Norfolk Grove

We would recommend this little cottage, it proved an ideal chill-out base for our small party – an older couple joined for a couple of nights by a younger couple. We would say that a car (and/or bikes) are essential.
Getting there, it was a little tricky to find the right entrance to the estate - despite instructions, we couldn’t see the referenced church, overshot the turn-off and had to retrace our steps.
On arrival our welcoming, on-site host was clear we could call if we needed anything and encouraged us to wander the grounds but left us undisturbed to enjoy our stay. The provided bottle of wine, nibbles, eggs, tea & coffee, etc. and a table set with napkins in rings and a vase of colourful lupins, clearly freshly-cut from the garden, got us off to a good start.
The cottage combined pleasing, good quality décor with practical, mostly underfloor-heated stone flags or dirt-resistant, neutral carpeting, so one felt comfortable leaving the necessary wellies or walking boots by the door and relaxing inside. It was our misfortune that the (June!) weather for our stay didn’t encourage barbecues or al fresco dining but the very light and airy kitchen/diner/living area looked out over a large field with attractive and entertaining sheep ,which would come up most evenings for a good scratch on the fence. We’ll miss them!
The set-up is perfect for one couple, less good for more guests - there was sufficient but not generous provision of crockery and cutlery (need more mugs to avoid constant washing up) and one bathroom with ‘Jack & Jill’ arrangement (i.e. two doors – one ‘en suite’ to main bedroom, other to living area). When four of us were in residence we opted for locking the en-suite door so we all had a fair and equal trip for night loo visits and to avoid startling a seated encumbent!
There was a good, large (rather high) comfortable double bed in the main bedroom with wardrobe and drawers but a narrower less-firm double bed and no hanging space in the smaller ‘spare’ room. There were bathrobes and plenty of bathroom towels provided, including for use with the wood-fired hot tub. However the time the tub took to heat, coupled with our lack of foresight and inclement (cool showery) weather meant that none of us actually tried it out.
The heating was good and the snug, cosy, with plenty of books (including one by the owner) and a couple of games, thus a winter stay should be just as pleasant.
All of the accommodation is ground floor but it may not be suitable for a wheelchair user (thresholds, etc), nor someone with limited mobility (the overhead efficient shower is above a high bath which could be a challenge to get in and out of).
A daily early morning or evening inspection of the lake in the grounds became an enjoyable part of our routine (there has been so much rain this year that my newly-purchased wellies were a better bet than my older hiking boots, to explore the estate by the river). Longer walks from the cottage door were less an option with a lot of MOD land around and the local drivers being quite speedy along roads with limited verges. However easy, relatively quiet drives to local woodland or the coast, such as Wells next the sea, allowed rambles amongst the pine woods. The Breckland market towns all have some charm as does the Priory at Castleacre and the ‘as seen on TV’ local National Trust estate (Oxburgh) such that we never made it into Norwich or attractions further afield.

Henry's place is a fabulous cottage with lots of light and super comfy bed. It has a beautiful view of sheep in the pasture in front and a woodland walk only minutes away. Our labrador, Loki, loved it and really enjoyed the space around the cottage. The housekeeper Rita was very responsive and friendly. She made the check in process super easy and smooth.

This place is a fabulous cottage with lots of light and super comfy bed. It has a beautiful view of sheep in the pasture in front and a woodland walk only minutes away. Our labrador, Loki, loved it and really enjoyed the space around the cottage. The housekeeper Rita was very responsive and friendly. She made the check in process super easy and smooth.

Loved staying and Henry and Anna’s and left feeling so rested and recharged. The nature surrounding the house is incredible, lots to explore and just breathtaking beauty. The house was even more beautiful in real life, from interior design to amenities, it was perfect. Even the toiletries were so amazing I ended up ordering from the same brand. Can’t recommend highly enough and worth every penny.

Wonderful stay, amazing views with friendly sheep, hot tub super easy to keep warm, sat out on the lake most days as it was so beautiful and the place seems much bigger than it shows in the photos. Will recommend to everyone!