A delightful sympathetic barn conversion nestled in a hamlet near Reepham offering award winning open plan living for up to 4 guests. Flooded with natural light and offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside, this spacious self catering accommodation is an idylic rural retreat.
CONTEMPORARY RURAL LIVING
Sleeping up to four, The Cowshed boasts a generous 133sq metres of open plan living with two spacious ensuite bedrooms, laundry room and WC. The feature bifold doors flood the double height living space with light and warmth throughout the seasons. The lounge area, featuring a stylish wood burner, two comfortable three seater sofas and a large reading chair, provides the perfect environment to unwind after after a long day at the coast.
The contemporary kitchen is well equipped offering a dish washer, microwave, induction hob, fan oven and large Siemans fridge freezer. The spacious dining area with bifold doors overlooks the courtyard which provides an alternative alfresco style dining experience.
WAKING UP TO NATURE
BEDROOM 1
This full height double aspect bedroom with original beam structure located at the far end of the barn is perfectly positioned to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Throw open the stable doors and listen to the owls as you relax in bed. This room houses a king size oak framed bed, large chest of drawers and a row of handy hooks for hanging clothes. The ensuite bathroom has a bath with integrated shower which is flooded with natural light from the large courtyard window.
BEDROOM 2
The full roof height bedroom with original beam structure features a generous super king bed which can be made up as two twin beds this room is suitable for all types of guests including children. We provide a large cupboard which provides useful hanging and drawer space. The full roof height ensuite bathroom is flooded with natural light from the rooftop skylight and features a walk-in shower.
THE FLOORPLAN
-
KITCHEN
Fully equipped with an induction hob, fan oven, microwave, electric kettle, toaster, Siemans fridge freezer with ice cube trays and Bosch dishwasher. Eco friendly Sesi hand wash and washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and Method cleaning products. A scourer, j-cloth, dishwasher salt, rinse aid, bin liners and pan brush.
LIVING AREA
Smart Flatscreen TV, DVD player and radio. Selection of books, board games, DVD’s, maps and local guides. A started pack of logs, kindling, matches and fire lighters are also provided for the wood burning stove. Further logs can be purchased locally during your stay.
BEDROOMS & ENSUITE BATHROOMS
Fresh cotton sheets, throw cushions and blankets, cotton buds, cotton pads, hairdryer and shaving plug. Electric fans for warmer months. Heated towel rails, vanity shelf, towel hooks, bath towels, face cloths, hand towels, loo rolls and a vanity mirror. Eco Sesi hand wash.
LAUNDRY ROOM
Includes a large sink area, washing machine, clothes airer and a row of hooks for hanging coats and hats. Plenty of space for those wishing to hide away travel bags and wellington boots.ESSENTIALS
Shaker coat hooks, ironing board, iron, clothes airer, dustpan and brush, floor brush, bucket, mop and cleaning products. First aid kit, sewing kit, binoculars and torch.
PRIVATE PARKING
There is space for up to four cars immediately outside the barn. We also ask that you adhere to the speed limit down the driveway when arriving and departing the property.
MOBILE RECEPTION
Can be patchy depending on your network provider, so you may want to enable Wi-Fi calling. A phone for incoming calls is provided in the property.
HEALTH & SAFETY
A first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire blanket and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in the property.
DELIVERIES
Should you wish to have a food shop delivered, please provide the dirver with the details directions provided.
LOCATION
The Cowshed is tucked away at the bottom of a long tree lined drive in the small North Norfolk hamlet of Pettywell. The barn’s large south facing private courtyard is enclosed by a traditional norfolk red brick wall providing the perfect environment to relax after a day of exploring. Secured with a galvanised metal gate it is also an ideal setting for guests with dogs.
THE SETTING
The Cowshed is tucked away at the bottom of a long tree lined drive in the small North Norfolk hamlet of Pettywell. Just one mile outside Reepham – pronounced ‘reefum’ which received the special ‘market town status’ in 1277, making it one of the oldest market towns in Norfolk. It has a variety of wonderful independent shops and is home to various festivals throughout the year. Located in the heart of Norfolk The Cowshed provides the perfect base from which to explore the Norfolk Broads and North Norfolk Coast.
The barn’s large south facing private courtyard is enclosed by a traditional Norfolk red brick wall providing the perfect environment to relax after a day of exploring. Secured with a galvanised metal gate it is also an ideal setting for guests with dogs. In this peaceful corner of the North Norfolk countryside we are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and during your visit you can expect to see and/or hear the resident barn owl, buzzards, woodpecker, pheasants, hares, deer, and muntjac.
Beyond the courtyard is a grassed area and gravelled driveway. From here guests will find a private pathway providing easy access to the The Marriots Way; a 26 mile footpath, bridleway and cycle route, which follows the track-bed of the decommissioned railway line that once linked Aylsham and Reepham with Norwich. This tranquil trail is one of the longest off-road routes in the country and winds its way through some of the glorious countryside and picturesque villages Norfolk has to offer. Take a shorter stroll to either Whitwell or Reepham Station Café for your morning coffee or catch the sheep dog training in one of the nearby fields. At dusk, if you are extra quiet you may even spot the badgers emerging from their sets.
NORFOLK
Norfolk is blessed with an 84 mile long coastline with the Norfolk Coast Path covering some stunning areas along the way. The canals and waterways of The Norfolk Broads are an impressive 117 square miles. With a variety of National Trust properties, parklands, woodlands and expansive beaches, there is something for all our guests. This unique self catering accommodation provides the perfect base from which to explore the many and varied delights of North Norfolk.
-
THE BRISLEY BELL
Offering a cosy atmosphere, roaring fires and fantastic food. www.thebrisleybell.co.uk
STAMP PIZZA
A buzzy family friendly favourite, serving a variety of speciality pizzas, sides and craft beers. www.stamp.pizza
FOLKS PIZZAYou can pre order your pizza from Folks and join the locals with a beer from the pub on the traditional village green.
Every Friday 5pm to 8:30pm. Email your order and preferred time-slot to heydon@folkscoffeeco.comKINGS ARMS
A charming 17th-century coaching inn nestled in the heart of Reepham’s historic market place, proudly operated by a friendly family team. www.kingsarmsreepham.com
ROCKY BOTTOMS
Only a few miles along the coastal path, is well worth a visit during your stay. Husband and wife duo catch their lobsters and crab and prepare their daily catch for customers. Crab sandwiches are avilable to take out, or eat in and enjoy one of many seasfood dishes with a glass of something cold. One of our favourite spots. Booking ahead is essential if you want an inside table. www.rockybottomsybottoms
THE DUN COW
Along the coast road at Salthouse offers great pub grub overlooking the salt marshes. Wood burner is always lit in the winter months and there’s the large open garden to enjoy the views in the summer months. www.salthouseduncow.com
NO.1 CROMERFish and chips at Galton Blackiston’s overlooking the Cromer Pier is a treat for all. Sit in a booth or take away down to the beach. The upstairs restaurant offers more sophisticated plates including seafood platters and seasonal dishes. www.no1cromer.com
THE GUNTON ARMSA one-of-a-kind hideaway on a tranquil Norfolk estate offering a relaxed, shooting party atmosphere, high-end contemporary artworks and hearty meals include local venison. Located between North Walsham and Cromer. www.theguntonarms.co.uk
THE SUFFIELD ARMS
Gunton’s nearby sister restaurant) has recently re-opened and split into three rooms, a local bar at its entrance, which retains the pub’s traditional style, a tapas bar at the rear serving authentic Spanish dishes, and a saloon bar upstairs serving cocktails. Easily accessed via train from Sheringham station. www.suffieldarms.com
ROGER HICKMANSMichelin Guide 2023 - “Personally run restaurant in a historic part of the city, with soft hues, modern art and romantic corners. Service is attentive yet unobtrusive. Cooking is modern, intricate and displays respect for ingredients.” www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com
-
SHERINGHAM PARK
A popular parkland boasting nearly 1,000 acres of woodland, parklwww.nationaltrust.org.ukand and farmland with coastal views. If visiting during May and June the famous rhododendron display comes to it’s peak and is an absolute must visit. It is run by the National Trust.
www.nationaltrust.org.ukHouses rich global collections including luxury exports traded by the East India Company. There is a large walled garden to explore and the landscape park features a lake, 520 acres of woods and waymarked trails. The courtyard café is a perfect spot for watching the world go by with a second hand book from the stables bookstore.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
THE NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAYOffers steam train trips through the stunning coastal scenery from a station located in Sheringham town centre. Frequent train services operate between Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt and there are sepecial events throughout the year well worth visiting including The Norfolk Lights Express and The Santa Special, both immersive wintertime experiences for all the family.
www.nnrailway.co.uk
CROMER PIERBest known for the only ‘End of the Pier’ show of its kind in the world where audiences can be entertained by a line up of traditional variety acts for three months throughout the summer. Bradley Walsh recently described the Cromer Pier Show as something that ‘should be on everyone’s to-do list’.
www.cromerpier.co.uk
HOLKHAM ESTATEBoasts 3,000 acres of cycling and walking routes to explore in the park, surrounding the 18th-century hall, adventure playgounds and high rope course for the more adventurous. Grab a coffee or bite to eat in the courtyard café or head to the pizza van during the summer months.
www.holkham.co.uk
PENSTHORPE NATURAL PARKPerfect local full day out for families, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and garden lovers. Located along the river Wensum, you can explore 700 acres of woodland walks and lakes; four stunning gardens, including the Millennium Garden designed by renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf. Hootz House, an award winning indoor play area is great for kids of all ages should you find the weather turning. There’s also a soft play area for the really little ones. An award winning forest of family adventure park, which means parents and grandparents can enjoy the play equipment just as much as the children.
www.pensthorpe.com
BEWILDERWODA huge award winning forest of family adventure park, which means parents, grandparents, teachers and group leaders can all enjoy the play equipment just as much as the children.
www.bewilderwood.co.uk
NORWICHHolds the status of ‘most complete medieval city’ in the country, and is full of cobbled streets, ancient buildings, half-timbered houses and medieval lanes. Don’t forget to take a trip to Chapel Gardens, The Lanes and of course Norwich Castle.
www.visitnorwich.co.uk
SHOPPINGVisit the idylic village of Heydon, a 10 minute drive away for a morning during your stay. You will find a florist and artisan store , interiors and clothing studio and Beauty Barn. Take a stroll around the estate grounds and St Peter and St Paul church during your visit.
Holt is home to many art galleries, antique and book shops and places to eat located along the high street and tucked away in hidden, charming courtyards and alleyways. Holt Antiques and Interiors Centre is just outside the town centre and houses a variety of dealers. You will find antique furniture, collectables, paintings, unique lighting, retro, vintage and industrial decor, clocks and accessories for the home.
-
WALKING & CYCLING
North Norfolk’s Deep History Coast, the 22-mile stretch of coastline between Weybourne and Cart Gap is well worth a walk and is steeped in millions of years’ worth of history. Head west along the cliffs or shingle beach towards Cley or east up and over Beeston Bump (as seen from our kitchen windows). Weybourne to Cromer walk (8.6 miles) is one of the many stages of the coastpath. More details can be found here.
DOG WALKINGAll our beaches in Norfolk are dog friendly. In the summer months (May – October) there can be restrictions on the beaches so please keep an eye out for designated areas. Likewise, the majority of pubs (see our recommendations below) welcome dogs and often provide refreshments. During the summer months we recommend ringing ahead when booking meals out to avoid dogs staying in cars.
BIRD WATCHING
Cley Marshes is the oldest Wildlife Trust nature reserve in the country. The fresh and saltwater marshes provide an excellent habitat for rare and scarce birds both resident and migratory, waders and large flocks of wildfowl.
PENSTHORPEJust over 10 miles away, this natural park is a haven for wildlife. The variety of habitat includes woodland, wader, scrape, lakes, ancient fen meadows and farmland. There are great views from the purpose built hides and walks along the miles of trails.
BLAKENEY POINTIs renowned for its colony of common and grey seals, the 3.5-mile sand and shingle spit of the National Trust Nature Reserve at Blakeney Point can only be accessed by boat at high tide from Blakeney and Morston quays, or by a 4-mile beach walk from Cley.
WILD SWIMMINGNorfolk hosts a variety of coastal swim spots including the patrolled life guarded beach in Sheringham which offers perfect conditions and low tide reveals stretches of sandy beaches. An hour either side of the tide is perfect for swimming and we’ve provided a tide clock in the apartment for reference, although plesase do check the Met Office website for the latest swimming conditions. Remember to pack swim shoes as there can be the odd rock to navigate at high tide. In the cooler months we tend to wear wetsuit gloves and shoes, the essential wooly hat and dry robe.
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING (SUP)Now a popular sport all over Norfolk, various places offer paddle board hire. If you have your own SUP or kayak, down the road, opposite the Swan pub in Ringland. Coltishall is equally a lovely place to launch from, with the green being perfect for picnics. If you would like to get some practice in before takling the waves, Cromer’s Glide Surf School offers lessons to anyone wishing to learn how to paddleboard in the sea. Don’t forget to stay for fish and chips after at Galton Blackiston’s No.1, overlooking the Cromer Pier,. Also offers a cracking takeaway.
FISHINGReepham Fishery is widely regarded as one of Norfolk’s premier fisheries, having been established for many years on spring-fed lakes. The Fishery has four well-stocked lakes set within a 10 acre site, less than one mile from The Cowshed.
During Low and Mid Seaons, short weekend breaks are available Friday to Monday and mid-week breaks from Monday to Friday.
The price is 75% of the weekly rate.
LOW SEASON
October – March
£820 / week
MID SEASON
April, May, June and September
£1240 / week
HIGH SEASON
July – August
£1500 / week
Public and School holidays are set at the Peak Season rate. There is a £65 cleaning charge per stay and £30 / dog.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
OUR STORY
Keen to move closer to family we left our urban life in Bristol behind in 2015 and, after some searching, came across a traditional red brick cattle farm in need of some love nestled in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside which we now call home. We have been slowly renovating the farm ever since and in 2018 embarked on our biggest project the process of converting a large outbuilding which once housed a herd of Hereford cows into a luxury holiday let.
Our aim with the conversion was to create a practical modern and stylish living space whilst retaining the barn’s original character and charm. Drawing on our most positive self catering experiences we have focused heavily on attention to detail with the aim of providing our guests with the most relaxing holiday stay possible.
