Old Beams,

If you love traditional interiors, you’ll adore this feature-filled cottage. Perfect for two couples and a pair of canine companions, it has a choice of sitting rooms, a pretty courtyard garden and has one of the country’s finest saltmarshes on the doorstep. Famous for its blue cockles and wildlife-rich saltmarshes, Stiffkey is one of North Norfolk’s most atmospheric and ancient villages. A cluster of cobbled walls and white-washed cottages line the lane that winds through the village – among them, this beautiful holiday home is full of character and has a few surprises in store too. Stroll through the pretty cottage garden and, once inside, you’ll find a stunning ‘winter’ lounge/diner with traditional furnishings, exposed timbers, rustic flooring and a scene-stealing central wood burner. In contrast, the ‘summer’ lounge is contemporary and filled with natural light thanks to its conservatory-style roof; each room has its own TV and DVD player so you can unwind in whichever suits. You’ll find all the self-catering essentials in the kitchen here, and the family bathroom is on the ground floor too. Upstairs, there’s a pretty landing area and two peaceful bedrooms, each prepared with as much attention to detail as the rooms below. Choose from a king-sized bedroom with a deep-set cottage window or a double with a skylight window above the bed – Norfolk is famous for its big skies so you could fall asleep while stargazing. The enclosed courtyard garden has seasonal planting, a BBQ and outdoor furniture so you can soak up the sunshine and sea air in comfort. Wander 350 metres along the lane and you’ll be at Stiffkey Saltmarshes – rich in wildlife, they’re criss-crossed by twisting muddy creeks which are flooded daily by the tide and are an important conservation area for breeding birds. The Norfolk Coast Path skirts the saltmarshes, leading to Blakeney 4 miles east and to Wells-next-the-Sea 5 miles west – each is a must-see and offers a selection of shops, pubs and cafes to reward your walk.