Waxham Beach House

A Traditional Norfolk Cottage Gets a Modern & Stylish Passivhaus Build

Designed in an homage to Norfolk’s traditional coastal cottages, this beach house in England is a modern reinterpretation in surprising context, that somehow feels just right.

Award winning Cambridge based Mole Architects whose work is characterized by their distinctiveness, originality and personality, are also passionately committed to cutting-edge sustainability and have constructed the home to meticulous Passivhaus standards. All without sacrificing great style, luxe comforts and individuality.   

Prompted by the windswept coastal landscape, Mole’s unique use of color, texture and  unusual materials all contribute to the richness of the environment, and the daily rituals of living

Simple silhouettes, vibrant color banded walls, and a selective application of unique decor allow the architecture and the landscapes to become part of the composition, with some of the country’s most stunning coastal views all to yourself. 

Behind the sand dunes along Waxham Beach, this luxury beach house rental in England, is placed just along the footpath down to one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Norfolk. Set on over an acre of lush private land, the house is also surrounded by acres more of uninterrupted coastal landscapes.

Designed by award-winning Mole Architects it’s a stylish and modern reimagining of the humble seaside cottages in the area and was built according to rigorous Passivhaus standards. Mole’s design principles combine innovation of form and function, meticulous material quality and the celebration of individuality and sustainability.

The house is spacious and bright with vaulted ceilings and extensive south-facing glazing, allowing the light and views to permeate the interiors. The walls are finished in washed plywood, and unique textural color banding, with simple oak flooring and bespoke furnishings and decor that add simple modern style.

The main living space includes a dining area and a kitchen with large expanses of glass offering fantastic (and private) views, day or night. There is also a separate media and games room, that allows everyone their own space. 

Two of the three double bedrooms are south-facing with glass doors that open out onto a covered terrace and room for six guests. 

NORFOLK'S AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

This area of eastern Norfolk is comprised of vast stretches of wild and protected nature reserves, salt marshes, and coastal lands for exploring and is a unique and unspoiled location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Located a half an hour's drive from Norwich, the small hamlet of Waxham is near to the complex of Waxham Hall, Great Barn, and Church, and its beach is often considered as one of the UK's best (although rarely crowded).  

Nearby Broads National Park and Horsey are both within a short drive (or few miles walk down the coast path or beach) with its vast network of rivers and lakes and diverse wildlife including playful colonies of seals and abundant, rare, and unusual birdlife that migrate in the Fall.

Two restaurants and pubs of note are within a ten-minute drive: The Nelson Head at Horsey is often described as a real Norfolk pub, with a wide selection of ales and ciders and good pub food, while the 15th century Ingham Swan offers fine dining in a classic pub feel. It is based in a fifteen-century coaching inn and offers probably the best food in Norfolk. An hour north are some of the areas most charming villages including the harbor town of Blakeney, the pretty market town of Holt, Burnham Market, Holkam, one of the UK’s top stately homes, Cley, Morston, Salthouse and Brancaster where you can soak up the local flavor, wander the shorelines and peruse an array of shops, cafes and pubs. 

And for those seeking a little royal history, the Sandringham Estate is a ninety-minute drive north.

LOCATION

Waxham, Norfolk, England. Nearest Airport: Norwich International (24 miles), London Stansted (96 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather and Winter for seal viewing and whelping season.