The Pumphouse

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 4
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

For a unique stay that blends historical significance with modern design and comfort, The Pumphouse should be at the top of your list.  Surrounded by fields, marshes and farmland, this beautiful home is set amongst its own haven of tranquillity in the Norfolk parish of Hilgay. 

Built in 1849, The Pumphouse served to pump water from the nearby fenland drain to the River Wessey (you can still see remnants of the original culvert today!).  In 1973, however, it became redundant when a new pumping station opened at nearby Southery.  Left to fall into disrepair, The Pumphouse stood empty until its current owners stepped in to lovingly restore this fabulous building.

Today, the refurbished Pumphouse offers luxurious self-catering accommodation for up to 14 people.  Blending original features, including high ceilings and striking arched windows, with sleek, modern design, The Pumphouse is a true work of art.  Light spills in through the impressive windows while neutral decor creates a bright and airy space.  Extra touches include exposed brick walls, modernist furniture, and industrial light fittings, creating a holiday home that’s stylish, inviting and just a little bit different.

What’s more, to ensure your stay is as luxurious as it is peaceful, there’s even an indulgent indoor spa/hot tub for you to enjoy! Find your zen while relaxing back and gazing through the picture window on to the garden and fens beyond…utter bliss.

If you can drag yourself from the hot tub, there’s the rest of the house to explore – and it’s just as wonderful.  The large, open-plan living area was made for relaxing and socialising, all the while treating you to gorgeous views of the Wissey Valley Living Landscape.

The adjacent kitchen and dining area has everything you need for cooking up a storm and enjoying it too.  Once you’re done, curl up around the wood-burning stove in the living area and enjoy the state-of-the-art AV system – great entertainment for a night in with friends and family!

At a glance

• Historic former pump house in Hilgay, Norfolk, offering luxurious self-catering accommodation over three floors
• Sleeps 14 in total (max. 10 adults) between five bedrooms (three en-suite)
• Unique indoor spa/hot tub with views across wilderness garden
• Ideal rural retreat, with a nature reserve on your doorstep
• Large outdoor deck and brick BBQ
• Equidistant from Kings Lynn and Ely (25 mins)

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups

More information

If it’s alfresco dining you prefer, a set of French doors takes you from the kitchen to a large outdoor deck.  Set on three levels, it’s the perfect place to share a bottle or two while your dinner cooks on the colossal brick barbecue (big enough to roast a hog!).  Enjoy your meal with the large, peaceful garden as your backdrop.  And, as evening falls, keep an eye out for Otis the barn owl, who lives just 20 metres from The Pumphouse and can often be seen out hunting.

Come bedtime, The Pumphouse’s five luxurious bedrooms await.  The first can be found on the ground floor, complete with a double bed and en-suite shower room.  On the first floor are two more double rooms, both with their own en-suite shower rooms.  Finally, at the very top of the building, you’ll find the last two bedrooms; both have two single beds, as well as a day bed with an additional pull-out bunk, sleeping two to four people in each.  You’ll also find a large family bathroom with a luxurious roll-top bath.

The Pumphouse’s rural location is perfect for a holiday spent in nature.  The wildlife reserve itself is the ideal spot for watching a whole host of native species in their natural habitat.  Or enjoy the Norfolk countryside beyond on foot, horseback, or even in a canoe!

There’s no end of wonderful towns and villages to explore too; Hilgay is on your doorstep, a small village with a pub, farm shop and restaurant, traditional butcher and grocery shop.  Being equidistant from Kings Lynn to the north and Ely to the south, you’re just 25 minutes to these popular historic towns, and if a punt on the River Cam is on your ‘to do’ list, you’re only 45 minutes from Cambridge.

Alternatively, you could spend your whole visit in the comfort of The Pumphouse – after all, with this gorgeous home to enjoy, fantastic views, and, of course, your own private spa room, who could blame you?

Things to note

Maximum 10 adults can stay, minimum 3 night stays, 2 well behaved dogs permitted but must be restricted to the ground floor of the property only. The garden is bounded on one side by the River Wassey which is unfenced so children must be supervised at all times whilst in the garden. Please bring your own highchairs and cots if required.