Dog-friendly Cottage Getaways

Nestling in the pretty Norfolk countryside close to the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Willow Barn (ref CZB) and single-storey Beech Barn (ref CZU) and Alderfen Barn (ref UK30458) are detached holiday properties dating back to the 1700s, situated in the grounds of the owner’s home. Providing a perfect retreat for discerning larger family groups, these converted barns offer spacious and comfortable accommodation boasting beamed interiors, wood-burning stoves and enclosed separate gardens with private hot tubs, and for a special meal or family celebration gourmet meals can be arranged with the owner.
For Beech Barn (ref CZU), between Easter and the 16th July, and the 1st September-1st November, for 7 night bookings the owner is offering free boat hire for one day.
Beech Farm Barns are ideally located for all the family and for nature lovers there is an abundance of bird life. Within walking distance is Alderfen Broad, which is situated in The Broads National Park, a bird watcher’s delight. For the children there is BeWILDerwood Adventure Park with its treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges and boat trips, which all combined makes a great day out. Nearby is the attractive Broads village of Horning with its selection of tea shops, restaurants and pubs. A day boat can be hired directly from the owner, or book a trip on the Mississippi steamer. The sandy beaches of the North Norfolk Coast are only 10 miles away. Alternatively spend a day in the fine city of Norwich with its magnificent cathedrals, castle, museums, theatres, market and vast array of cafes and shops. There is a wealth of National Trust properties to visit in the area which include Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park (one of the finest 17th-century country Jacobean houses in East Anglia), Blickling Hall (a magnificent house with woodlands and lakeside walks) and Sheringham Park (beautifully landscaped and renowned for its spectacular displays of azaleas and rhododendrons in late spring). Shops and pub 1½ miles.

Beech Barn (CZU), Willow Barn (CZB) and Alderfen Barn (UK30458) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.

This delightful, period home stands semi-detached, and offers light and airy, carefully co-ordinated holiday accommodation, with good use of tasteful themed coloured walls and contemporary additions. It is ideally located right in the heart of The New Forest, only 200 yards from the centre of Burley, which attracts many visitors’ year round with its tea rooms, pubs, manor house, cycle hire, quaint gift shops and ice cream parlour. There is also a spa in the village where you can spend a day relaxing. Roaming ponies and cattle can often be found outside the cottage or wandering through Burley – it certainly makes a change from a traditional traffic jam!

The unspoilt forest and heathland with wandering ponies and cattle are what makes the New Forest famous. Miles of beautiful walks are available, as is golf, or alternatively the surrounding area can be explored by car or on bicycle via the many cycle paths, where you can discover some of the appealing villages, towns, attractions, and gardens such as Lyndhurst, the sailing town of Lymington (with ferry terminal to the Isle of Wight), Beaulieu Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens and the riverside village of Bucklers Hard. The county of Hampshire itself was enjoyed by Jane Austen with her house and museum in Chawton and her resting place in Winchester Cathedral. Further afield but well worth a trip is Christchurch, Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool. Marwell Zoo, Peppa Pig World, ‘Go Ape’ adventure park, The Owl and Otter Park and nautical maritime history at Southampton, with retail shopping outlets, are also within easy reach. The coastline with its beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Poole is within a short drive, with golden beaches and has many popular activities such as windsurfing, boating and swimming. Shop 200 yards, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

Located in the village of Lake, between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, the property is set adjacent to the owner’s home. The chalet benefits from a fully enclosed south-facing rear garden and has a rear gate that provides access directly out onto the cliff top coastal path, presenting you with a stunning view over Sandown Bay and its pier.
The beach at Lake can be accessed from a set of steps from the top of the cliff path, alternatively you can gain access from Shanklin or Sandown Esplanades via a short walk in either direction along the sea wall. Because this beach is tucked away and not as straightforward to reach, it is very often quieter than its resort neighbours Sandown and Shanklin during the busier months, making it a peaceful alternative for a day on the beach. As the waters are quieter, this is a great beach for surfing and water sports, as the sea is shallow and clear. There is an instructional school which is located nearby that offers a whole range of activities for all ages and abilities, there’s also a café and barbecue area which is always popular during the summer season. There’s also beach huts which you can look to hire and a number of benches to sit on along the sea wall path when the tide is further in. The walk along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin along the back of the beach is highly recommended as it offers a wide, flat path which is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
For guests choosing to visit the island without their car, a favourable way to reach the property is to take the Wightlink Fast Cat service to Ryde Pier head and then the train to Lake Station which is only a 3-minute walk from the property. The island has become a real hot spot for cycling enthusiasts, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines. You can cycle across the width of the island to the famous Needles landmark, or try the full round the island route, which is 66 miles long and is used for the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee held over the bank holiday in May. You can also travel along the route at a more leisurely pace, stopping off along the way at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafés that can be found in the quaint villages and towns.
Sandown is a truly traditional British beach resort with pier, amusements, pitch ’n’ putt, Isle of Wight Zoo, children’s play area and the Dinosaur Isle attraction at the northern end of the esplanade towards Yaverland and Culver Cliff. The town is brimming with attractions to entertain visitors, most of them right on the beach front itself, so you never have to stray too far from the golden sands. At the other end of the path you will reach Shanklin Esplanade which is again packed full of amusements and crazy golf, as well as several places to eat. Away from the beach the main town hosts a multitude of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The old village is world famous with its pretty thatched cottages, cosy tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and craft shops to discover. Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, paragliding, golf and water sports. There are numerous attractions across the island to discover for all ages, such as The Needles (with its chairlift, amusement park, boat rides, lighthouse and coloured sands of Alum Bay), Blackgang Chine, Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park and Carisbrooke Castle - or why not pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens? The sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes also make for a great day out. Beach 500 yards. Shops, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.