Rest and recharge at this pretty shepherd's hut sitting on a working farm just 0.5 miles from the village of Coltishall, where alpacas, ponies, goats, chickens and a resident donkey roam the fields around you. Sleeping two people in one king-size bedroom, it's perfect for couples who are searching for a peaceful retreat to call home while they explore the Norfolk Broads together. Climb aboard a boat in Coltishall (0.5 miles) and cruise along the River Bure into the heart of the Norfolk Broads, or head off to Blickling Hall (8.5 miles) to explore its stately rooms and stroll around the sweeping gardens. Further afield, enjoy a bracing North Sea swim at Sea Palling Beach (15 miles), where seals are often spotted popping their heads out of the water. In the evening, come home to sink into the wood-fired hot tub and listen to the owls calling across the farm.
Park in your private spot (there’s room for two cars) and step inside this bright and cheerful single-level hut, where playful artwork and French doors opening onto the private garden create an immediate sense of warmth and character. Whip up a lazy brunch in the compact kitchen, or stretch out on the sofa with a good book. The king-size bed is tucked away at the far end of the hut, where you’ll wake up to country views. A smart shower room completes the interior layout. Outside you’ll find a private enclosed garden, where the wood-fired hot tub with privacy screening is the undoubted star of the show. There’s also outdoor furniture for al fresco dining. Beyond the garden, the farm itself is open to explore, so take a morning stroll among the alpacas, say hello to the ponies and goats, and scratch the resident donkey behind the ears.
Walk to the riverside village of Coltishall (0.5 miles) and climb aboard a boat to cruise into the Norfolk Broads. Along the way you’ll be able to see marsh harriers and bitterns. Or make a beeline for Happisburgh (15 miles), where you’ll find a secluded sandy beach with an iconic red-and-white lighthouse dating back to 1790. This lovely beach hit the headlines in 2013 when the low tide revealed a set of footprints that were believed to be the oldest known footprints in the world outside Africa.