The White House, Norfolk

Norfolk is a part of the UK that we’ve got an awful lot of time for here at Coolector HQ and has some of the countries most mesmerising beaches and quaint villages. As it transpires, it also has some of the most amazing boutique hotels and chief amongst them is the breathtaking The White House which is nestled between the village of Burnham Market and the glorious Brancaster beach. And we were lucky enough to spend a couple of nights in their impeccable suite. Safe to say, it does not disappoint and such is the grandeur of this stunning property, it does its American namesake proud.

If, like us, you love restful, relaxing short breaks away from the hustle and bustle of the big city from time to time, The White House is a boutique hotel that will well and truly resonate with your sensibilities. It is located in a vast swathe of farmland where the only noises are the birds singing, the horses frolicking in the fields and the farm’s dog, Mars, running around looking for mischief. And that’s just the way we like it.

It’s not until you see the dilapidated state that The White House was once in that you realise what an extraordinary job its owner, Alison Thompson, has done in breathing new life into the building and creating such a magical boutique hotel and wedding destination venue. Put simply, this is a secluded gem that has effortless access to all the wide open beaches to be discovered on the North Norfolk Coast.

As always, we find that the sort of welcome you receive at a hotel starts things off on the right foot you’ll not get many warmer welcomes than that of The White House. Bradley and his team were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay and really do justice to the luxurious nature of this stunning property.

Impeccable Luxury

It is clear to see that The White House proprietor has an excellent eye for interior design and has an eclectic selection of furniture throughout the main house and into the adjacent suites. Upon entering the grand entrance to the main house you’ll be taken aback by the rich colours, stunning velvet sofas, which have been specially commissioned by Norfolk artists and the vast amount of light that streams in through huge windows. One of the main appeal of The White House comes from the fact that, whether you book a room for the night or gather your friends and family and book a bespoke house party, the whole house is yours to enjoy and you don’t just have to remain confined to your room (though the rooms are so spectacular, you might just want to).

We were lucky enough to stay in The White House’s suite which is in a separate outbuilding during our visit to Norfolk and this two-story room really was a sight to behold and delivered a wonderfully relaxing retreat – ideal after days spent on the beach or exploring the local towns and village (pubs). There is a real attention to detail with the little things with the rooms at The White House and this makes a big different in our opinion. Each bedroom at this boutique hotel has been individually decorated and boasts great little touches like Nespresso coffee, Teapigs Teas and fresh milk. The bathrooms, many with freestanding baths, and all with rain showers are stocked with the wonderful, English made 100 Acres products which are crafted in England with natural essential oils.

It is the tranquility of the location that makes the beauty of the rooms all the more appealing because, without the noises of the city, you can really relax and enjoy them for what they are. The fact that each has its own unique sense of decorative style and furniture is testament to the owner’s love of interior design and this is definitely one of the best looking boutique hotels we’ve stayed at in the UK.

Coastal Retreat

If staying in a luxurious, remote setting but being close to the beach is something that you’re looking for, The White House definitely doesn’t disappoint and you’re just a short drive away from all of North Norfolk’s principal delights. Enjoying walks along the Norfolk coastline, taking in some of the brilliant fish and chips or heading to one (or more) of the, many, local pubs are just some of the things that we’d recommend during a stay in Norfolk and, quite frankly, you’re unlikely to find anywhere more welcoming and relaxing than The White House.

It’s a sign of a good hotel when it feels like a real wrench to leave and we’re pretty sure that whether you’re staying for just a night, that’s exactly the feeling you’ll have when you reluctantly leave The White House. We’ve stayed at some magnificent boutique hotels in our time here at The Coolector, both in the UK and overseas, and this is certainly right up with the best of them. The real icing on the cake is the fact that this property was brought back from the brink of dereliction to the mesmerising hotel you see before you.

If you’re after a relaxing break in one of the UK’s most attractive counties, a stay at The White House will tick all of the right boxes and from the warm and friendly welcome to the luxuriously appointed rooms, you’ll soon find that you never want to leave. Except to see the beautiful beaches nearby, perhaps.

Prices from £130 per night.