Barsham Barns

Acres of space and not an inch of chintz: 2 clusters of beautiful barns in blissful isolation, a hop from Norfolk’s spectacular coast (sleeping 4-14; self catering)

Why isn’t everyone talking about North Norfolk? After a walk on the vast sands of Holkham beach and a feast of local seafood, you’ll be wanting to write to friends, insisting they come with you next time. But please, restrain yourself. What makes north Norfolk so special - besides the flinty villages stuck in the 1930's, and the fact that people in shops still smile and pass the time of day with you - is that there’s hardly anyone on the beaches. It’s stunningly beautiful, and yet incredibly unspoilt.

The seven Barsham Barns make ideal bases for exploration: beautifully set in quiet seclusion, and brilliantly designed by local architect Anthony Hudson to create clean lines and dramatic spaces inside which match (but never outshine) the bold lines and grand skies outside. There are 2 barns in Haveringland, near Aylsham, and 5 barns in North Barsham, near Walsingham, where we stayed. All share the same serene aesthetic: open plan, but very warm, with walls of deep teal, perhaps, or aubergine, set against carefully chosen Moroccan treasures or crisp Swedish dressers. Wide windows cut into long walls make paintings of the rolling landscape outside. They’re cosy in winter, with underfloor heating and wood-burning stoves, and glorious in summer, with chairs and barbecues in your private garden. Come for a week, and don’t tell a soul.

Highs

• Location: surrounded by peaceful countryside and a delightful 20-30 minute drive from Norfolk's best beaches at Wells and Holkham
• Gorgeous design in every single barn: contemporary, but not overly cool, and supremely comfortable
• Great for a party - hire all 5 barns in the Walsingham complex (or just some of them) for an unforgettable bash; or hire one of the big ones for a long weekend with friends
• Good for children - safe outdoor spaces and lots of room to run around. Older kids will enjoy the games rooms at Walsingham
• There’s even a spa! The Walsingham barns have a jacuzzi and steam room, and massages and treatments can be arranged in your barn

Lows

• If the barns are all full in the Walsingham complex, you might be aware of other people around you, though access to each has been cunningly designed to minimise sight of others, and there's a zero-tolerance noise policy after 11pm
• This is deepest north Norfolk: there’s no shop to walk to for a paper, or pub on the corner
• You’d need a car. There’s lots to do here, but it’s all at least a short drive away
• And you'll need to drive if you want to eat out (10-20 mins)
• Bear in mind that there's a 3-night minimum stay, as with many British self-catering properties