The incredible position of the impressive Cliffside House in Overstrand , once the home of famous architect Edward Boardman, has ensured beautiful sea views by day and mesmerising sunsets and starry skies by night.
The current owners have lived in the gorgeous Edwardian house, situated in 1.5 acres of gardens, for 16 years. The house was built somewhere between 1895 and 1903 by a member of the Colman's Mustard family, the creation of the famous architect Edward Boardman, who designed many famous buildings in and around Norfolk, like the former Norfolk and Norwich hospital, often with friendly rival George Skipper. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Boardman
Boardman actually ended up living at Cliffside House himself before it was home to the Van Moppes family, Dutch diamond magnates. www.vanmoppes.ch/en/company/company-history
Such was the appeal of Overstrand in the late 19th and early 20th century was that it became an exclusive holiday retreat. Indeed, the village is known for having three buildings designed around that time by the renowned Arts & Crafts architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. In the 1950s, Cliffside House became a convent for nuns from the Sacred Heart of Mary. When the current ownwers saw it in 2002, it had been empty for a while and was still arranged to suit the requirements of the nuns.
Period details were retained but décor was also carefully chosen to suit modern day living. In more recent times, they have redecorated again in neutral shades and have created the outstanding kitchen, breakfast and family room.
Other changes saw the couple open up the views and create an area of raised decking. They created a triple garage, with a workshop, kitchenette and cloakroom, as well as more parking space. A former coach house was transformed into a self-contained annexe for guests, which now features a sitting room, newly installed kitchen and dining room, as well as three first-floor bedrooms, a bathroom and a store room.
In the owner's words, when she first time she saw Cliffside House: 'I came inside and saw the hall and stairs - and I envisaged it with garlands and a Christmas tree lit up. You can have wonderful occasions here both inside the house and out, and everyone who visits says it is like being on holiday. My son once showed me a picture of a glorious sandy beach and I asked him if it was Portugal - he just looked at me and said: 'No, it was taken right here at Overstrand.'
Cliffside House, Overstrand is for sale for £900,000 with Chewton Rose on 01603 622017. www.chewtonrose.co.uk
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