Do different
9th April 2025
Fancy staying somewhere a bit quirky? Here’s Sarah Hardy’s guide to some of the area’s more unusual holiday conversions
The Control Tower
This vegetarian B&B is situated on the former RAF North Creake airfield and has been lovingly restored by Nigel Morter and Claire Nugent. The airfield was built in 1942/43 and became operational in 1944. After the Second World War, it had various uses before Claire and Nigel opened the Control Tower as a B&B in 2014. There are four suites available, plus a guest lounge, and they are all in keeping with the building’s rich history. Dogs are not allowed.
What else? The Barn Cafe at nearby Creake Abbey has good lunches – and you can explore the shops in the surrounding buildings, too!
The Grain Store
Wow – this is contemporary living and some! This six-bedroom converted barn sits just outside the pretty market town of Reepham. It features modern architecture and innovative design, and is a high tech PassivHaus, meaning it has very low energy use. Features include a wood burning stove, a spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine library nook, and a games room with table football. There are wide open countryside views and a large patio area. Two dogs are allowed.
What else? Bread Source at the Dial House in Reepham is a firm favourite. Great sourdoughs and pastel de nata.
The Old Smithy
This two-bedroom property is in Great Walsingham and has been beautifully renovated to provide very comfortable accommodation while keeping plenty of features – look out, for example, for the original sign over the door. There’s a lovely, open plan living space, complete with a wood burner, and three bathrooms so you’ll never have to wait! There isn’t a garden but there is a garden bench at the front of the house where you can sit and watch the world go by – Walsingham style! No dogs allowed.
What else? OBrennans Coffee House & Cafe in the village is a good spot for dog walkers, cyclists and more.
The Signal Box
There is a real ‘get away from it all’ feel to this former railway signal box which once was the main signal box at Wymondham. Situated in the grounds of the owner’s house, on the outskirts of Melton Constable, it dates back to 1900 and has been beautifully renovated, retaining as many original features as possible, to provide cosy accommodation for two people. Accessed by eight wrought-iron steps, it’s an upside-down house, with an ensuite bedroom on the ground floor and living quarters on the first floor. Mention must go to the lovely cottage gardens, and two dogs are welcome.
What else? Stroll into Melton Constable and visit M&M Rutland Butchers for a fine selection of meats – and great sausages!
The Railway Hotel
Originally the Old Station Master’s House, the Railway Hotel in Burnham Market has been renovated to provide eight ensuite bedrooms, with a secluded garden and sunken hot tub, too. One of them, The Carriage, is a converted railway carriage so it’s packed with character and stands proud on the station platform. Expect plenty of luxury, with fluffy robes, gorgeous bedlinen, walk in showers and more. Dogs are allowed in some rooms. And you are within a short walk of the bustling village centre.
What else? The Tuscan Farm Shop is the place to grab a fantastic coffee and mixed platter. The olive oil comes straight from the owner’s farm in Italy.
