Property description

Description This substantial property served as the local police house before being privately owned for many years. Built of brick and pantiles in the regulation style of the 1950s it now lends itself for modernisation and improvement. With it standing in the middle of a good plot of about quarter of an acre there is plenty of scope to alter and extend The Old Police House (subject to planning permission for anything exceeding Permitted Development).

This part of the village was formerly glebe land with St. Mary’s Church lying close by to the south-east. This whole area teems with ancient and modern history. On the opposite side of the coast road lies Camping Hill which reputedly gains its name from a primitive form of village football. Beyond the church lies the restored Stiffkey Old Hall, albeit still with ruinous remains, overlooking the River Stiffkey as it meanders eastwards. The saltmarshes lie just ten minutes walk to the north along a public bridleway whilst to the east lie the attractive water meadows now known as Stiffkey Fen. This was created by the late Lord Buxton, formerly Chairman of Anglia TV, who lived at Old Hall Farm. This nature reserve, popular with birdwatchers, is now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as are the saltmarshes and common to the north and south. These areas all enjoy national and international protection through schemes such as Ramsar and Natura 2000. At the other end of the village are vestiges of the Second World War encampment that guarded against possible invasion. This was when the controversial author Henry Williamson, of Tarka the Otter fame, lived and farmed on the south side of the village. Not long before that the extra-ordinary saga of Rev. Harold Davidson, dubbed The Prostitutes’ Padre, had scandalised society between the wars. It is seventy five years since he was buried in a corner of the churchyard only a stone’s throw from The Old Police House.

Stiffkey Stores is a valuable village amenity and The Red Lion pub has expanded to provide accommodation as well as food and drink. Further facilities are readily available at Wells-next-the-Sea to the west, Binham to the south and Blakeney to the east. There are excellent walks along the coast as well as inland south-eastwards through to Cockthorpe Common and south-westwards through the upstream meadows. The main part of the village is a Conservation Area within the coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

The accommodation comprises:- Entrance Hall (L-shaped, about 11’ 10” x 2’ 10”). Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet. Understairs cupboard. 

Stairs to first floor. Sitting Room (about 15’ x 10’ 10”). Dual aspect. Gas fire. Two hot water radiators. Fitted carpet.

Dining Room (about 10’ 10” x 10’ 4”). Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet.

Kitchen (about 12’ x 7’ 10”). Fitted units. Stainless steel sink unit (h. & c.). Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet. Pantry cupboard with plumbing for washing machine. Open with

Breakfast Room (about 10’ 9” x 10’ 10”). Gas fire. Built-in cupboard. Fitted carpet. 

Door from kitchen to Rear Hall with store, door to Garage. 

Separate W.C. and back door.  

Stairs ex Entrance Hall to  

FIRST FLOOR Landing Access to roofspace. Airing cupboard with hot water storage tank.

Bedroom 1 (about 15’ x 10’ 10”). Built-in cupboard. Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet.

Bedroom 2 (about 13’ x 8’ 9”). Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet.

Bedroom 3 (about 10’ 9” x 7’ 2”). Hot water radiator. Fitted carpet.

Bathroom Low suite W.C. Pedestal washbasin (h. &c.). Bath (h. & c.). Hot water radiator. Electric wall heater.  

OUTSIDE There is a large lawn at the front bordered by flowerbeds with shrubs and trees. A wide gravelled drive leads to the attached garage on one side with a mature hedge along the other.

Vehicular access is possible past the side of the flat-roofed Garage (about 16’ 4 x 9’ 2”) where there is also an integral store. This leads onto a gravelled terrace with steps down to a sheltered lawn centred around a flowerbed. Next to this is a good selection of garden sheds. Beyond and reached by a gravelled path is a kitchen garden area and further lawn backing onto a paddock in the direction of the river. 

Agent’s Note: The property will be sold with a restrictive covenant preventing more than one dwelling being erected on the site. 

Services  

Mains water, electricity and drainage.  

Council Tax  

Band D (2012/13: £1519.87). North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9EN Tel: 01263 513811 

Viewing Strictly by appointment through the sole agent Messrs. Cockertons. 

PROPERTY MISDESCRIPTIONS ACT 1992. No part of this property including the structure, fixtures, appliances, services, etc. has been examined or tested by the agents and nothing is guaranteed to be sound or in working order. Potential purchasers are advised to arrange their own surveys and tests.

These copyright particulars are issued on condition that all negotiations are conducted with the aforementioned Agents. They are intended to give a fair description of the property but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed and they do not constitute or constitute any art of an offer or contract. The Vendor does not make or give and neither the aforementioned Agents nor any person in their employ has authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property.