Slow Stays | Spinks Nest, Norfolk (ad / pr stay)
My stay at Spinks Nest was complementary but all thoughts, words and images are my own.
This time last week, I was holed up in one of the most beautifully designed places I’ve ever stayed; wood-burner roaring, book in my hand, Evie curled up asleep on my lap. Spinks Nest is located just outside Holt in North Norfolk, tucked away on a quiet lane a village named Hunworth. Previously a generic holiday cottage, the owners have completely transformed the small building, utilising local and reclaimed materials that honour the history of the cottage. The walls in the kitchen, living room and bedroom showcase the traditional Norfolk building material of flint stones, providing both an architectural feature and a wonderful nod to the surrounding buildings. The roof has been raised to the eaves, making a small space feel larger. Underfloor heating through keeps the cottage warm and cosy, providing the perfect surface for Evie to sprawl out on (and for toasty toes when you need the loo in the middle of the night!)
Every single detail inside the cottage has been carefully considered. The interiors are beautifully designed, with plenty of antique pieces on show, but all mod cons are also available. The kitchen is fully functional (something I relish after staying in properties with very basic facilities) and we cooked here several times during our stay. The open shelves are lined with glassware and ceramics that have been carefully curated. Foliage, paintings and illustrations adorn the walls. There is a striking turquoise chest of drawers stocked full of board games, a bottle of gin perched on the top for evening drinks. Two comfy leather armchairs face the fireplace, roomy enough for kicking up your feet and getting comfortable. The raised double bed (no exagerration, one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on) in located behind a false wall, accessed on both sides behind a curtain that partitions it off from the living room. The lighting everything is designed to be low and soft, with reading lamps and uplighters carefully positioned behind the rafters.
The bathroom is perhaps the most striking feature of Spinks Nest. It is unlike any other bathroom I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, with it’s beautiful green panelled walls, wooden bench toilet seat and wonderfully unique bath. The brass rainfall shower sits above a sunken Tadelakt square bath tub, roomy enough for two to soak. It’s such a clever idea that really makes the most of a small bathroom and makes it feel like a luxurious spa.
We spent most of our two-night visit just enjoying the comforts of the cottage: long lie-ins in that incredible bed, keeping cosy by the fire while catching up on Happy Valley and reading our books, dining up to the kitchen table by candlelight, soaking in that amazing bath. The village is also ideal for short dog walks, through the woods and up the lane. I headed out one evening at golden hour, enjoying how the setting sun cast the flint houses in a glowing light. The cottage is located right on the road, but it is a quiet lane and there was no noise disturbance. There’s a small garden area by the door (around the back of the cottage) where you could sit outside during the warmer months. The owner’s house (which looked incredible) is positioned behind the cottage, but there is a privacy screen for the outdoor seating area.
Norfolk isn’t somewhere that has been particularly on my radar in recent years (I always tend to head south-west on my UK adventures) but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here, and will definitely be back to soak up the comforts of Spinks Nest again.
Recommendations for North Norfolk
Places we visited and would recommend, as well as a couple that are on our list for our next visit …
Star Plain Stores, Holt - We stopped at this wonderful cheese shop and deli to stock up on supplies to take back to the cottage. They have an incredible selection of sweet and savoury treats, and also have a small cafe where you can dine on cheese boards. I eyed up their frozen pizzas for next time we’re in the area.
Norfolk Natural Living, Holt - The place to go for all-natural cleaning, household and skincare products. Their range is huge, everything smells wonderful and the owner is really knowledgable and can help with any questions you might have.
The Wandering Whelk, Holt - We were famished when we stumbled across this small cafe, and completely devoured their very tasty vegetarian breakfast. The pastries on the counter also looked delicious.
Picnic Fayre, Cley - Two delis in one day? Picnic Fayre is more than worth the short drive to Cley. Another wonderful deli full of delights. They have sweet and savoury snacks on their counter if you’re planning a picnic.
Made in Cley, Cley - A lovely shop/gallery filled with handmade pottery: lamp bases, mugs, crockery and also a small collection of jewellery.
Holkam - My favourite beach in North Norfolk for taking your dog for a long walk. Last time we were in the area it was a glorious summer’s day and we spent hours here. This time, it was very blustery so we just let Evie have a run until she tired herself out. The huge expanse of sand is backed by a pine forest.
Horsey - Grey seals flock here November - February to have their babies. Walk over the sand dunes from the car park and head right to get very close to the seals. It was incredible to stand just ten feet away and watch them rolling about in the sand and swimming in the sea.
The Dun Cow, Salthouse - Good pub grub, just a 15 minute drive from Spink’s Nest. Book ahead, but be aware there is only one vegetarian option.
The Gunton Arms, Cromer - I kept reading rave reviews for this posh pub located in the midst of a deer park. It’s definitely at the top of my list for my next visit.
Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre, Holt - There are so many antiques shops to explore in the area, but this was one of my favourites. There are several rooms filled with an interesting array of finds.
Bayfield Hall Antiques, Letheringsett - If you only have time to visit one or two antiques shops on your trip, make the short drive to Bayfield Hall where you’ll find a very friendly antiques dealer and plenty of treats.
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