Hawthorns

Summary

Hawthorns is a characterful, spacious detached cottage in North Norfolk, set in a fabulous rural location between the village of Stiffkey and the National Trust saltings, a designated area of natural beauty. On the North Norfolk coast, between Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea, the cottage provides very comfortable contemporary accommodation for up to eight people in four bedrooms and is a wonderful home from home for families holidaying together or for couples who are looking for a quiet retreat.

Furnished and decorated in a contemporary style, the cottage is flooded with natural light and boasts views of open fields and the garden and offers tantalising glimpses of the sea through the oak trees. It is set within its own large private garden with drive and ample parking for several cars. A side gate leads out the back of the garden on to the small footpath that runs between the village and the coast so the salt marshes, sands and sea beyond are less than a minute's walk away. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome. Free wi-fi.

Accommodation

Bookings

The cottage can be booked either by the week (our start day is a Friday), long weekend (Friday to Monday) or a short mid-week break (Monday to Friday). If this doesn't suit you, then please ask as there can be some flexibility out of peak season. If you are a couple looking for a quiet romantic retreat, then please ask about our 'couples' rate available out of the peak season.
The ground floor has one bedroom with a zip and link bed which can be made up as two single beds or one super-king bed, 1 twin room with 2 single beds and then one double room. One of the bathrooms has a bath with hand-held shower and the other bathroom has a walk-in shower. The largest room in the house is the open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting room which has large windows or french doors on 3 sides, making it a wonderful light living space with long views. French doors open off this room onto the verandah and garden which provides a sunny seating spot and acts like an additional room in the summer months.

Kitchen & living rooms

The kitchen area is extremely well equipped for guests to cater for themselves and has a variety of cooking utensils and large selection of pots and pans. There is a full sized fridge/freezer, Miele washing machine, dishwasher, electric AEG oven, gas hob and microwave. The dining space has a large oak table and chairs seating 8 people comfortably. Completing this room is a sitting area, with 2 large sofas, and arm-chairs and a large Smart TV with freeview and DVD player. A selection of DVDs are in the cottage as are details of things to do in the area and local information.

The cottage has stripped pine floors throughout apart from the 2 downstairs bathrooms which are tiled. Oil fired central heating ensures that the cottage is cosy in the wintertime and the combi-boiler gives instant hot water.

Upstairs

Stairs from the hall lead up to a large galleried sitting room and with its skylights and large french doors facing inland, the room is extremely bright and provides a quiet retreat from the open plan living area downstairs. It also has a TV and DVD player and large comfortable leather sofas to sit on. Also on this first floor is the master bedroom, with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with shower. The master bedroom has french doors that open inwards looking towards the coast, so on warm nights, you can go to sleep with the sound of the birds on the saltings and the distant roar of the sea.

Beds are made up on arrival and we only use 100% white Egyptian cotton bedding. One large thick white bath towel is provided per person so you will only need to bring beach towels if you are visiting in the summer and plan on bathing on the saltings.

For those of you who are bringing young children, we have a high-chair and travel cot if you would like to use them. There is a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs to stop dogs or children from climbing up the stairs but no gate at the top of the stairs. Infants under the age of two are allowed in addition to 8 other guests. Bed linen for the travel cot is not supplied so please remember to bring your own.

Garden

The large private garden is great for children playing and has a large teak table on the patio for outside dining as well as a verandah where you can have drinks whilst watching the sun go down. If you are bringing a dog, the garden is fenced and should be dog-proof so you don't need to worry about them escaping once the gate is closed.

Visiting Stiffkey & Exploring Norfolk

North Norfolk: This part of Norfolk is a real gem and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Characterised by expansive blue skies, it is perfect for walking, cycling, playing golf, sailing, playing on the beaches and bird watching. There are also pretty villages and Georgian towns a-plenty to explore which are speckled with art galleries, country houses and parkland - not to mention a multitude of great pubs and restaurants.

The cottage is in an ideal location to access a range of activities and explore this beautiful unspoilt area of North Norfolk.

Stiffkey Village: The pretty flint village of Stiffkey is only a ten minute walk away from Hawthorns, giving easy access to the favourite local pub, The Red Lion and the hugely popular Stiffkey Stores which sells freshly baked cakes, unique items and books as well as delicious coffee. The latter can either be taken away or drunk in one of the beach huts in the small courtyard adjacent to the shop.

Despite the rural nature of Stiffkey and the surrounding area, a surprising number of establishments are forward thinking in their offering, serving vegan and gluten free options on their menus as well as championing fresh and seasonal food all year round.

Stiffkey Saltings: A defining feature of Stiffkey and a key appeal to Hawthorns’ visitors are the Stiffkey Saltings. A stone’s throw behind the house, you will find yourself enveloped in a stunning and truly special landscape buzzing with wildlife and unusual vegetation. Navigate your way through muddy troughs (wellies are recommended!) and sturdy sea lavender until you reach a breath-taking stretch of textured sand which will lead you directly out to sea.

Locally known as ‘the marshes’, the Stiffkey Saltings are a fantastic place for children and adults alike to let loose and enjoy nature whilst giving crabbing a go for the first time (we recommend high tide for your best crab numbers!). You can also swim and paddle in the creeks or bring an inflatable to float along with the tide. It's also a dog's paradise where they can run for miles.

Holkham: Recognisable from its feature in Shakespeare in Love, Holkham Beach is one on the UK’s most highly rated and beautiful beaches. With sand and sea as far as the eye can see, coupled with its unusual pine woodland walk edging, this beach is well worth a visit in all seasons. A 15 minute drive from the cottage, Holkham is a must-see whilst on your trip to Norfolk.

Next to the beach is the famous Holkham Hall and estate which are open to the public, allowing you to explore the beautiful house and the surrounding grounds. During the summer, events such as barbecues and children’s days are regularly hosted by the estate and the festive season sees the hall embellished with stunning Christmas decorations.

Wells-next-the-sea: Also known as just ‘Wells’, the town which is less than ten minutes away, is a popular tourist spot - and for good reason! With a selection of independent shops selling everything from ice cream and rock to nautical garments and Norfolk merchandise, Wells is also home to one of the UK’s Top 10 Fish & Chip shops.

Just a kilometre away from the town centre, is the iconic Wells Beach which showcases hundreds of brightly coloured beach huts which overlook the sea. Like Holkham Beach, Wells Beach also has a woodland walk which actually leads you directly to Holkham Beach (should you be up for the walk).

Venturing inland: If you can drag yourself away from the coast, there is plenty to see and do inland. Stately homes, market towns such as Holt and Burnham Market, golf courses, horse-riding, and art galleries are all within easy reach of Stiffkey.

For more information please visit our website.

Rates: £665 to £1850 per week depending on season.
Short Breaks available minimum 3 nights stays from £665.
Maximum of 8 people.
Children are welcome.
Pets are allowed by arrangement.
Disabled facilities by arrangement - please enquire for details.
Off street parking.

Please note that map locations may be approximate.