The grand Georgian residence was once the doctor’s surgery within the village and from the outside Carrington House blends itself into the Snettisham backdrop as a regular country house – a somewhat large and fine one, but there’s little indication as to what a breathtakingly interior hides behind the facade. Surrounding the Grade II listed property is the secret garden, which is quiet, pretty and serene – everything you’d expect from a luxury North Norfolk holiday retreat and just the spot for British afternoon tea parties, or English muffins and tea to welcome in the morning. Inside the main house, words such as ‘ordinary’ and ‘typical’ are left outside as the designers have ensured the wow factor begins immediately. There are two striking reception rooms, one decorated with a leaf-print paper with sofas and oil portraits echoing 1960’s chic, although the lounge feels modern and the finishing touches have all been carefully planned. The ultimate in hedonism is the 22-seat dining room, the focal point of which is the huge black-lacquered table surrounded by antique chairs. Geometric black and white walls are complemented by a flash of pink
from the low-hung shades, and a large mirror on the end wall extends this amazing dining space. As part of Russell and Shaun’s ethos of providing the very best in luxury holiday accommodation, they’ve added functionality when it comes to food. By creating a large living kitchen for guests as well as a professional catering area for occassions when it’s time to sit back and let others do the hard work, Carrington House offers the best of both worlds. But if you thought this already sounds like the perfect party house then the design partners are one step ahead. Descend the stairs to the cellar, and you’ll find it’s been converted into a fully soundproof entertainment room – a vertiable mini nightclub under the house. Complete with DJ decks, a karaoke machine, a six-foot cinema screen and dressing-up room, who could fail to be amused? Best of all, it won’t disturb the neighbours! Back upstairs, the main house continues the uplifting exuberance in the six beautiful double bedrooms and bathrooms. You can take your pick from the Green Room, which is grand, gorgeous and emanates old school glamour; the Red Room, which is bold, beautiful and bursting with drama
thanks to an eight-poster bed; the Versace Room, which features a fabulous bespoke raised bed offering extra special sleep; the Hollywood Room, which is an American twin straight from the set of a 1950s movie; and the Chinoiserie Room, which is clearly inspired by the 17th century Orient and features two large luxurious single beds. The bold, graphic and glamorous style screams individuality and provides instant wonder, but the pair’s design experience realises that a quieter corner is sometimes needed too. Consequently, welcome to the adjacent cosy cottage, with its touches of the swinging 70s and a much calmer approach, although it’s still very original. Here the feature bedroom – the Cabin Room – is reminiscent of the one of the finest ship’s bolt holes complete with a freestanding bath in the corner. Another bedroom grandly looks out over the private terrace – just another one of Carrington’s hidden gems. Outside, the rest of the sophisticated walled garden is a real place of beauty, with a mix of bygone characteristics given the modern seal of approval. Like the house itself, the garden is beautiful but to describe anything here as eye-catching is something of an understatement. Carrington House is bright, daring and surprising yet it manages to remain relaxing, intriguing and very, very likeable. It’s a house without a theme, other than being completely original, which is why it appeals to so many people. Its guests will each have their favourite rooms but Carrington House offers a uniquely enjoyable experience and is much a work of art as a holiday home. Drama does indeed reach new heights at Carrington House. KL
CARRINGTON HOUSE 12 Lynn Road, Snettisham, Norfolk PE31 7LS For reservations and enquiries, please contact Paul Brewster on 0870 8505468 or e-mail info@carringtonhouse.net Website: www.carringtonhouse.net
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KLmagazine October 2011