living on the North Norfolk Coast

Overstrand has been described as, ‘The Village of Millionaires’ and ‘The Pearl on the East Coast’.  However you choose to define Overstrand, the village most certainly has a charm which over the years has proven a popular place in which to live.

 

So, what draws people to come and make their home in the village?  Peace and tranquillity is a definite attraction for those in their mature years, who are seeking a quiet life, but this age group does not monopolise the community.  Working families and couples also make their homes in Overstrand.  There are few better places to bring up a family than in a village backed by open countryside to explore, plus a wonderful stretch of beach with beach huts on the promenade, a village school for education and a well-equipped playground for expending excess energy.

  

The census, taken in 2011, recorded the village’s population at 1,030.  Relatively small and with a mainly mature populace does not mean there is very little going on in the village.  You only have to look at the Club and Groups, and Village Calendar pages to see Overstrand has a vibrant and active community.  The Cliff Top Café, The White Horse pub and The Sea Marge Hotel provide a variety of places to eat, plus the Conservative Club and Sports Club both have bars and hold regular events.  So, what else does Overstrand provide for residents?  The Belfry Centre for Music and Arts, which has been described as the hub of the village offers not only, as the name suggests, music and art but also a diverse range of courses, meetings, talks and a variety of classes.

    

Not so many years ago, Overstrand boasted a full complement of shops but now we have just the one.  And what a shop Central Stores is, stocking residents day to day needs and it incorporates a Post Office too, something of a rarity in villages these days.  The village doesn't have a petrol station but there is conveniently located Curtis Garage, providing servicing, repairs and MOT testing.  Our garden needs are more than adequately covered by the Garden Centre, plus they stock a range of items suitable for gifts.  I must not forget the hairdressers, adjacent to the office on the Ivy Farm Holiday Park.  This is open all year to both villagers and those staying on the park.

 

The village also sees a number of visitors who either come and spend their holidays, or take a short break in the village, or just come for the day.  What does Overstrand have to offer to visitors?  If you are looking for a lively resort, then the answer is; not a lot!  But if you are, like the residents, looking for the simple things in life, such as walking or the beach and sea, then Overstrand is ideal.    There are a number of places where visitors can stay, ranging from the hotel and pub, to holiday homes, The Pleasaunce and Ivy Farm Holiday Park, all suited to couples and families with young children.  More information can be found on the Accommodation & Holiday Lets page.

 

Are there any negative traits to Overstrand?  (It would be wrong to say there aren’t but it is true to say there are few.)  Predominantly, it has to be the village’s location in an area where the cliffs are prone to rotational slumping.  It is therefore important that anyone wishing to purchase a property should, as our solicitors recommended, undertake some thorough research into the area.       

 

I hope the above has given you an insight into Overstrand, from a resident’s (my) point of view.  One area I have not touched on is; the village’s extensive history.  There are plenty of books, websites and DVD’s that cover the past from various aspects plus, in season there are often guided walks led by a village historian.

​