Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club

The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club is a purpose-built clubhouse constructed between 1902 and 1903 to the designs of George Skipper. It is a building of group value, recognised for its strong architectural and historical significance.

The clubhouse is primarily constructed of brick covered with whitewashed render, with plain tile roofs and some areas of flat asphalt roofing. The building follows an L-shaped, or butterfly, plan, with later extensions to the north-west.

The design features a central square block of three storeys, accompanied by two-storey wings projecting to the north-east and south-east. At the inner angle of the L-shape is an engaged round tower, while the outer angle is distinguished by a square, glazed rooftop observation room topped with a copper dome. Extensions to the north-east include one with a pitched roof and gabled ends.

The south front presents a three-storey, three-bay square block with the observation room at its summit. A low entrance porch, featuring a panelled and glazed door flanked by tripartite round-headed windows, provides central access. Above the entrance are casement windows of varying design. Situated on the first floor is a sculptural panel of Cosseyware terracotta depicting a sailing ship in high relief. The observation room is fully glazed beneath the copper dome. To the right, a two-storey wing with a half-hipped roof showcases two tripartite round-headed ground-floor windows and three first-floor windows. These include two round-headed casements with balconies and a canted oriel.

The east elevation incorporates a large, multi-pane Diocletian window. The upper storey is punctuated by three circular windows with casements. The roof hip is pierced by a triangular gablet containing a sash window with glazing bars.

The north side features a curved, glazed, single-storey bow-shaped extension between the arms of the L. Behind this rises the three-storey engaged round tower, with casements on the first floor and a band of brick-dressed windows on the second floor, surmounted by another Cosseyware panel depicting the crest of the Prince of Wales. The hipped northern arm has casements with glazing bars.

Inside, the entrance opens into a square central hall, partly top-lit from an open ceiling well extending to the first floor. A concave wall partitions the hall from the north-east bar, accessed through bowed double doors with glazing. The north-west restaurant is entered through double muntin doors with leaded and glazed upper panels and a segmental overlight. A closed-string staircase boasts tall, square newels tapering above the handrail and terminating in saucer finials, indicative of a style being developed by Charles Voysey. The first floor features an octagonal open well overlooking the ground-floor hall and is protected by a reeded balustrade. The doors to the main rooms are of a muntin design, incorporating stained glass panels. The north room also has a fireplace with a three-panel overmantel.