Damgate St, Wymondham
Grade II listed historic townhouse
A new chapter for a 500-year-old treasure in the heart of Wymondham
In the oldest part of Wymondham, on historic Damgate Street, a once-crumbling three-storey townhouse from the early 1500s has been given a bold new lease of life.
What was once Wymondham Antiques – a dilapidated commercial space long past its prime – is now lovingly restored into a warm, functional, and beautifully balanced four-bedroom home. This Grade II listed property is a standout example of how historic Norfolk architecture can be preserved, adapted, and elevated for 21st-century living.
​
From commercial relic to contemporary residence
Purchased in 2021 by Slow Norfolk, the project began as a snow-covered wreck.
“It was too far gone for DIYers,” says Mark Littlewood, co-founder of Slow Norfolk and managing director of construction specialist marketing agency, OneAgency. “It needed a full, professional renovation with careful attention to every detail.”
Over three years, this once-abandoned shop has been transformed into a truly unique home that marries original character with contemporary design. The restoration reflects a growing trend: breathing new life into commercial high street buildings, turning unused relics into meaningful homes for modern families.
Craft, collaboration and community
This renovation wasn’t just about design. It was a collaboration with local tradespeople and the Wymondham community. Main contractor, Gary Buckle, alongside specialist trades, conservation officers and building control, all brought their expertise to the project.
​
Reclaimed materials were sourced from Womacks, a nearby reclamation yard, and bespoke windows were designed and crafted in New Buckenham.
​
The result is a home that doesn't just serve a family, it also honours local craftsmanship, boosts the town’s visual identity, and contributes to the local economy.
Why this matters
Norfolk is filled with historic buildings at risk of decay. By repurposing and restoring this old shop, Slow Norfolk has proven that, with the right care and vision, these buildings can be more than abandoned artefacts. They can become homes – places where families thrive and communities grow stronger.
​
This project has already inspired other homeowners in the area to begin their own restorations. “People have stopped by to say thank you,” says Mark. “This house has become a part of Wymondham’s fabric again.”
​
And with Wymondham’s excellent schools, independent shops, and supportive community, this is more than a house, it’s an opportunity to be part of a bigger vision for Norfolk’s future.
