The Landmark Trust holiday homes to visit in Norfolk

The Landmark Trust carefully restores at-risk historic buildings into comfortable, self-catered holiday lets. 

The charity has four properties in Norfolk - a water tower on the Sandringham Estate, a vicarage in Methwold, a farmhouse near Diss and a lodge outside Houghton Hall. 

None of the buildings have televisions, radios, telephones or Wi-Fi, encouraging guests to spend their time in other ways such as "walking, cooking, playing cards, laying fires, painting, reading, watching the stars, writing, entertaining and simply thinking".

Despite the lack of technology, all properties have comfortable beds and furniture, well-equipped kitchens and modern bathrooms. 

1. Appleton Water Tower

The Appleton Water Tower at the edge of the Sandringham Estate (Image: The Landmark Trust)

This Victorian water tower sits on the edge of the Sandringham Estate in west Norfolk. 

It was built after Edward, Prince of Wales and his son fell ill with typhoid while staying on the royal estate in the 1870s. 

The kitchen inside Appleton Water Tower (Image: The Landmark Trust) The 60ft neo-Byzantine tower was designed by engineer James Mansergh and features a roof terrace that offers stunning views of the surrounding Norfolk countryside. 

With one twin room and one double room, the property sleeps up to four people and is dog-friendly.

2. Methwold Old Vicarage

Methwold Old Vicarage (Image: The Landmark Trust)

Believed to date back to the 15th century, the Old Vicarage in Methwold lies at the junction of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

The timber-framed home was originally thatched and has a distinctive brick gable end which is unique to Norfolk.

Featuring a single, twin and double room, guests can enjoy a roaring open fire and a large kitchen area for cooking and dining. 

The building has a distinctive brick gable end (Image: The Landmark Trust) A puzzle surrounding this landmark is "why such a wonderfully decorated house would have been built for the priest of such a small village on the edge of the fens".

The property is dog-friendly and is just down the road from Oxburgh Hall.

3. Manor Farm

Manor Farm is near Diss (Image: John Miller/ The Landmark Trust)

While there is no written evidence to officially date Manor Farm near Diss, it is believed to have been built soon after 1597.

A traditional thatched and timber-framed farmhouse with oak partitions and moulded beams, it was the typical dwelling of a comfortably-off yeoman farmer. 

The dining room inside Manor Farm (Image: John Miller/ The Landmark Trust) The building was repaired by Monica and Harry Dance before being passed on to The Landmark Trust.

With two twins and two doubles, the property sleeps up to eight people and is dog-friendly.

Featuring a fireplace, guests can also enjoy its pretty gardens, the surrounding countryside and a nearby moat. 

4. Houghton West Lodge

Houghton West Lodge (Image: The Landmark Trust)

This property is one of four lodges that guard the entrance to Houghton Hall, the seat of Britain's first prime minister Sir Robert Walpole.

With one double bedroom and fireplace in the sitting room, it makes a perfect cosy retreat for two. 

Built in the 1840s, the property features a small yard and wash house at the back 

Bookings can be made at landmarktrust.org.uk.