Eastlife Winter 2019

The Wee Retreat
Sheringham, Norfolk
It’s one of north Norfolk’s quirkiest retreats and becoming
very popular. Offering front-seat, panoramic views of the sea
at Sheringham, the Wee Retreat was actually a former public
convenience – the clue’s in the name! Today, the two bed property,
sleeping four has been transformed, restored from the Victorian toilet
block it once was to a bright, modern and well-equipped bolthole,
with the sea on your doorstep and the beach your garden. Wee
Retreat is available from Norfolk Cottages from £92 per night or from
£647 per week. Tel: 01263 715779. www.norfolkcottages.co.uk
Straw Bale Cottage
Stowmarket, Suffolk
From the outside, there’s little to suggest this charming cottage has
been built using anything other than traditional building materials.
If you look above the second bedroom on the inside, there’s a
rectangular ‘truth window’, behind which is packed with straw. Other
clues (apart from the name) to Straw Bale Cottage’s heritage is a
pleasant hay-like smell, no sharp corners (windows and doors are
gently rounded, thanks to the seven tonnes of clay used to render
the straw) and a cosy atmosphere – helped in winter by the woodpellet
burning stove. A true oasis of calm. Straw Bale Cottage sleeps
four people in two bedrooms (one pet allowed). Available at Suffolk
Secrets from £349 for a three-night short break or from £469 per week.
www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk. Tel: 01502 722717
The Red Mill
Haddiscoe Island, Norfolk
This fully restored grade II listed mill house is situated on the beautiful
windswept Haddiscoe Island, just off the Norfolk Broads. With a
spiral staircase and cosy circular lounge, it’s deceptively spacious
and sleeps six people and two well-behaved dogs. You can visit the
Norfolk Broads to walk off festive fair or simply watch the sea from the
top. Price from £1068 for seven-nights with availability in December.
Visit www.hostunusual.com for details and to book.
The Guards Van
Brockford Railway Sidings, near Debenham, Suffolk
All aboard for a refreshing break in an original guard’s van, elegantly
restored to provide luxury countryside accommodation for four. Light
and bright, the single-storey home comprises an original guard’s van,
combined with a box wagon from the Mid Suffolk Light Railway to
provide a stunning holiday home for up to four people. Step inside
and feel immediately at home, with a warm, welcoming living and
dining area that evokes that exhilarating feeling of chugging along the
fresh countryside! Comfortably upholstered bench seats and wooden
flooring add to the style and charm of the cheerfully decorated interior.
Ideally based for exploring the picture-book village of Debenham just
four miles away, and the charming village of Mendlesham even closer
at just over a mile. Priced from £555 for a five night stay in December.
Visit www.hostunusal.com for details and to book.
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