The Control Tower B&B

• Sleeps: 2 per room
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 1 ensuite per room
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

A former RAF control tower, lovingly restored as a B&B. Original art deco furniture throughout, from the beds to the bathtubs. A delicious vegetarian breakfast, all locally and ethically sourced where possible. Oh, and a promise there won’t be a TV, trouser press, high-tech gizmo or rasher of bacon in sight. There’s certainly only one place fitting this description, and it’s the Control Tower.

Located in North Norfolk, three miles south of Wells-next-the-Sea, the Control Tower offers the rare opportunity to stay somewhere that not only has real historical significance, but also opens a window to the past. Vintage furniture, faithful period restoration and a warm welcome help you step back to a time when life was simpler, slower and calmer.

The Control Tower has had an eventful history. After RAF North Creake Airfield closed in 1947, the building went from overseeing the take-offs and landings of 199 and 171 squadrons to becoming flats and offices. When it came up for sale in 2011, owners Claire and Nigel saw their opportunity to restore the Control Tower to its original modernist appearance on the outside, all the while creating a comfortable period home and B&B on the inside.

Today, three double bedrooms – the Signal Room, the Board Room and the Controller’s Rest Room – inside the tower and a new garden room – The Stirling Suite, welcome guests with original period furniture, art deco artwork, and comfortable beds.  Unwind with a cup of organic tea or locally roasted coffee while listening to the Roberts Revival digital radio – probably the most hi-tech object you’ll see during your stay!

All rooms are en-suite; the Signal Room, Board Room and Stirling Suite bathrooms are particularly special, giving guests the chance to relax in a 70-year old bathtub with locally made lavender bubble bath.

The outstanding attention to period detail continues throughout the whole house. The former Metrological Office is now a large living room where guests can relax by the art deco fireplace, perhaps playing a game or reading one of the many books on offer. You can even take one back to your room if you’d rather snuggle up there – the relaxed atmosphere at the Control Tower really does make it feel like a home-from-home.  And don’t forget to explore the two-acre wildflower garden where it’s impossible to feel anything but relaxed.

Venture beyond the front gate and you’ll find a veritable list of things to see and do in this wonderful part of Norfolk. Explore the expansive beaches of nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, Burham Ovary Staithe and Stiffkey, travel the historic Holt to Sheringham steam railway, or walk the magnificent Peddars Way, dating back to Roman times.

At a glance

• Original period furniture throughout
• Vegetarian breakfast, using locally and ethically sourced ingredients
• Four double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (three with baths, one with rainfall shower)
• Excellent pubs and restaurants in nearby villages
• Beautiful beaches, historic walking trail and steam railway to explore

More information

If staying in the tower, after a restful night’s sleep, a delicious breakfast awaits you downstairs. Help yourself to live organic yoghurt, fruits typically plucked straight from the garden, and cereals.  You can also enjoy tea, coffee and local sourdough toast, all accompanied by homemade jams and local apple juice. A word of warning – you’ll need to make the difficult decision between the delicious vegetarian cooked breakfast, or one of the irresistible lighter options, including drop scones with jam and butter, or boiled eggs with ‘airmen’! If staying the Stirling Suite your freshly-cooked breakfast will be delivered to you, along with a basket of cereals and fruit, each morning.

It’s easy to see why the Control Tower has achieved national acclaim and rave reviews from guests. Whether it’s a flying visit you’re making or something a little more long haul, a stay at the Control Tower is an experience you’ll treasure for years to come.

Things to note

Minimum 2 nights’ stay. Prices from £125 per room per night. Private group parties possible by prior arrangement. Please note that there are no televisions on the property. No smoking. Children welcome – please call in advance to arrange. There is space in The Signal Room for a travel cot. No pets are permitted in the Tower as the owners have two rescue cats, Window & Mandrel!