The Green Pavilion

Glimpse this award-winning eco home through the lofty trees and wild grasses of deepest Norfolk – you’re steeped in nature and the building is full of clever design and thoughtful details. The open-plan living space has gleaming glass walls and a peaked ceiling soars skyward to a mesh of solid oak beams. You’ll feel warm by the wood-burner (kindling and logs provided) even if the weather is doing its worst and you’ll find tea and milk and biscuits in the slate-floored kitchen.

There’s plenty of space for all and the more intrepid will opt for the cosy mezzanine gallery up the paddle stairs. Study the OS maps that are pasted up for inspiration, fire up the barbecue in the garden on balmy evenings, stargaze on the veranda. Stock up at the Wiveton Hall farmshop (20 minutes in the car) – there’s a good cafe there too and you can pick your own fruit and veg in season.

Hire bikes and have them delivered: country lanes meander to the coast for birdwatching at Salthouse, a boat trip to Blakeney or crabbing in Cromer. Stroll along Weavers’ Way beside a meadow to afternoon tea at Felbrigg Hall. Return to peace and quiet and some wildlife watching – don’t forget your binoculars.