Location

The village of Burnham Market has been at the forefront of lifestyle living in North Norfolk, often setting the tone for the rest of the coastline. It has evolved throughout the years, maintaining its position as the destination village of the area.

There is something for all occasions. Grabbing a coffee from the Tuscan Farm Shop, as well as being tempted by something delicious, a theme of the village which also hosts the Humble Pie Deli and Gurneys Fish shop. It’s a competitive restaurant scene, with the bar set by the award winning Socius, pre-book to avoid disappointment, and NoTwenty9 which has a real energy to it whether its cocktails on a Friday evening, music on a Saturday night or a relaxed Sunday lunch. The Hoste Arms has been a mainstay of the village.

Boutique shops include Anna’s, The Hat Shop, Aurina and Gun Hill for all things stylish and practical, there are art galleries, interior shops, cafes and the well being boutique, Aura 37. There is a village stores, petrol station, GP surgery and playing field with tennis club with hard courts.

The village is set back from the Norfolk coastline, famous for its sandy beaches, captivating walks through dunes and marshes, and lifestyle opportunities. There is excellent sailing at Burnham Overy Staithe and Brancaster Staithe, renowned bird watching, the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, and a plethora of pubs, restaurants, fish shops, boutique shops along the coastline that provide seemingly endless places to enjoy and explore.

Description

Ivy Cottage is not all that meets the eye.

Wandering through the centre of Burnham Market, from the restaurants, cafés and delis’, and past the Hoste Arms to a quiet corner of The Fairstead Green, Ivy Cottage is one of the prettiest around, an archetypal 18th century Grade II listed home, with bay window, mellow red brick and panelled door. Yet the classic façade gives little away to the stylish internal living and exceptional contemporary extension that was added to provide a real edge. It is a brilliant example of where new can blend with old to great effect, both visually and practically.

The original core of the house is wonderfully presented, with comfortable interiors. The sitting room enjoys great character, led by a south facing window seat within the bay window, with views over The Green. A fireplace with elegant stone surround, and Clear View wood burner provides a cosiness, whilst a distinctive and tall oak cabinet from the 17th century conceals the TV. Beyond the sitting room is a snug, with alcove shelving and which has been used as a bedroom in the past.

Then comes the ‘surprise’ moment as you walk through to the open plan kitchen/dining room.

Expertly designed by the architect Tom Allen, creating an airy, light and expansive room that somehow blends with the original cottage, the space has a great energy to it. A high twisted vaulted ceiling gives height, needed for the steel, oak and glass staircase, with a sky lantern ceiling over the dining area providing light together with the bi-fold doors that open to the walled garden. A Jem Lake kitchen, bespoke to the house, with thick marble worktops, a large island unit, and under cabinet lighting is great to look at whilst also practical. The entirety of the space is as adept at hosting sociable suppers as it is for simply relaxing with a morning coffee. Completing the ground floor is the essential WC, and a boot room/utility with matching cabinetry and sink to the kitchen, with plenty of space for boots and dogs.

Upstairs hosts two double bedrooms. The principal bedroom is impressive, with tall ceilings for this type of cottage thanks to the part vaulting, and plenty of windows providing a great view of The Green. The second bedroom again has views out, and both rooms share a well appointed bathroom with roll-top bath and walk in shower.

Outside
Another highlight of the house is the private garden. Entirely walled and secure, this is a peaceful enclave compared to the often bustling village. A paved area, ideal for outside dining, leads out from the kitchen bi-folds, with raised beds and steps up to a lawned area. A pair of silver birch, climbing hydrangea and roses all add colour, with a paved path leading to a useful pedestrian access back to The Green. Former outhouses within the garden have been converted into a useful utility with fitted cabinetry, and a garden store. The gardens give a great view to the modern back of the house, with pleasing palette of brick and flint, wood cladding, and soft coloured windows.