In the Norfolk village of Great Hockham, Vicarage House offers a taste of country house living with all the comforts of a luxury holiday retreat. This beautiful Georgian property, a former rectory, sits within six acres of landscaped gardens and has been awarded Visit England’s 5 Star Gold rating, making it an impressive choice for families and groups looking to experience Norfolk in style.
There is a sense of history throughout the house, but this is not a property that feels stuck in the past. Traditional Georgian details sit comfortably alongside modern touches, creating a welcoming space designed for spending time together, relaxing and enjoying the best of the county.
The main house retains many of the features you would hope to find in a historic Norfolk country home. High ceilings and classic enfilades give the interiors a sense of grandeur, while the drawing room provides a more traditional space for relaxing, complete with a fireplace and original artwork.
Elsewhere, a separate sitting room offers another place to unwind, while the farmhouse-style kitchen provides a natural gathering point for guests. With comfortable bedrooms throughout, the house has been designed with longer stays and larger groups in mind.
One of the property’s most distinctive features is the Pool House, which has been created from the estate’s former stables and coach house. The conversion brings a much more contemporary feel, with soaring ceilings, French windows and open-plan living spaces that make the most of the surrounding grounds.
Together, Vicarage House and the Pool House can accommodate larger families and groups, with space for up to 14 guests. This makes the property particularly suited to occasions where getting everyone together is part of the appeal, whether that means a family celebration, a special weekend away or simply a holiday with friends.
Outside, the six acres of private grounds provide plenty of opportunities to make the most of the Norfolk countryside without having to leave the property. A heated seasonal swimming pool sits within a walled garden, surrounded by paved terraces that provide the perfect setting for a quiet afternoon in the sunshine.
For those who prefer their holidays to include a little more activity, there is plenty on offer. Guests have access to a private tennis court, badminton and croquet, while football equipment and complimentary bicycles provide further ways to enjoy the grounds and explore the local area.
The gardens themselves are a significant part of the experience. Formal yew and beech hedges, carefully shaped box balls and a productive cutting garden create a series of attractive spaces to explore. There is plenty of room to find a quiet corner with a book, enjoy a morning coffee outdoors or simply take in the surroundings.
Vicarage House is also dog friendly, making it an appealing option for families who do not want to leave their four-legged companions behind. With such extensive grounds, there is plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors together before returning to the house for an evening of relaxation.
The property’s location in Great Hockham also makes it a useful base for discovering more of Norfolk. Rather than being somewhere guests need to stay indoors to enjoy, Vicarage House works as a launch pad for exploring the wider county.
The owners have lived in Norfolk for almost 30 years and have spent years exploring the area, from the beaches and quieter corners of the Norfolk Broads to restaurants, cafés, gardens and historic houses. Their local knowledge forms an important part of the experience, with guests able to make the most of recommendations tailored to their interests.
Norfolk offers plenty of possibilities for days out. Guests can explore the county’s coastline, discover historic properties and gardens, spend time in Norwich or head towards the Broads for a change of scenery. After a busy day exploring, returning to Vicarage House and taking a dip in the pool offers an easy way to slow down again.
That balance between exploration and relaxation is central to the property’s appeal. A stay here can be as active or as peaceful as guests choose, with opportunities to organise activities at the house or simply enjoy the gardens and facilities.
There is also something particularly appealing about the ethos behind Vicarage House. Rather than presenting itself simply as a luxury property, the emphasis is on making guests feel welcome and encouraging them to spend meaningful time together.
From the character of the Georgian main house to the contemporary Pool House, landscaped gardens and extensive leisure facilities, Vicarage House brings together many of the ingredients of a memorable Norfolk escape.
For families and groups looking for somewhere special to stay, it offers the chance to enjoy the space and character of a country house while having some of Norfolk’s most enjoyable experiences within easy reach. Whether the day involves exploring the coast, cycling through the countryside or simply relaxing beside the pool, Vicarage House provides a beautiful setting in which to make the most of a stay in Norfolk.
Location: Vicarage Rd, Great Hockham, Thetford IP24 1PE