The barn – one of a pair in this tranquil, rural spot – is close to the pretty Georgian town of Holt (1.5 miles), with its independent shops, restaurants, and galleries. The golden beaches of Sheringham (7 miles) and Cromer (10 miles), where you can go crabbing off the pier, are a must for a traditional bucket-and-spade day at the seaside. Let the train take the strain by travelling on the heritage Poppy Line from Holt to Sheringham. The steam or diesel engines (check online to see which is running that day) offers a trip through rolling countryside. Learn more about the area’s thriving bird life on this unspoiled coastline at Cley Marshes Visitor Centre (1.5 miles) or hop on a boat from Blakeney (3.5 miles) to admire seals sunning themselves out at Blakeney Point.
As you enter the superb open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, look up to see the spectacular high vaulted ceiling and exposed beams of this historic building. There is just one step up to the sitting area, with doors opening onto the garden and comfortable sofas where you can relax and watch the Smart TV or a favourite DVD on the Blu-ray player. The barn has underfloor central heating throughout but if the weather turns chilly, you can toast your toes by the Scandi-style wood burner. Whatever your choice of meal, you’ll feel like royalty at the dining area‘s spectacular centrepiece, a table fit for feasts that seats 14. Keen cooks will be delighted by the streamlined contemporary kitchen, with its breakfast bar, eye-level double electric oven, electric induction hob, fridge, freezer, wine fridge, microwave and dishwasher. There’s also a handy cloakroom fitted with a washer/dryer and WC. You can watch Smart TV from the comfort of a king-size four-poster bed in the sumptuous main bedroom, complete with a sleek en-suite shower and WC. The second bedroom has twin beds, and the third has a single bed with a pull-out bed beneath it. A beautifully finished bathroom has a bath, separate shower cubicle and WC.
Outside, a private patio at the rear of the barn is the ideal spot for al fresco dining, with a table, chairs and charcoal BBQ. To the front, a gravel courtyard shared with a neighbouring barn provides a parking space. The shared, well-kept grounds include a picnic table, a lawn where children can play and a woodland area with a swing and slide. Fun is guaranteed in the huge games barn. Ideal for a rainy day, this reminder of Norfolk’s past comes with tables for tennis, football and snooker, a giant draughts board and dartboard, plus a separate play area for tots and cosy sofas for the grown-ups.