Norfolk's a good catch

Weekenders and holidaymakers dip into the smart garden and clothes shops with fancy prices, while locals call daily for pork chops and sausages at the family butcher.

London buyers have high standards and demand top-quality design inside and out. There are at least 20 developers working in the Burnhams. "It has changed dramatically," says Sowerby. "Ten years ago, some local builders got the ball rolling doing up the odd barn - now there are almost no properties of any sort left to convert."

Local architect Tom Faire has come up with designs for at least 30 homes. "Nowadays, people are happy to use traditional reclaimed materials for the outside, but want top-quality solid floors and very slick kitchens with lighting inside," he says.

According to Andrew Wagstaff of Bedfords Estate Agent: "The lowest price for a two-up, twodown house in Burnham Market, with no garden or parking, is £200,000. More average prices start at £400,000, with a premium on a sea view."

In the past six months Savilles Land and Property has sold four houses in the area for between £1.3 million and £1.5 million. "Demand has escalated, and 60 per cent of it is from London," says Louis de Soissons, head of residential sales. "The area has retained its unspoilt charm, and what development there has been has been done sympathetically."

Andrew Livsey was a property developer in Wandsworth for 20 years before London's congestion got to him. He and his wife, and their five children, moved into the area last year. "We always loved Norfolk, it is very pretty, wonderfully uncongested and has a great local public school," he says.

He was lucky and picked up an exciting development project in the centre of Burnham Market. He expects to finish turning the factory which was formerly the village school, into five homes by the end August. Four out of five units have already sold, the most expensive at nearly £500,000.

Caroline Mackinnon and her family started weekending in the area in 1991, renting houses between Thornham and Brancaster, and it was a case of love at first sight. "I just loved the big skies, openness and, above all, lack of light pollution," says Mackinnon.

"The trouble with renting is that you don't get to know local people, so the next decision was to buy in Norfolk." Now the family divide their time between SW12 and north Norfolk.

They have renovated their house, aptly named Marsh Barn, simply, but expensively, installing topquality wooden floors, and a bathroom and kitchen furniture. The house is let for part of the year, which makes financial sense, Mackinnon says.

John, Caroline and Freddie Symington moved out of London seven years ago. "It was not so much a push out of London as a pull to Norfolk," says John. "I loved the fact that you could buy wet fish from several local coastal outlets."

"You can get a lot more for your money here," adds Caroline.

John also supports the development of affordable housing in Burnham Market. "Burnham Market will not be Burnham Market any more if it becomes a ghetto of expensive properties," he says. "I believe it is better for all of us if the area remains a mixed community."

In Burnham Market, you can meet friends over drinks at the "six-o'clock school" in the old bar at The Hoste Arms, and then have dinner at the neighbouring Fishes Restaurant.

The terrace overlooking the marshes at The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe is wonderful for summer lunches and dinners. Children are made extra welcome at The Rose and Crown in Snettisham, where the food is elegantly served.

The Victoria at Holkham is also very child-friendly, with regular barbecues held in its smart outbuildings. Terrific when combined with a walk along Holkham beach.

The Fish Shed at Brancaster Staithe supplies local catches, while fresh, delicious fish cakes can be found at Gurneys Fish Shop in Burnham Market.

If it is a picture you want as a souvenir of a great holiday, there are several artists selling in the area. Notable are colourful oils and watercolours by Pamela Noyes are displayed in the window of Burnham Market's bookshop, The White House.

Alternatively, Harry Cory Wright, a self-taught photographer, sells his wonderful coastline pictures at Salt Water Books. Using a wooden Gandolfi plate camera, he has developed an unusual, very immediate form of photography that reflects the unique character of the area.