Guests say
The Old Barn in Norfolk offers a spacious and well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and enclosed courtyards ideal for dogs. It serves as a useful base for exploring North Norfolk. Guests appreciated the property's character, the warm welcome from the owners, and the cosy atmosphere provided by features like a wood-burning stove.
Several reviews mention issues with cleanliness, including a musty smell, cobwebs, and unclean kitchen and bathroom areas. However, some guests found the property to be clean and tidy.
The location is appreciated for its proximity to beaches and local amenities, making it a good base for exploration. However, some guests noted the noise from a busy road and difficulties with visibility when exiting the property.
Guests found the beds comfortable and the living spaces cosy and warm. The spaciousness of the property was a positive aspect, although some guests mentioned uncomfortable sofas and the need for additional bathroom facilities.
The property is well-equipped with a modern kitchen and utility room. However, there are several mentions of maintenance issues such as broken items, the need for additional heating in the bathroom, and a lack of certain amenities like a second bathroom or a handrail for steps.
There are no specific mentions of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided by the owners that would warrant a score in this category. Therefore, this score is set to null.
About this property
Resting on the coastal road that leads to the beach in the village of Walcott, Norfolk, is The Old Barn, an 18th century barn conversion next door to the owner's home. This spacious ground-floor property is the ideal retreat for a family or group of six wanting to enjoy a Norfolk coastal retreat. This property is a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary, with character features a-frame ceilings adorned with wooden beams, an exposed brick fireplace with woodburning stove and quirky alcoves, mixed with modern conveniences and a simple but stylish décor. Head into the spacious living/dining room and relax on one of the three plush sofas, carefully placed around the fireplace, and fire up the woodburning stove as you unwind with a good book or a family film night on the wall-mounted TV. The dining table comfortably seats the whole group, so home-cooked meals can be enjoyed together, lovingly prepared in the well-equipped kitchen, hosting all the appliances you could need to cook up a storm, and why not make use of the working fire bell to alert the group that dinner is ready? The utility room offers a place to get yourself and your four-legged friends cleaned up after a day at the beach, with a washing machine and tumble dryer for your convenience. When sleep is calling, discover three inviting bedrooms to catch your rest in, comprising two doubles and a twin, all of which boast wooden beams, wardrobes for your belonging and stunning floorboards, sharing access to the spacious family bathroom, which offers a choice of bath and shower. The enclosed courtyard garden is perfect for allowing the dogs to stretch their legs, while an additional patio and seating area can be found just around the corner, where you can enjoy a quiet moment with a morning coffee. Walcott's amenities and beach are within short distance, although it may be better to access by car, as the coastal road doesn't have a path, but you will find plenty of free parking at the sea front, along with a café, an excellent fish and chip shop and a convenience store with Post Office, for any essential items you may need to pick up. The name Walcott is derived from the Celtic word Walecote, which means "village by the wood", and it's an ideal place for walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and bird watching. Stroll along the coastal path and onto the cliffs as you make your way towards Happisburgh and its lighthouse, or venture towards Bacton along the sea defence walls. Mundesley offers a choice of lovely sandy beaches, lined with eye-catching coloured beach huts, while further north is Cromer and a range of family-friendly attractions, including the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Amazona Zoo, while the pier is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and a spot of fish and chips. Head further inland to discover stunning National Trust properties of Blickling Estate, the 17th century Felbrigg Hall and Holkham Hall, constructed for the 1st Earl of Leicester. The city of Norwich offers wonderful shopping facilities, as well as a host of pubs and restaurants, and its stunning Norman castle is a must see, while the magnificent 125 miles of waterways that makes up the Norfolk Broads is approximately a 15-minute drive away, ideal for exploring by boat. With so many opportunities available from your doorstep, The Old Barn is a wonderful base for your next coastal escape to Norfolk.
The coastal village of Walcott rests in the middle of the Norfolk coastline, within easy reach of many coastal villages like Bacton, home to the ruins of Bromholm Priory and Bacton Woods, Happisburgh with its impressive lighthouse, and Mundesley, with glorious sandy beaches. Walcott is an ideal place for walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, bird watching or simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Norfolk coast. Head inland to discover National Trust properties like Blickling, Felbrigg and Holkham Halls, while the city of Norwich, with its Norman Cathedral and Castle, is also within easy reach.
Accommodation
All-ground-floor.
Three bedrooms: 2 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Utility.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove
Gas and electric heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, TV with Freeview, WiFi and selection of books.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Off-road parking for two cars.
Enclosed courtyard garden.
Gravelled area with seating.
Three dogs welcome.
Sorry no smoking.
Shop 1.5 miles, pub 0.4 miles.
Note: The barn backs onto a busy road, some road noise may be heard.
Note: This property requires a Good Housekeeping Bond.
Note: Not suitable for wheelchairs
Reviews (54)
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Laura
The property was clean and tidy. We noticed a few cobwebs in the higher ceiling space, but it's a barn, so that's expected! There was a good selection of DVDs to use, however, the batteries in the DVD player controller needed changing. And the tin opener didn't work at all. We explored many lovely walks in the area, but the immediate access to the public footpath off the busy main road was a bit hairy, especially with 2 dogs (a 2-minute walk to the footpath.) We also tried the main field mentioned in the welcome book pack, but the gate was stiff/blocked from opening easily. But overall the barn was lovely and warm!
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Virginia
We arrived late and didn't have time to do a shop so this was a little bit disappointing. The kitchen equipment all felt like it needed a good wash before using and one of the cupboards had cobwebs in! There were a couple of baking trays that should have been thrown out years ago from the looks of things. The outside light at the back didn't work. The sofas were quite uncomfortable. I wouldn't advise anyone with a low suspension to book the property as the entry into the property would probably take your suspension out! The plus points were that it is in a great position, so close to the beach and Poachers Pocket at Bacton was great for food and the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. In short, with a little bit of attention this property could be amazing but just seems a little tired and unloved.
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Fiona
Lovely area and great hosts. We were sad to have to move on to another property for our second week in Norfolk. Our 3 dogs were so welcomed and to have a private field to run them was such a great find. Would love to return at some stage.