Review: Worstead Estate, Norfolk

If you’re looking for self catering accommodation in Norfolk, then look no further! We love this elegant holiday cottage in the beautiful countryside village of Worstead

WHY GO?

This gorgeous 2,000 acre estate in idyllic East Anglia is the place to live out your period drama fantasies in glorious seclusion. You’ll enjoy a winning combination of solitude and luxury if you stay in Estate Cottage, a renovated Georgian manor surrounded by idyllic landscaped gardens and beautiful countryside. It’s perfect for everything from family holidays to a break with friends.

THE LOCATION

Near the village of Worstead, just 6 miles from the market town of North Walsham, and a little further afield to the glorious beaches of the East Norfolk coast. Within 25 minutes drive is Horsey, a sandy beach where you’ll see one of the UK’s largest seal colonies between November and April. You’ll drive down a tree-lined avenue, which at the right time of year is bordered by thousands of daffodils. The cottage is located in the private 300-acre Worstead Park, which guests are welcome to explore. Venture through a brick archway into the walled garden, which slopes downhill towards a peaceful lake. The cottage itself looks out onto a patch of woodland carpeted in bluebells; there are marked trails you can stroll through. The cottage itself has an enclosed garden which is perfect for summer barbeques and picnics (there’s a gas-powered BBQ you can use). It also has a wood-fired hot tub, and we rather recommend a late night dip to enjoy stargazing.

INSIDE

The word ‘cottage’ doesn’t quite fit the property, which is more akin to a luxurious manor house with plenty of modern comfort. We love the combination of modern fixtures with tastefully upcycled furniture and quirky period decor, such as botanical prints and stuffed animals. Going through the door you’ll find yourself in a well-equipped kitchen complete with wooden floors, a Belfast sink and French windows overlooking the sunkissed patio. Also downstairs are two reception rooms, the larger of which boasts a log burner inset into a period fireplace. The gilded portrait of James Paterson - the current owners’ grandfather - sits above the mantel. Upstairs you’ll find three luxurious bedrooms; a double with its own private bathroom, a twin with an ensuite and a double. There’s also a bathroom with a rather fabulous vintage rolltop bath. This is a fantastic pick for a self-catered stay with friends or family, offering the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.

THE FOOD

Although this might be a self-catered stay, Worstead Estate is rapidly emerging as a top foodie destination in Norfolk. Upon making a booking, visitors will be able to choose from a list of goodies sourced both from the estate itself and from the surrounding countryside. The highlight is the estate’s delicious wagyu beef, renowned for its marbling and tenderness. The cattle herd is managed accordinging to sustainable principles; the cow barn is a relaxing space complete with backscratchers and a classical music soundtrack! We used the well equipped kitchen to make a supper of wagyu steak and sauté Norfolk potatoes. We also enjoyed locally made gourmet cookies, freshly pressed apple juice and Java Bean coffee roasted and ground on the estate itself.

worsteadestate.com