Norfolk & Suffolk
England’s Easterly Counties – Lowestoft in Suffolk being the most easterly town in the UK.
The coastlines of these two counties have been homes to many a famous name - Benjamin Britten, George Orwell, P D James, John Constable to name a few. Is it any wonder the magic of the landscape and coast have attracted artists and musicians for centuries immortalising the landscapes and festivals for generations. It is of course a home to the royal family at Sandringham – a favourite of our late Queen.
Being under two hours from London the counties have become popular with people relocating and an ever strong second home market. Inevitably some become hotspots both for tourists and incomers which generate income for the region - hopefully whilst retaining the local intrinsic character – always a fine balance. Alongside this investment has enhanced education, business and recreational facilities, in turn ironically generating further expansion of the towns and villages.
As a tourist it’s essential to partake of Norfolk crab - Cromer built it’s reputation on them in Victorian times when the train opened the area - you can relive the day enjoying a trip on the steam train on the North Norfolk railway from Sheringham to Holt.
Norwich is the only city in the UK sitting within a National Park. Suffolk will be known for Aldeburgh, Southwold and Walberswick on the Suffolk Heritage Coast – again for the cultural elements and the water sport opportunities.
The miles of sandy beaches at Huntstanton being the only piece of Norfolk facing west whilst Holkham beach leads to the Holkham Nature Reserve - home to large flocks of over wintering birds and breeding grounds for Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatchers. Brancaster lies within an area of outstanding beauty and is one of the most sought-after villages, popular for sailing and water sports.
Inevitably these two beautiful counties have succumbed to the property explosion with the “work from home” trend pushing prices to some of the highest in rural areas throughout the UK. The charm of the vernacular homes never fails whilst many new homes retain the local character being faced with flint maintaining the charm of the region.
Marshbanks, Blakeney nestling between Holt and Wells-by-the-Sea. 1950s family house with 6 acres and direct access to the coast path. Great village house with opportunity to update to your taste. Brown and Co. www.brown-co.com 01263 711167
Brook Cottage, Kelsale, Saxmundham. A classic listed 16th century 5bedroom timber framed Suffolk house with mature gardens and outbuildings. A lovely country property not far from the coast. www.flickandsons.co.uk 01728 633777
Driftway, Lowestoft: The wow factor for sailors: stunning modern house on Oulton Broad with direct water access, slipway and mooring yet convenient for the towns amenities. www.abbottscountrywide.co.uk 01502 714250
As the world shrinks and technology changes lifestyles it’s encouraging to know there are still rural and coastal environments preserving the natural elements and beauty of our country for future generations. These counties have managed to embrace the past with the future ensuring a lifestyle isn’t lost: “It’s all about coming home.”