A new home for Sawday's Special Self-Catering Places in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

Set prettily on Stody Estate, close to Norfolk sands, 2 romantic cottages seduce. Supper in the pub over the green, explore local festivals

Hard to beat these little cottages for the spot they sit in – Stody Estate has acres of rhodedendron'd garden and a lovely pub just a few steps across the village green. Farmworkers and their families were once crammed in but, blissfully, two can now claim each space as their own. Trim front gardens lead into neat homes: both are dressed in restful shades, with cream sofas and crackling fires in the living rooms, cosy kitchens bedecked in wood and new dining rooms that extend out to the long, lean gardens with flagstoned patios and barbecues for summer. Honeysuckle is a little smaller, but both are exquisitely tasteful. Up steep stairs double rooms have great beds, clever lighting and bathrooms, stocked with White Company towels, just a step away. Bella grew up here, moved to London and returned, missing the peace that rural life can bring. She adds personality in the splashes of colour in the fabrics and well-chosen photographs, and thoughtful touches in the fresh flowers. She'll even pack a hamper before you set off for a day's adventuring; the Georgian market town of Holt and Norfolk's coast are close; bridleways lead from the estate and there are festivals for every fancy (antiques, music, art, beer). A beatifically British retreat.

Booking information: