Border is a very pretty cottage in the quiet North Norfolk village of Briston. While it is around 200 years old, it has recently been refurbished to an exceptional standard but in a way that shows off its age with elegance and charm.
Downstairs is the living room, with the exposed beams of an old wall partially separating the dining area. In here is a comfortable sofa and large TV. For the cooler months there's a wood-burning stove to give you a cosy place to curl up with a glass of wine.
The kitchen adjoins the living room and contains all the essentials (induction hob, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, cutlery & crockery, elegant copper pans, etc). It boasts plenty of surface space too so preparing a full meal here is not just possible, but wholly enjoyable! In addition, the kitchen continues the theme of modern amenities meeting beautifully traditional features. It still contains what is probably its original coal-fuelled range cooker (though long decommissioned) and is finished with plenty of exposed period woodwork. The kitchen looks out into (and then out over the fields beyond) a wonderful sunroom that is a lovely spot to sit on warm evenings. Finally, and conveniently, there is also a WC downstairs.
The upstairs is accessed by going up a traditional 'Norfolk Twister' staircase. (Being reasonably able-bodied is required for this.) Up here is a large bedroom with a king-sized bed and en-suite shower-room with adjoining dressing-room that provides a very pleasant space in which to sleep and ultimately awaken to very little noise apart from, perhaps, a little melodic birdsong!
Outside the property is as charming as within. The property is of the traditional Norfolk-Red brick and flint construction. When you arrive, you will be struck by the prettiness as you cross the front garden and pass the little pond, complete with hand-pump. There is a further garden to the rear of the property that overlooks trees and fields for miles around.
Even though Briston is a quiet village in the depths of the Norfolk countryside it won’t let you down on its amenities. There’s a full complement of shops available; a butcher cum bakers (that sell fantastic bacon & sausage butties), a convenience store, a fishmonger, and a greengrocer. Better still, there are two pubs! The Three Horseshoes is within easy walking distance, has a lovely beer-garden, and serve great food. If a meal in the cottage without cooking takes your fancy, there are Indian and Chinese takeaways in the next village, Melton Constable.
When it comes to exploring Norfolk, you’ll be spoilt for choice! The Norfolk Broads (that span Norfolk between Norwich and the coast) aren't far away and offer the opportunity to hire a day-boat, which is always a favourite for anyone visiting Norfolk and so booking is recommended well in advance in the peak season. If you prefer your boats nautical, seal-viewing boat trips, leaving, from Blakeney (~20 minutes) are a great way to spend a day. A 'day at the seaside’ is, of course, available with the well-known Cromer and Sheringham (~20 minutes north-east) providing all the typical seaside town activities as does Wells-next-the-sea (~30 minutes north-west). If you like your golf, there are some very high quality and mature links courses nearby. (Cromer, Sheringham, and Hunstanton being the best in easy range of Briston.) (There are also 9-hole courses for the beginner or those after a shorter game in West-Runton, Fakenham (at the racecourse), and Mundesley.) The National Trust sites of Blickling and Felbrigg Hall are both about 15 to 20 minutes from Briston and the independent Holkham estate is around 30 minutes away. Holt, (10 minutes) which attracts visitors all year round (including the Royal Family when they stay at Sandringham) is known for its cosy cafés and boutique shops. Cley, Morston, and Salhouse (~15 minutes north-west) provide for some wonderful walks for those into birdwatching or just after some fresh, sea air. Norfolk's only city, Norwich, and the large town of Kings Lynn are both ~40 minutes away and are also well worth a visit.