Bessingham Manor, Self-Catering, North Norfolk

6 miles from Holt
6 miles from Cromer
20 miles from Norwich

“The Spurrell family bought a small estate in Bessingham in 1766 and gradually expanded and improved the farmland. The 1870 Manor House built by Daniel Spurrell is testimony to their local standing and influence over several generations. By the early twenty-first century it had become derelict and its possible fate aroused a lot of interest in the press. It is now being lovingly restored, to the delight of people in and around Bessingham” (Jonathan Spurrell, 2013, www.spurrell-genealogy.com).

It has certainly provoked interest over the years not only for its demise but also for its colourful occupants including Denham Spurrell. Often described as a ‘Toad of Toad Hall’ character due to his erratic driving, he brought back a bear from India at the turn of the 20th century, which would be brought out to entertain guests. Some of the more elderly residents in the area remember it ‘rattling’ on the bars of it’s cage from across the fields.

The 4 storey Manor was due to be demolished in early 2012 but was bought and restored by William and Dawn Hickey. They are experienced in restoration and in providing self-catering accommodation in North Norfolk and Cambridge. Bessingham Manor will be ready for taking its first guests from May Bank Holiday 2014, whereupon this amazing house, which was designed to impress and entertain, will come alive once more.

Set in 4.5 acres, the house has been sympathetically restored and where possible, original features have been kept. However, there are many modern conveniences to make your stay that more enjoyable. Sky HD is available in the main reception rooms and Wifi is available throughout.

As you step inside the Manor through the porch, you are greeted with a very grand entrance hall of black and white marble flooring, with a large sweeping staircase. To the right is the main reception room. At approximately 14m long by 7m wide with 2 sets of bay windows (one with French doors opening towards the lower lawn) and windows on two more aspects, chandeliers, beautiful cornicing, marble fireplace and fitting furniture, you will be hard pressed to find a more impressive room for relaxing and entertaining!

Back across the hall is the ‘study’. With leather sofas, woodburner and beautiful furniture, this is a spacious but very ‘cosy’ room.

The large flagstone floored kitchen is fully equipped with large Aga and another large electric range cooker so that ‘enough cooking’ space is never a problem! The dressers and pine table give this room that Victorian kitchen feel. The French doors in the kitchen open straight onto the patio, perfect for those summer days. A large American style fridge freezer can also be found. Off the kitchen is a fantastic ‘side kitchen’. This houses a huge original butler sink, microwave, dishwashers and the brick and slate shelves provide lots of storage. The great advantage of this room is that all the preparation and washing up can be placed out of sight!

The breakfast room is a lovely room entered via a brick arch from the kitchen. With natural light flooding through the windows, this provides a delightful space for breakfast and informal dining, with large table, sumptuous drapes and the comfort of a wood burner for winter days.

Another door from the kitchen leads down to the barrel vaulted cellars.

There are two downstairs cloakrooms both with a Victorian feel. One in the porch and the second off the main corridor, which also houses the laundry facilities (yes it is that large!).

The bedrooms are tastefully decorated and furnished with a nod to Victorian and Edwardian eras. Large windows and fireplaces are commonplace in this house so all are bright and characterful.

The master/family bedroom has a four poster bed, a single bed, fireplace, chaise longue and dual aspects overlooking the local countryside. The large ensuite, has a double slipper cast iron bath with French doors opening out onto its own balcony on which you may sit. Imagine soaking in the bath with the doors open on a balmy night with champagne in your hand!

Bedroom 2/ family room again has a kingsize 4 poster bed, a single bed, a fireplace, chaise longue and windows on two aspects. The ensuite is charming with its cast iron bath and fireplace.

Bedroom 3 has a superkingsize black and brass bed and large ensuite with shower.

Bedroom 4 is another characterful room with a superkingsize white & brass bed with a large window overlooking the rear garden.

Bedroom 5 is a double room with a black and brass bed and fireplace overlooking the rear garden.

Bedroom 6 has a bunkbed and also a single with fireplace overlooking the rear garden. We found that the wardrobe in this room had a secret door in the back where the servants could scurry through!

Bedroom 7 is a downstairs double bedroom with a black and brass bed suitable for those less able. It has an easy access toilet and shower.

The family bathroom is quite luxurious! With a centre staged slipper bath looking out with Chandeliers above, you will feel very special. Oh yes, there’s also a fireplace and a large separate shower!

There are two staircases, the old servants staircase at the far end of the Manor or you could make your entrance and sweep down the main staircase into the grand hall.

The Manor is decorated in beautiful Farrow and Ball colours and is adorned with beautiful cornicing, dado and picture rails, gorgeous light fittings, stained glass doors, beautiful cast iron radiators… just to name some of the features that await you.

The Manor is set in 4.5 acres mostly laid to grass with mature trees and a small area of woodland so there is lots of space to explore! There is a large patio area at the back of the house conveniently accessed from the kitchen and main reception room. Here you will find tables and chairs and a large BBQ for outside entertaining.

The land is partly enclosed by the old estate wall but is mostly surrounded by hedges, beyond which there is open parkland on 3 sides.

(approximately 40 homes, all of which were once owned by the Bessingham Estate) set in a conservation area well away from the typical tourist areas. It is not a thoroughfare, so it and the surrounding areas are amongst the most unspoilt and quiet areas of North Norfolk. Although it is beautifully tucked away, access to the coast and everything North Norfolk has to offer is easily accessible.

It is approximately7 miles from the beautiful Georgian town of Holt, 5 miles from Sheringham, 6 miles from Cromer, 9 miles from Aylsham and 26 miles from the historic town of Norwich Most of the main supermarkets including Waitrose and Tesco are easily accessible from Bessingham.