The Lodges at Holkham

Niche Retreats is proud to present ‘The Lodges’ in Holkham – a luxurious collection of quirky countryside homes nestled in a 25,000-acre estate rich with wildlife, architecture, and history. Unique abodes that reside in the shadows of the breathtaking Holkham Hall, the grounds of this iconic mansion are a haven of culture and nature in North Norfolk. In this blog, we’ll talk about the magnificent hall, the harmonic surroundings, and the magical locations of our four new opulent retreats.

The Hall

18th-century elegance

To most people’s surprise, Holkham is still a very much-loved family home. Owned by the descendants of Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, this Norfolk vision of an Italian villa creates an imposing presence along the windswept north coast of the county. Overlooking thousands of acres of agricultural estate and a recently recognised nature reserve, Holkham Hall is not to be outdone by its breathtaking surroundings. A magnificent piece of architecture, rich in history and heritage, the hall is a member of the Treasure Houses group, which consists of ten of the most impressive and grandiose palaces, houses, and castles in England today. And as part of your booking, you’ll receive a 10% discount on the ticket price to explore this palatial home’s three libraries, the crimson saloon, and the renowned marble hall with its 50ft Roman-inspired ceilings.

Holkham in Hollywood

With a home as lavish and inspirational as Holkham Hall, it makes perfect sense that it would attract cameras, but it’s travelled beyond our British Isles, hitting the bright lights of Hollywood. Whether the visiting videographers are based close to home with the Hall and its estate appearing on BBC Countryfile, the Antiques Roadshow and ITV’s drama, ‘Kingdom’, or from the across the pond, with the likes of Netflix’s ‘Annihilation’, Miramax’s ‘Shakespeare in Love’, or the blockbuster movie ‘The Duchess’ starring Kiera Knightley and Ralph Fiennes – Holkham is a star of the silver screen.

The Reserve

Sand, saltmarsh and scrub

Holkham National Nature Reserve covers around 3706 hectares - or 9158 acres - from the quaint village of Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Overy. With its Mediterranean-like pine-tree belt, saltmarsh flats, shifting dunes and expansive golden beach, the reserve has a myriad of ecosystems that work in perfect harmony. You’ll discover a criss-cross collection of rural pathways throughout the reserve, all with their own unique sounds and sights, from the chattering of little tern breeding colonies, to the softest pebbles underfoot and finest sand between your toes. 

An estate of events

Holkham Hall, estate, and nature reserve host a variety of interesting, and eclectic events throughout the year. You can enjoy chamber music and opera at its finest in the perfect setting of the Marble Hall at Holkham, where you’ll find the Doric String Quartet, Yevgeny Sudbin, piano and the Chiaroscuro String Quartet in 2019. In June, the grounds of the walled garden are transformed into the ultimate under-the-stars experience with the open air cinema. Or, visit the hall in winter and open the doors to a festive Holkham experience. Candlelight tours, grand rooms adorned with sweet-scented pine trees and twinkling lights, and the renowned Holkham Festive Food Fair, celebrating local produce with live cookery theatre, guest chefs, and delectable bites and regional specialities. There’s always something to look forward at Holkham, so be sure to keep an eye on their events page throughout the year.

The Homes

The arch, the folly, and the lodges

Special hideaways close to the rare beauty of Holkham beach, these utterly individual homes make for the most memorable of stays. Each of these luxurious abodes sleeps two discerning guests, and two pampered dogs, so nobody gets left behind.  South Lodge resides on the southern fringe of the estate, along a little-used back road, guarding a rarely-used entrance. Palmers Folly is a home of opulence and grandeur, within a petit and cosy interior, nestled along the edge of a towering woodland. An exposed brick chimney and a soaring vaulted ceiling make Palmers Lodge a spectacular lovers retreat. A stay in The Triumphal Arch is unlike any other, with a spiral stone staircase, and blissful panoramas from the tip of its arch window – positioned at the head of your bed.