Characterised by its cute cottages, elegant Georgian homes, 15th-century church and the Grade II-listed Hotel de Paris, the clifftop town of Cromer is one of North Norfolk’s most vibrant coastal locations. All the charm of a traditional seaside resort remains: the wide sandy beach, promenade with family-friendly amusements, Victorian pier and lifeboat station are popular in all weathers. Close by, the town centre bustles as bistros, cafes and bars cater to every taste; make sure you sample some sweet-tasting Cromer crab while you’re here. Climb the church tower stairs for spectacular views of the surrounds; the neighbouring resort of Sheringham is 5 miles away – a lovely stroll along the sands if the tides allow. Alternatively, head 3 miles inland to the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall – one of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, it has acres of woodland and waymarked trails to explore.
Located along a narrow, centre-of-town lane, this detached property has been skilfully reimagined with bold colour schemes, high-end furnishings and an opulent open-plan lounge/dining room offering a choice of comfortable sofas, Smart TV and a wood burner. It’s a welcoming room in which to relax with family, friends and canine companions; if you’d prefer a more intimate space, relocate to the snug where the further choice of seating includes a double sofa bed. Contemporary cabinets and counters continue the clutter-free feel into the kitchen, which has all the must-haves of home – including a Nespresso coffee machine – to ensure that self-catering is effortless. A fabulously decorated cloakroom completes the ground floor layout. When it’s time to sleep, the first floor has three boutique-hotel-like bedrooms. Two have king-sized beds, one has a double, and to ensure that there’s flexibility for all, one of the king-size beds can be made up as twins on request. A large modern bathroom with both a shower and a bath is on this upper floor too.
The courtyard-style garden here is an urban oasis, complete with high walls, a patio with outdoor furniture, a BBQ and, in one corner, a luxurious hot tub. Lie back in the bubbles beneath the night sky and listen for waves lapping on the beach … you may never want to leave! A real bonus in such a central location, there’s a small driveway to the side on which a couple of medium-size cars can be parked.