Gamekeeper's Lodge

Gamekeeper’s Lodge is a romantic fairytale luxury cottage for four in South Raynham, just a 20 minute drive to the coast. In their tender and sympathetic restoration, the owners have picked beautiful artwork and fabrics to offset the Farrow and Ball walls, which give this gorgeous English country cottage a sprinkle of magic. Situated in the village of Raynham, a mile south of East Raynham, the ancient family seat of Turnip Townsend, this beautiful Grade II listed property retains much of its original character, including wooden shutters, Norfolk pamment stone floors and stripped floor boards. Plucked straight from the pages of a story book, with its pretty wrap-around garden and gorgeous interiors, you will be planning your return before you’ve even left! The property boasts some very indulgent features and mod cons (including an Alexa), yet maintains an 18th century feel. Decorated in muted greys, lavenders and greens throughout it offers a relaxed and stylish place to stay. A long soak in one of the two roll-top baths and then a good night's sleep in one of the sumptuous beds with their 2000 sprung mattresses and 800 thread count linens, will make for a divine end to the day. Suitable for walkers, bird watchers, or lovebirds, this gorgeous retreat is sure to cast its spell over you. Additional Information Although the cottage sits in its own plot, it does adjoin a main road so some traffic noise may be heard, although this should not affect your enjoyment of the cottage or its delightful garden. Please note, the neighbour has parking rights for two cars in the shared parking area. Two well behaved dogs welcome (small additional charge). Ground Floor: Dining hall With galleried landing with wooden staircase to the first floor, dining table with seating for four. Sitting room With wood burning stove, 55” Samsung television and Alexa. Wet room Large shower head, wash basin and WC. Kitchen Bespoke fitted with breakfast bar and seating for four, electric range oven and hob, SMEG fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, iPad dock. First Floor: Galleried landing Desk and chair, doors to bedrooms and bathroom. Master bedroom With a king-size bed and feature fireplace (non-functioning), hairdryer. Bathroom Freestanding contemporary roll-top bath with hand held-shower, wash basin and WC. Bedroom two (Please note, there is restricted head height in this second bedroom/bathroom) With a double bed and hairdryer. En-suite bathroom (restricted head height) With a traditional roll-top bath, wash basin and WC. Outside: Fully enclosed front courtyard garden, patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Parking for two cars. Nestling in the heart of the North West Norfolk countryside, South Raynham is a small historic village, approximately six miles from Fakenham and just a short drive to the beautiful North Norfolk coast. The church, St Margaret's was first built in the 11th century and extended in the 14th century and is used occasionally now. The RAF once had a base two miles from West Raynham from the 1930s, but this closed in the 1990's. The fabulous Raynham Hall just outside the village, was built in 1619 by Sir Roger Townsend. This estate covers 7000 acres and occupies the first seven miles of the Wensum River. It is one of the oldest buildings in Norfolk and is heavily inspired by European architecture and was the home of the Townsend family for more than 300 years. With wonderful walks down the River Wensum from the adjoining village of West Raynham, there are beautiful trails on the doorstep and plenty of wildlife to see. Offering seclusion and peace and quiet this village is close to some great places to eat including The Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham and The Crown Inn at Rudham. The nearby market town of Fakenham has a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, cinema, bowling alley, golf and race course and of course the North Norfolk coast with its beautiful beaches and RSPB nature reserves, and seals at Blakeney point is only a short 20-30 minute drive away. On sunny mornings, you may want to take the scenic walk along the river Wensum on the West Raynham Estate, before heading to the Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham for lunch ... who knows you may spot a member of the Royal family who frequent this area. Culture vultures will love its proximity to the numerous stately homes; including Houghton Hall, Holkham Hall, HM The Queen's Sandringham Estate or Oxburgh Hall. For those more interested in nature, then head to Pensthorpe Wildlife reserve where you will see native birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. On the coast the RSPB bird reserves at Snettisham, Titchwell and Cley-next-the-Sea and the NWT reserves scattered on the coast and inland all well worth a visit.