13 minute read
HOME FROM HOME Exceptional
property’s open fire. Dogs are welcome in many properties and Zoe’s team are always happy to volunteer ideas for places to eat, places to walk or local places to visit.
A Time to Dine... Luxurious dining to complement your luxurious accommodation is obligatory. We’ll recommend Socius and No29 - both in Burnham Market - for modern British plates with lots of local ingredients used.
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There’s also Eric’s Fish ‘n’ Chip restaurant in Thornham which takes the traditional dish to a whole new level and is - without exaggeration or hyperbole - exceptional!
Your Travel Itinerary... Heacham’s Norfolk Lavender is worldfamous and the season lasts into early August, so if you’re quick, you may catch sight (and scent) of 100 acres in cultivation and find out more about the site, founded in 1932.
North Norfolk is, of course, good enough for the Royals, too. The area’s Sandringham Estate is a retreat not just for Her Majesty, but for those seeking to enjoy the estate’s 60-acres of garden, flower show, usually held in July and outdoor theatre. Other stately homes include the National Trust’s Blickling Estate with its Jacobean mansion and 4,600 acres of parkland, and the Palladian Holkham Hall with its fine collection of art.
Those who enjoy shopping will love the independent retailers of Holt and Burnham Market who shops and galleries are troves of art, antiques, books with fashions, too, and plenty of local produce available from independents shops for your self-catering delectation.
And finally, there’s coastal birdwatching at Titchwell Marsh, beaches on which to snooze as well as the North Norfolk Railway for those who yearn for the nostalgia of steam. All this we promise, and more, plus the very finest accommodation courtesy of Barefoot Retreats, such as those we’re featuring here...
Captain’s Cottage, Wells-Next-The-Sea... Two beds; sleeps four, dogs welcome From £590 *
FOR A SMALL FAMILY, or for two couples, The Captain’s Cottage in Wells provides a bedroom with a superking bed and a second bedroom that can be configured as a twin or double with a second superking bed.
If you’re travelling with friends there are plenty of independent shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
If you’re with children, you can enjoy Wells’ clean safe beach, the little train that trickles into the town centre and crabbing from the quayside. The house has buckets ‘n’ spades, kites & fishing nets for children to enjoy too. The Captain’s Cottage is a modern, stylish couples and family retreat set on the outskirts of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Thoughtfully designed and beautifully furnished, this luxury bolthole is the ideal base from which to explore this vibrant town. The house also welcomes dogs so you can take along your four-legged friend, and there are lots of great walks to enjoy.
An enclosed garden with barbecue and a wood burner for the cooler nights both mean what you’ll always be safe and snug at any time of year. >>
Above: The open plan living area consists of a cosy lounge, sophisticated dining area and a contemporary kitchen.
* Captain’s Cottage price is quoted for seven night break from late July to August, prices vary according to season, call 01485 512245.
Cobblestones, Burnham Market... 4 beds; sleeps 8 From £1,400 *
FAMILY OCCASION PENDING? Get together in Burnham Market and enjoy the contemporary sophistication of Cobblestones.
With stunning bedrooms and bathrooms, plentiful off-road parking, and enclosed garden, you can arrive and settle in for a relaxing break.
The beaches of Brancaster and Holkham are a 10 minute trip in the car, as are many other fantastic options for dining out.
Cobblestones is a fantastic blend of contemporary styling, facilities and space, in a quiet location that is only a two-minute walk from the exceptional range of independent shops and restaurants for which Burnham Market is renowned.
The design of the living area has created an open, airy feel that encourages you to take in the greenery of the garden and the village beyond, with bi-fold doors allowing you to open up the house on sunny, warm days. >>
Redshanks, Burnham... 6 bedrooms; sleeps 12, heated pool, dogs welcome, From £3,245 *
FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, a family of 12 can get together to enjoy Redshanks with its six bedrooms and luxury accommodation with a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Blessed with stunning views of the North Norfolk coastline and its local countryside, Redshanks has been lovingly renovated to offer a refuge for relaxation with stylish design elements and tasteful furnishing.
Its rural location provides great views of the surrounding farmland to the East and the sand dunes and Scolt Head Island to the North. Redshanks is a large coastal retreat designed with family get-togethers in mind and is wonderfully placed for exploring all that the Norfolk coastline has to offer.
Redshanks has two living rooms both with wood-burning stoves, a stylish kitchen with Aga, coffee machine and separate wine cooler, plus north and south-facing gardens with heaving fruit trees and herbs.
The adjacent beach features spectacular wildlife including seals, waders, skylarks and the odd passing hobby. Historic Holkham with its famous unspoilt beach, Burnham Market and its boutique shopping and Wells-next-the-Sea with its beach huts are all only a short drive away too. Sailing and golf are available a short drive away, too. >>
* Redshanks price is quoted for a three or four night short break from late July to August, prices vary according to season, call 01485 512245.
West Barn 35A From £495 * S leeps two, dogs welcome, located in North Creake
THERE’S NOWHERE MORE ROMANTIC for a couple’s getaway than West Barn in North Creake.
West Barn offers everything that you could possibly need to relax and unwind. The cottage is very well-equipped throughout with modern integrated kitchen that flows into the open plan dining and lounge spaces. Furthermore, by opening the bi-fold doors you can open up the rear of the house to allow the outside in, a fantastic feature in the summer.
You’re sure to be wowed, too, by the high levels of attention to detail and the unique nature of the interior design.
Equally comfortable during the summer when enjoying the enclosed garden and the open plan lounge, or in the middle of the winter when a glass of wine by the wood burner is calling.
The cottage boasts some unique pieces of furniture and really showcases the attention to detail of the owner and their talent for interior design. Many items have been sourced from the personal collection of the owner, adding to the unique nature of the property.
A second property, West Barn 35B is located next door and also sleeps two, so two couples can book both properties and each enjoy their own accommodation. >>
* West Barn price is quoted for a three or four night short break from late July to August, prices vary according to season, call 01485 512245.
The Bell Tower, Thornham... Three bedrooms; sleeps seven, dogs welcome
From £725 *
I F THE PROSPECT OF A SHORT BREAK tolls for thee, The Bell Tower could fit the bill perfectly. Deceptively spacious, sleeping seven, it’s a stunning self-catering holiday home bursting with history, character and authenticity.
It has recently been lovingly refurbished to an exceptional standard that perfectly blends the original features and charm of the property with contemporary living.
You are well-positioned within the village where you have everything on your doorstep from fabulous restaurants and eateries to a beautiful beach just a short walk away. The property also boasts off-road parking and is dog-friendly too!
The Bell Tower is the west wing of what was Thornham County Primary School built in 1858 by William Hogge Esquire, a wealthy banker with connections to Kings Lynn but was brought up at the family home of The Manor, Church Lane in Thornham.
The Bell Tower has been thoughtfully designed and beautifully furnished throughout with original features like the bell rope, and there’s an enclosed garden too. n
* Bell Tower price is quoted for a seven night break from late July to August, prices vary according to season, call 01485 512245.
Barefoot Retreats provides Luxury holiday cottages and unique holiday homes to rent in North Norfolk. Call 01485 512245 or see www.barefootretreats.co.uk.
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Cocktails for Two
From a cocktail bar in the Balearics to the rather less balmy climate of Rutland for their wedding, this month share the story of Naomi Alliston & Tom Hogg...
Photographer: Barnaby Staniland, 07919 927105, bgsphotography.co.uk.
How did you and Tom meet? We properly met in London when meeting our mutual friend for drinks, Tom and I actually discovered we had been at the same birthday parties and celebrations over the years previously but had just never spoken! After our drink in London, we then did not see each other until we bumped into one another six months later; that’s when we started dating. It just feels like we were meant to meet, it will be six years together in October 2020.
Tell us the story of how you got engaged? We went to Polensa, Mallorca in August 2018 on holiday with Tom’s family, who go each year to their apartment they have there. When we are away, it’s tradition that Tom and I go out for cocktails on our own before the family evening meal.
We were walking together past all the boats on our way for the evening, when I’d started to complain that my feet hurt as I was wearing some perilously high wedges. Tom had planned to take me somewhere wonderful but after my comment about my feet I think Tom thought, ‘I’ll have to do it here then!’
As I walked, still on talking to him, I realised he wasn’t walking next to me. I turned around and there he was on bended knee!
What is the ring like? I absolutely love it! Tom had asked my mum to help design the ring with him. Before our engagement, my mum and dad had both celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Dad bought mum a lovely new ring and I remembered telling mum how much I loved the design.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS
NAOMI ALLISTON & TOM HOGG
Wedding Photographer: Barnaby Staniland, 07919 927105, bgsphotography.co.uk. Diamond Supplier/Ring Designer: Kate McLachlan, Gemstone Trader.
Wedding Bands: Top Set, Uppingham, www.topsetjewellery.com. Wedding Accessories: Anna Couture, 01780 762614, houseofannacouture.co.uk
Videographer: Ben Radley, 07906 440358 benradleyweddingfilms.co.uk. Woodfired Pizza Co: 07888 737952, woodfiredpizzacompany.co.uk. Wedding Marquee: Rutland Marquees, 07971867069, rutlandmarquees.co.uk. n Tom picked the diamonds from a diamond specialist in Hatton Garden and then had the engagement ring made. We had our wedding bands made by a Jeweller in Uppingham, as the band needed to fit around my engagement ring.
How did you decide where to get married? We wanted to get married in Rutland where my parents live and loved the idea of holding it in a marquee. Tom’s mother suggested The Chapel at Oakham School, where I went to school. When we walked in, I just had the best feeling and it was so nostalgic. Father Tim is very fun and caring, we couldn’t think of anyone better to marry us.
What about the reception? My mum plays bridge and her friend Edwina had said she knew the perfect venue for a marquee.
It was Gunthorpe Hall, so we went to have a look. We had planned to put the marquee in front of the house, but it was so windy the owner instead said he had a grain store round the back and we could build a marquee in the grain store with the second marquee coming out of it. We had fire pits outside and lanterns lighting up the driveway... it was beautiful.
Talk us through the planning… We had a wedding planner, Richard Ferrand, who organises other events and shows, and is also part of organising the Rutland Show. I had always wanted a classic and elegant wedding; we had struggled to find some winter wedding marquees for inspiration. We did go to the Rutland Wedding Fair at The Falcon Hotel, that’s where we found
our photographer. We also decided to have a wedding team, it really helped, and everyone had roles knowing that they were contributing. Tom’s mum arranged the flowers, my mum made the cake with her friend and arranged transport for our guests, Tom and his dad arranged the wine.
Tell us about the dress? Mum and I went to London and I had two or three days trying on dresses before we found the one we liked. It was from Gillian Million, it’s a Savine dress. When the dress arrived though, mum said it wasn’t right, so we went to Anna Couture in Stamford. Anna was wonderful, she re-made the entire dress so it was perfectly suited to me.
Favourite part of the day? My favourite part of the day has to be the speeches. My dad went first, followed by my brother and then Tom.
What about your Honeymoon? We had planned to go to The Seychelles, but it was cancelled due to coronavirus, so we’re waiting to see when we can get that rebooked.
What would you say to other brides-to-be? I would definitely say when it comes to choosing your wedding dress you need to try on at least 15 before you can decide! I really found having family helping worked well, so make sure you have a good wedding team that you can distribute jobs too. Just enjoy the day! n
