THE LOWDOWN

If you’ve ever fancied yourself a Lady of the Manor, Ormesby Manor in Norfolk’s idyllic countryside is the perfect place to try the role on for size. Giving the stately pads on Bridgerton a run for their money, the Grade II listed, 18th century, former farmhouse is a showstopper. We were sold when we set eyes on the Italian-style circular tower, but who can resist a sweeping driveway, walled garden, peaceful waterway, self-contained annexe and three Shepherd’s Huts? Not us, and they’re all available for exclusive hire for you and up to 26 of your favourite people.

Sitting pretty within 12-acres of stunning parkland and the Norfolk Broads National Park as a backdrop, Ormesby Manor is perfectly situated for exploring everything that Norfolk has to offer – sandy beaches, scenic walks, boating on the Broads, abundant wildlife (hello seals on Horsey Beach), classic countryside pubs and heritage sites. And a brisk 90min drive from Cambridge, 2.5hrs from Essex, with Northampton, Lincoln and London clocking in at under 3hrs, making it easily accessible for a big weekender.

You have four options when booking. You can just take over the main Manor (which is what we did) which comfortably sleeps 16-20 guests. There are eight individually-designed bedrooms, a fully stocked open plan kitchen – for dining, drinks and discos – and two lounge areas for relaxing or cocktailing. That’s not all, there’s another reception room which can be transformed for dinner parties if you’re going full throttle Lady of the Manor, plus a beautiful, private outdoor seating area within the walled garden which we earmarked for wining and dining al fresco and marvelling at those Norfolk skies.

Well Lodge is a self-contained ground floor cottage, just off the main house. It maybe annexed but it’s no less glam. It’s a blend of country cottage meets classy villa with open plan living, two bedrooms and a family ensuite, exposed beams and slouchy leather chairs, alongside ornate Italian tiling and chandeliers. The old well in the lounge was a bit of surprise and definitely a talking point.

You can book Well Lodge by itself or as an addition to the main house making it a great spot for young families or grandparents if you’re staying with multiple generations who relish an earlier bedtime or a bit of peace and quiet.

And now for the three Shepherd Huts, situated in the scenic Ormesby Meadow with pretty views of woodland and fields and exclusive use of the hot tub and fire pit. Named Gamekeeper, Gardener and Beekeeper, and decorated accordingly, each hut has a king-sized bed (surprising), ensuite shower room along with a fridge, kettle, microwave and luxury toiletries.

You maybe outside but rest assured this is far from off grid with super-fast WiFi, smart TVs and sustainable central heating for a cosy night’s sleep. Though we didn’t stay in them, we had a nosey and have to say the layout is superb. You can book one hut, or plan a trip with three other couples and take one each. You’re also far enough away from the Manor not to be disturbed if another group is staying there but close enough to join everyone for breakfast if you’re arriving en masse – you can book exclusively all three Shepherd’s Huts, the Well Lodge and the Manor.

THE VIBE

Five-star luxe, lady, with the kind of relaxed ‘your house, your rules’ attitude that you expect when staying in a self-catering space. I’m talking chandeliers, sweeping staircases and grand reception areas alongside an open plan country-style kitchen/dining space and cosy snug with a huge TV for cosy movie nights – and don’t even get me started on the bedrooms. Everything has been meticulously designed and planned out to take into consideration every possible need, want and taste with an attention to detail that would put many luxury hotels to shame.

There’s always a danger with houses as old and as grand as Ormesby Manor to feel a bit stuffy and dated however you can leave that notion at home because this is certainly not the case here. The decor throughout (and this includes the Well Lodge and Shepherd’s Huts) has been carefully chosen; opulent wallpapers, decadent beds, vintage pieces of furniture, repurposed furnishings and plenty of one of a kind gems throughout. You’ll feel glamorous yet comfortable, indulgent yet cosy and you’ll definitely want to decorate your entire house after visiting.

Though my group far from filled the manor – there were eight of us – it didn’t feel like we were rattling around. We were able to keep fairly contained in the kitchen-diner, cosy snug and garden. If you’re celebrating, you can host a dinner party in The Garden Room. We kicked ourselves for not being more organised and arranging a Roaring Twenties murder mystery themed evening (next time). But that’s the thing, you can tailor your stay to your needs. Whether it’s the locale or your chosen company, Ormesby Manor gives off ‘same time, same place next year’ kinda feels – because you’ll definitely want to come back.

PILLOW TALK

Each of the rooms is named after a village on the Norfolk Broads – Horsey, Horning, Hickling etc – each with stunning views across the parkland and the lake. They are all super spacious, there’s no tiny attic room that’s had a double bed squeezed into it for extra occupancy here. They have all been individually designed with a corresponding colour scheme and gorgeous vintage furniture – grand armoires, gilt-framed mirrors, baroque chairs, elaborate candelabras and the like. Each room is wallpapered and though the more brightly coloured chinoiserie won’t be for everyone it made me want to wallpaper every room in my own house.

I stayed in Somerton, the master suite, and it was sublime. An Emperor bed to get lost in with the prettiest carved headboard and a colour palette of blues and golds. The room has a spacious en suite with an amazing roll top bath and huge rainforest shower. When I wasn’t lusting over the regal furniture (or that bath!) I was sleeping like an Empress.

There’s no TV’s in this or any of the bedrooms (you’ll have to save your Bridgerton bingathon for another time) – I really liked. Not only would it ruin the aesthetic but it’s very much downstairs for entertaining upstairs for rest and relaxation.

As for the rest of the rooms, the majority have ensuites with showers and or roll top baths for an indulgent treat after a day exploring the area, or for some peace and quiet away from a bigger group, as well as super king beds.

I was assured by the rest of my guests that they slept well – whether or not the ample amounts of fizz consumed during the day and fresh sea air had anything to do with it I’ll never know.

The luxe details were much appreciated. Each room comes equipped with fluffy towels and bathrobes, sweet-smelling, sustainable Bramley toiletries, bottles of water, Norfolk Cookies, a kettle, a selection of Pukka Teas and Taylors coffee to choose from for slow mornings in bed. There are irons and ironing boards and though I had to hunt through several rooms for one, hairdryers are available.

SCOFF & QUAFF

A selection of breakfast goodies are provided and include fresh breads, pastries, granola, fresh local fruits, yogurts, jams and juices. There’s a couple of farm shops within walking distance to grab bacon, sausages etc from if you’re nursing a hangover and need to go full English. We were very kindly left a voucher for Colemans Farm Shop which was a nice touch – bring plenty of bags for life if you visit, you won’t be leaving empty handed!

As for the rest of the meals, I know what you’re thinking, self-catering for up to 26 people? No thank you! So you’ll be pleased to know that different catering options are available and can be arranged in advance.

You can discuss dietary requirements, allergies and menu options ahead of arrival and your dishes can either be dropped off for you to reheat at your leisure (the oven is electric with gas hobs and easy to use) or you can arrange for the caterers to come and cook for you in the Ormesby kitchen providing some dinner time entertainment for everyone. With the weather improving, they will even cook and cater a BBQ for you in the walled garden.

We were well and truly catered for for our evening meals with the thought being we could go out for lunch. Arriving late on the Friday this stunning platter (above) awaited us with more cheeses, charcuterie, pickles, fruit and crudités to count. After the drive over battling the rest of the bank holiday traffic this, and the bottles of local Winbirri Wines that awaited us was just the ticket.

We aren’t a picky bunch but the choice of food from the caterer was top notch and I must say incredibly generous – the dessert (there was two of them) were packed in doggy bags and taken home as no one was going to leave them behind. The food was of exceptional quality. There was a jus for our parma ham wrapped chicken and a raspberry coulis for the dessert, these are not your average caterers! The only thing that let the delicious food down was our terrible plating of it with the white chocolate cheese cake and raspberry coulis the only worthy photo. 

KID-FRIENDLY?

Yes, but respect the decor, people! Travel cots can be provided for any of the rooms (including the Shepherd’s Huts) or guests can bring their own. For older kids there is a gorgeous twin room on the top floor of the manor with two other double rooms and a shared bathroom along the same landing which is great if you have a family among the group staying with you.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Mmmm, it’s not a flat out no and discussions can be had before booking. I stayed with three dog owners who were all more than happy to leave their mutts in the care of someone else to save the stress of ruining something in the house – or worse yet their dog taking the plunge in the waterway and doing a Beethoven in the stunning foyer. It’s also worth mentioning there are geese and other wildlife wandering about the grounds (I saw a deer one evening) so it might be best to let Fido sit this one out.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Well Lodge is the best place to stay for people with mobility issues. The self contained annexe is all on the ground floor with a wet room style shower, its own terrace and easy access into the Manor so those staying in the lodge can join the rest of their guests for wining and dining if part of a larger group.

ANYTHING ELSE?

The minimum length of stay at Ormesby Manor is only two night’s which is virtually unheard of with a venue of this size.

Though self-catering, the service was impeccable. Once I had arrived and been given the grand tour, we were left to our own devices to enjoy our stay exactly how we wanted. And yet, if we needed anything, help was on hand with everything from candles to additional ice to where you find the sound system – no request was too big or too small.

The WiFi is super quick and works throughout too but word to the wise signal isn’t great for phone calls as I realised when trying to make a reservation for lunch.

Though my friends thought they were being invited to a surprise wedding, one couple brought posh outfits with them “just in case”, the others had a heart attack as one of the rooms was set up ready for a ceremony. Though Ormesby Manor does weddings, it is perfectly situated close to a church, with two of the rooms registered for ceremonies, ample space for a marquee in the garden and a bar, I think of Ormesby Manor more as a exclusive holiday let that also does weddings and events, rather than the other way round.

OUT & ABOUT

Ormesby Manor is perfectly situated to explore the Norfolk coast with the closest beaches – Winterton-on-Sea and Hemsby – accessible in under a 10 minute drive and seal spotting hotspot, Horsey Beach, just 20 minute drive away. Of course being on the Norfolk Broads there are plenty of boat trips on offer as well as places you can hire a day boat from, or paddle boards and canoes if you’re feeling adventurous. But If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land you’ll not be disappointed with the countryside walks in the vicinity.

If you have kids in tow, Great Yarmouth Hippodrome is within easy reach (10 min drive) for some indoor entertainment while adventure park Bewilderwood will tire them out a treat.

Food wise there’s a couple of farm shops within walking distance, Colemans and Hirsts Café Farm Shop. There’s plenty of country pubs worth paying a visit to, including The Ingham Swan, The White Swan and Muddy Awards finalist the King’s Arms in Fleggburgh whose Sunday roast did not disappoint (above).

If you’re itching for a city, Norwich is a 20 minute drive and though a great place to explore with it’s cathedral, castle, famous market and cobbled lanes, there is so much on the doorstep.

Disclaimer alert, I am Norfolk raised but was still entertained and ticked a few places off my bucket list that I hadn’t managed to visit before. Despite all these lovely things, my party were eager to get back to make the most of the house – the allure of a chilled glass of fizz in the sun warmed walled garden won out.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Large gatherings of all ages, celebrations, or “just because” get togethers with family and friends, that trip you and your uni mates always said you were going to do but never organised. A self-catering holiday your way that doesn’t scrimp on luxury, a gorgeous weekend escape and people who appreciate stunning decor.

NOT FOR: Dog owners who don’t want to part with their four-legged friends, people who are expecting a stuffy stately manor or who like that kind of vibe.

THE DAMAGE: Surprising. To take over the whole house works out roughly to be £100 per person per night. Amendments can be discussed if you aren’t able to fill the entire Manor upon booking but generally speaking £100 per person per night which is an absolute steal for what you are all getting.

Ormesby Manor, Main Road, Ormesby St. Michael, Norfolk, NR29 3LN, Tel: 01493 730080.

Words: Claire Hool