A STAYCATION IN NORFOLK

Luxury Staycations in Norfolk

A superb break and some summer sun with very little travelling, no airport departure lounges, and a concierge service on hand to ensure you make the most of your time away. Welcome to the world of Barefoot Retreats, and a North Norfolk portfolio of 100 luxury self-catering properties...

Words: Rob Davis. Properties Featured: Barefoot Retreats, call 01485 512245 or see www.barefootretreats.co.uk.

A luxury getaway without the hassle. That’s what Barefoot Retreats aims to offer those seeking a break in North Norfolk with no departure lounges, no jet lag, just Great British sunshine and spectacular coastlines. Barefoot Retreats was established in 2014 and now curates a portfolio of over 100 examples of privately-owned self-catering accommodation in and around North Norfolk, favouring the quirkiest or most luxurious properties you’re likely to find anywhere else. From lovenests for romantic getaways to large family-friendly country homes to accommodate special occasions, to quirky options like converted watermills, penthouses and railway carriages, plus dog-friendly options, the company’s properties are available for short breaks and for seven-day bookings. North Norfolk’s villages are renowned for their character, independent shops, superb country pubs and restaurants, and there are many beaches and attractions to enjoy from Holkham Hall to the royal residence of Sandringham. Meanwhile, Barefoot Retreats itself has a concierge service which can help with anything from restaurant bookings to accessing babysitting services, to organising a private chef to cater for you in your own property, ensuring that every visit is tailored to your exact wishes. With so many properties in its collection, prior booking is usually your best bet, but if you’d like an ad hoc break, there are late-notice options too, ensuring the best accommodation and a relaxing break, without the hassle...>>

THE WATERMILL: Burnham Market...

The Watermill is a Grade II listed Georgian watermill with enchanting and quintessentially English views over the millpond. Having been lovingly restored in previous years, this stunning property now offers spacious, luxury accommodation whilst also preserving the building’s heritage and original features. The accommodation is arranged over four floors and can sleep up to 10 guests in six en suite bedrooms. The Mill was constructed in 1737 on the River Burn and was notable as one of only two mills in Norfolk to be powered by both wind and water from the same site. Called the Union Mill as a result of this, the building remained in use for over 200 years. Just a 10-minute walk to the centre of the village, staying at the mill means you’re a stone’s throw from over 30 independent shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, providing all the necessities of everyday life; this includes a butcher, deli, fresh fish shop, traditional sweet shop and wine merchant. There are two pubs, The Hoste Arms and The Nelson, two tea rooms, and two unique restaurants; No29 and Socius. The Watermill also has its resident Swans and Derek the duck... who is usually to be found hanging around for a hearty breakfast! Guide Price: From £2,650 based on seven nights, sleeping up to 10 people, dogs welcome. n

“We now have over 100 properties in our portfolio, and they’re all beautifully presented and quirky. Some are really large and can accommodate big family celebrations. Others are fantastic lovenests that suit romantic weekends away. There’s something for everyone, and plenty to do in North Norfolk whether your passion is good food, nature, great shopping or a day enjoying the sunshine on the beach!”

Brittany, Barefoot Retreats’ Reservations Team Leader.

THE CARRIAGE: Burnham Market...

All aboard this quirky property based in Burnham Market. The Carriage offers guests something a little different and the chance to stay within a converted carriage. Departing for its final journey in 1952, the carriage has since been restored to its former glory and in 2021, it has received the care and attention it deserves including complete renovation and decoration of the external woodwork, treatment and decoration to all the furniture, fittings and also the wooden flooring. Situated on the ground floor, this stunning king-sized bedroom has been thoughtfully decorated to maintain its character and charm. At the front of the carriage, you will find the large walk-in rainfall shower, complete with a deep copper sink and copper fittings. Barefoot Retreats even managed to restore and reuse the original sink... it was simply to beautiful to not use! numerous restaurants and eateries within the Burnham Market. You’re only a 10 minute drive from the beaches at Brancaster, Holkham or Wells-next-the-Sea and so a beach walk is a must!

Originally the Old Station Master’s House, The Railway has been completely renovated and refurbished in 2021 to offer guests a stylish stay in the renowned Burnham Market.

Set just a stone’s throw from the busy and vibrant village centre, you can take advantage of the The Railway also offers a communal lounge with varied, comfortable and stylish seating, complete with an honesty bar, providing the perfect backdrop to your stay!

Over 100

Guide Price: From £75/night, based on off-peak dates. Dogs welcome, seven additional rooms available

Barefoot Retreats within The Railway, please call for further details on

Barefoot Retreats has over 01485 512245. n 100 properties in its portfolio of luxury self-catering accommodation options, from large properties to lovenests, and quirky properties as well. There’s plenty to do in North Norfolk, as you’ll discover over the page!

THE PENTHOUSE: Brancaster...

Set in a private complex just off the ‘coast road,’ this peaceful retreat is perfectly placed within walking distance to the expansive sands at Brancaster beach, the Royal Golf Club, the coastal footpath, village shop and The Ship Hotel restaurant. Sleeping up to five guests in three elegant bedrooms, this peaceful sanctuary is sure to impress, with all your troubles melting away from the moment you arrive! To the front of the apartment building there is an allocated patio area with an outdoor dining set and a large hanging egg chair – perfect for relaxing in during the summer months!

Guide Price: From £775, based on seven nights, sleeping five, dogs welcome. n HOPE HOUSE: Snettisham...

Sleeping 16 people in comfort, Hope House is a big and beautiful country home. This Grade II listed building has undergone an extensive, full renovation with spectacular results. Bring friends and family together for a unique experience where you will have everything you need under one roof. Walking distance from two renowned eateries, The Old Bank (a Michelin star bistro), and awardwinning pub, The Rose & Crown. Eight bedrooms, games/cinema room, large garden with croquet lawn, BBQ and Norfolk’s oldest sundial!

Guide Price: From £2,200, based on 10 people, seven nights. n

ROSE COTTAGE: Docking...

Located in Docking, Rose Cottage is perfect for a romantic weekend away. It’s a cute and characterful traditional Norfolk cottage within easy reach of the North Norfolk coast and just seven minutes from Brancaster Beach. Offering a well-equipped contemporary kitchen and a comfortable lounge and dining area plus a king size bedroom plus an enclosed garden and off-road parking. The village has a shop, fish ‘n’ chip shop and The Duck Inn is nearby.

Guide Price: From £610, based on seven nights, two people, dogs welcome. n

SKIPPERS: Brancaster...

Modern and perfect for families, Skippers is one of five newly built properties in a small exclusive development nestled in the heart of Brancaster. Sleeping eight people, Skippers is a very stylish detached four bedroom property that has been finished to the highest of standards. Tastefully furnished to provide a perfect mix of open-plan living space and generous accommodation, including a sumptuous master bedroom suite. Also offering off-road parking, a fully enclosed garden and it’s dog friendly too... what more could you possibly want?

Guide Price: From £1,395 based on seven nights, eight guests. n

CHARNWOOD COTTAGE

Located in Burnham Market, and sleeping six people, if you are looking for relaxed, laid-back luxury then Charnwood Cottage is the place for you! Having been tastefully refurbished, this sophisticated cottage has a great open plan living space for socialising with the family, a tranquil courtyard garden and a stylish annexe that just adds the charm of Charnwood Cottage! Ideally located just a short walk from the vibrant village green with its array of independent shops and eateries, yet away from the hustle and bustle so that you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity afforded by traditional village life. The main house has two charming bedrooms and a great open plan living space for entertaining and socialising with your family and friends. There is also a stylish self-contained annexe set at the end of the garden with its own bedroom, lounge, bathroom and kitchenette area, perfect for those wanting their own space while not being too far away from the action! Guide Price: From £795, seven nights. n

COASTAL CHARM: North Norfolk’s Coastal Heritage...

The North Norfolk Coastline consists of more than 45 miles of unspoilt coastline with six Blue Flag beaches, East and West Runton, Comer, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham. These, along with the following, are our coastal highlights for visitors to the area... n Heacham & Hunstanton: Striped cliffs add an unusual sense of beauty to this Victorian resort. Large sandy beaches, rock pools and a shallow, sheltered bay... great for families. n Brancaster: Golden sands, dog-friendly stretches and tidal salty marshes make Brancaster beach popular with those enjoying long walks and activities like kite-surfing. n Holkham: If you’re a nature-lover, Holkham has a shoreline basin which fills to form a shallow lagoon with many rare species of flora and fauna, creating a nature reserve of national renown. n Wells-next-the-sea: Colourful beach huts and a sandy beach make Wells especially popular with families. There’s a lovely pine walk along the edge, too. n Sheringham: Picturesque cliffs and a

pretty, pebbly beach. www.visitnorthnorfolk.com

DINING OUT IN NORFOLK: Restaurants & Local Food...

n TAPAS/FINE DINING: No29 is a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving a modern British interpretation of tapas, which are also suitable for sharing. Lots of local produce used. Based at Burnham Market. Foundary Place, Burnham Market, PE31 8LG, 01328 738307, www.sociusnorfolk.co.uk. n WHITE HORSE: Based at Brancaster Staithe, The White Horse provides lots of al fresco dining opportunities, including a brand new Marshside seafood bar. Elsewhere, lobster with thermidor sauce, 40-day aged sirloin, gourmet fish ‘n’ chips and seafood platters, as well as a huge range of speciality gins. Main Road, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BY, 01485 210262, www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk n ROSE & CROWN: Award-winning village pub based at Snettisham, with twisting passages and hidden corners, low ceilings and old beams, pamment floors and log fires, excellent beers, friendly staff and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Children welcome. Trio of Norfolk Lamb and BBQ pork belly are a treat! Old Church Road, Snettisham PE31 7LX, 01485 541382, www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk. n ERICS: The best fish ‘n’ chips in the world. Try a deep-fried Creme Egg or deep-fried jam sandwich! Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD, 01485 525886, www.ericsfishandchips.com. n SWIRL: The best ice cream in the world! Double cream, soft served. E.g.: Eton Mess sundaes. Wow! Staithe St, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AQ, 07368 642735, see @swirlnorfolk on Instagram.

n All of the featured properties over the past two spreads are managed by Barefoot Retreats, providing luxurious and comfortable self-catering in North Norfolk with a choice of over 100 properties. For up to the minute prices, booking enquiries and more information, call 01485 512245 or see www.barefootretreats.co.uk.

A Grand Day Out...

NORFOLK LAVENDER

Founded in 1932 and renowned worldwide, with nearly 100 acres under cultivation. n www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk

HOLKHAM HALL AND ESTATE

A magnificent stately home, with rolling parkland and a host of attractions and events. n www.holkham.co.uk

NORTH NORFOLK STEAM RAILWAY

Three beautifully restored scenic stations, running from Sheringham to Holt. n www.nnrailway.co.uk

SANDRINGHAM HOUSE, NORFOLK

Much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, with woodland, and shopping. n www.sandringhamestate.co.uk