Location

The Malthouse is set within the unspoilt North Norfolk village of West Beckham, complete with the popular public house ‘The Wheatsheaf’. The village is a short drive to Holt (3½ miles), the bustling Georgian town famous for its boutique shopping including Bakers & Larners, Byfords delicatessen and many independent retailers alongside art galleries, antiques shops and jewellers. The town is fast becoming known for its restaurants too, with Michelin starred ‘Meadowsweet’, and some continental offerings such as the Tapas bar ‘Casa Blancas’ alongside cafes including ‘Two Magpies’ and artisan coffee shops. The renowned Gresham’s Preparatory and senior schools are on the edge of the town, with further preparatory education at Beeston Hall School near Sheringham.

The North Norfolk Coast, designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, can be found approximately three miles in Weybourne, an attractive coastal village with public house, hotel and general stores and direct access to the shingle beach. The coastline as a whole provides excellent sailing and bird watching, with a network of footpaths to enjoy, alongside a plethora of gastro pubs.

Description

The Malthouse is a charming Grade II listed village house, formerly the malt house of Morgans Brewery and dating back to 1685. Today it a comfortable and spacious home, full of character and with the brilliant asset of a substantial separate wing comprising a self-contained annexe, double garage and barn. It is a property with a great adaptability.

The principal house is a handsome building, with a symmetrical welcome. The entrance hall sets the tone, with Norfolk pamment flooring, and an impressive oak staircase. Either side of the hall are the two main reception rooms, namely the sitting room and living room, both with striking fireplaces and woodburners, and great views over the west facing garden. Off the sitting room is a triple aspect dining room full of natural light, with high vaulted ceilings. The handmade kitchen has a great functionality, with Aga and induction hobs, granite worktops, breakfast bar, and butler sink. Usefully adjoining the kitchen is a utility room, with further sink, Meile ovens, and fridge, together with direct access out to the gardens via a stable door. The ground floor is complete with a study, and a walk-in shower room with WC. The layout is as adept at entertaining friends and family, as it is on a cosy winters night with the woodburners alight.

The theme of space is continued on the first floor. A principal bedroom enjoys a double aspect, with feature fireplace of original exposed brickwork, and oak flooring that continues throughout the first floor. The principal bedroom is complimented by an en suite bathroom. A further double bedroom, itself worthy of principal status, includes an original fireplace and well fitted en suite shower room. The central oak stairs continue up a further flight to the second floor, with two double bedrooms and vaulted ceilings, sharing a shower room. This balance of bedrooms and bathrooms allows for ease of living.

The current custodians of the house have made significant upgrades, including a new insulated roof, the conversion of the attic to create the second floor, and further insulation where possible.

Annexe and Outbuildings
A substantial detached barn, of traditional brick and flint construction, is a considerable asset to the property, lending itself to a variety of uses.

At one end of the barn is a self-contained annexe, with kitchen/sitting/dining room, a double bedroom and a bathroom. This could be used as overflow accommodation for the main house, or to yield an income as a holiday let.

The middle of the barn is a double garage, and the western end is a substantial studio space, with good natural light from glazed doors and window, and with stairs up to a mezzanine level. There is obvious potential to all elements of the barn, to fulfil many lifestyles, with the entire barn insulated and with night storage heating.

There are further traditional outbuildings, with secure storage.

Outside
The Malthouse is approached from the west onto a gravelled drive, through electrically operated wooden gates set on brick pillars between a brick and flint wall. The drive continues through to a large parking and turning area adjoining the house and outbuildings.

A paved path leads up to the house, with a delightful area of lawn and herbaceous flowerbeds enclosed by low brick and flint wall. The path continues round to either side of the house, leading to a large courtyard to the north, and an enclosed area to the south with traditional outbuilding forming a loggia. There is an area of lawn to the rear of the house, with a large terrace, perfect for outside dining. A further area of lawn is to the southwest and west of the house with flowerbeds, mature trees and shrubs, and composting area behind wicker fencing. The property as a whole is completely enclosed by either brick and flint wall or fencing, making for a private and sheltered setting.