The Bell Tower
Thornham • Sleeps 7 • Dogs welcome
Nestled in the popular coastal village of Thornham, The Bell Tower is a stunning self-catering holiday home bursting with history, character and authenticity. It has recently been lovingly refurbished to an exceptional standard that perfectly blends the original features and charm of the property with contemporary living. You are well-positioned within the village where you have everything on your doorstep from fabulous restaurants and eateries to a beautiful beach just a short walk away. The property also boasts off-road parking and is dog-friendly too!
The Bell Tower has been thoughtfully designed and beautifully furnished throughout. On the ground floor there is a large living room, kitchen, two dining areas, a separate utility and WC. On the first floor there are 3 magnificent bedrooms, each with their own en suite and all maintaining the original features of the property. To the front of the property, there is an enclosed gravel driveway providing off road parking and a patio area with an alfresco dining set. Please note that children and infants must be supervised when upstairs in the property due to the mezzanine balcony in the master bedroom.
The Bell Tower is the west wing of what was Thornham County Primary School built in 1858 by William Hogge Esquire, a wealthy banker with connections to Kings Lynn but was brought up at the family home of The Manor, Church Lane in Thornham. Originally two schools: infants on the east side with standards (or juniors) on the west, each with their own headteacher. The building was set up to be used as “a school for the education of children of the labouring, manufacturing and other poorer classes in the Parish of Thornham” in line with the thinking of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor. It was given that it would follow the principles of the established church and should be open to the inspection of the Inspector. The school closed in 1986.
Entrance Hall
You cannot fail to be impressed by the entrance into this majestic property! You immediately enter into the entrance hall where you are surrounded by the grand original wooden doors. Here you will find a recess in which you can store your coats and shoes. From the entrance hall, you can access the living area, kitchen/diner or the stairs to the first floor.
Living Area
The large, spacious living area beautifully blends the original features of the property with modern-day living and is the perfect place for your party to enjoy some quality time together. The lounge area has a lowered ceiling creating a cosy atmosphere, with three comfy sofas focused around the wood-burning stove, a Smart TV, Sonos speaker and plenty of books and games to keep everyone entertained! The far end of the room opens up to an ‘atrium‘ where there is a dining area with seating for six guests set beneath the impressive original gothic window that floods the room with natural light. Here, you will also find an original wooden desk complete with inkwell should you require a space to work.
Side Passage
Set just off the living area there is a side passage that affords access to the rear courtyard, the ground floor WC and the utility/boiler room which houses the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Kitchen/Dining Room
Overlooking the rear courtyard on one side of the room and the front of the property on the other side, the open plan kitchen/diner is light and spacious offering a great space in which to enjoy a sit-down meal with your guests.
The kitchen is well-equipped for the head chef to whip up some culinary delights! Featuring a large Smeg oven and induction hob, a large freestanding Fischer & Paykel fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, kettle and toaster.
There is also a second dining area with a table and chairs seating up to 8 guests.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Head up the winding staircase to the first floor where you will find 3 magnificent bedrooms, each with their own en suite and all maintaining the original features of the property. At the top of the staircase is the bell tower where you can see a replica of the original bell-rope although no longer connected to the bell!
Bedroom 1 (named after schoolmaster T Harrison): This spacious bedroom overlooks the rear of the property and can accommodate up to three guests. Beautifully furnished with a king-size bed which can also be a twin, a separate single bed, a large traditional wooden wardrobe, a separate chest of drawers and a Sonos speaker. There is also an en suite with a corner shower, WC, hand basin and heated towel radiator.
Bedroom 2 (named after William Hogge Esq.): The extremely spacious master bedroom is set on a mezzanine above the living area and overlooks the large original gothic window at the rear of the property. This stunning bedroom boasts an attractive wooden 4-poster bed, dressing table with chair and mirror, a separate full-length mirror and a Sonos speaker. This room also benefits from having a separate dressing room providing hanging space and a chest of drawers, as well as an en suite featuring a bath with a hand-held shower attachment, WC, hand basin and radiator. Please note that there are no curtains/blinds on the large window, therefore there are screens to use for privacy and drapes around the 4-poster bed to make it darker if required.
Bedroom 3 (named after Edith Ames Lyde): Overlooking the front of the property this bedroom boasts plenty of natural light from the imposing original gothic style windows. The owners have cleverly designed the curtains so that you can ensure your privacy while still being able to enjoy the features of the original window. Offering a king-size bed, freestanding wardrobe, dressing table with stool and mirror, Sonos speaker, and an en suite featuring a corner shower, WC, hand basin and a heated towel radiator.
Outside
The property is set behind electric gates where you will find an enclosed gravel driveway providing off-road parking for four cars. There is also a paved patio area at the front of the property surrounded by box hedges with a table and chairs and a charcoal Webber BBQ providing an alfresco dining area to enjoy on a warm summer evening!
There is an additional enclosed paved courtyard at the rear of the property.
At a glance
Sleeps 7
3 En Suite Bedrooms
1 Super King Bedroom
1 King Size Bedroom
1 Triple Room with a King Size Bed (Zip & Link) and 1 Single
Smart TV
Sonos in Each Room
Fibre Broadband
Dogs Welcome
Wood Burner
Basket of Logs (starter pack provided Oct-Mar)
Off-Road Parking
Complimentary Barefoot Welcome Pack
Bathrobes and Slippers
Towels and Linens
Arrival Day: Saturday
Arrival Time: 4pm
Departure Time: 10 am
7/14 night stays and 3 night short breaks start on a Friday 4 night short breaks start on a Monday
Short breaks are priced at 80% of full-week price. Alternative start days may be possible outside peak weeks.
| Dates | 7 night price | Short breaks* |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd January 2020 → 14th February 2020 | £725 | £580 |
| 15th February 2020 → 21st February 2020 | £850 | £680 |
| 22nd February 2020 → 13th March 2020 | £725 | £580 |
| 14th March 2020 → 27th March 2020 | £850 | £680 |
| 28th March 2020 → 3rd April 2020 | £975 | £780 |
| 4th April 2020 → 17th April 2020 | £1850 | |
| 18th April 2020 → 24th April 2020 | £1500 | |
| 25th April 2020 → 1st May 2020 | £850 | £680 |
| 2nd May 2020 → 8th May 2020 | £975 | £780 |
| 9th May 2020 → 15th May 2020 | £1100 | £880 |
| 16th May 2020 → 22nd May 2020 | £975 | £780 |
| 23rd May 2020 → 29th May 2020 | £1950 | |
| 30th May 2020 → 19th June 2020 | £1100 | |
| 20th June 2020 → 26th June 2020 | £1275 | |
| 27th June 2020 → 3rd July 2020 | £1500 | |
| 4th July 2020 → 10th July 2020 | £1650 | |
| 11th July 2020 → 24th July 2020 | £1850 | |
| 25th July 2020 → 28th August 2020 | £1950 | |
| 29th August 2020 → 4th September 2020 | £1650 | |
| 5th September 2020 → 11th September 2020 | £1500 | |
| 12th September 2020 → 25th September 2020 | £1100 | £880 |
| 26th September 2020 → 16th October 2020 | £850 | £680 |
| 17th October 2020 → 30th October 2020 | £1100 | |
| 31st October 2020 → 6th November 2020 | £850 | £680 |
| 7th November 2020 → 21st December 2020 | £725 | £580 |
| 22nd December 2020 → 4th January 2021 | £1950 | |
| Later dates | Please contact us for details | |
| Rates shown do not include £20 booking fee. | *available outside peak weeks | |