A romantic, en-suite shepherd's hut for two in the grounds of a boutique B&B just outside Holt, North Norfolk.

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Chez Marguerite

UK England East Anglia Norfolk Holt

A romantic, en-suite shepherd's hut for two in the grounds of a boutique B&B just outside Holt, North Norfolk

Wood chippings scatter the path that leads from Birkfield House into the garden beyond, where Nick and Karoline Gebbett have gone al fresco with their successful North Norfolk B&B. Fragrant flowers pepper the colourful borders and daffodils encircle tree trunks like frilly yellow skirts. It’s here, among a small coppice of trees, that Chez Marguerite is situated – a traditionally shaped shepherd’s hut with every comfort you need.

Inside, the hut has an air of luxury but also a wonderfully warm and homely feel, reflecting the couple’s impeccable attention to detail. Most of the décor and furnishings have been bought locally, from various antique shops around Norfolk, while the main table and chairs have actually come all the way from the South of France, after Karoline fell in love with them and decided to drive them home in the car!

The hut also has a self-contained practicality. Clever use of space incorporates an en-suite shower and toilet room at one end, a modern kitchen with induction hobs and a fridge in the middle and a plush double bed built in to the other. There’s a toasty wood burning stove if you’re visiting in winter and all the little treats and extras you could need – tea, coffee, toiletries, a hairdryer, wood for the fire… the list goes on.

Outside, retrace your steps past the barbeque and down the woodland walkway to join the local footpaths leading into Holt. Perhaps the prettiest town in North Norfolk, its centre is characterised by Georgian buildings lining up along the attractive market place and is awash with smaller, independent shops. To the north, meanwhile, the patchwork coast of dunes, marsh and beaches cries out to be explored. Nearby Blakeney is a popular starting point. A mile to its west you can catch little ferries from Morston and chug out to see the Blakney Point grey seal colony or head east for pebbly Salthouse beach and the expansive sands of Sheringham a little further.

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Details

Facilities

The hut has an en-suite pressurised shower and flushing loo. The bed has a top quality memory foam mattress and the duvet and pillows are all duck and goosedown filled. The kitchen area has a sink, induction hobs and a small fridge, though you can also cook outside on the fire pit. A starter pack of oil, sauces and salt and pepper will be left in the hut for you along with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Essential utensils and crockery are all on hand and starter toiletries are provided along with a hair-dryer. There is a wood burner and logs are supplied free of charge.

Suitable For

Glampers only. The hut sleeps two. Sorry, no dogs.

Nearby

The footpaths around Birkfield House are perfect for bird-watchers and there are plenty of quiet country routes. Just ask Nick and Karoline for the best. The paths to Holt are also pleasant (or it's just 3 mins by car), with excellent speciality shopping and cafés to explore. For history, Blickling Hall (01263 738030; 15 mins) and Felbrigg Hall (01263 837444; 10 mins) are both nearby, while the main coastal towns – Sheringham and Cromer – are just as near. It's worth heading to the smaller settlements though. Blakeney and Morston (10 mins) offer crabbing for the kids and boat tours (01263 740505) run from the latter out to a huge colony of grey seals. The North Norfolk Coast Path is a particularly good way of connecting such places and is mirrored by the “Coasthopper” bus service, which follows the coast road route. You can walk for miles and then simply get a bus back to your starting point.

Food & Drink

It's two miles to the fabulous old Red Hart (01263 588270) in Bodham, while Byfords (01263 711400) is Karoline and Nick's pick of the bunch in Holt – a local restaurant, renowned for its deli and fresh food. For a coastal choice, try the Dunn Cow, Salthouse (01263 740467), which is rightfully popular but doesn't take bookings in peak season so you just have to time it right!

Open

All year round.

The Owner Says

Approached by its own woodland walk, set in a secluded spot in the gardens of Birkfield House, this cosy hut is fully self-contained – with en-suite shower and WC, kitchen incorporating induction hob and fridge and a top quality double bed for snuggling up together.

Location

Contact Chez Marguerite, Birkfield House, Bridge Road, High Kelling, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6QT

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Getting There

As you leave Holt on the main road to Cromer, the first village you come to is High Kelling. Pass the post office (in a lay by), then, after about 400 metres, take the first turning on the left into Bridge Road. Birkfield House is located on the right hand side, after a gravel track called Warren Road.