Litcham 2.1 miles. In the heart of the small village of Mileham in rural Mid-Norfolk is this superb one-bedroom annexe, The Old Stables. The Old Stables is an idyllic setting for a couple looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It lies within easy reach of three historic market towns and is the perfect base to explore Norfolk’s many attractions. Adjoining the owner’s home, The Old Oak, formerly an inn dating back more than 200 years, The Old Stables, as the names suggest, is a former stable, boasting an open-plan layout and a sunny private courtyard. Pass through the secure gates and park-up on the drive with convenient space available for one or two cars. After unloading your bags, relax and soak up your charming surroundings. Through open windows your only distractions will be the sounds of the countryside; crows roosting in nearby woods as dusk approaches, the owners' chickens and guinea fowl at feeding time, maybe a woodpecker hammering for grubs, the occasional dog barking, or perhaps a cow mooing in the distance on the

adjoining farm. Upon arrival you will be greeted with a welcome basket of basic supplies to get you started; bread, butter, milk, teas & coffee, and (if the hens are laying!) eggs from the owner’s garden. Vegan butter and milk alternatives can also be arranged by request. Once inside The Old Stables, discover the open-plan living space, where you can look forward to your own lovingly prepared meals in the fully-functioning kitchen, with handy dishwasher and washing machine to assist with the chores. Settle down at the fold-up dining table to savour a tasty meal, or if the weather is nice, why not enjoy an alfresco dinner out on the private patio as you revel in the last of the day’s sunshine. Snuggle up on the plush sofa with a glass of wine and select the evening's entertainment, courtesy of the TV with Freeview, or make use of the WiFi available and bring your own devices. There is a collection of books, well-loved board games and DVDs that you are welcome to borrow from if you are still stuck for indoor entertainment. As your eyes grow heavy, retire to the bedroom, traditionally-decorated with an original wooden lintel and recess from the former stable, where you will find a sumptuous king-size with an en-suite shower room, perfect for washing away the day before catching your rest. Set out to explore the local village, where you will find the fascinating remains of Mileham Castle, as well as the friendly Village Shop & Post Office for picking up any last-minute essentials. If you’ve brought a dog, there’s an easy circular village walk to enjoy, or alternatively, the Castle grounds would be great for a canine romp. For a local meal and/or drink, there’s a surprisingly good selection within a few short miles. The Bull Inn at Litcham, The Brisley Bell at Brisley, a local favourite, and the Old Dairy at Stanfield (breakfasts and lunches only) are all worth a visit. The nearby historic village of North Elmham, worth a visit in its own right, also offers two pubs, the Kings Head Hotel and the Railway Arms, if you are lucky you might even catch a music night at the Railway Arms. While you are here, don’t miss a visit to the Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse Museum in nearby Beetley, where you can learn much about bygone rural life and sometimes hard times, in the workhouse museum. Walkers will delight at the easy access to Pensthorpe Natural Park, where you can explore over 770 acres of woodland, wetland and vibrant gardens whilst trying to spot the local wildlife, or pick up the Nar Valley Way walking trail in either direction. If you are feeling more adventurous, head up to the coast and join the Norfolk Coast Path – almost anywhere along the route offers superb walking, birdwatching, beautiful views and fresh sea breezes. Visit Wells-Next-The-Sea and exercise along the endless sandy beaches and woodland, which is great for dogs, and afterwards, treat yourselves to Wells’ famous fish and chips! Other great places to visit include: Holt, with its art galleries, shops and restaurants, including Byfords, famed as the best place to indulge in a bite to eat in Holt, the historic and magnificent Holkham House, Sandringham royal residence and grounds, Fakenham, with its lively open market and auction every Thursday morning for antiques, bric-a-brac and furniture, Swaffham, especially on Saturday mornings when the market is in full swing, with great food and local produce on sale and South Creake artisan market, held on the first Saturday of the month. For memories you will cherish forever, choose The Old Stables as your base.

Tucked away in the lush Norfolk countryside is the quaint village of North Elmham. The village boasts an excellent selection of amenities, including a tennis club, The Kings Head Hotel where you can indulge in a scrumptious afternoon tea or tuck-in to a traditional pub lunch. Budding historians will delight at the village's fascinating ruins of a Normal Chapel which have been reconstructed into a fortified house, as well as the excellent selection of English Heritage spots which surround the area.

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