Holly Lodge Shepherd's Hut in Thursford Green, Norfolk

Thursford is not just Norfolk-known but nationally renowned for its incredible Christmas Spectacular shows. They are a phenomenon of world-class, huge-scale festive song and dance.

For much of the rest of the year the theatre-in-a-barn is a steam museum showing off fabulously jolly street organs and huge and historic farm machinery. The sheer joy of riding its steam-powered fairground waltzer and gallopers is only matched by the fast-paced finger-flying, foot-dancing wonder of the Wurlitzer organ concerts.

Just down the village lane is Holly Lodge. The beautiful old house is set in peaceful gardens and, on a little lawn at the bottom of the garden, is a shepherd’s hut.

Holly Lodge Shepherd's Hut interior (Image: Holly Lodge) It is an absolute delight, from first sight of the pretty cabin watched over by a life-size model sheep, to bare feet sinking into a sheepskin rug as you step out of the (wonderfully comfortable) bed in the morning to open the woollen blinds and wooden shutters to another day in paradise.

If this is how shepherds lived then no wonder the medieval architecture of Norfolk, funded by the wool trade, is so impressive. After building magnificent churches there must have been riches left over for creating mini palaces for the people looking after the lucrative sheep.

Of course this is fairytale fantasy shepherding, but my husband and I were very happy to play the part of fabulously fortunate farm workers.

Holly Lodge Shepherd's Hut interior (Image: Holly Lodge) The picturesquely curved roof of the cabin sheltered a king-sized bed, sheepskin throws over the artfully aged leather sofa, wicker trunks for tables, a stained-glass window glowing with sheep, underfloor heating and a wood-burner-style stove (to warm orphan lambs I assume), an en-suite shower room with drench shower continuing the rustic-chic vibe with coppery taps and pipework, plus a flat-screen television and splendidly-equipped kitchen.

The interior design, blending rural peace and modern sophistication, was phenomenal, from the calming pale green of the wood-panelled walls to artisanal style furniture and furnishings.

The Shepherd's Hut is part of Holly Lodge’s boutique B&B accommodation, with a very fine breakfast served in the conservatory of the main house every morning. I can recommend the mushroom omelette but there are many more options as well as pastries, fruit, yoghurts, cereals and juices.

A hearty Holly Lodge breakfast. (Image: Rowan Mantell) There are three B&B rooms in the main house and another three in pretty brick-and-flint converted stables. Parts of the house are said to date back to the 13th century and guests can enjoy its lounge and honesty bar, and even book all the accommodation for sole use of family or friends.

Guests are invited to enjoy the gardens too, with plenty of artfully-placed opportunities for relaxing and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. And anyone keen to get out into the countryside can walk the quiet footpaths nearby or borrow one of Holly Lodge’s bicycles. Helmets and locks are provided and the baskets are perfect for a picnic.

A couple of fellow guests arrived on their own bikes, taking advantage of Holly Lodge being on Rebellion Way, the new long-distance cycle route which winds on tracks and lanes between Norwich, Thetford Forest, King’s Lynn, Sheringham and the Broads.

RECOMMENDED READING

Holly Lodge has a fleet of bicycles to explore the area on. (Image: Rowan Mantell)

We pedalled the well-maintained and comfortable Holly Lodge steeds along quiet lanes between tiny flinty farmsteads and villages, through Bale, Field Dalling and Langham to glorious sea views sailing down into Wiveton.

Whether you want to work up an appetite for a pub lunch or dinner, cool off with a dip in the sea, or just enjoy the lovely countryside around Thursford, the bicycles are a lovely thought in a B&B which blends memorably quirky touches (there’s a suit of armour in the Holly Lodge entrance hall and a milk churn beside the Shepherd's Hut) with the kind of blissful luxury where every need has been anticipated and provided.

I got the impression that when I said I wanted to stay forever, this was not the first time the lovely staff at Holly Lodge had heard the sentiment.

The sheep which welcomes guests. (Image: Holly Lodge) Holly Lodge is in Thursford Green, Thursford, between Fakenham and Blakeney. Its idyllic rural setting just five miles from the coast is also close to some of Norfolk’s best-loved attractions including stately homes, wildlife reserves and seal trips.