It once was the site of an old bungalow but now it's a sensational new home with a price tag to match. Property editor Caroline Culot went to visit The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney.
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
It was once the site of a tired bungalow but that is long gone and in its place is this superb new coastal residence which has been dressed throughout just to help you imagine how wonderful life can be there.
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
This property and a much smaller neighbouring one, Anvil Cottage, were the creations of local house builder Peter Leane, and their names reflect the fact this area of Blakeney was once home to a thriving blacksmiths industry. This evolved at the end of the Victorian era when the shipping industry, which had given this village so much wealth and employment, dried up along with the silting up of the harbour. Shipping moved to Wells and then King's Lynn and Blakeney as a port declined and as people moved away, an ageing population remained and those left behind resorted to old, traditional skills in order to survive.
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
Of course The Smithy is about as far away from that life as one could imagine as it has been built for the ultimate luxury lifestyle. The former bungalow on the plot was demolished and this large detached house, boasting just over 2750 sqft of accommodation was created in its place. As it was a one-off, Mr Leane has gone the extra mile in little details which are reflected in the price-tag. For instance, you have a hand-made Kestrel kitchen in dark blue and grey with cup pull handles that includes sliding storage units and is just beautiful, leading into an open plan living area with bi-folding doors to the garden. Interestingly, what you forget when looking around this house is that it is completely new; it has been dressed throughout so you don't have to imagine how you might use the space and it is presented as a family home right down to the recipe book open and loaf of bread in the kitchen to the hat hanging in the boot room. And wherever you lay your hat, that really is your home!
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, for sale. Pic: www.sowerbys.com
Also downstairs you have a side entrance, study/fifth bedroom and utility as well as a boot room, all with a pamment flooring, just in case you have muddy shoes, leading into a beautiful entrance hall with the most gorgeous oak staircase that winds elegantly upwards. It's such a wonderful curve too, a really exquisite example of craftsmanship and completely unnecessary which makes it all the more pleasing. It's there as an extra addition, just to underline that this house offers functionality but has some touches of indulgence too! The staircase is definitely one of those touches.
Upstairs takes you to four bedrooms, two with en suites, as well as a family bathroom complete with contemporary tub and all are dressed to showcase the proportions. The design of this house means the pitched roof gives an angled ceiling along part of the landing which you do need to avoid if you're very tall but to be honest, this adds character. Outside, is a large driveway and incredibly beautifully built two bay cart lodge, workshop, terraces and gardens including some old apple trees which when I visited, were bearing a lot of fruit!
The Smithy, New Road, Blakeney, is for sale with Sowerbys on 01263 710777.
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