Norfolk Party House: inside August House, frequented by The Queen Mother
When even the locals don’t know exactly where your weekend holiday home is located, you know you’re onto something really secluded. When it comes to August House near Happisburgh in Norfolk, private is just the way the owners like it.
Through an unassuming gateway and up a tree-lined gravel drive, this is one of the few so-called ‘butterfly houses’ in the UK, an 18th-century arts and crafts mansion that everyone should have the good luck to visit at least once in their lives, let alone stay in.
Recently restored, the house has played host to several royals, including The Queen Mother (it was owned for several years by her brother, Michael Bowes Lyon) and its 12 bedrooms, spacious reception rooms, grand formal dining room, swimming pool and hot tub mean it lends itself to even the most high-end of celebration stays.
The house
August House (or Happisburgh Manor, as it’s known locally) is one of the biggest thatches in the UK and while it is only 200 years old, it has been maintained by the same family for generations.
Despite its relative youth, its evocative location and striking architecture infuse it with historical romance, and its proximity to the crumbling coast (some estimates give it just 50 years until the house falls into the sea) lends an irresistible “enjoy me while you can” allure.
The house has been thoughtfully restored by the present owners, and shows a careful balance between contemporary glam (the pool) and contemporary classic (everywhere else). It’s inviting throughout the year too: cool in summer and kept cosy in winter with its three multi-fuel burners.
A mix of period furniture nods to the property’s past (a crystal decanter in one room is reputed to be the Queen Mother’s and she is said to have, ahem, used a wooden throne elsewhere) and other previous salubrious guests make for an overall impression of stately comfort.
Trompe l’oeils appear everywhere - sea views are carefully exploited with stylish seating perfect for a casual glass of wine or moment of quiet contemplation.
As you arrive, you’ll find the dining room already formally set with vintage china. The spectacle delighted our group of lively children while filling the adults with horror, but the touch immediately sets the scene for some momentous meals. And if it’s a party you’re after, you’ll be glad of the Sony sound systems around the house.
The library provides a calmer spot for a game of cards or a film. DVDs can also be played via a Playstation in the well-equipped gym upstairs - another of the more contemporary additions, which comes with a sauna for added relaxation. For something more adventurous, there’s even a quad bike on which to roam the acres.
The immaculately tended gardens (also listed and looked after by August House managers and partners Kerry and Tom) are replete with quintessential English charm. The grounds include an orchard (from which guests are encouraged to pick apples and pears), formal gardens, peacocks and rehomed horses, Sybil and Ron Weasley, as well as Highland cattle in an adjoining field.
The pool area is something else. Open from May to September (the hot tub is open all year round), it sits in a sun trap sheltered from the coastal breeze and with a full view of the house and gardens. The pool house has a seemingly endless supply of inflatables and pool games, plus a well-stocked drinks fridge and state-of-the-art barbecue.
The kitchen has all the facilities you might need for a group stay, including induction hobs, coffee machine, stacks of china and wine and champagne glasses plus plastic tableware for outdoor dining, a dishwasher, three fridges and a freezer.
A thoughtful welcome hamper of local goodies greets you on arrival and there are generous store cupboard essentials, while jars of sweets and treats can be found dotted around the kitchen and cosy snug. Guests who pre-order online food deliveries will find they have been unpacked in advance of their arrival.
The location
British sea views don’t get much better than the panoramic vista August House presides over. If you can tear yourself away from the grounds, Happisburgh beach not only provides soft white sand as far as the eye can see but also a playground and locally renowned retro burger van too.
A short drive away there are several good pubs and restaurants including the Gunton Arms while Horsey Beach provides some of the best seal watching (and swimming!) in the UK.
Standout feature
The architecture. Plus the romance that comes from the property’s colourful history and looming tragedy. And in what may be a British luxury holiday home first, this is not a money-making enterprise - all profits go front line to support projects in northern Tanzania through the owner’s charity Health Amplifier and directly benefit the lives of countless children in the deprived region of Kikavu.
Not so keen
Some of the bedrooms (sorry, Ma’am, but yours is one) feel stuffy. The swimming pool is miles from the kitchen so poolside catering needs to be well organised and definitely barbecue-related. The kitchen is super well-equipped but felt as though it was built by someone who had no intention of ever using it themselves.
The rooms
The 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms – most with sea or garden views – are decorated in a contemporary-classic style. The two attic rooms have a subtle African theme, decorated as they are with soft furnishings and artwork from the continent. Three rooms have en suites, while others share shower rooms.
Getting there
The nearest train station is North Walsham, a 15-minute drive away. Trains leave from London Liverpool Street (two changes at Norwich and Sheringham). Driving from London takes approximately 2 hours 40 mins.
Cost and how to book
From £5,500 for a week-long stay for up to 20 guests; uniquehomestays.com
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