The Goat Shed

2

Thetford, Norfolk

Romantic, boutique-chic barn with a peaceful, rural location and wonderful walking from the door

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

Walk to a pub

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

It’s not often that we rhapsodise about joinery, but the beautiful woodwork here – from the oak floor to the bespoke kitchen – is something else. Though once a goats’ shed, it’s now akin to a mini barn conversion; gorgeous beams are juxtaposed with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that span the entire length of one side and open onto a pretty courtyard garden (and firepit). Countryside views stretch for miles and west Norfolk is famed for its sunsets; make sure you’re lined up with a G&T come golden hour.

The wider setting is a farm complete with sheep, llamas and chickens, and the owners run a B&B from the 14thC main house. This newer offering really feels like a home, too, though you’re totally private. Open plan, with a giant freestanding bathtub at the end of a luxuriously comfy bed, it’s the brainchild of a mother, an architect, an interior designer and a Condé Nast writer, and every detail sings. We especially loved the curation of old and new furniture, woven together with bright upholstery, curios and cornflower-blue panelling. And with homemade meals on request, and stunning walks leading straight out from the farm (including the extraordinary Pingo Trail across the Brecks), all you really need to pack are walking boots.

Getting here: you’ll need to drive

“The house was built in 1349 as a college for priests by our ancestors after the Black Death. My mother’s family moved from Suffolk to Norfolk in about 1300 and have lived on the same spot ever since. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the house was surrendered and given away. By a quirk of fate, it came back into the family in the mid 1800s. Having been derelict for 35 years when we moved in, we had to do an enormous refurb on the farmhouse, and when that was finished, we turned our attention to the outbuildings. The roofs were unstable and the walls were falling down, but we saw their potential and began a renovation that ended up taking 2 years! Eventually finished structurally, I’ve loved planning and designing the interiors, with the help of Harriet Nicholls (a London interior designer).” Owner, Katharine

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Lying in bed with the curtains open to see the stars out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s no light pollution here so night skies are fantastic.”

 

We love
The high ceiling and exposed, timeworn beams. Also, the welcome basket, which includes homemade bread and eggs from their hens.

You may not love
You’ll need a car to get here. Set next to the owners’ house. Close to an army training area so occasional noise from there. A poor mobile signal but good WiFi. Sorry, no dogs allowed.

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Sustainability.

The barn is heated with an air source pump. A welcome basked includes homemade bread and milk from the milkman, and any homemade meals you order will be made from locally grown fruit and veg. Laundry is air dried.

Surrounds.

  • The Pingo Trail. Pingo ponds were formed at the end of the last Ice Age, when ice mounds in the topsoil melted and collapsed to form irregular pools. Most have been ploughed up and lost but 3 pingo systems remain in the Brecks, and the best place to see them is Thompson Common; the walk there leads straight out from the farm.
  • Thompson Common is also home to wonderful wildlife, including a “flying flock” of sheep and highland cattle that graze the common and keep it looking as it must have looked thousands of years ago. A vast man-made lake in the centre attracts rare breeds of dragonflies and wild otters, who often float in rafts.
  • The Chequers. This 400-year-old village pub is the best for miles around and less than a 20-minute walk away; pitch up for hearty portions of traditional grub and welcoming locals.
  • The Great Hockham walk. This circular, 2-hour trail is easy to follow and fantastic for wildlife, particularly birds.
  • Peddars Way. Ask to borrow the owners’ bicycles, grab the OS map from your room and head out along this ancient 46-mile trail of ever-changing countryside, which will take you all the way to the coast if you’re really keen (and really fit).
  • The North Norfolk Coast. Day trip to one of Norfolk’s much-lauded beaches. Unspoilt Holkam is our favourite but you may prefer Cromer, Hunstanton, Brancaster and the trendy Wells-next-the-Sea.

Specifics.

  • Barn adjacent to owners’ house, part of a 15-acre farm
  • Open-plan layout
  • Super-kingsize bed and freestanding bathtub
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower, bathrobes and Norfolk Natural Living toiletries
  • Fully equipped kitchen with basic supplies and a welcome basket
  • Dining table
  • Homemade meals on request
  • Sofa area with woodburner, Smart TV, board games, candles, books, guidebooks
  • Good WiFi
  • Private courtyard garden with firepit
  • Bikes to borrow
  • Sorry, no kids or pets allowed
  • The owners live next door, there if you need them
  • Walk to pubs (1 mile); drive to shops and restaurants (3 miles)
  • Booking conditions: 2-night min stay
  • Remember to pack: coats, wellies, beach towels, BBQ charcoal

Book your stay.

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.

Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

Yes – you will receive a map with more information once you’ve booked.

Yes, it’s a 1-mile easy walk through the village.

Yes; there’s an amazing 7-mile circular walk straight from the front door — the Great Eastern Pingo Trail. There are maps for guest use.

Tesco & Lidl in Watton, 3 miles’ drive.

Yes – the owner can provide maps.

No, this is an adults-only place.

Unfortunately not as there are free-range chickens.

Yes, you can have a full English breakfast in the farmhouse for  £25/head (it’s a B&B). The owners can also cater a 2-course supper in The Goat Shed for £35/head. The welcome booklet you receive upon booking will have further details.

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