This quirky one-bed lodge makes the ideal romantic and rural bolthole, set on the stunning Holkham Estate in North Norfolk. Located in a Grade II-listed former gatehouse, complete with an adjacent archway, this bijou gem has been thoughtfully converted into a comfortable holiday home with charming touches. Wander the 25,000-acre estate with your canine friends (on leads) or head out to explore the wider Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The spacious lounge has a wonderful red-brick chimney breast that runs up the wall and into the ceiling, with imposing exposed beams on either side in this apex ceiling. It houses a cosy wood burner which the hounds will love on cooler evenings. There’s also a table set for three and a simple kitchenette. In one corner, a staircase heads down where you’ll discover vaulted cellars containing the contemporary super-king-size bedroom, snug/TV room and adjacent shower room both under arched ceilings. There’s another bathroom complete with a bath for holiday soaks and a fabulous atrium with a large skylight for weather-watching by day or stargazing by night. Outside, the dogs can potter about in the lawned garden.
Lead the way to canine capers at beautiful Holkham Beach (4 miles). It’s dog-friendly all year which all loyal owners know is great news – you can even walk there through the estate. Stop in the village on the way there or back for refreshments and a look about. Head to Blakeney Point (8.5 miles) at certain times of the year to see England’s largest grey seal population – but do check restrictions for dogs.