Luxury retreats with a personal touch
You do not necessarily have to travel across the globe to find tranquillity, comfort and scenery to help you relax and unwind – sometimes an inviting haven is a short drive away.
This is the ethos behind Barefoot Retreats, a luxury holiday cottage rental agency based in Thornham, Norfolk. Proprietor Emma Tagg was employed for twenty years, firstly as general manager and for eight years as managing director, at The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market working with its late owner Paul Whittome and his wife Jeanne as they established the inn as one of the UK’s most successful boutique hotels.
Emma has taken her love and knowledge of the beautiful and wild north Norfolk coast and its distinctive heritage properties to establish a portfolio of individual and unique holiday homes for discerning visitors to the area.
“I thought there was a niche in the market to offer both visitors and holiday home owners a higher and more locally based level of luxury with a rural lifestyle,” said Emma. “By managing all aspects of the holiday rental experience I knew we could offer an outstanding level of service, both for the holiday maker and for the property owner.”
For the home owner, Barefoot Retreats manage all aspects of the property management, cleaning and maintenance; even an interior design service and styling recommendations to create the perfect holiday haven.
Office manager Chris Bensley also gained his hospitality experience as one of the team at The Hoste Arms. “For our guests, Barefoot Retreats offers many of the personal touches which you would expect to find at an exclusive hotel,” he said. “They will find a welcome pack of locally sourced foods and treats on arrival. The best quality linens, fluffy slippers, robes and towels are provided in bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane en Provence body and bathing products.
“Our concierge service helps guests make the most of their stay. We can recommend and make restaurant reservations, book a babysitting service or arrange for a private dining chef to cater in your accommodation. Guests may have their own requests but for memorable treats there are spa days, helicopter rides, water sports activities, hot tub hire and much more.”
The hand-picked properties, which are available for a minimum of one week in peak times or for out of season short breaks, range from cosy couples love nests to large family boltholes with a mix of contemporary and period styles.
Most of the retreats are located on the coast between Snettisham and Blakeney, with some rural gems in villages slightly further inland.
You can find plenty of information about the properties and availability on the Barefoot Retreats website (www.barefootretreats.co.uk) and Emma and Chris are always on hand to help you identify your perfect property, or talk to you about using their management service. Call them on 01485 512245.
We Recommend
Never miss a copy!
Big savings when you take out a subscription.
Grantham school joins Carol Service in celebration of town’s hospital![]()
![]()
Pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy are taking part in the first Carol Service to celebrate the special relationship Grantham and District Hospital has with the town and surrounding communities.![]()
![]()
The school children will join in the singing of favourite Christmas Carols as well as perform their own set musical piece at the Carol Service on Thursday 11th December at 7pm, in St Wulfram’s church, Grantham.![]()
![]()
Deputy Head Teacher Olivia Mumford said: “The Carol Service is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to share the joy of music while showing appreciation for the incredible work done at Grantham and District Hospital. It’s a privilege to support such an important event in our town."![]()
![]()
The Carol Service has been organised by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, who work closely with staff at Grantham and District Hospital and provides those extras for staff and patients that NHS budgets are unable to fund. ![]()
![]()
Further details on the Grantham NHS Carol Service can be found by visiting www.ulhcharity.org.uk/news/christmas-carols-at-grantham-st-wulfram-church-in-thanks-for-towns-sup...