Badingham

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Framing the original entrance to a private countryside estate just a stone's throw from the Norfolk Broads, this charming gatehouse marries characterful rural features with modern comforts. For a restorative escape, this beautifully renovated home is an idyllic place to make memories amidst a 300-acre historic parkland. 

Wake up to chirping birds from your plush bed before preparing a leisurely breakfast in your country kitchen of farm-fresh eggs and crusty rye bread – we think the patio dining table is a serene spot to enjoy your hard work, accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee.  

Spend a day exploring the grounds or spot the local birdlife on a water-trail boat tour on The Broads. Not all the best attractions are saved for the summer months – head to Horsey Beach in the winter to see the grey seals during the birthing season. Regardless of the time of year, this piece of sandy beach is a pleasure all year round – you might still catch views of seals who’ve stuck around for some sun. If you're seeking a culinary experience, there are some charming local pubs in the area. As evening rolls around, pocket a few balls on the pool table, and enjoy a round of table tennis or air hockey, before sinking into the garden hot tub for a soak session under the stars.

Gatehouse Gardens

Just outside the village of Little Bentley, a five-minute walk from the local pub and a ten-minute drive from Colchester, this rustic barn is nestled on a working farm. Previously a popular children's café with fun play areas both indoors and out, it's an ancient barn that retains a great deal of rustic charm. 

Quirky and imaginative, it's a family home with an emphasis on keeping the little ones entertained (and safe – it's fully child-proofed). The huge living space is dominated at one end by a log burner, with aged leather sofas and throws perfect for cosying up on winter nights, while the other end features a super cool, Scandi-style kitchen – complete with a professional café coffee machine that's been left in situ so you can play barista. Fun things about this room include the chalkboard wall, a movie projector for film nights and an indoor hammock chair.  

One of the bedrooms is aimed at kids, with twin beds, funky lights, chalkboards, toys and books. But as if that wasn't enough, they have a whole play area in the main space, where imaginations can run wild thanks to a wooden teepee, a wooden shop and a range of homemade superhero capes to choose from. There's more outside with a willow tunnel and mud kitchen. As the sun sets, toast some marshmallows around the fire pit before heading to your cosy beds.

Gooseberry Fool

A rural retreat with an almost embarrassing amount of charm, this thatched home dates back centuries and represents the best of Norfolk's architectural style. Carefully modernised and curated with stylish wall colours, art and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, it's a fabulous space to unwind in unique surroundings. As well as a stunning historic home, it boasts a large, enclosed garden and a summer house to die for.  

Inside, the stripped-back, authentic character of this place is evident in the ancient beams, brick floors and inglenook fireplace. A comfy velvet sofa provides a modern twist but otherwise, the living room is dressed like it would have been a hundred years ago or so. Elsewhere there's a delightful country kitchen, a casual dining room and a midnight-blue TV room, along with a useful utility room and three gorgeous bedrooms.

And outside you'll find pretty gardens, along with a greenhouse and a deck for enjoying the sun. Step inside the summer house for the biggest surprise though. A lovely space for friends and family to socialise and eat together, it comes with a Scandinavian-style indoor barbecue cabin. 

Around half an hour's drive from both Diss and Norwich, you'll be deep in the country here so a car is essential, but there are great walks to be had nearby and the coast is around forty-five minutes away. Visit Southwold, Lowestoft and more for days out by the sea.



Reedgrass & Tallow

Escape for a breath of fresh country air and bring your friends and family members along with you to this mid-century-modern house with its own luxury spa. Balancing mod-con comforts with bucolic interiors, we wouldn’t blame you if you never left this cosy home. Inside, guests will find plenty of soft furnishings, chic decor, uplifting pops of colour and a vintage vinyl player, creating a sociable and playful living space to enjoy each other's company. You'll also notice the calming green views over the village pond and rolling hills throughout the home. Beckoning you to the great outdoors, step into the large back garden – complete with an alfresco dining table, an expansive lawn and a variety of lush plants. If you’re travelling with children, they’ll be particularly delighted by the village playground and the feeding of the ducks in the pond. But the real highlight of this home is the luxury spa area with a bubbling hot tub and steam shower for the ultimate rest and relaxation. If you can peel yourself away from the tub, and decide to explore the beautiful natural surroundings, there are plenty of lovely county walks and footpaths nearby. Plus, you're less a forty-five-minute drive from the Norfolk Coast and its sandy beaches as well as the Royal Sandringham Estate, King's Lynn and plenty of other hidden gems. 

Grassmere

Hidden away next to ancient woodland in rural Essex, this cabin is a British getaway that overflows with quirk and charm.

Inside, classically styled furnishings, such as the tufted Chesterfield, oak dining table and the four-poster bed that's come straight out of a fairytale, rub shoulders with the eclectic animal portraits that dot the wall, the antler chandelier and antique-style gramophone — which actually works in case you're in the mood for a boogie. The copper rolltop bathtub that lies just next to the bed is another decadent touch that we can't help but salute.

The home's exterior is full of pleasant surprises, too. When the weather's warm enough — and even when it's not — you can sit out in the home's hot tub, before drying off on one of the egg chairs next to the roaring fire pit. It's possible to hear the sounds of wildlife from the neighbouring forest, as well as the occasional roar from Colchester Zoo, which is less than ten minutes' drive from the home.

Elsewhere in the local area, the huge Abberton Reservoir takes five minutes to reach in the car and offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The local village of Layer de la Haye, with its pair of pubs and farm shop, is a ten-minute walk away, too.

Kooky Cabin

This home nestled in the picturesque countryside of North Tuddenham, Norfolk has a history. The 16th-century rectory, once home to poet William Cowper, was replaced in 1852 by Rev Barry, brother of the Parliament architect. You’ll find traditional features here, and steep stairs leading to certain parts of the home, so keep that in mind. There’s a beautiful garden with a west-facing terrace for summer barbecues, a childproofed pond, and an outdoor tennis court. Guests can also explore the on-site wood, which boasts scenic pathways leading to picnic spots. Seeking activities? Your host can help arrange clay pigeon shooting, game shooting, and fishing.

The Country Garden

Escape for some fresh coastal air and bring your friends or family members along with you. It's a spacious and stylish apartment with plenty of seating, pops of colour and tasteful decor. Ideal for a small group, this contemporary home offers comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a sleek kitchen and a chic dining area – we especially love the Eames-style chairs and funky artwork. While this is a modern build, and a well-presented one at that, there's a warmth here with the vibrant scatter cushions, comfy throws and green houseplants that makes it feel like home right away. The real highlight of the apartment is outside space – complete with garden furniture, a barbecue and a tall wooden fence for added privacy – sitting out on the patio with a glass of chilled wine is a dreamy way to bookmark any day if you ask us. Perfectly placed, walk to sandy Great Yarmouth Beach in less than twelve minutes and be at Nelson's Monument and the lively town centre in under half an hour. We'd especially recommend a trip to the Merrivale Model Village if you're after a fun family day out – as with most of the popular attractions, it's well within reach here. 

Town Is By The Sea

If you're after a home that's got space for you and your beloved pooch(es), we've found one that's just 'paw-fect' (we can't promise that won't be the last dog pun). A gorgeous barn conversion close to the wind-whipped Norfolk coast, this home has been set up with dog lovers in mind. There's enough space for up to four of your furry friends to join, with a lavish fleece-lined bed for each, throws for those that just won't stay off the sofa, an enclosed garden and a special dog hamper to welcome them. Two-legged guests will love the open-plan living and dining area, the AGA in the kitchen, comfy sofas and plenty of games. You'll definitely want to keep the dogs out of the bedrooms, though, as the Egyptian cotton bedding is far too sumptuous to share. Nearby there are lots of dog-friendly woodland and beach walks, and local pub The Star Inn will be happy to welcome you and your tail-wagging companions. After a day out exploring the best of the north Norfolk coast, treat yourself to a soak in the hot tub looking out over the surrounding fields. If you want to explore further afield, head twenty miles north to Cromer, known as 'the gem of the Norfolk coast'. We think it makes for the 'ulti-mutt' escape.

It's A Dog's Life

Set within over 100 acres of grounds, this handsome Georgian house is surrounded by manicured gardens, woodland walks and activities like clay pigeon shooting and archery. The home’s private garden features a heated swimming pool for sunny days and you can still sit and listen to the birdsong in the huge conservatory if the weather turns. Or, head inside to the games room for a round of pool or foosball by the wood-burning stove. The kitchen, with its gas range cooker and oodles of prep space, is more than big enough for the bustle of family breakfast time, and the old servant’s bells are still on display. Tucked into a corner of the kitchen you'll find a little TV snug, warmed by the purr of an Aga. Gather the group in the dining room with its view across the fields outside, or head up to the privacy of beautiful bedrooms, each decorated with its own motif – paisley and peacocks perhaps, or a princess-style four-poster and freestanding tub. If you don’t feel like cooking, the estate staff can arrange for a private chef, or you can make the short walk to the Brisley Bell which serves excellent food.  

Peacocks & Petticoats

Experience a rare treat – a stay at a truly grand stately home, nestled in the middle of a beautiful country estate, steeped in history and offering more than a taste of luxury. A filming location for Netflix’s uber-popular hit, The Crown, this home will make you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive. 

Dating back to the Saxon times, the house as it appears today was created during the reign of Queen Victoria, with the help of the visionary architect, John Thomas and renowned landscape designer William Andrews Nesfield. As you arrive you’ll be dazzled by the spectacular gardens, known as one of the finest in the country – guests will be able to spend hours wandering through the enchanted alleyways, exploring the maze and the parkland and cooling off in the wild freshwater pool. 

The main Hall will welcome you in lavish style – great rooms with grand pianos, a library with rare, gilded books, and dining rooms with long tables for the group to gather and celebrate special occasions or delicious family feasts served in true style. You'll be able to sample those unforgettable menus, created by a team of chefs who use only the best local and sustainably sourced produce. Each of the twelve bedrooms retains the character of a Victorian mansion with a collection of antique furniture that’s seen many esteemed guests stay here over the home's long history. If only these walls could talk! 

Outside, this family-run estate offers everything from bike trails, horse stables and woodland walks, to cocktail classes, wine tastings and foraging. The grand rewilding project has seen 1,000 acres become home to an abundance of wildlife, making a stay here a unique experience for nature lovers too. 

Lords & Ladies

We can see why this cottage was in The Sunday Times' Coolest 100 Cottages' list – it's a Jacobean dream, full of original character and quirky features. Once home to the miller of Plomesgate Mill, it now houses wonderful antiques, such as a fantastic 1700s Breton bed built straight into the wall, a gorgeous oak four-poster and a working 1800s kitchen range. 

Enjoy a tasty full English breakfast (courtesy of the welcome hamper provided by your lovely hosts Beverley and Martin) in the farmhouse style kitchen. Or when the Suffolk sun is shining, dine in the pretty, wisteria clad courtyard. If you’re lucky enough to be here in August and September, there's a mulberry bush in the grounds that guests are welcome to pick fruit from – perfect for making some jam or muffins.

Something else we adore here is the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind this home. Take the dogs for a walk through the meandering footpaths that wind through meadows and ancient woodland. In spring, you’ll see captivating carpets of cheerful daffodils, bluebells and primroses. Whatever time of year you come, though, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from nuthatches to woodpeckers.
 
There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, an arts complex on the banks of the River Alde, just over two miles away. Or head to Aldeburgh (seven minutes in the car) – you can borrow some bikes and cycle there in around thirty minutes too.



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