EAST ANGLIA
THE GUNTON ARMS THORPE MARKET, NORFOLK
Art dealer Ivor Braka’s recreation of a particularly delightful 19th-century coaching inn, with the huge help of interior designer Robert Kime, has been wowing guests ever since it opened in 2011. ‘In the words of Dolly Parton,’ Ivor says ruefully, ‘it took a lot of money to look this cheap.’ The look is helped by the quirkiness of the gabled, flint building itself, which sits inside vast, deer-filled Gunton Park. Chef Stuart Tattersall presides over delicious, imaginative dishes, including grills on an open fire, while guests tuck in at sharing tables. There’s a divine residents’ sitting room decorated with paintings by seriously famous artists, courtesy of Ivor. Indeed, the whole place is filled with edgy, sexy art: Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, you name it. As for the bedrooms, they are enchanting. If you stay in Ellis, look twice at the old prints to the left of the dressing table – but not if you objected to Tracey Emin’s naughty plates above the bar. CLAIM TO FAME... Lily Langtry, mistress of King Edward VII, had secret trysts with him here in the 1890s, when he was shooting on the Estate. One of the rooms is named after her, with photos of them both on the walls. Doubles from £95 +44 (0)1263 832010; theguntonarms.co.uk
THE HOSTE HOTEL & BEAUTY SPA BURNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK
An independent hotel with a difference, The Hoste is spread throughout a collection of separate buildings in pretty Burnham Market. At its heart is a 17th-century coaching inn overlooking the village green. Here, you’ll find the reception, a convivial bar, sheltered garden and two outstanding restaurants: an elegant panelled dining room and a contemporary brasserie. The talented kitchen team is committed to ingredient-driven, seasonal cooking, and the menus highlight the superb local produce, from Swannington Farm lamb to Brancaster oysters. There is also a small spa, fitness centre and a truly comfy 20-seater cinema. Choose to sleep in the main hotel, where each bedroom is different, but equally charming; in a cool, luxurious room in Georgian Vine House; in a self-contained cottage; or, most romantic of all, in Railway House, where you can tuck up for the night in a lovingly converted 19th-century railway carriage. CLAIM TO FAME... The hotel dates back to 1651 and is associated with Admiral Lord Nelson, born locally in the village of Burnham Thorpe. There is an exhibition at the hotel portraying his life. Doubles from £165 +44 (0)1328 738777; thehoste.com 2018/19 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/GREAT-BRITISH-AND-IRISH-HOTELS | 145
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