Little Barn at Kempstone Manor Farm

A Renovated Rustic Barn on an Norfolk Manor Estate

Tucked within the Kempstone Manor Farm Estate in rural Norfolk, this two-bedroom barn conversion strikes the ideal balance between its rustic heritage and dressed up modern comforts. The renovated barn’s high ceilings and abundance of glass where barn doors once slid add a jolt of contemporary loft styling to its original form. Once an agricultural space, the best of the barn’s rural architecture shines through exposed brickwork, sturdy stone walls, and patinaed cross beams. There’s a king-sized bedroom with an ensuite bathtub on the ground floor as well as a linkable twin bedroom with its own bath and shower. A wood-burning stove anchors the living area. The kitchen with its farm-styled central island offers a spacious, sunny spot for meal prep, and a courtyard overlooks the larger estate garden and cultivated fields.

Around

Located on the Kempstone Manor Farm Estate, this barn conversion is surrounded by the fertile, green beauty of the Norfolk countryside, offering tranquility and plenty of space to spread out and unwind gently. The village of Litcham is about one mile from the estate. It's a traditional country village that offers a pub, a butcher, a handful of shops, and a school. The market towns of Swaftham, Dereham and Fakenham are each approximately nine miles from the barn, and the Norfolk Coast National Landscape (and its villages of Wells-next-the-Sea and Cley-next-the-Sea) is an easy half hour’s drive to the north.

The region of North Norfolk is known for its rural beauty and seaside. Coastal villages like Wells-next-the-Sea (with its colorful beach huts and harbor bobbing with fishing boats), Brancaster with its bird-filled lagoons, Burnam Market with its traditional High Street, as well as Holt and Thronham, all offer many charms. The region’s beaches have wide sandy stretches as well as pebbled landings, and their watersport- and family-friendly harbors are lined with cafes, shops, and souvenir shacks.

North Norfolk’s marshes draw birders across the seasons, with Cley and Titchwell Marshes among the favorite spots for birdwatching. In addition to birding, seal-sighting is another regional pastime. Head to Blakeney Point, home to both grey and common seals, with tour guides offering boat outings to view the seals in their natural habitat.

A 93-mile network of walking trails crosses the coastal region, passing through rural countryside, fairytale woodland and along the windswept coastline. Heritage sites include Sandringham, Holkham Hall, Blickling Estate and Houghton Hall, each offering outstanding architecture and lush gardens for visiting. Foodies should seek out Brancaster mussels or Cromer crab, heritage breed pork and local cheeses such as Samphire and Mrs Temples, as well as classic pub fare.

Location

Nearest airport: Norwich (15 miles)

Best time to visit

April to October