Country house where Procul Harum wrote their famous hit goes up for sale for £650,000 

The walls really ARE a whiter shade of pale! Country house where Procul Harum wrote their famous hit goes up for sale for £650,000

  • It was here at The Limes in North Lopham, Norfolk where the band wrote and rehearsed the hit single in 1967 
  • The famous song was one of the few chart-toppers in pop history to sell more than ten million discs 
  • Property remains close to its historical roots with elegantly proportioned rooms typical of the Georgian era

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Dreams are made of this…the house in the country where Procul Harum wrote their legendary chart-topper A Whiter Shade Of Pale is up for sale.

The Limes in North Lopham, Norfolk, is on the market for £650,000.

The house was owned by the family of one of the group’s members and its rooms echoed to the music as the band wrote and rehearsed the single in 1967.

This wonderful detached Georgian Grade II listed home is where Procul Harum wrote their legendary chart-topper A Whiter Shade Of Pale

It was one of the few chart-toppers in pop history to sell more than ten million discs, and quickly made them multi-millionaires.

Estate agents Fine & Country say that in the mid-19th century, North Lopham was the centre of linen production in the area and in 1845, the village had 15 different linen manufacturers producing ‘Lopham Linen’.

Among these was the Buckenham family, owners of The Limes, who specialised in damask, fine linen which was woven with highly ornate patterns. 

For the past five years the current owners have done a lot of work to the house, refurbishing each of the rooms and adding new flooring

For the past five years the current owners have done a lot of work to the house, refurbishing each of the rooms and adding new flooring

This bright and airy conservatory offers extra space as well as maximising the indoor/outdoor convenience of the property

This bright and airy conservatory offers extra space as well as maximising the indoor/outdoor convenience of the property 

They converted several of the outbuildings into manufacturing and weaving sheds and in 1837, they were granted a Royal Warrant to provide linen to Queen Victoria and the royal household.

The agents say ‘For the past five years the current owners have done a lot of work to the house, refurbishing each of the rooms and adding new flooring.    

They also insulated the loft and installed new fencing to enclose the quarter-acre garden. 

‘Yet the property still remains close to its historical roots, with elegantly proportioned rooms, typical of the Georgian period, as well as several grand fireplaces and a stunning entrance hall featuring a Victorian tiled floor.

‘The current owners have also used a neutral colour scheme to really make the most of the property’s period details, using accents of blues and greys to beautifully complement the historical character. 

There's ample space in this large kitchen with a central island and exposed beams.  It offers plenty of space for the whole family to spread out in as well as a convenient place for guests to mingle in

There’s ample space in this large kitchen with a central island and exposed beams.  It offers plenty of space for the whole family to spread out in as well as a convenient place for guests to mingle in

The home is beautifully presented throughout with three reception rooms which can be adapted into a study or a work from home space to suit the new owner

The home is beautifully presented throughout with three reception rooms which can be adapted into a study or a work from home space to suit the new owner 

‘There are three spacious reception rooms on the ground floor and five large bedrooms upstairs, all of which contain large windows that bathe the property in gorgeous natural light. 

‘The ground-floor also offers an additional dining room and study at the back of the house, which could be converted into an annexe or used as a home office if, like many, you’re now working from home.

‘The characterful kitchen is also a real selling point; a large space with a central island and exposed beams, it offers plenty of space for the whole family to spread out. 

One of the five spacious bedrooms which retains its Georgian splendour with the elegant period feature fireplace

One of the five spacious bedrooms which retains its Georgian splendour with the elegant period feature fireplace

The handsome property comes with a quarter of an acre of outdoor space. The secluded gardens are mostly laid to lawn, with a row of lime trees at the front - from where the property takes its name - and a spacious gravel driveway

The handsome property comes with a quarter of an acre of outdoor space. The secluded gardens are mostly laid to lawn, with a row of lime trees at the front – from where the property takes its name – and a spacious gravel driveway

There is also a lovely, light-filled conservatory.

‘Outside, the secluded gardens are mostly laid to lawn, with a row of lime trees at the front – from where the property takes its name – and a spacious gravel driveway.’

Estate agents Fine & Country say that in the mid-19th century, North Lopham was the centre of linen production. Among these was the Buckenham family, owners of The Limes, who converted several of the outbuildings into manufacturing and weaving sheds

Estate agents Fine & Country say that in the mid-19th century, North Lopham was the centre of linen production. Among these was the Buckenham family, owners of The Limes, who converted several of the outbuildings into manufacturing and weaving sheds

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