See all properties
Entire home·Private host

Characterful cottage situated at the gateway to the Norfolk coast

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Characterful cottage situated at the gateway to the Norfolk coast

2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Outdoor dining
Exterior
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Fakenham, England
  • The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
    9 min drive
  • Holkham National Nature Reserve
    11 min drive
  • Pensthorpe Natural Park
    12 min drive
  • Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.)
    43 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Characterful cottage situated at the gateway to the Norfolk coast

Cromwell Cottage is a 17th century cottage reputed to be the oldest surviving building in Fakenham. Named as it is reputed that Cromwell's troops stayed here in the civil war.

At over 400 years old, the property is packed with character, including beams, inglenooks and original oak panelling in the hallway and master bedroom, it also features several witches marks carved onto the beams hundreds of years ago, near doorways, windows and fireplaces to ward off any evil spirits. We challenge you to find them all!

It has now been converted into a cosy holiday home, sleeping 4+2 with all the amenities you expect for a relaxing break. Featuring Egyptian cotton linens, spa-quality towels, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and the all-important Nespresso coffee machine!

The lounge has an original feature fireplace with a modern wood-burning stove. Wood, kindling and firelighters are provided. There are Smart TVs in the lounge and master bedroom. Both has access to Sky movies, entertainment and full Sky Sports package through NOW TV app.

The property has 2 large bedrooms. The master bedroom on the first floor is approx 275 sqft with a king size bed. Due to the rooms large size, there are also 2 single chair beds that can be made up as singles, or as another king bed, and there is a screen to provide some privacy - perfect for children or a girls weekend! The main shower room is on this floor.

The second floor is up a narrow staircase with limited head room, but opens up into a spacious room. This room has a double bed with an ensuite toilet and sink.

We welcome well-behaved pooches, and there is a secure garden perfect for relaxing.

Positioned right in the heart of Fakenham, known as the gateway to Norfolk due to its easy reach of coastal towns and villages such as Wells-next-the-sea, Holkham, Brancaster, Burnham Market, Holt, Cromer and Sheringham, which are all between 15-30min drive, Cromwell Cottage is the perfect base for a relaxing Norfolk escape.

Please note, due to its age, whilst the property has stunning 9-12ft ceilings on the ground and first floor, the staircases are very steep and there is reduced height access at the top floor on entering the room and then separating the bedroom and dressing/ensuite cloakroom area. This may make it unsuitable for those with reduced mobility and young children
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be close to Pensthorpe Natural Park. Free WiFi and a kitchen are available in the vacation home.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 1.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • 9 minutes by car from The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and 11 minutes from Holkham National Nature Reserve
This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Jodie Stephenson

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: steep staircases, no stairgates provided

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Characterful cottage situated at the gateway to the Norfolk coast Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Taryn M., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little cottage
A short stay to explore the Norfolk coast. I loved the attention to detail and decor of the cottage. If you like historic buildings then this place is for you! The top floor room has an old beam across it and is a struggle to get into but the kids liked it so that was a win. The cottage is quite dark inside and just enough social space for two adults and two kids. The courtyard garden is lovely and a great sun trap. Thanks for having us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gillian C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gillian
Amazing little cottage in the heart of Fakenham. I extremely comfortable and has all amenities required
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quality accommodation
Very attractive and cosy historic accommodation. Beds very comfortable, decor was lovely. Charming courtyard for meals and coffee etc. Host was readily available to smooth over any checking in issues. As a whole house, it was extremely good value for money.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
We arrived fairly late…but as soon as we opened the front door, the heating had been put on and a fire had been lit, plus a beautiful Christmas tree was up x very welcoming Thank you for a wonderful few days in a beautiful house
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Tony B.

Liked: Cleanliness
All good
Nice property. Town a little short on resources but lots to see do nearby.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Penelope K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Historic
After mastering the locking mechanism we were very pleased with the whole property, which was quaint and full of history. Beautifully furnished and well appointed, centre of Fakenham. Only downside, which we knew, was the steepness of the stairs! Easily managed though!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tyler B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
It was a beautiful place. Decorated lovely. Couldnt of asked for more
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

David M., Brentwood

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable and Convenient Norfolk base
We enjoyed our stay at Cromwell cottage, using it as a base to tour Norfolk. Clean, comfortable with garden area and with the sun shining for us, the garden was a great place to chill over a glass of wine, or was it two? Most streaming services on the TV was an added bonus, as was the welcome pack and local attraction details. Communication with Jodie was excellent and downloading the app to link door entry to our phones was a doddle. Recommend the cottage for a peaceful and quiet stay. The stairs are steep as others have said but not a problem if you can walk freely. Fakenham isn't the prettiest of Norfolk towns but we were there for market day (Thursday) and that was worth a stroll around. Book sale in the local church on market day had some great bargains. Local pubs fair to middling though food at Sculthorpe Mill was very good, but pricey £24 (for the rump steak which was beautifully cooked and very tender). Local chippy very good if you fancy eating in. One warning if you're over 6 foot, be careful walking through the cottage doors. It's a case of duck or grouse and I did three times. Whether the grousing knocked any sense into me remains to be seen :-)
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Vincent W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday - North Norfolk
Perfect base for exploring North Norfolk. Characterful property. Ideal for 2 but there is a compromise to consider if there are 4. The staircase to the attic room is as steep as a ladder and the access to the en suite in that room is under a beam which is not much higher than 4 ft 6". That's the only potential downside to be aware of. The outside space is very nice.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
The cottage was delightful and a lovely base for the area, close to local amenities and surrounded by glorious countryside and not far from the amazing beaches.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa W., Derbyshire

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Cottage in Great Location
What a great cottage. Quirky and historic but with all the amenities of a modern house. Welcome pack was lovely. Location excellent for touring North Norfolk. Beds extremely comfortable, TV was great. Communications with Jodie were great. The only thing I could suggest is two people being able to use the key code app. Thanks for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

CHRIS and DAWN M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful characterful property
Small but perfect little house, teaming with character but still with all the mod cons integrated. Pubs and shops on your doorstep yet the only sound you hear in the courtyard garden is the birds singing. Sun most of the day makes it great for breakfast or an afternoon glass of wine. The fully equipped kitchen was beautiful, as was the whole house, only minor minus is that the top floor bedroom is a little challenging, you need to be fairly fit as there is a lot of bending involved and the bed is not full length, therefore better for shorter people. That said it is a novelty and provided us with many giggles. I would 100% recommend this house, a real treasure and am so glad we found it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Colin G., Essex, England

Liked: Cleanliness
A great place to stay
It’s hard to think how this could be better. We were in a car so had to pay for parking, which was a 1 minute walk away so hardly an issue, and that’s the only negative thing I could think of. It’s a lovely, quirky and charming building, super clean, nothing is tired and the outdoor space was great for our Poodle. It’s a wonderful place to stay in a lovely part of the world. Oh, and being able to unlock the front door with the app was easy, and meant we didn’t have to worry about door keys at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michele R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exquisite, cosy, characterful, comfortable
Wonderful stay here over Christmas. Well equipped kitchen, very comfortable and cosy beds, the living room was tastefully decorated for Christmas, so a great atmosphere. Enough comfortable seating for four adults. The cottage is historic, so uneven floors, steep stairs and low beams are part of the character! Hosts were helpful, friendly and approachable, and provided all the information we needed. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lottie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed for 6 weeks and it was amazing!
We had the most wonderful stay at Cromwell Cottage. Everything from the minute we booked it and spoke to Jodie, to when we got to the cottage - it was everything we could have wished for. Couldn’t recommend this cottage more! Beautifully decorated, clean, cosy, great location, and super easy to chat to Jodie throughout our stay if we needed anything! Thanks so much!
Stayed 46 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Norma G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fab Cottage
The cottage was clean comfortable and well equipped with nice quality bedding towels etc. A lovely garden area to rear. Check in process was made easy by regular contact by Jodie. It is close to the local amenities all being in walking distance. Links to coast were close and easily accessible. Overall a lovely cottage well presented and updated without losing the character.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cromwell Cottage
Excellent cottage well situated for North Norfolk beaches & villages etc. Interesting building, lovely back yard for breakfast. Very amenable hosts, good taste of decor. Recommended
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathy G., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Special little house
Characterful historic cottage with the main bedroom one of the best I’ve ever stayed in - comfortable, quiet and stylish. Well-equipped kitchen and lovely welcome treats - thank you Jodie. Great access to different bits of coast and we enjoyed the market in Fakenham on Thursday. Weather didn’t allow us to enjoy eating in the garden as much as we’d have liked to!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021