Pheasant Roost

We’ve stayed at Pheasant Roost many times over the last few years, and it never gets old. There’s plenty to see and do, but it’s also wonderfully relaxing. The pool is lovely, though you do get used to the cool water, and it can warm up when the sun’s been out. There’s lots of nature around, so try a lane stroll or the nature reserve in the evening to spot wildlife. I love that the living and kitchen areas are upstairs while the bedrooms stay cool downstairs. Every house should be arranged that way. We’ve already booked for next year.

We were very disappointed and wouldn’t return. The property was expensive, and we expected more, including working appliances and facilities. It’s a nice place, but a little dated, and some of the appliances didn’t work. We were told the pool was heated, but it definitely wasn’t. The hot tub wasn’t private or fully working, and was only available at set times. There was no mention of bringing towels for it, though the owner, who lives on site, kindly lent us some. We barely used the tub because it wasn’t working properly and you had to cross the owner’s garden in full view to reach it. We could also hear the owners moving about next door, which made it hard to relax.

The owners live on site and were pleasant and helpful, usually around if we had questions. We enjoyed the hot tub several times, though the pool wasn’t heated and felt too cold at that time of year. Two people in our party braved it on three occasions. We stayed for a relaxing Easter week in March 2016, five adults, and the property was warm throughout. It’s been converted from an original farm building to a high standard. The kitchen was well equipped, and there were plenty of games and books. We liked arriving to a set table and a stack of glossy magazines, plus useful basics like salt, pepper, foil, cling film, dishwasher tablets and tea towels. We used most of those supplies and replaced them. The tourist information was well organised, a refreshing change from a messy pile of leaflets. The place was clean and welcoming. The DVD selection was great, but bring CDs or an iPod and dock if you want music. There are lovely walks and lots of wildlife nearby, market towns about 20 minutes away, and a pub with good ales and food within a 10-minute drive.

There’s plenty to keep you busy here: a private pool, hot tub and badminton court, plus a TV with a DVD player, books, films and board games for rainy days. In sunshine, it’s hard to imagine a better spot. The hosts are on site and very helpful. The barn sleeps six and has three bedrooms downstairs, two doubles and one twin, with an en suite and a separate bathroom. Upstairs is a huge open-plan space with a fully equipped kitchen. It’s a lovely country setting that feels far away, though Dereham is nearby if you need anything. There are two friendly, dog friendly pubs for food and drink, angel and the Darby, plus a local shop and a nice butcher’s and delicatessen. We had one dog with us and found everywhere dog friendly, with lots of beautiful walks. Families with children or a group of six would feel welcome here. We’ll book again.