Mr & Mrs Smith

Felmingham Hall

Norfolk, United Kingdom

Surrounded by beautiful Norfolk countryside, Felmingham Hall near Norwich is an imposing 16th-century Elizabethan house full of history and charm. Still boasting all the modern-day comforts you could wish, the hall has retained many original features and its cavernous fireplaces, oak panelling and characterful antique four-posters. The hall also has a spectacular art collection. Outside you have a charming walled garden and heated swimming pool on your lap. Should you require additional accommodation, there are two converted barns which can accommodate a further 16 (these can't be booked separately) although these are not decorated as stylishly or given the same Smith seal of approval.

Need to know

• Rates information The Hall is from £2,500 for two nights to £5,600 for seven nights. Special rates at Christmas, New Year and peak summer seasons start at £5,300 for five nights and £6,000 for seven nights. The Longbarn sleeps ten and costs from £1,000 for two nights and £2,300 for seven nights. The Dovecote sleeps six and costs from £600 for two nights and £1,500 for seven nights.
• Ideal for Family holidays, house parties, special occasions and easy access to beautiful beaches.
• Sleeps 14 in the Hall and if needed a further 16 guests in two period barn conversions in the grounds although these don't come with the same Smith seal of style approval.
• Property style Elizabethan manor house.
• Grounds There are six acres of grounds including a walled garden and a swimming pool available between May and September.
• Minimum hire Two nights except Christmas, New Year and in the peak summer season of June, July and August when the minimum stay is five nights.
• Children Very welcome. There’s a children’s den (no adults allowed!) with a Punch and Judy theatre, bean bags, dressing up box, TV, stereo and lots of toys and games. More...
• Booking process A deposit of one third of the rental fee is payable if the booking is made more than eight weeks before the start of the rental. The balance is payable eight weeks before arrival. If you make a cancellation, a refund is dependent on re-letting. Smith deposit taken when you book.
• Also The Hall, the Dovecote and the Longbarn can be hired separately or together, depending on availability; this makes Felmingham suitable for groups of different sizes. The owners live in a private, separate wing, off the hall.

Floor plan

• The Hall has been restored to its original Elizabethan glory. Tudor portraits, antiques, four-poster beds and cavernous fireplaces create an aristocratic air. Plump sofas and crisp sheets means you don’t leave 21st-century comforts behind though.

• Bedrooms

  On the first floor:
  Master bedroom: this room has a 17th-century four-poster bed and views from the front of the house over the avenue of lime trees. The ensuite bathroom has a rolltop bath.
  Bedroom 2: This ensuite double with a four-poster is decorated with striking Chinese fabrics.
  Bedroom 3: The third roomy double room with a four-poster has an Elizabethan fireplace an ensuite shower room.

  On the second floor:
  Bedroom 4: This double room is reached by a private staircase. It has an ensuite bathroom and as well as a Gothic-style double bed it has a day bed; ideal as a twin or a family room.
  Bedroom 5: Another ensuite double room with a day bed and an oak-panelled four-poster.
  Bedroom 6: A double room with an ensuite bathroom and rolltop bath.
  Bedroom 7: A double room with views over the front gardens. This room has a 17th-century four-poster and an ensuite bathroom with a slipper bath.

  The neighbouring Longbarn has three double and two twin rooms, all with en suite bath or shower rooms. The Dovecote has one double and two double/twin bedrooms, all en suite. We recommend these for overflow accomodation for special occasions, but the decor is a little dated in parts.

• Kitchen

  Contemporary stainless steel kitchen overlooking walled herb garden and fully equipped with a Smeg range cooker and dishwasher, large fridge and freezer.

• Living room

  The main living room on the ground floor has large, comfortable sofas, a baby grand piano and a TV with Freeview package and DVD player. There’s a large fireplace and the walls are hung with antique portraits.

• Dining room

  This spectacular dining room fit for a regal banquet has a large, open fire, ornate ceiling and long dining table that can seat 14 guests.

• Poolside

  The outdoor pool is available between the 1 May and 30 September. It’s surrounded by patios, gardens and lawns. It’s a short distance from the Hall, near the barns, so small children shouldn’t be left unsupervised.

• Gardens

  There are six acres of formal and informal grounds surrounding the Hall. The walled garden has a summer house and there’s also a peaceful knot garden, too. The lawn at the front of the Hall is a child-friendly play area leading to a wildflower meadow.

• Private parking

  There’s ample parking for at least a dozen cars with two undercover parking spaces.