructed of shale Carrstone using a labour-intensive technique whereby narrow slats of the locally quarried sandstone were laid out so that no mortar was visible - seen here to dramatic effect against the backdrop of the building’s tall gabled roofs topped with finials.
Surrounded by mature trees, the house stands on the south-facing slope of the Heacham River valley, with views through the trees over the local AONB.
Having acquired Old Vicarage in an abject state of disrepair in 1991, the present owners have totally renovated the house and its 1½ acres of enchanting gardens and are now downsizing to a smaller house nearby.
Old Vicarage comes with 6,826sq ft of internal space that includes four reception rooms, a large master suite, two further first-floor bedroom suites and three second-floor bedrooms.
Charming old school house designed by a founding member of the Institute of British Architects
Stunning neo-Gothic property, close to the beach.
The house of Tudor England’s most infamous villain comes to the market
Following the Dissolution, Sir Richard Rich, Chancellor of the Court of Augmentation bought Littley Park.
Waddesdon Manor, via the medium of gingerbread
Luxury confectionery crafters Biscuiteers have re-created the glory of French Renaissance-style chateau Waddesdon Manor in gingerbread.
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Water you're waiting for? Britain's best heritage lidos were built to save swimmers from polluted seas full of potato peelings, oil and coal — and they're still in action todayThe seaside lido continues to offer safe swimming for holidaymakers irrespective of the tide, but they're also architectural gems worthy of our admiration.
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Ironmongers' Hall: The medieval marvel destroyed by a First World War bomb, and it's inspiring 21st century renaissanceIronmongers’ Hall in London EC2 — home of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers — is one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. This year it is celebrating the centenary of its Tudor-style Hall; John Goodall takes a look, and tells the remarkable story of the building. Photographs by Will Pryce for the Country Life Picture Library
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The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for saleGreat estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
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A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
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The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyleAcross the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
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Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villasMatthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
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A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the marketThe Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
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A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in FulhamA dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
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18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country LifeOur look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
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The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spotsThe Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
