Perfect arty cottage in idyllic historic village

Full of vintage charm and contemporary facilities, this cottage is the perfect country retreat. 5 can sleep here comfortably but it is an ideal bolt-hole for two couples or a family. Unusually, it is not poky but has two separate living spaces and a lovely sun-kissed garden so you can spread out! Good dogs are welcome too. Slap bang in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Norfolk. Not by any means your average holiday cottage, the aim is solely to make you feel completely at home. The cottage is Grade 2 listed as it forms part of a terrace attached to the Bailey Gate, the ancient entrance to the village. However, it has been completely renovated and modernised and features original beams, a large open fire, a heated travertine tiled floor to the kitchen and an awesome conservatory-with a cocktail cabinet and a velvet sofa-which opens onto a beautiful south-facing garden where you can sit in full sun on the deck or on the grass under the little apple tree. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed, a TV and an en-suite shower room, the second bedroom is really small but has a gorgeous double bed. In the sitting room there is an extremely comfortable daybed sofa which serves as a single mattress for an extra person, if required. There is a lovely bathroom downstairs. (Please note that the staircase is typical for a cottage, narrow with very steep treads. An elderly person may struggle although naturally the day bed sofa is available, and there is, of course, a downstairs toilet) There's a larder, fully kitted out. Plenty of toys for children and plenty for adults too, come to think of it. Contact me to borrow original vintage bikes! Information for my bicycle hire company (vintage village velos) in the cottage or online. You will have the entire cottage and gated garden to yourself. I am happy to meet you as I live round the corner and so am on hand if there are any problems. I like to leave my guests to themselves though. This village is extraordinary. It is on the Peddars Way, an ancient route much loved by walkers, and impressively it houses a Norman castle which you are free to wander round. There is a Cluniac Priory which has some of the most extensive and impressive ruins in the uk. It is run by English Heritage but you can walk the perimeter free of charge and be suitably amazed at its beauty. The river Nar, a natural chalk stream with trout (private fishing, sorry!) is at the bottom of the village and is suitable for swimming in places or paddling at the ford. (Don't drive through it even if your sat-nav says so...I will NOT be rescuing you) The church is stunning and deserves a visit, dating back to the 14th C, it is large and impressive. In the heart of the village is Stock's Green (outside the cottage) and here is a 16th C coaching Inn and a gastropub. Treat yourself to an enormous supper and a pint of local Ale in the richly atmospheric bar. Quiz nights and fun stuff via their IG...Wittles tea rooms is on the green too, right opposite the cottage, and they serve delicious coffee. homemade lunches, cakes and teas from fri-sun. The Old Red Lion (down Bailey St) houses yoga courses and classes. The village hall has regular events ranging from Elvis nights through quizzes to Zumba classes and craft fairs. Locally there is a playing field with a cracking brand new playground, a Spar shop (they sell almost everything, have a post office and good opening hours), a fish and chip shop, an Antique shop and a charity book-shop. West Acre houses the wonderful Duration Brewery with a kiosk and visiting wood-fired pizza van...check it out online. On site is Vintage Village Velos bicycle hire April to october or by appointment. Swaffham (3 miles) is a traditional market town (Saturday mornings) and is useful for Waitrose, cafes, a wonderful bookshop, many charity shops/antiques/vintage shops. The coast is 35 minutes drive away (too many beaches to recommend; do your research) so pack a picnic (find the basket in the larder) and make a day of it then come back to a lovely fire and a glass of something strong from the cocktail trolley. Or a BBQ on the deck? You can park right outside the cottage although the village has a free-for-all parking policy so I will try to reserve you a spot if its very busy. There are fairly regular buses to local villages and towns. Check out vintagevillagevelos for a new bike hire business run by yours truly. Ask me if you're interested... I am local so may be able to help you further if you require something specific at the last minute. (From (Website hidden by Airbnb) babysitter)