House For Sale £525,000
Norwich

Boasting accommodation and interiors every bit as eclectic as the history within this property, this fine residence within Strangers Court is a city home like no other.

Many will be familiar with the delights of Pottergate and the Norwich Lanes, a thriving area of the city with coffee shops, eateries, bars and culture all around, however even the most regular visitors may not be aware that behind the discreet, yet ornate, set of iron gates of Strangers Court, lies a collection of exclusive homes with a fascinating story to tell.

In 1565, the city authorities invited Protestant refugees from the Spanish Netherlands to settle in Norwich and boost the city's now famous textile industry. 30 households of master weavers came over from Flanders and soon many more followed. They became known as the "Strangers" and at their peak accounted for over a third of the city's population. Many properties that were once bustling commercial buildings now serve as some of the most idiosyncratic homes to be found anywhere in the city. Number 8 at Strangers Court is one such home.

Beyond the attractive front door, the versatility of the home is immediately evident with a ground floor bedroom option enjoying all the character and elegance of the semi-open en-suite bathroom. Rising to the first floor, the modern kitchen is bathed in reams of natural light via the large skylight, whilst the showstopping principal reception ushers in just as much light via the two expansive sash windows. This extraordinary room boasts the sophistication and style found in any Georgian manor house with high ceilings, ornate panelling and plaster coving.

Whether it's starting your day with breakfast amongst refined surroundings or inviting friends and family back for drinks after a night at the theatre, it's hard to imagine a space better suited to a fulfilling city lifestyle. Views of the Norwich Lanes from the window reminds you of the delights awaiting you, just steps from your front door. A further bedroom and shower room are found to the first floor, providing well balanced accommodation and boasting more of the refined elegance found in the sitting/dining room.

Given its central, yet exclusive, location, practicalities are well catered for. Beyond the iron gates of Strangers Court, private and secure allocated parking comes with this home.  

NORWICH This ancient city has been home to writers, radicals and fiercely independent spirits for over a thousand years, and today continues in its legacy as an enclave of culture and creativity. Its perfectly preserved medieval streets are home to a thriving community of small businesses, a vibrant food scene and an established arts culture. It is also a gateway to a county that continues to inspire people with its unspoilt landscapes, open spaces and big skies.

Named as one of the best places to live in 2021, Norwich lies approximately 20 miles from the coast at the confluence of the River Yare and the River Wensum, the latter still bending its way through the heart of the city. In the 11th Century, Norwich was the second largest city in the country, and today is still the UK's most complete medieval city. Strolling through the historic cobbled streets of Elm Hill, whatever the season, the Tudor architecture retains its character and beauty. Laced with merchant's houses, thatching, individual homes, speciality shops and small cafes, you'll be led toward the 1,000-year-old Norwich Cathedral.
To the west of the city the University of East Anglia is a remarkable example of brutalist architecture, and the campus is also home to the Sainsbury centre, a permanent collection of modern and ethnographic art, gifted by the Sainsbury family.

Property types in Norwich are incredibly diverse, from city-centre Victorian properties, converted mills and barns, townhouses and luxury new-builds. Central to the city, Newmarket Road is noted for its selection of grand houses, and the 'Golden Triangle' neighbourhood is a favourite with families. There is also an array of beautiful rural villages within a short drive, notably Stoke Holy Cross to the south, Surlingham to the east, or Bawburgh to the west, where larger rural properties and small estates are often brought to market.

When the bright lights call, trains to Liverpool Street take just 90 minutes, and the city's airport flies to a number of UK destinations, as well as direct to Amsterdam.

This is a city that reveals itself the longer you stay - a city to fall in love with - a city to be a part of.
 

SERVICES CONNECTED Mains electricity, water and drainage. Gas fired central heating.
 

COUNCIL TAX Band C. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING An Energy Performance Certificate is not required for this property due to it being Grade II listed. 

TENURE Freehold. 

LOCATION What3words: ///upgrading.weds.cats 

PROPERTY REFERENCE 42294 

WEBSITE TAGS historical-homes
town-life