This Grade II-listed Georgian house lies minutes from the sea in Old Harwich, Essex. Once part of a larger period pub, The Wellington Inn, it has been gently transformed in a manner that preserves its period integrity. Original features, including exposed beams and gnarled timber floors on the upper levels, remain in situ, with high-quality materials and fittings installed alongside. There are four peaceful bedrooms inside, and a charming patio garden in front.

Setting the Scene

With its strategic placement on Essex’s north-east coastline, Old Harwich has a rich maritime history. Sir Francis Drake is thought to have sailed from here, and the Mayflower was registered here. During the Napoleonic era, it was fortified to defend from French invasion. Its past is told by its varied architectural profile, including the Electric Palace Cinema; built in 1911, it is Britain’s oldest unaltered purpose-built cinema.

This house was once part of a Georgian pub, The Wellington Inn, the main part of which adjoins the home’s south side. It was built using red Flemish-bond brickwork and was listed at Grade II by English Heritage in 1972. It ceased operations as a pub in the late 21st century and was subsequently converted into private residences.

The Grand Tour

The house is tucked away behind a high fence that enhances privacy from the street. A gate opens to a courtyard, which in turn provides entry to an open-plan living space.

This is a versatile room, with Ralph Lauren stripy wallpaper and dado-height beaded panelling that enhances its tall proportions. Sash windows on opposite sides draw in plenty of light, while stone tiles with diamond slate insets flow underfoot. A log-burner and traditional cast-iron radiators make the room cosy on a winter’s night. Shuttered windows and fluted columns flank the front door - a particularly lovely early feature.

Behind is the kitchen, visible through an internal window to the living room. Smart stone-topped navy-blue units run along one side; appliances include a double Belfast sink and a gas hob. Grey butt-and-bead panelling and a series of peg rails uphold the home’s subtle nautical feel.

Dog-leg stairs ascend to the first floor, where the main bedroom suite lies. This is a handsome space, with further blue and white stripy paper by Ralph Lauren, more dado-height panelling, and an original exposed beam overhead. Behind an original door lies a neat, marble-lined en-suite with a walk-in shower.

The remaining three double bedrooms each have a unique character. Those on the uppermost floors are particularly atmospheric spaces, with embracing, sloping ceilings. A separate bathroom is located on the first floor, with a roll-top bathtub, a vintage sink unit, and traditionally styled fittings. An additional WC is on the ground floor.