Utterly inspiring: 2 luxe cabins amid a 2,000-acre nature restoration project in the heart of Norfolk (each sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Fun fact: just 20 minutes in a nature setting makes your cortisol (stress) levels drop. In our always-connected world, it’s extremely difficult to switch off completely, yet it’s what our bodies and minds crave. And where better to reward ourselves than at these gorgeous cabins, amidst a 2,000-acre nature reserve in the heart of Norfolk: Wendling Beck. Wendling is the visionary creation of several neighbouring farms, who collectively agreed to rewild their land and let the ecosystems regenerate independently. The results are glorious: it’s now home to 70+ bird species, wild orchid meadows and busy wetlands; a total return to the natural world.
These eco cabins are amongst it all; 2 spaces where nature meets luxury helping you switch off, relax, and regain your own natural balance. For some, simply being here, immersed in the landscape and walking the private trails is enough. But those who are interested to learn more will be in heaven, with ecology & foraging walks, conservation tours, and the unique Eat Wild Course (how to take wild game from feather/fur to oven ready). It’s all so inspiring, it’s almost secondary that the cabins themselves are utterly beautiful. But oh, they are! Cute gingham fabrics, a unique flowered firepit, and alfresco bathing under the starriest of skies at night. We love it all.
Getting here: drive, or train to Downham Market then taxi (35 mins)
Sign up for FREE to view the pros & cons of each place and member reviews.
Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.
Sustainability.
As well as being part of an extensive sustainability endeavour, the cabins themselves are eco. Their exterior are clad in Scottish larch, and interiors in reclaimed wood. The footings were made with hardcore compacted from the estate rather than concrete, deckings were made of recycled plastic and there’s a pioneering drainage system in place – no phosphorus or nitrogen is off loaded. Instead, crab apple trees planted down the gradient of the drainage field absorb nutrients, making the development entirely nutrient neutral. Fabrics were sourced from Haines Collection (who sell unwanted pieces of fabric that would otherwise end up in landfill). Bed linens are by Piglet in Bed (B Corp; linen is the most sustainable fabric), and toiletries are by Norfolk Natural Living products – a local company who use only natural ingredients.
Surrounds.
- Take an Ecology & Foraging walk with expert Rory and discover fungi, wild herbs, edible berries and plants. Or learn how to eat wild — the wildlife ranger will teach you how to take wild game from feather/fur to oven ready, and you can cook the meat you prepare for your dinner.
- Rory also offers a Beginner’s Guide to Landscape Recovery, where you’ll learn more about the Wendling Beck project: seriously fascinating.
- Or explore independently: there are private 2.5km and 5km walking trails through the reserve, exclusive to the cabin guests.
- The rewilded land is a hotspot for some of the UK’s most enchanting birds, with over 70 species flying around. Bring binoculars: there’s everything from treecreepers, acrobatic nuthatch and bullfinch to green woodpeckers, kingfishers and pink-footed geese.
- The White Swan is the perfect place for a relaxed meal or a pint after a day of exploring the reserve (3 mins’ drive or 20-min walk). Or head to the Brisley Bell for a special meal: locally sourced ingredients and a cosy atmosphere (11 mins’ drive).
- Further afield, the historic city of Norwich is 50 mins’ drive, with excellent independents and medieval architecture.
- Or head to the coast: Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea are amongst Norfolk’s most iconic beaches, offering vast stretches of golden sand backed by dunes and pine forests (30/40 mins’ drive). Take a boat trip to Blakeney Point, too, home to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK.
Specifics.
- Two cabins on a 2,000 nature-restoration reserve
- Each has:
- Open-plan layout, warmed by a woodburner
- Ensuite bathroom with shower and Norfolk Natural Living Toiletries
- Robes and slippers
- Alfresco bathtub
- Kitchen with fridge and Kamado grill (charcoal, a grill plate, and a pizza stone); basics provided
- Complimentary welcome hamper
- Additional food hamper options
- Fenced garden with deck
- Firepit and chairs
- Babe in arms welcome; travel cot available on request
- Dog friendly – no extra cost and they get their own bath!
- The owners live nearby, available by phone if you need them
- Walk to a pub and shops, drive to restaurants and supermarkets (10 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay; check ins on Mon / Wed / Fri
- Remember to pack: walking boots, dog bowls, raingear, water bottle for going walking
Join Kip to book.
Sign up (it's free!) to see insider content and book - plus nice little surprises exclusively for Kip members.
30% deposit, with the balance due 4 weeks prior to stay. All payments are non-refundable.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am. Check-in/out is done remotely. Just before your stay you’ll be sent a lockbox code to access the key.
Yes, dogs are warmly welcome and stay for free (2 per cabin). Each cabin has a fence around it so dogs can roam freely. When you go beyond the cabin, due to roaming livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Each cabin has a dedicated dog bath, an outdoor tap for easy cleaning after muddy adventures, dog shampoo by Norfolk Natural Living and a dog blanket.
It’s easiest to drive here, but there are regular trains to Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Norwich from London (direct, with Great Northern or Thameslink, 1 hr 25 mins). From here you can taxi. It’s 35 mins from Downham Market (the closest station).
Yes, you can drive right up and park outside.
2 nights.
Yes, both.
Why book with Kip?
-
Save time
No more trawling the web – we’ve researched the very best boutique stays so you don’t have to – they’re all great value, and handpicked by travel industry experts.
-
Reap the rewards
You’ll get a secret Kip gift at most places you book, plus Insider and Inner Circle members get early access to new hideaways and in-demand dates, access to exclusive special offers, and Kip Member Perks from our favourite food, drink & lifestyle brands.
-
Book direct
(for less)No booking fees or hidden costs — just the best rates direct from our owners, with no mark ups. Kip members can book all of our hideaways instantly and hassle-free.
