Houghton West Lodge

Discover this cosy 1840s woodland retreat for two on the historic Houghton Hall estate. Perfectly placed near north Norfolk beaches, the modest cottage features a warming fireplace and scenic views, ideal for a peaceful wildlife getaway.

Property details

Surrounded by woods and wildlife near the vast open beaches of north Norfolk, this cosy retreat for two is one of four lodges that sit at the entrances to the grand Houghton Hall and its extensive parkland and gardens. During the 18th century, policies were decided and governments were formed in the neighbouring splendid palace, but Houghton West Lodge is a much simpler, more modest building built in the 1840s.

Snug and cosy

A snug lodge house surrounded by woods with a cosy sitting room and warming fireplace. Neither this, nor the similar North and South Lodges, formed part of the architectural and landscape improvements to which our first Prime Minister devoted so much energy and care. These new lodges made no attempt to rival the great Houghton Hall, Sir Robert Walpole’s magnificent seat in North Norfolk. Consequently, Houghton West Lodge is small and neat, with everything necessary for a modest and contented existence on a great estate. It is sensibly built around a central chimney with a little yard and wash-house at the back and large windows looking out into the surrounding woods.

An opportunity to live for a while at a nobleman’s gate

It stands by a drive that is now only a grassy track, set back from a country road. The last inhabitant left the lodge some years ago and the estate, having no further need of it, leased it to us. This northern part of Norfolk has the character of a peninsula: the bright light, the sense of the sea not far away, the remoteness, the fearless and prolific wildlife. At the same time, the countryside for many miles around bears the stamp of civilised owners over several centuries. The opportunity to live so agreeably for a short while at a nobleman’s gate is not one to be missed.