Join the garden party
14th May 2025
The Old Rectory, Stanhoe, Barefoot Retreats
Here’s our round up of holiday homes with great outdoor space. Words: Sarah Hardy
Spyglass Cottage, Cley
Tucked away off the coast road, Spyglass Cottage is one of three sitting opposite the beach road. The star attraction is the elevated garden which has panoramic views of the coastline – and a well-positioned bench to soak it all in from. Make sure you find the summer house, too! There’s also a pretty cottage garden with deep borders immediately outside the around 300-year-old cottage, and that essential barbecue. Inside, there are two bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a living/dining space boasting an inglenook fireplace with a wood burner. No pets.
Don’t miss A visit to nearby NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes to learn more about the area’s wildlife.
www.bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk
Wild Meadow Barn, Aylsham
This stunning barn, with spectacular views of the Bure Valley, is surrounded by woodland, a lake, a wildflower meadow and pastureland. Relax on one of the sun loungers, swim in the eight-acre lake, toast marshmallows on the sunken fire pit and picnic in the wildflower meadow. And be sure to keep a look out for barn owls, butterflies and all manner of wildlife that share this gorgeous place with you. The barn itself is light and airy, with action centred on the large open plan living space. There are five bedrooms, all en suite. Up to two dogs are accepted.
Don’t miss The Bure Valley Railway, which runs between Aylsham and Wroxham and all ages love.
Sedgeford Hall Estate
Sedgeford Hall Estate
There are three properties available to hire here. The accommodation includes the main Queen Anne hall which has seven bedrooms, the West Wing which also has seven bedrooms and Park Cottage which has five. The spacious interiors are decorated in a traditional country house style. There are several walks around the 1200-acre estate which boasts sweeping woodland and parkland, a Roman Garden with a vine-covered pergola and a temple, an abundance of fragrant roses plus a Walled Garden. Add in an indoor swimming pool and there’s little reason to step outside the park gates! Up to two dogs per property.
Don’t miss A deer safari at nearby Snettisham Park, where you can feed the deer by hand.
The Old Rectory, Stanhoe
Sleeping up to 16 people in eight bedrooms, The Old Rectory retains many of the features of a historic house but adds in modern furnishings, plenty of high-tech gadgets and gizmos, and a games room where you can enjoy a game or two of table tennis.
It is surrounded by glorious grounds with established trees, winding paths, a large patio area, a hard tennis court and a heated outdoor pool. There’s also a barbecue and hot tub so you can really enjoy the area’s sunny climate. Pets are not allowed.
Don’t miss Cobble Hill Vineyard which you can tour and taste some of their delicious wines.
Bumblebee Barn, Foulsham
This charming three-bedroom barn conversion near Foulsham brims over with light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. There’s a well thought out open plan living room/kitchen/diner with a wood burner, plus a breakfast bar for casual meals. Outdoors sees a glorious Mediterranean-style garden with a lovely sunken lounge area with cushions, a patio with those essential sun loungers and barbecue, and lots of mature planting. There’s a log cabin complete with a wood-fired sauna and there’s also a wood-fired hot tub to enjoy, too. Dogs are not allowed.
Don’t miss The new-look Algy’s Farm Shop at Bintree – your one-stop shopping emporium.
