The Mallard

Make yourself at home in this charming centuries-old cottage, located in the conservation area of Hunworth (in the Glaven Valley) in North Norfolk. Thanks to its recent renovation, this historic home – featured in Country Living – has been brought into boutique 21st-century style using reclaimed materials while retaining plenty of its stunning original features. Equal parts luxurious and rustic, there’s a sense of instant cosiness from the moment you walk through the door. The living room is the warm heart of the cottage with its inviting fireside armchairs, Norfolk-made pink pamment tiles and a plethora of ornaments on display (we’re particularly fond of the overseeing mallard) while the farmhouse-style kitchen beckons sunny breakfasts at its wooden table before catching some rays on the front garden’s sun chairs. The bedroom, meanwhile, is a beautiful, serene space with its 9000-spring wool mattress and window proffering natural views to wake up to each morning. At sunset, head back out to the garden for an alfresco barbecue feast and celebratory drinks while enjoying the peace and quiet of your surroundings. Factor in the plant-bedecked bathroom with its vintage fittings, micro-cement sunken bath and thermostatic brass shower – not to mention the home’s super-speedy wifi and underfloor heating – and you’re all set for a relaxing time. Outside of your home, the surrounding hamlet dates back to the Domesday Book but you'll be pleased to know the local pub – an eight-minute walk up the road – is a modern gastro affair. You’re also an eighteen-minute drive from Blickling Estate, a seventeen-minute drive from the Norfolk Coast Path, a twenty-minute drive from the launch point of Beans Seal Trips, while sandy Holkham beach is forty minutes away by car.


Home truths:
*Check-in and out is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only
*A cot is available – just ask your host when booking
*The bedroom is separated from the living room by a curtain as opposed to a door
*Two small, well-behaved dogs allowed on request
*You'll be able to self-check-in here
*The front garden isn't fully enclosed
*Please note that there's no TV here
*There's no washing machine, but there's a launderette a nine-minute drive away
*We recommend having a car in this area for exploring further afield – there's lots of free parking outside, but please don't attempt to drive down the path as it's too small
*Your host lives behind the property so is at hand for any assistance you may need