Converted granary for sale in conservation village near Downham Market in Norfolk
Former commercial granary and maltings for sale offering flexible living accomodation in conservation village location in Norfolk, eight miles from Downham Market with train links to London
The Old Granary
History
This building is a grade 2 listed former commercial Granary and Maltings. It was started in the mid eighteenth century as the granary of a Merchants House. The original building was added to in the 1830's, then again in the early nineteen hundreds. It ceased trading in 1970's. Conversion was started in 1981 and still ongoing.
The conversion has been one of trying to retain the building's commercial integrity by a process of retaining original features and replacement where possible. It has been a priority during this conversion to use period reclaimed materials. Energy conservation has always been a major consideration as has security.
Situation
It is a large semi detached building, the outside appearance is imposing, but it does not give clues as to the inside. The building is situated in the main street of a conservation village that has been a thriving commercial centre in this rural part of Norfolk. Unusually for a village of this size, the centre has many imposing buildings that are proof of its prosperous past. This main street has not changed since the last building was erected in 1905.The village has many amenities including school, shops and Post Office. The village is about eight miles from Downham Market station that has regular rail services to London and other parts of the country.
Overview
It is hard to describe this conversion in agent's terms as to layout and the use of space. Areas have evolved and been converted to personal requirements over a 25 year period. The theme over that period of time has been a balance of areas for living and areas for other uses. So this building is not easy to describe.
At its most simple it is a semi-detached building with three specific sleeping areas, three specific washing areas, large custom kitchen, dining room, front room, cloakroom, music room, cellars, conservatory, a mansard roof area containing two studios, an office, a rest room and a bathroom. These spaces are flexible so it would be easy to make more living and sleeping area if this was required.
As this is such a unique building and a unique conversion it will not be to the liking of everybody so I will try and explain the aims behind it. As mentioned this conversion has always had a commercial theme. With this in mind all the oldest areas have little added to their original state. These rooms are heavily beamed with thick walls. Certain areas have been designed with children in mind, however it should be appreciated by all ages. It has a courtyard garden with provision for a garage. This building is a one off and will require the purchasers to finish it to their own specifications. This conversion was never intended to come on to the open market.
