Riverside House, Stiffkey, Norfolk

Backing onto undulating countryside and sitting on raised ground above the River Stiffkey, this immaculate four-bedroom house is within the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A recent renovation has enhanced the space and emphasised its breathtaking vistas. A traditional brick and flint front façade belies the more contemporary aspect at the rear of the plan, defined by its sleek finishes and wealth of floor-to-ceiling glazing. A short drive from the coast, Riverside House is brilliantly situated to enjoy the best of North Norfolk.

The Tour

The house is peacefully located in a tranquil riverside setting and has a frontage in keeping with the architecture of Stiffkey. Positioned back from the village road it is approached via a driveway - belonging to the neighbouring house - over which it has absolute right of access. Entry is through a skylit hallway which looks to the glorious garden through large floor-to-ceiling glazed doors. The ground floor has been created to be a flexible space with gentle delineations and peep-through partitions that return the eye towards the rear garden and compelling countryside beyond.

Adjacent to the hall is the first of the reception rooms. A subtle palette of brown and green has been used to imbue the space with a warm atmosphere. The sitting room lies on the other side of the hall, with a pitched ceiling to the roofline and a central fireplace.

Beyond is the generous bespoke bulthaulp kitchen; installed by the current owner, a keen cook, it has been designed with entertaining in mind and is fitted with an array of Gaggenau appliances. On one side is a walk-in pantry with a wine cooler, accessed via a sliding door. The plan extends to fit a large dining area and a secondary breakfast nook which could double up as a work-from-home area. Magnificent Sky-Frame sliding doors with electric shading blinds provide access to the south-west-facing terrace.

The house's main bedroom lies upstairs and is framed by a pitched roofline. Glazed sliding doors on one side open to a balcony that runs the westerly length of the house, offering remarkable views across the gardens, river and beyond. There are two bedrooms on the house's ground floor with generous en suites.

On the eastern side of the house is an almost self-contained one-bedroom annexe. It has a drop-down snug area that would also work well as an office space.

A handy boot room and utility space opens from the hallway. There is parking at the front of the house for two cars, as well as a shed that is currently used as a gym and log store.

Outside Space

Overlooking the gently rolling hills, the multilayered garden has demarcated areas for relaxing and entertaining, as well as thriving foliage and greenery. Self-watering, it is home to cherry trees and burnished Corten steel pots filled with fragrant herbs.

An exceptionally spacious terrace flows down to the lawned area, which in turn leads to the dock, a raised platform facing east. Set against a backdrop overlooking the river, it is a particularly atmospheric spot to spend an evening.

The Area

Positioned next to the River Stiffkey, equidistant from Cley-next-the-Sea and Wells-next-the-Sea, the house sits at the heart of north Norfolk. The picturesque sweeping shores of the coastline are a short car ride away, with the unspoilt beauty of Holkham Nature Reserve and the Coastal Path only a 10-minute drive. At Blakeney Point, there is seal watching from a traditional clinker ferry boat as well as rowing, paddle boarding and sailing. The grandeur of the National Trust’s Blickling Estate encompasses a Jacobean mansion and a formal parterre.

Nearby, the 17th-century village of Burnham market has the wonderful Tuscan Farm Shop with authentic olive oil shipped in from Montalcino, as well as The Mermaid, a fish and chip restaurant that specialises in serving up the day’s catch. The Burnham Overy Staithe is renowned for its untouched landscape, with beaches stretching west to east as far as the eye can see. The market town of Holt is also under a 20-minute drive and is distinguished by its Georgian buildings and refined art and antique galleries.

The Norfolk coast is famed for its abundance of incredible natural produce, from fishermen’s daily hauls to foraging in the fertile salt marshes. Michelin-starred restaurants making the most of the locally sourced ingredients include the one-starred Morston Hall and The Neptune, which is situated in the village of Old Hunstanton. Local favourite Socius has an exceptional reputation and changes its menu daily to reflect the best of the seasonal produce available.

The almost complete medieval city of Norwich is an hour's drive away. In recent years, it has become known for its independent arts scene and exceptional culinary options. The winner of the Great British Menu, Richard Bainbridge, opened his critically acclaimed restaurant Benedicts here in 2015. There is also the Brix and Bones and Roger Hickman’s restaurant on Upper St Giles Street. The artisanal bakery Bread Source has locations dotted throughout Norwich and offers a delicious range of coffee and pastries.

We've written more about some of the best spots to explore in North Norfolk over in our residents' guide.

Sheringham Station is around a 26-minute drive from the house. It runs services to Norwich, which connect to London and to Cambridge.

Council Tax Band: D