Former hotel dating back to 17th century to go under hammer for £350,000

Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)

And with a rich history spanning around 300 years, the future of Hotel NR19 - located on the junction with Theatre Street and Wellington Road in Dereham - could be set to change again when it goes under the hammer at auction.

Receivers had been appointed to sell the Grade II Listed Building and it will feature as part of Allsops residential auction tomorrow, Thursday October 25.

Labelled as Lot 215, the building has been listed with a guide price of £350,000 - £450,000.

In recent years it has been used as a hotel. It was previously known by other names, including Winelodge and Hill House Hotel, under the ownership of Tony Burlingham of MJB Hotels .

Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)

But it is the two blue plaques which line the outside walls that reveal a more promising past.

The plaques highlight the achievements of the previous occupants of the house, Sir John and Lady Ellenor Fenn .

Sir Fenn is famed for transcribing, editing and publishing the Paston Letters - the largest collection of private correspondence and documents surviving from the Middle Ages. While Lady Fenn was an early advocate of child-centred education.

The grounds of the estate are believed to have originally extended over five acres to Kings Road and while many of the original features of the red brick house have been retained, modern amenities have been combined.

Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Two blue plaques show the previous occupants of the house, Sir John and Lady Ellenor Fenn. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)

It is believed that the exterior was renewed in 1739 when acquired by Sir Fenn. He is also believed to be behind the two 15th century perpendicular windows which stand in the garden, possibly removed from a local church.

Later, a Victorian wing was inserted and during a survey in the eighties, the interior was described as almost totally Victorian.

In 2004 plans were submitted for a proposed conversion and extension to form a hotel.

Currently, the building is described as having 'possible potential for reconfiguration subject to obtaining all necessary consents'.

Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)

The auction will take place at The Cumberland Hotel, in London. For more details visit Allsops online catalogue here .

Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)