Field House Cottage

The approach to this family-friendly, dog-friendly cottage in Norfolk sets the tone for holidays here. It’s delightful. You tiptoe along the path between wildflowers to reach a flint-covered cottage that’s as charming as any gingerbread house. The theme continues inside where guests are welcomed with a country kitchen, a living room with a wood-burning stove and an enclosed garden that looks across fields where hare, deer and owls are often spotted. It’s an enchanting place to stay, perfect for a family of five, with an enviable hillside location offering wonderful sunset and sunrise views. But it’s practical too if you want to explore the best of Norfolk’s beaches. Situated between the lovely villages of Hindringham, Walsingham and Binham, it’s only six miles to Blakeney, seven to Wells-next-the-Sea and 10 to sandy, dog-friendly Holkham.

There are three bedrooms – or 'two and a half' as superhost Penny puts it– a double, a twin and a dinky one with a French sleigh cabin bed that’s suitable for small younger children (no older than 10 ideally). In fact, it’s so perfectly proportioned and well provided with toys and games that we predict they won’t want to leave. These type of thoughtful additions are replicated elsewhere in the house. Owner Penny leaves detailed cottage notes containing everything you need to know about your holiday home and the surrounding area. With this level of hospitality on offer, it’s no surprise to learn that she’s also the able host of a Norfolk B&B, The Old Rectory Catfield in the Broads National Park.

As for Field House Cottage, its kitchen is well equipped and you can dine outside on the teak table and chairs or inside in the separate dining room. Everything is fresh, clean and modern but there’s a traditional country cottage feel about the decor – cream walls and kitchen cupboards, limestone floors and floral curtains. It’s all warmed by colourful rugs and soft furnishings, as well as underfloor heating throughout the ground floor (and in the upstairs bathroom), with the open fire making it the perfect cosy retreat in winter after a bracing walk on the Broads.

At any time of the year, the beaches of the north Norfolk coast are likely to be the focus of your stay. There are seal watching trips from Blakeney and crabbing at Wells-next-the-Sea, and Holkham is great for blustery walks in the winter and buckets and spades when the sun shines. The whole area, inland and on the coast, is fantastic for wildlife watching and there are plenty of grand historic houses and quaint market towns to visit too. Hindringham, Walsingham and Binham boast some cracking pubs and charming shops – just ask Penny for her personal picks. In fact everything that makes Norfolk, Norfolk can be easily experienced from here.