GROUND FLOOR The front door opens into a cosy living room with solid oak flooring, an open fireplace, 2 sofas, a reading chair and a TV. A single step leads up into the dining area, which retains its original character with an exposed brick chimney breast. This space then flows into the kitchen, which has a butler’s sink and a dresser, blending period features with modern essentials needed for a self-catering stay: air fryer, microwave, electric cooker (hob/grill/oven), kettle, toaster, fridge/freezer & dishwasher. A door from the dining room leads into a small lobby, which provides access to the bathroom. The bathroom includes a WC, hand basin & a bath with a dual-outlet shower. Traditional taps are at the other end of the bath for those who fancy a soak, and a heated towel rail and dual-voltage shaver socket are also provided. The lobby also leads to the stairs up to the first floor, which are fully carpeted and include handrails for support. While steeper than a modern house, they are easier to navigate than some original Norfolk winder staircases. FIRST FLOOR Bedroom 1: Double bed plus a Victorian single four-poster bed, with far-reaching views across open fields to the River Nar. Bedroom 2: Double bed and overlooks the 14th century church. OUTSIDE To the front of the holiday cottage a narrow patio with a bench, perfect for enjoying the views and fresh country air. Just outside the back door is the original stone wash-house, where you’ll find a washing machine & tumble dryer. The garden is separate from the property and reached via a traditional path running behind the neighbouring cottages - a common, historic feature of terraced houses in rural Norfolk. Alternatively, a separate path offers direct access from the street. The garden is primarily laid to lawn with established borders, a washing line, table & chairs. NOTE There is no Wi-Fi at the cottage. As village broadband can be quite slow, we find speeds are faster using a mobile phone's 4G/5G data.

Priory Cottage is new to this platform, but has been let as self-catering holiday accommodation for over 20 years, with many regular guests who return year after year. Located in the historic village of Castle Acre in West Norfolk, it provides the perfect base for exploring the wider beauty of Norfolk and East Anglia. While Norfolk is famous for being flat, the Heritage Village of Castle Acre is defined by the dramatic hilltop ruins of a Norman Castle, The Bailey Gate and the 1,000-year-old Priory, with a gentle sweep down into the beautiful Nar Valley. Priory Cottage stands at the peaceful edge of the village with wonderful views of the open countryside; the River Nar winds through the fields in the distance to the front, the ancient Priory ruins are to the side, and the 14th-century St James the Great Church rests quietly behind. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay downstairs at the holiday cottage at no extra charge. Castle Acre is a fantastic staycation destination for dog owners, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and explore off the lead, and opportunities to paddle in the ford or jump in the River Nar from the riverbank just a 5 minute walk from the accommodation. An exceptional network of footpaths and public-access fields start right from the doorstep, including beautiful walks along the Nar Valley and historic trails like the Peddars Way. You can enjoy everything from a gentle stroll to a longer hike through the rolling landscape, all beginning the moment you step outside the holiday cottage.

A picturesque walk through the churchyard leads you into the heart of the village, home to The Ostrich, a fantastic local pub with great food, Wittles café/tea room, Castle Acre Fish & Chip shop, and a well-stocked Budgens store & post office. Just a mile away in nearby Newton by Castle Acre, The George & Dragon pub offers another excellent dining option. Just across the road from the shop is the village playing field with fenced-in children’s playground, zip-wire and skate ramp. For those feeling active, the playing field also features a state of the art all-weather Multi-Use Games Area. Visitors can book the court for a game of tennis or pickleball for a small fee via the club's website (don't forget to pack your own rackets & balls if you fancy a match). Castle Acre Priory is a paid-entry English Heritage site, and we highly recommend going inside at least once to see the prior's lodgings and the stunning west front up close. However, you can also enjoy the Priory ruins for free by following the open fields & public footpaths that skirt the perimeter. These fields and paths offer fantastic views at any hour (the ruins look particularly mystical in the dawn mist or during a sunset stroll). The spectacular Castle ruins are completely free to enter and explore at any time. You can climb to the top of the Norman earthworks and wander the grassy slopes where centuries of history come alive. A large Waitrose and Tesco Superstore are just a 8 minute drive away in Swaffham, along with various other shops and places to eat out. You’ll also find several other traditional country pubs in the surrounding villages well worth a visit. Approximate driving times to places in Norfolk from the holiday accommodation: Fakenham 18 mins, Dereham 20 mins, King’s Lynn 22 mins, Castle Rising 24 mins, Sandringham 24 mins, Walsingham 25 mins, Burnham Market 32 mins, Wells-next-the-Sea 30 mins, Holt 35 mins, Hunstanton 37 mins, Sheringham 45 mins, Norwich 45 mins and Cromer 48 mins.