Once upon a time holiday properties for people and their pets were – how can I put it – a little on the basic side, writes RICHARD BRYSON, as he makes a visit to a coastal cottage in Sheringham.
Fears of unruly dogs chewing carpets or chair legs, perhaps leaving hairs/dirt on sofas, may have played a part in some functional furnishings.
How things have changed. Take May Cottage in Sheringham a traditional, flint cobbled, cottage complete with a white picket fence which we stayed in last summer. It looks handsome from the road, and is even more handsome inside. You instantly feel at home in extremely light and airy rooms offset by a calming neutral decor. Downstairs you have an elegant, comfortable living room with doors opening into a breakfast area and a well-equipped kitchen with brand new appliances. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, the master bedroom which is spacious, and a further double, both very well presented with soft quality linens.
If all this sounds ideal for owners and dogs alike the piece de resistance is a beautiful, enclosed garden which is the perfect suntrap for summer days or evenings. Raised beds and clever planting should interest gardeners and our spaniels – who kept to the paths – liked sniffing all its corners.
There’s a public car park less than five minutes away and you are just a short stroll into town and the award winning Blue Flag beach. If you want to walk your four-legged friends on the sand and pebbles beach check the tides and walk beyond the areas where dogs are not allowed.
Sheringham boasts independent shops, galleries and restaurants and, as well as being a much-loved resort, it is home to the Poppy Line, a full-sized heritage steam railway network.
This nostalgic focal point really comes into its own during a 1940s weekend held in September. The railway runs to the charming country town of Holt, which we visited, and we also took our dogs for a long lead walk through Sheringham Park, one of the finest examples of landscape design in the country, and known for its outstanding rhododendrons and azaleas.
May Cottage is a one of a selection of properties run by Crabpot Cottages. Prices start at £650 for seven nights (short breaks available) and for availability call 01263 579435, or visit crabpotcottages.co.uk.
