Large Family Friendly Architect Designed Barn Conversion
- Garden
- Hot Tub
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Sauna or Steam Room
- Beach nearby
- Courses Available
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Therapies
- Walking
- Watersports
- Child Friendly
- Cook available
- Other rental properties on site
What was once a massive 19th century granary is now a spacious, open-plan contemporary loft on a Norfolk farm where the country meets the city. Sitting in a tranquil river valley facing south and east towards an unbridged ford and the gentle rise to Barsham Hill, The Great East Barn offers the perfect blend of rusticity and luxury and is just 15 minutes from the Norfolk coast.
The Great East Barn is the largest of five historic farm buildings to have been restored by an architect and his wife, and it is now sumptuous holiday accommodation for 14 people. Imagine yourself in the luxurious comfort of the first floor sitting room with the rustic clunch walls behind you, surrounded by crisp modern furnishings and gazing across calm green fields and grazing sheep. This huge open plan space extends past a central island kitchen to a large airy glazed dining room with more fabulous views down the valley. The space and layout make it perfect for a large group of friends or family, and designer details combine with traditional building techniques to create a completely unique place to stay.
North Barsham is a 15 minute drive from the Norfolk Coast and is very handy for trips to Blakeney, Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Market. There are beautiful beaches at Holkham, Hunstanton and Sheringham (to name but a few) and there are lots of opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing and wildlife watching. There are excellent walking routes near the barns, cycle hire and riding stables are readily available, and there are some superb golf courses at Sheringham, Brancaster and Hunstanton. Take a day trip to Holt Country Park, the Hilltop Outdoor Centre and Foxley Wood or visit the wonderful historic houses and scenic gardens of Blickling Hall, Sandringham House, Houghton Hall and Castle Rising. And you can keep children entertained with crabbing, Go Ape, the North Norfolk Railway and outings to Banham Zoo and the Sea Life Sanctuary at Hunstanton. And don’t forget to sample some of the delicious delis and excellent pubs and restaurants.
Getting There
From London and the A11, head for Swaffham on the A1065. From Norwich take the A1067. From King’s Lynn take the A148 Cromer road. From the A148 Fakenham bypass, follow signs for the B1105 to Wells-next-the-Sea. More detailed directions provided on booking.
Nearest Shop
Spar in Little Walsingham (1 mile) / supermarkets in Fakenham (4 miles)
Nearest Pub / Restaurant
Pub in Walsingham / Restaurants in Wells-next-to-the-Sea (10 mins)
Nearest Beach
Wells-next-to-the-Sea (10 mins)
Nearest Train Station
Kings Lynn (40 mins drive)
Interior Details
The barn has seven bedrooms – one master four-poster, three king size (two of which can be split into twins), two doubles and one twin. Three of the rooms have en-suite showers, four have en-suite baths, and there is an additional WC. The kitchen is brilliantly equipped for entertaining with double of all appliances, and it opens onto the dining room where there is a modern oak dining table. In winter, the barn is kept warm by a wood burner and underfloor heating, and in the summer you can open the doors to the courtyard to let in the sun. The barn is equipped with terrestrial TV with Freeview, a DVD player, Ipod dock, a radio and a CD player, free wireless internet access is available, and there are two games rooms, one with table tennis, and one with table football.
Exterior Details
Outside you will find a terrace, a garden with furniture, a BBQ and parking. The terrace faces southeast and has a built-in table with seating for 14, and up two steps there is a lawned area with a herbaceous border. A gate leads to a wild flower meadow. You can also book a session for exclusive access to the spa pool where there is a Jacuzzi and a steam room.
Further Details
On arrival you will be provided with flowers and a welcome tea tray including tea, milk, sugar and local Norfolk biscuits or cake. Catering is available. There are four other properties available on the same site which is ideal if you’re visiting in a larger group. High Barsham is a renovated threshing barn which offers accommodation for 12, Grey’s Court is a stable conversion sleeping 10, Long Meadow is an old milking parlour which sleeps 8, and Little Barsham is a cottage which sleeps 4. The site is ideal for business meetings, team building events and weddings. We also offer yoga breaks and residential creative writing courses throughout the year.
Conditions of Rental
Linen is provided. Children are welcome, and the barn is suitable for the elderly but not for wheelchairs. Sorry - no pets allowed and no smokers. Changeover day for 7 night bookings is Friday. Weekend stays are 3 nights from Friday and mid-week stays are available from Monday or Tuesday for 3 or 4 nights. A deposit of one third of the rental fee is payable and the balance shall be payable 8 weeks before the commencement of the rental. Rentals commence at 4pm on day of arrival and terminate at 10am on the day of departure.
