Vicar's Sermon

Vicar's Sermon: Norfolk

We're willing to bet that there aren't too many vicarage and pool house combos out there, which is more the shame if this wonderful address is anything to go by. Surrounded by six acres of private grounds, these two properties combine to make for a truly unique stay. The main house dates back to the Georgian era and overflows with regency charm, from the chandeliers and antique furnishings to the tapestry on the living room wall and the chequerboard tiling in the hallway as soon as you enter. Just next door is the slightly newer pool house, which holds an impressive games room underneath the twenty foot-high vaulted ceiling. As the name of the second building suggests, there's also a heated swimming pool for guests to splash about in. This looks out over the walled garden, where afternoons can be spent playing croquet or tennis on the fenced-off all-weather court. Come evening time, the only thing for it is to fire up the two barbecues and gather everybody together on the patio. If you ever feel like leaving the address — which we wouldn't blame you if not — you can borrow one of the ten bicycles and explore the nearby Thetford Forest, or drive half an hour over to Oxburgh Hall to see its moat and gardens.

Home truths:
*The heated pool is open between 1st April and 30th October
*There are bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor in the pool house, but not the vicarage
*There's plenty of room to park here
*One well-behaved dog is allowed with prior approval, but this will come at an additional cost of £25 — it's not allowed upstairs or on the furniture
*A cot, high chair, fireplace guards, children's books and toys can be provided if required
*Four of the bedrooms can be configured as super-king beds or twin singles
*A chef, butler service and a range of beauty and therapeutic treatments are available by arrangement
*The house manager lives in the next village and can be reached by telephone