In 1999 Mark and Sal Hickling founded Venturemark, an independent property development company.
A lifelong association with North Norfolk has instilled a keen appreciation of the natural beauty and architectural heritage of this area. Our joint talents and passion for construction and design have enabled us to produce some very unique homes throughout the area.
We have have been privileged to rescue some beautiful properties in Norfolk, from coastal cottages to Georgian country houses.
All our designs go beyond the fabric of a building, we evaluate each property for it’s merits and consider how best to interpret a vision for living well within it’s walls. We always work with a palette of robust materials that respond well to the rigours of modern day living. Incorporating thoughtfully designed spaces, effective use of lighting and technology, together with beautifully crafted detail throughout. Well constructed outdoor buildings and good landscape design have also become distinctive features of Venturemark homes.
Our latest project has been the reclamation of a derelict property known as Thursford Castle, once the site of a 19th Century workhouse and chapel. The buildings of the workhouse were demolished many years ago leaving a perimeter wall and crumbling chapel. The site was a complete jungle when we acquired it in 2013 and over the recent years we have built an award winning contemporary residence attached to the former chapel. Currently we are working on creating a contemporary garden in the walled enclosure, incorporating the footprint of the original workhouse buildings. It is a space we believe should be shared and we are pleased to offer the 2 acre walled garden to a limited number of private events, such as weddings, celebrations and gatherings.
Our projects are further influenced by our travels to and connections with Sri Lanka where we draw inspiration from the natural world, cultural diversity and ground breaking architects, such as the renowned Geoffrey Bawa. As often as time permits we visit the island of Sri Lanka to source distinctive artefacts and materials which we often incorporate into our projects.
We remain passionately connected to North Norfolk and are committed to continuing to produce properties of great integrity.
Mark and Sal Hickling
