In 1930, William van Alen wanted to design the tallest building in the world. His problem was that H. Craig Severance also wanted to build the tallest building in the world. Van Alen was the architect of the Chrysler building, while Severance was in charge of 40 Wall Street. How to win?
What van Alen did was hide the spire of the Chrysler building inside the crown of the building, and then wait until 40 Wall Street was finished. For a month, Severance’s building was the tallest, until van Alen revealed his spire, and victory was his.
I assume that something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, took place on the mean streets of Cliff Hill in Gorleston. For number 24 on this street is just a bit taller than all the other period homes that flank it, courtesy of this magnificent lookout on its roof. It is for sale with Sowerbys for £550,000.
A miniature castle on the seaside.
More homes should have lookouts, if you ask me. How else are you to appreciate a view, or be able to see your enemies approaching from afar? How else are you supposed to enjoy a cup of tea while looking down on your pathetic neighbours? All of these are very reasonable things to consider.
Number 24 Cliff Hill is listed Grade II and dates back to the 1850s, and is very much of the rich Victorian seaside tradition. Set over three floors (four floors, if you include the lookout), the property offers five bedrooms and bags of character.
Highlights include the first floor sitting room, to maximise sea views, the garden room, the snug and of course the lookout itself. Plenty of period features remain, making this an elegant home in one of Norfolk’s better seaside towns.
But that’s not all. The property comes with a separate two-storey accommodation space, that could serve a variety of uses, a basement and a very well planted and spacious garden to the rear. Gorleston itself offers plenty in the way of things to do, should you be tempted to leave your lookout.
Views in every direction, so you can absorb the jealousy of your neighbours from all angles.
-
Goodwoof: 'The remarkable thing is how few incidents of biting there are, from dogs and owners'Now in its 4th year, Goodwoof could be the canine Glastonbury. Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, reveals some of the secrets of its success.
-
Steel, murmurations and campanology: Country Life Quiz of the Day, May 20, 2025Moon landings, acronyms and road safety are the name of the game in today's quiz.
-
A tranquil cottage in Essex where Grayson Perry used to do his paper roundGreat Bardfield was home to a variety of famous artists, and with properties such as Vine Cottage, it's not difficult to understand why.
-
A home of horticultural and architectural grandeur for sale near BanburyReception and bedrooms on the inside, garden rooms by Lanning Roper on the outside.
-
22 charming country homes for sale, from £500k to £3m, as seen in Country LifeOur regular look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life includes everything from thatched cottages in the West Country to sprawling estates.
-
An effortlessly contemporary home in Surrey for quiet contemplationGraylings in the Surrey Hills was designed by Baufritz and is a delight of modern design.
-
Curiosity abounds in Kent at Flimwell Grange, where an old brandy vat is now a pool houseThis period delight is full of curious treasures, and offers outstanding views of the Garden of England.
-
London is a happy city, but not the happiest city, according to new researchIt is, however, a very romantic city, according to different research. So that's good.
-
Swim above the competition in London's highest outdoor poolThe new Shard Place development is the latest amenity-filled addition to the Shard Quarter
-
Business at the front, party at the rear: Ravensbury Lodge in Devon, a four-bed conversion on the market with stunning views of the River DartThe house in Warfleet, Dartmouth, is a waterside property with a twist — and its contrasting architectural elements are a delightful surprise.
