Blackwater HouseHigh Kelling | Norfolk | NR25 6RA

M I D - C E N T U R Y M A G N I F I C E N C E

It is not often that we have the honour of marketing a property as unique as Blackwater House which is located on a private road in the wooded enclave of High Kelling village close to the Georgian market town of Holt. Drawing on the

forms and clean lines of the mid-century modern design movement, the use of light and space in this approximately 4,000 sq. ft. five-bedroom family home are an inspiration. At the heart of the house the open-plan kitchen with a combination of marble effect tiles and natural wooden elements flows seamlessly to the outside veranda and garden courtyard via

full length floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, while the large master bedroom with an en suite offers commanding views over the garden, the layout of which mirrors the purity of design of the interior. There is an artist’s studio to the front of the property which takes advantage of the full six-metre height of the property, and has its own bedroom and bathroom.

To the end of the garden an annexe provides separate two-bedroom accommodation (sleeping four) - also with its own kitchen, bathroom and outside entertaining area, it offers a secluded space away from the main house.

INSIDE

• Unique and dramatic five-bedroom Mid-Century Modern Design family home with annexe on a private road in High Kelling village close to the market town of Holt

• Property extends to 4,000 sq. ft. with separate annexe with own facilities at end of garden.

• Light and airy design employing natural materials including marble and reclaimed timber throughout the two-storey main property

• Fantastically high ceilings and walls of glass giving an unparalleled feeling of space and light

• The main houses interfaces perfectly with the garden and outside entertaining areas

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows in main reception and kitchen areas

• Good sized low maintenance garden with fabulous design features extending from the property and onto the terraced area

• Equally special fully self-contained annexe to the end of the garden with its own private outdoor eating and relaxing space

The Perfect LocationBefore the property had been built, there was only a rudimentary wooden structure in situ. “I instantly connected with the plot,” the present owner said. “I had been looking for something to rent close to Gresham’s school until I could find my dream house, but we spent the summer in a rented small wooden dwelling on the plot in High Kelling. The charm of the trees and grounds, and the

KEY FEATURES

privacy and the bird song overwhelmed us, in addition to the practicality of being a mere three-minute drive to Holt and four minutes to the coast. Then, fortuitously, the plot became available which was wonderfully serendipitous. So this was where my dream house could be.” Blackwater House has a setting in a highly sought-after and attractive private road in High Kelling, a small village close to the Georgian market town of Holt.

Unique Mid-Century Modern Design The present owner designed and oversaw the construction of Blackwater House from start to finish. “I studied environmental design and have a diploma in architecture but worked as a graphic designer and artist,” they said. “I was confident in what I wanted and, more importantly, how the building would relate to and settle in the plot, and interact with the nature surrounding it, with the magnificent Scots pines and rhododendrons galore in such close proximity. I am a follower of mid-century modern design in which a core tenet is the seamless flow of form from inside to outside. My ideas followed that principal, while still being heedful of 21st century architecture with respect to volumes, forms and zoning.”

With the full-height sliding windows opened up, the continuation of a number of rooms to entertaining areas outside the house is completely harmonious, the kitchen flowing effortlessly into a wonderful area canopied by the master bedroom balcony above, and the same is true of the reception room to the rear of the property, the sun lounge, which opens out into another entertaining area.

KEY FEATURES

Down one margin of this area, the reflective steel boundary reflects back the form of the house and the selected planting and artforms so dramatically.

“I think because the building evolved slowly, I had time to consider the small design detail that helped to create an almost Feng Shui quality or modern zen throughout the house,” the owner said. “From the start it was always going to be about natural light and large openings to the garden, so a considerable amount of thought and planning went into the fenestration of the building and its black and white floor to ceiling dialogue. The result is a very bespoke and personal house.” The design of Blackwater House cannot fail to impress with its functionality and utilitarian qualities while ensuring there is both a lightness to its form and an abundance of light throughout the interior. A prime example of this focus on design is the main staircase and the wonderful shadow play in that area of the house when the sun is in the right position in the sky.

Favourite Areas“Ohh, that’s a hard one!” the owner exclaimed. “The kitchen has been a delight, roomy, with plenty of space for moving about and connecting with the children when they are in the open-plan TV den. But, in fine weather, when the sliding doors are flung open and you sit around the gas stove, it gives the impression that you are camping because the connection with the garden and the outside is so strong.” The open-plan kitchen offers ample space and opens out onto both the veranda and courtyard.

OUTSIDE

The kitchen is undoubtedly the central hub of the home, with marble effect tiles and the countertop softened by wood and well-placed pieces of art. Its décor continues the use of smoked pine found in the adjoining “TV den”.

Garden“The garden has its own charm, the Scots pines, silver birch and rhododendrons providing a backdrop to the house,” the present owner explained. “As form was foremost in my mind, I introduced evergreen shapes and textures; holly and firs for their spikiness, and yew and cypress trees to provide a lateral dimension and elegance. For me, it was all about working with the different heights and ranges of green to compliment the various levels of the house. The garden offered so much scope for sculptured planting.” The courtyard which is found outside both the kitchen and sun lounge is perhaps one of the most used area of the garden. “It integrates classic Italianate elements which gives the impression you are enjoying afternoon tea in some fine hotel!”

Village BenefitsThe village of High Kelling is close to both Blakeney and Cley on the North Norfolk coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty celebrated for its wildlife and scenery. Within three minutes’ drive of the property lies the Georgian town of Holt with a range of independent shops and Gresham’s School, catering for boys and girls from pre-preparatory through to sixth form. High Kelling itself has a post office/store, a social centre and GPs surgery. There are mainline trains from Sheringham to Norwich, from which there is a rail service to Liverpool Street in London. The International Airport in Norwich is approximately twenty-three miles away.

INFORMATION

On the Doorstep...High Kelling is a small village in close proximity to the market town of Holt. It is ideally located for access to the North Norfolk coast with its miles of unspoilt coastline. There is easy access to major trunk roads with access to both Holt, Sheringham and Cromer. High Kelling is in the North Norfolk coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the area is famous for its wonderful coastline, wildlife and scenery. Blakeney, Cley and the Georgian town of Holt are close by. There are several golf courses, bird reserves and national trust properties nearby. The attractive village of High Kelling has its own post office/ store, social centre and doctors surgery and good educational facilities include the private Greshams School in Holt for boys and Girls from preparatory through to sixth form and also Beeston preparatory school.

Services...Underfloor Heating, Mains - WaterNorth Norfolk District Council The Property is Freehold

Norfolk Country Properties. Registered in England and Wales No. 06777456.Registered Office - 15B Regatta Quay, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1FHcopyright © 2016 Fine & Country Ltd.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed

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