Orchid Lee is a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts residence set in the sought-after village of West Runton, just moments from the sea. Built c. 1907, it represents a period of English domestic architecture that prized handcraft, honest materials, and a deep connection between a building and its setting — qualities that remain unmistakable throughout the house today.
The Restoration
The property has been sympathetically restored, preserving its original panelled rooms, fireplaces, and handcrafted details, while benefiting from updated wiring, efficient oil-fired heating, and improved insulation to ensure year-round comfort. The approach has been to respect what was here rather than replace it — the result is a home that feels authentic and lived-in, not a show house.
Key Period Features
- Panelled rooms and hallways— Original timber panelling throughout the reception hall and principal rooms, with arched doorways that frame views through the house
- Brick fireplaces with wood-burning stoves— Exposed brick hearths with cast-iron stoves in the main reception rooms, a second wood-burner in the drawing room adding warmth and atmosphere
- Stone and timber flooring— Original stone floors in the kitchen and hallways, with timber flooring throughout the reception rooms
- Vaulted ceilings and skylights— The loft bedrooms feature dramatic vaulted ceilings with roof-light windows, flooding the upper rooms with natural light
- Generous proportions— Room sizes typical of Edwardian construction: the drawing room is over 21 feet across, the master bedroom 22 feet into the bay
- Arched windows and doorways— A hallmark of the Arts and Crafts style, seen in the entrance hall, staircase, and throughout the ground floor
The Kitchen
At the heart of the house is a bespoke kitchen by Naked Kitchens, a Norfolk-based maker. Complete with an Everhot cooker, granite worktops, and a central island, this is a kitchen designed for both serious cooking and family life. The space opens directly onto a multi-level sandstone terrace, creating a natural connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Modern Comforts
The restoration has ensured that the house meets the demands of contemporary living without compromising its character. Updated wiring, efficient oil-fired central heating, and improved insulation provide year-round comfort. The principal reception rooms are light-filled and generously proportioned, with views across open countryside.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are calm and private, many with far-reaching views across National Trust land and towards the coast. The six bedroom suites each have their own character — from the grand master bedroom with its bay window to the striking vaulted loft rooms with their skylights and exposed timbers.