Halesworth

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If you're looking for a luxurious, romantic retreat in Norfolk – this newly refurbished cottage could be the place for you. Unwind with a glass of Champagne in the hot tub at the end of the beautiful garden, filled with roses and other cottage garden plants. Later, settle down in the reading corner, next to the log burner, with a good book and a glass of wine from the wine chiller. We adore the vistas over the green and village pond from this cottage – it's the picture-perfect view. As night falls, have a long soak in the free-standing bath with the organic toiletries provided – utter bliss. Your lovely hosts have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable, from bathrobes and slippers to treats for your four-legged friends (if you're bringing the pooch). The next day enjoy breakfast in the light, contemporary glass dining room overlooking the garden. Then, pop over the road for lunch if you don't fancy cooking – one of the top five gastropubs in the area is right opposite. Afterwards, perhaps walk off all that lovely food with a stroll around the village with its pretty duck ponds. For a day at the beach – Old Hunstanton Beach is a thirty-minute drive away – so you can have the best of both coast and country. It doesn't get much more idyllic than this. 

The Shelduck

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

Step back in time at this meticulously restored Regency cottage. Your hosts have poured their time and energy into sourcing period-specific reclaimed materials and equipping the home with antique furnishings to create a cosy and charming English escape that offers the very best of coast and country.

All that effort has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the beautiful interior. From the Victorian roll-top bath to the eighteenth-century range and the wainscotting on the walls – every effort has been made to make it feel as authentic as possible. Even the mod cons, such as the TV, are hidden away inside bread ovens that are built into the chimney so as not to shatter the illusion.

At the top of the narrow staircase is the twin bedroom, through which you enter the main bedroom – a pretty common arrangement for houses of this period.

Step outside, and you'll find a beautifully maintained nature reserve right on your doorstep. Your hosts bought it in 2015 and have spent the intervening years slowly restoring and exposing its beauty, with winding footpaths leading to conveniently placed benches, soaring Scots pine trees and ancient oaks – perfect for a reflective moment in nature or a ride on the supplied bikes.

For adventures further afield, you'll find maps detailing footpaths that run to the world-class concert hall at Snape Maltings, two-and-a-half miles away, and continue through forests and past lakes, leading all the way to the sea at Aldeburgh. 

The Miller's Cottage

Life is but a dream at this lovely cottage set on the sprawling estate of Worlingham Hall. Completely secluded from the Grade I-listed Georgian manor at the heart of the grounds, this home is a unique blend of country charm and plush extravagance. From the snug study – complete with a leather-topped desk and high-backed office chair – every room here feels warm, cosy and just a little bit decadent. Host Tommaso has a passion for antiques – mainly British, Chinese and Tibetan furniture – which only adds to the stately atmosphere. After a day spent wandering the 448 acres of private woodland in your backyard, pop a bottle of bubbly and idle away lazy summer evenings in the lush private garden. In winter, snuggle up on the sumptuous leather sofas with an engrossing book and a fire roaring in the brick hearth. Worlingham lies between Norfolk and Suffolk – an ideal spot for exploring both the idyllic countryside and stunning coastline – while Beccles, a pretty market town boasting an array of quaint tea rooms, charming pubs and independent shops, is just a short thirteen-minute drive away.

Worlingham Cottage

This is an extra-special home in the grounds of an award-winning boutique vineyard. It’s been carefully curated to offer everything you might need during your stay, and for you to enjoy your visit in the lap of luxury. 

The home is a contemporary villa with vast windows looking out onto the vineyard and the rolling countryside that surrounds the property. The open-plan living and dining space is perfect for chatting over food and sipping wine – there’s even an honesty box wine bar for you to sample the wines produced by the vineyard. A striking nickel bar – like at The Ivy – has pride of place in front of the huge picture window overlooking the vineyard. There are also full height glass patio doors which open onto a wonderful private guest garden and patio.

Outside, pop open a bottle of chilled white or rosé wine and sink into the jacuzzi while the barbecue heats up. When the weather is fine, you won’t want to be anywhere else – there’s a comfy sofa and loungers, ideal for relaxing, and a tennis court if you want to work up a sweat. Dining outside with beautiful views laid out before you is utterly idyllic, especially when the sun starts to sink in the sky. 

If you feel the urge to explore, there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. The villa is a four-minute drive from Toppesfield village, where you can enjoy a meal in the community-owned pub. Finchingfield, the most photographed village in Essex is 10 minutes drive. For history enjoy a stroll around Castle Hedingham with its thatched cottages and amazing Norman castle. Saffron Walden, a medieval town – is thirty-six minutes away. There you’ll find a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants around the buzzy market square as well as beautiful historic buildings, gardens, museum and art gallery. 

This is a memorable home for romantic visits to this picturesque area on the Essex/Suffolk border. Make sure you take a bottle of the vineyard’s award winning wine home with you – it’s the perfect memento.


An East Anglian Vineyard

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

Nestled in the tiny village of Kersey, this magnificent timber-framed house has been lovingly restored to its former glory, allowing you to experience the authentic Suffolk countryside. Inside you'll find a roaring log burner, beautiful beamed rooms, and original features that give this home a cosy atmosphere and an air of rustic charm. 

Start your days with a home-cooked breakfast made in the classic country kitchen, then take one of the bikes from the shed and head off to explore the pretty lanes around the village. Boasting close proximity to the unspoiled Suffolk countryside, there are plenty of walks to enjoy with the dogs, as well as an array of quaint villages, such as the famous Lavenham, which is known as England’s best preserved Medieval Village. Ruggedly rural and untouched by city life, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature for a few days. 

When you get home, head to the private garden to fire up the barbecue and tuck into an alfresco family dinner. You'll find an apple tree on the lawn, which provides some natural shade in the summer. Post-dinner, run yourself a bubble bath and relax with a glass of wine, then head downstairs to snuggle up by the fire. 

The Old Apple Tree

If this characterful Norfolk cottage were any sweeter, we’d eat it right up. The exterior is pure chocolate box, and the inside is bursting with beamed period charm. The host is an interior designer with a true collector’s eye and has filled the cottage with an eclectic mix of vintage pieces and curios. From taxidermy vignettes to Serge Moullie inspired art, there are unexpected details at every turn. 

Summer’s evenings are spent in the fragrant country garden drinking Pimms and looking out over meadowland, and in the winter months, the wood burner keeps the cosiness levels running high. You’re just a short drive from North Norfolk’s stunning sandy beaches, and the bustling town of Burnham Market. If you don’t feel like a drive, the surrounding countryside is ripe for walking, and the local pub is just five minutes away. 

Pound Cake

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

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.



Jacobean Gem

Just a ten-minute walk from the beautiful Overstrand Beach sits a charming bungalow like no other in the area. With its Palm Springs-inspired design, complete with copious amounts of lovely wood panelling, furniture Tarantino could only dream of, and desert plants outside, you’ll need reminding that you’re just a short distance away from the North Sea.

The peaceful location will let you unwind and feel rejuvenated, as you enjoy your morning coffee in the mini-desert garden. Unleash your competitive side as you play a quick game of pool before you head out to explore the charm of Cromer, including taking a walk down its Victorian pier before indulging in some fish and chips. 

Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life or simply want to experience something new, this property provides a blend of subtle luxury and relaxation. With its unique design, peaceful location, and close proximity to the charming town of Cromer, this is a trip you won’t forget in a hurry.

Cromer Springs

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.

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