Christian Holiday Cottage, Norfolk | Perfect Retreat, Sleeps 6

Christian Holiday Cottage, Norfolk — On the Edge of the Broads

Two Ways Cottage has stood in the quiet village of Barton Turf for more than two centuries, tucked away on the northern fringe of the Norfolk Broads where the River Ant widens into open water. It is the kind of place clergy and church workers often describe as genuinely restful rather than merely convenient — a proper cottage, in a proper corner of rural Norfolk, with the Broads themselves as neighbours rather than a scenic backdrop glimpsed from a car window. The cottage’s own two hundred years give it a settled, well-loved feel that fits comfortably alongside a village whose history stretches back a great deal further still.

Barton Broad itself, just a short stroll from the cottage, is the second largest of all the Norfolk Broads and has been cared for by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust as a National Nature Reserve since 1945. It began life not as a natural lake but as a medieval peat digging, later flooded and connected to the River Ant, and following a major restoration project in the 1990s it is once again a rich and beautiful stretch of water. A boardwalk trail winds through wet carr woodland to a viewing platform over the Broad, where common terns nest on rafts in summer and swallowtail butterflies — found almost nowhere else in Britain — drift over the surrounding reedbeds. Herons, marsh harriers and, in winter, good numbers of goldeneye duck can often be spotted too, making it a wonderful, unhurried place for a slow morning walk before the day gets going.

For those who value a quiet church as much as a quiet garden, St Michael and All Angels stands about fifteen minutes’ walk from Barton Staithe, largely alone but for a handful of neighbouring houses. The present building dates from the 14th century, with a tower raised around 1400, and inside is one of Norfolk’s most celebrated survivals: a 15th-century painted rood screen depicting the complete Nine Orders of Angels, still rich with its original colour more than five hundred years on. Six bells hang in the tower, the oldest cast in 1535, and on a clear day the climb up rewards visitors with views stretching along the Norfolk coast. Visitors are welcome to sign the visitors’ book and make themselves a cup of tea while they take it all in. It is a peaceful spot for private prayer or simply to sit a while, and a fitting reminder of how deeply this landscape is woven through with faith.

The area carries a surprising thread of national history too. Barton Hall, close to the village, was once home to Catherine Matcham, sister of Admiral Lord Nelson, and her husband George Matcham — a house Nelson himself visited more than once while staying nearby. It is easy to imagine him arriving by water much as guests do today, along the same network of rivers and broads that still defines this corner of Norfolk.

Two Ways Cottage makes a comfortable, unpretentious base for exploring all of this, and for those looking further afield, HolyHols lists Christian holiday accommodation right across the East of England and beyond, should Barton Turf’s peace and quiet leave you wanting to discover more of the region during a longer stay.

Perfect for:

Clergy and ministry workers in need of a genuinely quiet, unplugged break
Families wanting space to roam, with the Broads and beaches both close by
Couples who enjoy gentle walks, wildlife, and a slower pace of life
Anyone drawn to Norfolk’s deep-rooted history of faith and pilgrimage
Dog owners, with the Broads and country footpaths right on the doorstep

Location

Two Ways Cottage, The Street, Barton Turf, Norfolk, NR12 8BB
How to get there:
Barton Turf is a rural village with limited bus service. Access by car is highly recommended. It is an easy road journey from London by M11 and A11 of about 3 hours
Travel by rail is possible with trains to Wroxham and Hoveton station and a fifteen minute taxi journey to Barton Turf.
Flights to Norwich airport

Local Area

Nearest supermarket is a large Tesco in Stalham or Roys supermarket in Wroxham, both about 5 miles from Barton Turf. All major supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose will do home delivery to Barton Turf)
The White House Stores in Neatishead 1 mile away has essentials such as bread and milk. It also has a tea/coffee shop with good cake.
The White Horse pub also in Neatishead has decent pub food. Both the pub and the shop have free internet.
Barton Broad staithe is 3 minutes walk from the cottage. Boats can be hired in Wroxham for day trips around the Broads waterways.
Several beautiful Norfolk beaches lie along the coastline 10 – 12 miles from Barton Broad. The beach at Winterton often has seals basking on the dunes
There are many tranquil country walks along public footpaths and bridleways

Facilities

Two Ways cottage is more than two hundred years old and has been in our family for 50 years. Set in a large private garden, it provides a cosy, tranquil retreat from the outside world.
The cottage sleeps six easily (two double beds and two singles) and can be extended to eight through the use of truckle beds. A travel cot and high chair are available on request.
There is no central heating in the cottage but an open log fire quickly makes the sitting room very cosy. Night storage heaters and electric radiators warm the rest of the rooms in winter.
Car parking is available on site and off the road. There is a TV and DVD machine but deliberately no wifi.
Unfortunately the age, layout and construction of the cottage make it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with physical disability.

Additional Photos

Click to enlarge

A brick house with a glass conservatory, green lawn, and wooden picnic tables outside offers a peaceful retreat reminiscent of a Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk. Another house and trees are in the background under a blue sky with white clouds.

Bright living room in this charming Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk, featuring red settees, a wooden coffee table, a brick fireplace, television, and large windows with beige curtains. A doorway leads to a sunlit area with lovely garden views. Cosy and inviting atmosphere throughout.

A small bedroom in a charming Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk, featuring a double bed covered in white bedlinen, a rolled towel, a bedside table with a lamp, a window with light curtains, and a painting on the pale wall above the bed.

A small bathroom in this charming Norfolk Christian holiday cottage features a bath and shower, a white basin below a window, a toilet, and white tiled walls with one pink accent wall.

A bathroom in a charming Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk, featuring pink walls, a black and white chequered floor, a toilet, pedestal basin, shower with glass door, toilet brush, and a framed picture on the wall.

A cosy sunroom in a Norfolk Christian holiday cottage features a red sofa, wooden bench with cushions, patterned rug, and floor cushion. Two black dogs lie on the rug whilst large windows reveal a lush green garden outside.

A close-up of purple flowers in a garden at a charming Norfolk Christian holiday cottage, with a brick house, blue door, and white-framed windows in the background on a sunny day.

Aerial view of a Norfolk village with houses, gardens, and winding roads, surrounded by trees, fields, a pond, and a river with boats. Among the charming homes sits a cosy Christian holiday cottage nestled in this peaceful landscape.

Person with curly blonde hair rides a bicycle down a rural road lined with grass and fields, passing by a charming Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk under a partly cloudy sky.

A wooden signpost stands on grass at a rural road junction in Norfolk, pointing to Barton Turf, Pennygate, and Staithe. Trees and houses—perhaps even a charming Christian holiday cottage—are visible in the background on a sunny day.

Sandy beach with gentle waves under a pastel-coloured sky at either sunrise or sunset, characteristic of the tranquil Norfolk coast. The sea appears calm and the beach is empty, creating a peaceful, serene atmosphere—perfect for guests staying at a nearby Christian holiday cottage seeking quiet reflection and relaxation.

Two sailing boats glide on a calm river under a clear blue sky, with green trees and reeds lining the bank in the background, creating a tranquil scene near a charming Christian holiday cottage in Norfolk.

Costs

£100 per night
Energy Provision: Energy costs and cleaning included in nightly rate.

Availability

Available all year round.
Arrival and Departure times:
Arrival after 4 pm Saturdays and departure before 10 am Saturdays. Non Saturday arrivals/departures also possible on request
Pets: Dogs welcome but not upstairs please

Contact the Owner

If you are interested in making a booking, or you would like further information, please get in touch using the following contact details:
Name: Rachel Kessler
Phone Number: 07775 906454
Email Address: lavy2ways@gmail.com
Website: www.twowaysnorfolk.co.uk

Two Ways Cottage, The Street, Barton Turf, Norfolk, NR12 8BB