The Magicians' House

As featured in May/June's issue of KL Magazine, this West Norfolk gem is perfectly suited for gatherings of 12. The Magicians' House balances grand architectural bones with a delightfully bohemian spirit. This is a sanctuary for artists, dreamers and big family breakfasts. Outside offers acres of private, fully-enclosed walled gardens for kids, dogs and imaginations to run wild. The space The Magicians' House is a Grade II listed manor in Stoke Ferry, on the River Wissey. The huge, dreamy garden is totally enclosed and private. Meander through a berry orchard to dine al fresco under a fig tree at the pergola, or a huge willow for spreading a blanket, or slump in enough lazy bench spots to follow the sunshine around a bucolic afternoon. Inside, views of the Donthorn-designed church and blossomy churchyard opposite the house are framed by the enormous south-facing Georgian windows, bathing in you in light. Enjoy the grand piano in the designated Music Room, or long lie-ins in one of six individually-themed bedrooms. Lose yourself in the library or summon up a feast in the huge kitchen where you can seat the whole extended/chosen family, a former stable full of its original beams. On the first floor, the huge master suite has a Superking bed and an ensuite bath/shower. This can Jack & Jill into another double bedroom, with antique four poster, or be locked off to create a private ensuite for either of these two bedrooms. The other would then use the other large bathroom, across the landing - The Dressing Room, modelled on theatre dressing rooms. On the ground floor you will also find a large, accessible walk-in shower. A bit further up the stairs there are three more bedrooms - two doubles and a twin which can connect to one of the doubles or again be locked off to separate. The twin room's beds, with advance warning, can be conjoined to create one King size bed, if preferred. These three rooms share a large family bathroom. In the attic eaves is our second suite, which features a separate ensuite loo and, in the bedroom, a bath you can stargaze from. ~ Every bedroom at The Magicians' House has a desk to write at. ~ The village of Stoke Ferry has a community-owned pub and an award-winning hair and beauty salon. We can sometimes (with sufficient notice) book massages to the house, which take place in the Dressing Room (the large first floor bathroom, with views over the gardens). You can walk to the Wissey riverside walks very easily from the house. We have private off-street parking for 7 cars if all left accessible or up to 14 if you block each other in. We are also highly accessible from London, with good trains 1 hour 45 from Kings Cross to Downham Market followed by a 10 minute taxi or drive. A very good launchpad to connect the rest of England to deeper Norfolk - the North Coast, crowned by the magnificent Holkham beach and estate, or the Norfolk Broads further east. We support intentional walkers, or pilgrims, who want to explore the surrounding area on foot, and after living here for over 30 years our route or day trip recommendations are second to none. Our local interest library is also a great place to start if you want to build your own adventure. The Magicians' House is full of magic and surprises, perfect for a special occasion. Please Note: The aga pictured in the Stable Kitchen is not turned on during summer months.