A particular take on property ISSUE ONE. All about your area: a local perspective from Strutt & Parker

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1 A particular take on property ISSUE ONE All about your area: a local perspective from Strutt & Parker

2 Welcome to &Norfolk, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse property businesses in the UK, and the Norwich office is a focal point for the wide range of departments and services we offer. The residential team specialises in selling a variety of properties across Norfolk and the surrounding towns and villages, while Strutt & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise in farming, land management, commercial property, planning and development. Read on to find out more Page 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest properties and local highlights Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert overview of the national market Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker? Page 10 Why we love Norfolk: locals reveal why there s no place like home Page 11 Find us: local centre highlights Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com. All information and pricing correct at time of going to press. Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com 02 &Cambridge

INSIGHT A particular take on property ISSUE ONE Alastair Brown, Partner, explains how our Norwich office brings a wealth of experience to the county s robust property market photography (cover and

3 INSIGHT A particular take on property ISSUE ONE Alastair Brown, Partner, explains how our Norwich office brings a wealth of experience to the county s robust property market photography (cover and this page) Michael Clement A visit to the unspoilt rural county of Norfolk would encourage any viewer to purchase in the area. The Norwich office of Strutt & Parker has been open since the early 1980s and has been involved in some of the most significant transactions in the county, including the sale of the most expensive house in Demand for cottages, barn conversions and farmhouses, as well as Broadland properties with boat dykes and moorings, has significantly increased over the past 30 years. The majority of Strutt & Parker buyers in Norfolk are from outside the area and are looking either for a change of lifestyle or to retire and take advantage of the lower prices and slower pace of life. The country house market remains particularly strong in the sought-after areas of north and west Norfolk around Holt and Burnham Market and between Hunstanton and Sheringham. Norfolk is surrounded by sea on three sides and has no motorways. It is mainly agricultural, with tourist and service industries, and remains one of the most unspoilt areas in the UK. However, Norwich Airport provides links to Amsterdam Schiphol and internationally beyond, while Norwich and King s Lynn provide rail links to London Liverpool Street and London King s Cross respectively. The A11 is currently being made into a dual carriageway, which will improve road-travel times to the capital. The Norwich team members all come from Norfolk, with extensive local contacts, experience and expertise across the whole property sector. The agency works with chartered surveyors who were born in Norfolk from farming families. They have a high degree of local knowledge and, with the assistance of our Country House Department in London and Christie s International Real Estate, can provide a fully comprehensive service. For us, the greatest opportunity at the moment is to expand our market share. For our customers, the cost of borrowing finance means that it has never been cheaper for you to make that move up the property ladder and buy the house of your dreams. struttandparker.com/norwich 03

First & foremost WATER S EDGE Lake House, Lenwade Lake House was constructed in 1972 for Major and Lady Gerald Barry and comprises a well-laid-out and easily run

The well-known journalist and fishing television broadcaster John Wilson MBE has owned the property since the early 1980s and has added a new lake with landscaped islands,

665,000 UNDER OFFER Contact 01603 617 431 IT S SHOW TIME The annual Royal Norfolk Show in the Norwich Showground is one of the last shows in the country to hold onto its

Previous highlights have included Best of Norfolk Marquee showcasing top Norfolk products and manufacturers, stunt-biking shows and the RAF Falcon Freefall Parachuting Team.

You ll discover a complete and imposing 16th-century Jacobean house, once owned by Anne Boleyn s grandfather, within nearly 5,000 acres of estate land.

4 First & foremost WATER S EDGE Lake House, Lenwade Lake House was constructed in 1972 for Major and Lady Gerald Barry and comprises a well-laid-out and easily run single-storey residence in a fabulous waterside location. The well-known journalist and fishing television broadcaster John Wilson MBE has owned the property since the early 1980s and has added a new lake with landscaped islands, bordered by woodland walks, to provide a unique setting for fishing and wildlife. 665,000 UNDER OFFER Contact IT S SHOW TIME The annual Royal Norfolk Show in the Norwich Showground is one of the last shows in the country to hold onto its roots, according to Lizzie Barran from Strutt & Parker Norwich. She rates it for the demonstrations of rural skills, such as sheep shearing and falconry. Previous highlights have included Best of Norfolk Marquee showcasing top Norfolk products and manufacturers, stunt-biking shows and the RAF Falcon Freefall Parachuting Team. The 2014 show takes place on 25 and 26 June. royalnorfolkshow.co.uk UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS If you re a fan of Downton Abbey, visit Blickling Hall. You ll discover a complete and imposing 16th-century Jacobean house, once owned by Anne Boleyn s grandfather, within nearly 5,000 acres of estate land. Romantic buildings, beautiful gardens, landscaped parks and tempting cafés it s enough to make Lord Grantham green with envy. Typical events during the summer season include the Last Night of the Blickling Proms in August, and the 50 coolest outdoor things to do before you re 11-and-three-quarters. nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling WORDS Cheryl Markosky PHOTOGRAPHY National Trust Images/Rod Edwards (Blickling Hall); Corbis (Royal Norfolk Show) 04 &Norfolk

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Country living In the bijou north Norfolk village of Burnham Market sits a rambling emporium in a double-fronted Georgian building with everything you need to make your life just

Norfolk Living sells oh-so-desirable fabrics, fine woollen throws, unusual mirrors and clocks and eye-catching furniture, as well as plants, pots and picnic gear to stock an enviable garden.

uk norfolk uncovered Norwich Cathedral is built from honey-coloured Caen limestone, which, given that most of the county is fenland or chalk, shows how wealthy medieval Norwich was that they could

5 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Country living In the bijou north Norfolk village of Burnham Market sits a rambling emporium in a double-fronted Georgian building with everything you need to make your life just that bit better. Norfolk Living sells oh-so-desirable fabrics, fine woollen throws, unusual mirrors and clocks and eye-catching furniture, as well as plants, pots and picnic gear to stock an enviable garden. The shop s signature dish is its own-label soap, which makes a sweetsmelling gift for your nearest and dearest. Fashion spotters will appreciate the bags, belts, scarves and hats. norfolkliving.co.uk norfolk uncovered Norwich Cathedral is built from honey-coloured Caen limestone, which, given that most of the county is fenland or chalk, shows how wealthy medieval Norwich was that they could afford to import it from Normandy Lord Nelson was born in Burnham Thorpe, a village on the north Norfolk coast, and Albert Einstein went into hiding near Cromer after fleeing Nazi Germany in 1933 Royal grub Hollywood blockbusters Shakespeare in Love, Tomb Raider, Eyes Wide Shut, Die Another Day and Atonement were filmed in various locations across Norfolk What better recommendation for Byfords than from recent regal shopper, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge? Described as a higgledy-piggledy world of pleasures, this is a combination of a café, a store selling local produce and a posh B&B. Look out for the new menu: three courses, two people and one carafe of wine for only 20 per person. Goodies from the shop include braised beef and citrus chicken ready meals, speciality breads from two small local bakeries, olive oil and local jams and chutneys. Byfords is summer-ready with Pimm s, gelato, pizza and salad takeaways, plus dairy- and gluten-free Elizabeth sponge cake that was designed to celebrate the Queen s Diamond Jubilee. byfords.org.uk living History Quaker Farm, Wramplingham Quaker Farm is a fine Grade II* Listed Carolean (Charles I) country house built in 1643 by Suffolk yeoman Captain John Lawrence, a well-known Quaker of the period and a captain in Oliver Cromwell s cavalry. The house is featured in Sir Nikolaus Pevsner s authoritative guide The Buildings of England as being of architectural and historical importance. Quaker Farm has been extended and meticulously restored and maintained, and offers excellent family accommodation while retaining the character and features expected from a house of this age. 895,000 FOR SALE Contact struttandparker.com/norwich 05

Beech House, Wroxham One of the best modern houses in Norfolk, with substantial family

1,600,000 FOR SALE The Cottages, Matlaske A charming period cottage with separate holiday

450,000 FOR SALE Lion House, Aylsham An opportunity to acquire a detached house with gated

410,000 FOR SALE Parsley Cottage, Cley Next the Sea A beautiful detached brick-and-flint

6 Beech House, Wroxham One of the best modern houses in Norfolk, with substantial family accommodation extending to about 7,500 sq ft, offering privacy and seclusion. 1,600,000 FOR SALE The Cottages, Matlaske A charming period cottage with separate holiday cottage in this delightful conservation village in North Norfolk. 450,000 FOR SALE Lion House, Aylsham An opportunity to acquire a detached house with gated off-road parking, gardens and outbuildings, all less than 100m from Aylsham market place. 410,000 FOR SALE Parsley Cottage, Cley Next the Sea A beautiful detached brick-and-flint conversion with sun terrace, garage and off-road parking in a North Norfolk Heritage Coast village. 500,000 FOR SALE Ollands Cottage, Worstead A charming period cottage with south-facing gardens, off-road parking and a garage. 295,000 FOR SALE For further details of any of these properties, contact &Norfolk

PORTFOLIO Sunnybank, Coltishall A superb plot with an existing dwelling of non-traditional

450,000 FOR SALE Moonrakers, Blakeney An exceptional fully refurbished six-bedroom detached

1,350,000 FOR SALE Parlour Barn, Barnham Broom Newly converted from a Victorian

far-reaching views across its own grounds and farmland to Weybourne windmill and the sea.

7 PORTFOLIO Sunnybank, Coltishall A superb plot with an existing dwelling of non-traditional construction built on stilts in the 1980s, maximising views of the River Bure. 450,000 FOR SALE Moonrakers, Blakeney An exceptional fully refurbished six-bedroom detached house in private gardens with period origins and recent additions. 1,350,000 FOR SALE Parlour Barn, Barnham Broom Newly converted from a Victorian brick-and-pantiled milking parlour, this is now a light and airy fivebedroom home with extremely versatile accommodation. 550,000 FOR SALE Sandy Hill House, Weybourne This fantastically situated eco house has far-reaching views across its own grounds and farmland to Weybourne windmill and the sea. 1,350,000 FOR SALE The Old Rectory, Wramplingham A delightful Grade II Listed former rectory with superb interiors, gardens and grounds in a secluded and private location. 2,150,000 FOR SALE struttandparker.com/norwich 07

Trends & analysis Strutt & Parker experts reflect on the nationwide property picture Regional growth Cost considerations, lifestyle choices, local economic factors and government efforts to

There s definitely been a stimulus at the bottom of the market because of what the government s sought to do for first-time buyers, says Fiddes.

8 Trends & analysis Strutt & Parker experts reflect on the nationwide property picture Regional growth Cost considerations, lifestyle choices, local economic factors and government efforts to kick-start the housing market are creating a complex UK residential property picture, according to Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker. There s definitely been a stimulus at the bottom of the market because of what the government s sought to do for first-time buyers, says Fiddes. Secondly, while more people are selling up in London and benefiting from fantastic value outside of the capital because of the large price differential, buyers are becoming much more conscious of the costs such as commuting, property maintenance and heating, and education. Lifestyle choices, too, are resulting in more people living in an urban or suburban environment beyond London. That s been good for Oxford, Cambridge, St Albans and Guildford in particular. These key regional centres are seeing more growth in residential value than their rural counterparts, although there are hotspots around the UK where different economic factors affect the marketplace, says Fiddes. An example is around Aberdeen, where the oil industry creates a massive number of jobs. A complex market then, but one in which Strutt & Parker remains best placed to negotiate, with the interests of clients always paramount. When people are moving house, they re usually dealing with their most valuable asset, something that s going to have one of the greatest effects on their lives, says Fiddes. Selling a house is about getting the best possible deal for the client, but also about helping them on a journey. We always endeavour to look after them and proactively make things happen, rather than merely hoping they ll happen. 25% of Strutt & Parker vendors outside London are looking to move to smaller properties up to 32% of London buyers are planning to move to the country Getting stronger The country house market has weathered the worst of the recession and although last year s 2% rise in stamp duty did have an impact, James Mackenzie, Head of the Country Department at Strutt & Parker believes that this was a just a blip. People take these things on the chin and move on, particularly when you re talking about buying a family home. And while the hard winter of 2012/13 did little to encourage buyers out into the country, Mackenzie believes the market is making up for lost time. It s heading back to where it should be, with the potential to get stronger over the next 12 months. Little regional variation exists it s all about properties and prices but the robust London market remains a key driving factor, with buyers recognising the potential that city budgets have beyond the capital. Equally, international and expat interest remains steady and it s here that Strutt & Parker s relationship with Christie s International Real Estate comes into its own. Many more international buyers are being pushed in our direction, explains Mackenzie. Our auction house colleagues are also helping introduce potential sellers to Strutt & Parker. It s simply a much bigger playing field for us now. words Dave Flanagan illustration Dennis Carrier / Synergy

OVERVIEW WHY STRUTT & PARKER? A holistic view T he new research team at the company s London head office is making its presence felt with vital insights into short- and long-term market trends.

Our work is about understanding the markets, knowing what the trends are, and identifying where the demand and stock is coming from, says Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker.

9 OVERVIEW WHY STRUTT & PARKER? A holistic view T he new research team at the company s London head office is making its presence felt with vital insights into short- and long-term market trends. While many industry researchers have a narrow focus, this department takes a holistic approach, keeping abreast of developments across the full range of Strutt & Parker s interests. Our work is about understanding the markets, knowing what the trends are, and identifying where the demand and stock is coming from, says Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker. But examining statistics is just part of the process. We re interested in the behaviour of buyers and vendors, explains McMahon. It s important to understand what s driving their decision-making. Downsizing, or right-sizing as McMahon calls it, is one of the trends currently being tracked by the team. Outside London, 25% of our vendors are looking to move to smaller properties, she says. And out in the country, over 80% of people are using their homes for primary use. Even in London, that figure is almost at 55%. McMahon is seeing evidence, finally, of movement in the mortgage market: It s becoming a little bit more accessible for some buyers, so that s a positive sign. OUR BRAND For more than 125 years, Strutt & Parker has created a brand that signifies outstanding results delivered through high-quality and integrity-rich service. OUR MARKETING EXCELLENCE We are committed to constantly evolving our marketing approach to ensure that your property is seen ahead of the rest. Our dedicated in-house marketing and PR team ensures that our brand and your property is consistently and strongly represented in every media outlet. OUR ONLINE PRESENCE Strutt & Parker has built an industry-leading website for buyers of quality real estate, with more than 200,000 visitors to struttandparker.com every month. We also have a mobile-friendly website and use QR codes and NFC technology to give access to properties on the go and from any mobile device. OUR NATIONAL NETWORK Strutt & Parker s extensive and growing network of 50 offices covers the whole of the UK, from Exeter to Inverness. Our 400+ sales professionals work as a team to help achieve great property results for you. OUR BUYERS DATABASE With 2,000 buyers registering with us every month, we have more than 26,000 active buyers all of whom are shared across our network of UK offices, showcasing your home to more prospective buyers nationally. OUR GLOBAL REACH As the sole UK affiliate of Christie s International Real Estate, we have access to 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries worldwide, bringing global buyers to your door. OUR EXPERTS We offer a total solution approach. Our specialist teams include Residential Sales, Lettings, Building Surveying & Architecture, Farms & Estates, Land Management, Farming, Commercial, Planning, Development, Resources & Energy and Professional Services. BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker, explains why Open House Days are a must Q What is Open House Day? A It s a day when we throw open the doors of all the houses we re selling, so that prospective buyers have the chance to view as many properties as they wish, without the need to make appointments. We run Open House Days twice a year, in the spring and autumn. Q How does it help buyers and sellers? A Buyers like it because it gives them the freedom to see lots of properties on one day. They can plan their own route and it s really time efficient. They also like the opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller s perspective, you ve got a lot of prospective buyers coming through the door to see your house on a single day. We know that 90 per cent of searches start online, but nothing replaces the value of seeing a property for real. Q How effective is Open House Day? A We had 700 properties take part in our last event, with one in ten receiving offers on the day, to a value of more than 85 million. The results speak for themselves. Q What do you have to do to get involved? A You can register to take part online at struttandparker.com/openday or with your local Strutt & Parker office. Once you ve provided your details, you ll receive a registration card. You can then view as many houses on the day as you wish.

I work in the centre of Norwich but live close by so don t waste my life commuting.

We ve got the Broads, a coastline to match Cornwall and historic Norwich with its friendly people and Premier League football team.

Delicious produce from farm shops, quirky emporiums and owner-run galleries are favourites.

We live two miles from the coast, and the Norfolk Broads are within six miles. It s also a shopper s paradise, with many owner-run boutique style shops.

You re never far from the coast and its vast beaches, and to see the sea and sky merge in the distance at the Holkham National Nature Reserve is an awesome experience.

10 I work in the centre of Norwich but live close by so don t waste my life commuting. My job takes me all over the beautiful counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, which boast the most varied architecture, from flint and pebble homes to timber-framed properties with reed thatches. We ve got the Broads, a coastline to match Cornwall and historic Norwich with its friendly people and Premier League football team. Caroline Culot, Regional Property Editor, Eastern Daily Press Why we love Norfolk North Norfolk offers so much. Delicious produce from farm shops, quirky emporiums and owner-run galleries are favourites. But nothing beats crabbing on Blakeney Quay with our children followed by a fabulous meal at one of the renowned local gastropubs. We live two miles from the coast, and the Norfolk Broads are within six miles. It s also a shopper s paradise, with many owner-run boutique style shops. Melanie Hickling, barn conversion specialist You haven t seen big skies until you ve been to Norfolk. You re never far from the coast and its vast beaches, and to see the sea and sky merge in the distance at the Holkham National Nature Reserve is an awesome experience. Dermot Chapman, building surveyor What makes the area such a special place to work and live? We ask a few local residents Norfolk is a wonderful county filled with beautiful landscapes and unspoilt scenery. Norwich is the hub of Norfolk life with superb shops, classic architecture and a vibrant community. Norwich is described as a fine city, but I would suggest that it may well be the finest. George Wortley, General Manager, The Norfolk Club My favourite place has to be Whitlingham Lake for early morning runs and the exhilaration of open-water swimming. It s the venue for the Norwich Triathlon, which Cozens-Hardy sponsors, so I associate it with endeavour, achievement and wonderful camaraderie. Philippa Rudd, Partner, Cozens-Hardy LLP ILLUSTRATION Maps Illustrated PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Clement 10 &Norfolk

FIND US S&P Strutt & Parker Norwich 4 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA Tel: 01603 617431 norwich@struttandparker.

11 FIND US S&P Strutt & Parker Norwich 4 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA Tel: norwich@struttandparker.com Strutt & Parker network and services Strutt & Parker Norwich is part of a national network with 50 offices around the UK, including 10 offices in central London. As sole UK affiliate of Christie s International Real Estate, we also work with a network of 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries around the globe. To complement our Residential Sales team, we offer clients a complete service with experts across a wide range of disciplines, including: Farming our specialist agricultural advisers work with farmers and landowners to help manage their land and increase profitability. Land Management we offer advice to estate and land owners managing thousands of acres with diverse business interests. Valuation & Enfranchisement Services from property valuations to client support on planning processes, we offer many specialist property services. Resources & Energy we help clients seize the opportunities and manage the risks that energy issues present. Commercial Property our highly successful commercial team provides forward-thinking advice across all commercial property sectors. Planning & Development we advise on planning strategy and submit applications for clients, as well as advising on development value and selling land with consent. struttandparker.com/norwich 11

12 Norwich 4 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA Tel: Country House Department 13 Hill Street London W1J 5LQ Tel: London Ten offices in central London Visit struttandparker.com for details struttandparker.com To visit the Norwich office homepage, simply hover your phone over the QR code (right).

Morden House 20 Cliff Avenue, Cromer, Norfolk

Morden House 20 Cliff Avenue, Cromer, Norfolk Morden House 20 Cliff Avenue, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0AN A substantial Edwardian house with separate cottage in prime location within the centre of Cromer Sheringham