Dog-friendly Cottage Getaways

A stunning holiday property standing detached, set on the edge of the Salt Marshes in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Marsh Barn has been completely re-designed to offer spacious and well-equipped accommodation to discerning guests looking for somewhere of a very good standard in which to relax and unwind. Everything has been thought of, from well-appointed marble bathrooms, some of which have freestanding baths, a kitchen with extras such as warming drawers and a utility with drying area for wetsuits.
The rooms are light and airy, and provide breathtaking views across the Salt Marshes, with their ever-changing tidal patterns, towards the sea and golf club. Within large gardens with a sheltered, walled, sunny lawned garden and furniture, and leading to a fruit orchard and private hard tennis court, the property is well placed for guests who wish to leave their cars parked up for the whole week and explore on foot, as there are walks on the marsh, cycle routes, golf, sailing and award-winning pubs to discover every day, all within easy walking distance. The property is excellent for bird-watching enthusiasts, with direct access from the garden leading to the National Trust marshes and Coastal Path. It is also an easy walk to Brancaster’s sandy beach, golf and sailing club.
For those who like water, there is sailing, water skiing and windsurfing from the harbour for all ages and levels. Golfing enthusiasts will welcome the rare opportunity to play on the world class golf course too. Brancaster beach is beautiful year round and offers both a sunny retreat and bracing walks. There are a series of nature reserves to explore, including the RSPB-managed Titchwell Marsh, whose reed beds and lagoons are home to nesting avocets, marsh harriers and bitterns. From the little harbour at Brancaster Staithe, boats run to Scolt Head Island, also a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. Bustling Burnham Market is a 5-minute drive and offers a unique mix of boutique and antique shops and relaxed places to eat. Holkham’s beach, where parts of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ were filmed, is a 10-minute drive. A little further along is Wells-next-the-Sea, a popular fishing village renowned for its fresh seafood and quayside, full of colourful boats. No longer by the sea, it now stands on a creek, with a 1-mile walk along the embankment or a short ride on the miniature steam train that takes you to the excellent sandy beach. Further along the coast are the seal colonies at Blakeney Point. Less than half an hour’s drive is the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton, with its unusual striped cliffs towering over 60 feet high, behind is the sandy beach full of rock pools at low tide.
The town boasts a Sea Life Centre, funfair, indoor swimming pool and a cliff-top golf course. There are many stately homes to visit, including Holkham Hall, a fine Palladian mansion overlooking Holkham beach, Houghton Hall and the Royal Sandringham Estate and museum. After a day spent exploring all that the area has to offer, return to stunning Marsh Barn and enjoy an evening of relaxation in beautiful comfort whilst planning the next adventure. Shops 3/4 mile.

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 traditional flint and brick holiday cottage is one of a pair tucked away in a small courtyard of four properties in the heart of this bustling seaside town, within walking distance of the harbour. An excellent sandy beach is 1 mile further. Ideal for a family holiday by the sea and exploring the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. Sailing, windsurfing, boat trips, riding and cycling available locally. RSPB bird and nature reserve close by. Holkham Hall parkland and beach are 2 miles. Bustling Burnham Market, 5 miles. The Sandringham Royal Estate and museum, 10 miles. City of Norwich for theatre, excellent shopping malls, outdoor market and the famous Norfolk Broads are an hour’s drive. Shops and pubs 800 yards.

A spacious, detached house furnished to a good standard, with some sea views from upstairs. Situated in a quiet residential area, just a few minutes’ walk from sandy Seagrove Bay. At low tide you can walk miles along the sands in either direction to unspoilt Priory Bay or to Puckpool Park for cycling and play area. Seaview village is ½ mile away with excellent pubs and food, right on the seafront. There are many attractions on the island to suit the whole family, including Carisbrooke Castle and Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Visit Osborne House and gardens, once the summer time home of Queen Victoria, now open to the public during the summer season. The nearby town of Ryde offers something for everyone including bowling alley, ice rink and indoor swimming pool, as well as many shops, pubs and restaurants. The picturesque maritime town of Cowes, the yachting centre of the world offers a shopping area, museums and historic buildings, and car ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth offer alternative days out. With its temperate climate and superb sunshine record, this makes an ideal location for holidays to suit all the family, at any time of year. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Offering far-reaching views over fields and surrounding countryside, this compact, detached, single-storey holiday property offers superb walks from the door across miles of countryside. Standing next to the owners’ home on an unadopted lane on the edge of the charming village of Niton, a 10-minute walk, with a church, local shops, post office, library, chemist, hardware/gift/pet supplies shop, a GP centre and a pub serving food. The island is renowned for ramblers and has a 500-mile network of footpaths, including a 68-mile coastal walk with spectacular views. The nearest beach is a 10-minute drive, an observatory and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse are also nearby. Water sports, cycling, riding, sailing, fishing and golf can be found on the island. Blackgang Chine Theme Park is ¾ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Directly opposite Sandown’s popular sandy beach and offering superb far reaching sea views, this delightful terraced Victorian former coastguard’s cottage is one of a row of similar properties set back from the road which leads to the town in one direction and Bembridge in the other, with local buses stopping close to the property. Having been refurbished, Culver Cottage offers comfortable and homely family accommodation. There is a sun room to the front of the holiday property, which is also ideal for storing beach kit or bikes. Sandown is well known for its seaside entertainment, including a zoo (where Tiger Island is filmed), amusement arcades, and outdoor fun such as putting, trampolines, crazy golf, as well as a leisure centre with indoor pool and various pubs and restaurants along the seafront. Scenic walks can be enjoyed along cliff-top paths, and much of the coastline is designated Heritage status. Also for the outdoor enthusiast, try watersports, golf, riding, fishing, hang-gliding, sailing or birdwatching. Other places of interest include Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, the rock formations of The Needles, Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill Adventure Park, the Garlic Farm, the Donkey sanctuary, Amazon World, the steam railway, Flamingo Park, Falconry centre, Dinosaur Museum, Pearl Centre and butterfly park. There are many hidden coves dotted around the island, or why not enjoy a cream tea at one of the various tea rooms located in the historic villages of Godshill, Old Shanklin or Brighstone. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Shoreline Cottage is a charming, Victorian, former navy coastguard cottage, situated on the sea front, overlooking Sandown’s popular wide sandy beach. This delightful terraced, three-bedroom, three reception room cottage has undergone careful renovation, yet still retains some original features, such as exposed brick fire surround. Stunning sea views can be enjoyed from the rooms at the front. Perfect for families, there are plenty of games, books, DVDs and a bike store.
Sandown is ideal for families and those who like cliff-top walks, cycling, fishing and golf. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and the pier and its amusements, all within 5 minutes’ walk. Also nearby is the Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle, pitch and putt, trampolines, crazy golf and the Heights Leisure Centre with indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam spa. Further afield, visit Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Flamingo Park, Blackgang Chine, Robin Island Adventure Park, Amazon World, steam railway, the garlic farm, Ventnor Botanical Gardens or a donkey sanctuary. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.