A striking, architect-designed house on a lakeside, with bold interiors yet a calm vibe and watersports nearby (sleeps 2-6)
Space & setting.
If there was ever a place to turn off your tech and set your pace to stationary, it’s here, at this boho lakeside retreat, surrounded by forest and utterly immersed in nature. Days revolve around woodlands and water — long walks past wild deer, water-skiing and wakeboarding in season, jam-jar fishing with your kids in the River Nar while swans and cygnets glide past. But don’t come over all Swallows & Amazons just yet, as your cabin couldn’t be more of a contrast — a striking Modernist cuboid structure that invokes art installation vibes.
Drenched in light, it offers indoor-outdoor living at its best. Treetops peek in at every angle and huge bifold doors maximise the lake views. Yet these are almost outshone by knockout interiors: natural plywood, shiny metro tiling, scattered kilims and a gelato-inspired colour scheme. Three bedrooms make it perfect for families or friends, and the airy open-plan living space is made for social times. Tear yourselves away and you’re perfectly positioned for the west Norfolk coastline, for stunning sunsets and pine-backed beaches, coupled with buzzy market towns and upmarket eateries.
Getting here: best to drive
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Sustainability.
The cabin has solar panels and a composter, and features natural toiletries and social enterprise products.
Surrounds.
- Open-water swimming sessions in season and calming view of the lake and the row of Alder trees come rain or shine.
- Rambling forest walks lead directly from the door: stroll through Bilney Woods and meander along the River Nar, with your eyes peeled for wild deer, squirrels and other woodland dwellers.
- Go wakeboarding and water skiing at Pentney Lakes, 2 minutes away.
- Book a massage with Neal’s Yard products; a mobile therapist can come to the house. Or local lady Katie runs foraging walks.
- There are excellent pubs nearby. Drive 30 mins to the Dabbling Duck for seasonal fare, or take the cabin’s 2 mountain bikes off-road for 45-60 minutes over to Shouldham for scrummy pub fare at The Kings Arms. Book ahead for both pubs.
- Potter around the open-air auction in Swaffham.
- We love Castle Acre, a rural village where an ancient Normal settlement has completely survived, complete with castle, church and romantic ruined priory.
- Beautiful beaches are 45 mins’ drive: Holkham’s horseshoe of golden sand is dreamy, backed by sweet-scented pines. Sunset is best at west-facing Old Hunstanton Beach, with its sandy dunes and candy-striped cliffs.
- This corner of Norfolk is crammed with home-grown goods, from asparagus and samphire to Cromer crab and Brancaster mussels. Look for honesty boxes along the lanes or peruse the excellent farmers’ markets at Swaffham and Sandringham.
Specifics.
- Lakeside cabin on a private estate
- 3 bedrooms: 3 doubles (1 with adjoining snug/study/yoga space) OR 2 doubles and a twin
- 2 bathrooms: 1 with shower, 1 with shower/tub and Goodwash Company toiletries
- Open-plan living area
- Brilliantly equipped kitchen (note, no microwave)
- Honesty bar
- Sofa area with Firestick TV and Bluetooth speaker
- Board games, jigsaws, binoculars, nature books and Norfolk OS maps
- WiFi and phone reception
- Children’s toybox and crafts
- Decking with firepit
- Garden dining table with parasol
- 2 mountain bikes to borrow
- Massages bookable on request
- Parking for 4 cars
- Lake swimming sessions run April to mid October on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. The watersports centre is open April-October
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants
- The owners are available by phone
- Dogs on request, and subject to a £200 damage deposit payable directly to the owner
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay, £100 refundable deposit is payable directly to the owner
- Remember to bring: basics (tea, coffee, fresh milk etc), beach/swimming towels
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30% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
FAQs.
Wakeboarding & Waterskiing lessons are available between April and October, Monday to Saturday (weather permitting).
Yes there is a smart TV with Netflix & Amazon Prime.
Yes there is a BBQ provided for guests – please clean after use!
Swaffam is just 20 minutes away for supermarkets and there is a market every Saturday.
Yes this is possible. Arrangements can be made after booking.
Absolutely! There are circular woodland and riverside walks from the front door – maps are provided in the cabin.
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