Stay and shop!
1st January 2026
The Carrot House © Steve Adams
Sarah Hardy offers her selection of gorgeous holiday homes close to great shopping destinations
Dairy House, Blickling
This converted 17th century dairy sleeps five guests in three bedrooms and is right at the centre of the National Trust estate. Plenty of original features remain such as from the milking parlour in the main bedroom and there is also a ground floor bedroom. There’s a separate kitchen, sitting room and dining room and an enclosed garden. It’s not far into Aylsham and The Strip, aka Red Lion Street, with its many buzzy bars and cafes.
Where to shop Cobble Yard Store, Aylsham has beautiful pieces for the home and garden which are practical, too.
Mill Leet, Cley-next-the-Sea
This Grade II-listed property has the most outstanding views of Cley Windmill plus the surrounding marshes and coastline. It is set over three floors and has a real light and contemporary feel to it, with a colour scheme that has splashes of the nautical about it! There’s a wood burner and an Aga and the property sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. As it’s on the High Street, you are just steps away from the deli, Picnic Fayre, for all gourmet requirements and the great art space, Pinkfoot Gallery.
Where to shop Made in Cley sells original pottery, prints, sculpture and jewellery.
Number 27, Holt
This cottage, which dates back to the 18th century, is right in the heart of this Georgian market town on Bull Street. It has been beautifully restored, with a fabulous en suite bathroom to the main bedroom, plus a very sociable dining/living area. Look out for a wood burner, courtyard garden and some great artwork. It sleeps six guests in three bedrooms and there is off street parking, too – quite a bonus in Holt.
Where to shop Bakers & Larners remains very much the Fortnum & Mason of North Norfolk – its Food Hall is packed with the best local, national and Continental goodies.
www.bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk
The Carrot House, North Creake
Set all on one level, The Carrot House sits within the grounds of Creake Abbey where you’ll find the ruins of a beautiful 13th century abbey and an attractive retail complex and cafe. So if you like shopping, you are just steps away from a selection of interesting options and you might be there for one of the monthly farmers’ markets, too! The property sleeps 10 in five bedrooms, and has a large living space, including a kitchen and dining area and a further sitting room. There’s an enclosed garden, and some lovely walks close by.
Where to shop Try Woven Anew for pre-loved designer outfits. There’s always something tempting.
Brook Cottage, Kelling Estate
This flint cottage, which has been renovated to a very high standard, sleeps six people in three bedrooms – including a ground floor one. There’s a very spacious kitchen/dining area plus a separate sitting room, and the cottage also comes with the use of all-weather tennis and pickleball courts plus a great children’s playground. It is just a short trip to Holt, with its numerous independent shops and eateries, and within walking distance of the coast. An Eating in with Ease menu is also available where you can order delicious meals to enjoy in your holiday home.
Where to shop Holt Garden Centre is nearby and is jammed packed with goodies for the home and garden. There’s a seriously good cafe, too.
