The Old Rectory, Oxborough

At the end of a sweeping tree-lined drive the Old Rectory stands resplendent in the midst of imposing gardens containing the ruins of a tenth century church.

The luxurious accommodation is either in the main house or in a restored coach house and stable block nearby. Individually named and designed rooms have muted colours, elegant period furniture and splendid bathrooms. The Courtenay Room features a magnificent silver gilt bed and the Earl’s Room has a four poster bed and a log fire. Communal areas include a welcoming drawing room.

Country pursuits are on hand to complement the surroundings: croquet is played on the lawn and the owners arrange riding or shooting if requested. In the summer breakfast is taken by the pool and candlelit dinners can be provided.

From the Old Rectory there is an outstanding view of nearby Oxborough Hall, a romantic, moated manor house, built by the Bedingfeld family in the fifteenth century. The Great Tower is completely unchanged and rises impressively to eighty feet above the moat.

Oxborough is eight miles from the town of Swaffham which has splendid Georgian buildings, a magnificent church and a lively Saturday market. Under an hour’s drive to the north lies the North Norfolk Heritage Coast, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Nature reserves, salt marshes, unspoilt beaches and timeless villages can all be found here.