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Smugglers Retreat

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Sleeps 8
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
No Dogs
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Family friendly
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
10 more

At a glance

  • Enticing, characterful cottage with exposed wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and Velux windows
  • With a wood burner for cosy winter nights and a courtyard garden for summer days
  • Perfect base for a family seeking to spend days on the beach and exploring North Norfolk

Property code: OC-2045

Smugglers Retreat is a charming semi-detached house set over three storeys and decorated in a contemporary style yet full of charm with plenty of original features. With exposed beams and narrow staircases much of the character has been retained including the original bread oven; the spacious sitting room has a large fireplace oozing character and warmth with a cosy wood burner adding to the ambience; perfect for year round gatherings with family and friends. Smugglers Retreat has all the comforts of modern day living and is just 2 minutes walk from the popular Quay and harbour where children and adults alike can enjoy making memories and enjoy "crabbing” on the quay. The Holkham Estate is moments away by car; families will enjoy the adventure playground, woodland walks amongst the deer herd and with cycle tracks and hire available there is plenty to explore.
Shops: 5 minutes walk Pub: 5 minutes walk.

Ground Floor:
Sitting Room with comfortable seating, Smart TV, woodburner and exposed beams
Kitchen/Dining Room fitted with quality cupboards, exposed brick work and feature bread oven, gas range cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer and dining table and chairs
Cloakroom with washbasin and wc

First Floor:
Bedroom 2 with beams, feature fireplace and a double bed
Bedroom 3 with twin beds
Bedroom 4 with a 1 3/4 child bed & 1 small toddler's bed
Bathroom with large walk-in shower, vanity washbasin and wc

Second Floor:
Bedroom 1 accessed via steep narrow stairs - room has sloping ceiling with exposed beams, double bed, walk-in wardrobe with cold water wash basin

Garden: Fully enclosed courtyard, small patio area with table and two chairs
Parking: Driveway to the side of the property for one large car with additional roadside parking nearby.
Heating: G.F.C.H. Woodburner
Also Provided: Towels. Wifi. Books and games. 
Pets: Not allowed.
Notes: This is a non-smoking property. Mobile signal - weak. Please note there is a mixture of feather filled and synthetic pillows. Property sleeps 8 - maximum of 6 adults. Please also note that there is an outdoor camera at the property, this can be turned off if guests prefer but this must be turned back on at the end of the stay. 

Wells is a popular town set behind a small harbour on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. Take a ride from the town by narrow-gauge steam railway to the soft sandy beaches against a backdrop softly coloured beach huts. The coastal footpath runs adjacent to the harbour and is approximately a mile long and a perfect spot to take a pew and peruse the sailing boats depart the harbour at high tide and an enjoyable walk with family and friends. Upon reaching the iconic lifeboat station take a stroll and explore the pine woods beyond the beach where car parking is available too and a family-friendly cafe; a perfect place to enjoy a hot beverage ‘year round’. This part of the coastline has a variety of birdlife and is famed for ornithology with many coastal paths and trails to discover. The pretty town has a variety of independent shops to explore; a theatre, galleries and for the youngsters there are amusements to visit, there is also a supermarket, petrol station not forgetting some great pubs serving great food located on the ever-popular Buttlands. Pubs/Shops/Beach: within walking distance.

  • 4 bedrooms – 2 doubles, 1 twin and 1 room with a 3/4-size child’s bed and a toddler’s bed
  • 1 family bathroom with a large walk-in shower and WC, separate WC in cloakroom
  • Gas range cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washer/dryer
  • Wood burner
  • Smart TV
  • Mobile phone signal weak
  • Enclosed courtyard, with table and 2 chairs
  • Private parking for 1 car (additional roadside parking subject to availability)
  • Shop and pub 300 metres, beach 1 mile
  • Please note, there is a mixture of feather-filled and synthetic pillows at this cottage
  • Please also be aware that this cottage sleeps 8, with a maximum of 6 adults
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Jodie McCallum

This property is personally managed by Jodie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 7 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 3.1 starsOverall cleanliness 3.1 starsOverall cleanliness 3.1 starsOverall cleanliness 3.1 starsOverall cleanliness 3.1 stars3.1
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 stars4
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 3.9 starsOverall comfort 3.9 starsOverall comfort 3.9 starsOverall comfort 3.9 starsOverall comfort 3.9 stars3.9
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Joy 30th May 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is a brilliant location to the facilities in Wells. The facilities mean it is easy to eat in or out. The bedrooms are well maintained and comfortable. We did come the bank holiday weekend and we had to plan to park the second car as the streets and car parks filled quickly. On busy times it would be advisable to get to the town earlRead morey to avoid the problem even if it is before the arrival time for the cottage. There is plenty to do in the town to keep you interested and busy. Hide

Reviewed by Charlotte 13th September 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Very well situated near the Quay. Very pleasant master bedrooms in the roof. Large and well equipped kitchen

Reviewed by Kate 7th September 2025

Guest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 stars

Reviewed by Caroline 28th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is charming and extremely well located in Wells. Its appearance is actually much better than in the photos and we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The cottage had a major flaw, however, in that the door between the kitchen and living room was rather low at almost exactly 6 ft in height. One of our party was seriously injureRead mored by hitting his head on the stone at the top of the door frame, and another also suffered a bad injury to his head during our stay. If all of your party are shorter than 6 ft this shouldn't affect you, but I was surprised that this hazard wasn't padded to prevent injury. Response from holidaycottages.co.uk: Thank you for your review. We can confirm that we will discuss this with the owner. Hide

Reviewed by Karen 14th April 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Lorna 8th January 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely New Year stay at a comfortable and well-located cottage, would definitely recommend.

Reviewed by Kay 28th December 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

A lovely cottage. Perfect for our needs and very baby friendly for a ten month old crawler.

5 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.