Words by Charlie Matthews
Perfectly poised in the heart of a private deer park near Cromer in Norfolk, you’ll find The Gunton Arms. Bought by the esteemed Ivor Braka in 2009, his rebellious and uncompromising take on a countryside escape is seen and felt through every detail and collaboration. With the art dealer’s personal collection lining the walls and corridors, to the quintessential interiors by royal favourite Robert Kime, and chefs from the team behind HIX, this is a rural experience like no other.
Hotel
From the second you set foot inside The Gunton Arms, there’s a cool and collected buzz. A traditional bar is offset with contemporary and conversational artwork, including sculptural work by Darren Almond and eccentric twists on American bureaucratic signage by Holzer. Look outside and you’re embedded into the rolling fields of North Norfolk’s famed deer park, with herds strolling amongst the long grass to conjure images from your favourite Jane Austen novels.
If that wasn’t entrancing enough, look past the bar area to discover the elk room; a dining area complete with open roaring fire that’s cooked on. Stuart and Simone Tattersall, partners in the business, bring with them a HIX ethos of using local, seasonal produce and a style of cooking which is vigorous, and ingredient led. The Gunton Arms has its own venison, and the seafood, mussels and Cromer crab are caught by local fisherman.
More to come on the fine cuisine, but for now it’s a continued meander into the guest lounges. With interiors by the late Robert Kime, his intrinsically comfortable style is seen and felt in every furniture detail. From richly layered kilim and ikat fabrics to the antique rugs, you may even feel you’re staying at a society friend’s country abode. Prepare to lose yourself in deep seated down filled sofas, with the company of coffee table books telling stories of artwork surrounding you.
Room
Converted stables offer the most luxurious experience, backing onto estate fenced pastures with an orchard serving as your doorstep garden. Candy cane deckchairs are pulled up under an apple tree, inviting the most scenic way to enjoy a coffee and watch the British White cows graze nearby.
With your own private lounge, bedroom décor is again curated by Robert Kime. The marble in the bathroom was sourced in Egypt and came out of derelict mansions in Alexandria – a little touch of opulence for evenings that call for a lavendered bubble bath.
Food
A short stroll down the road and you’ll find The Suffield Arms, Gunton’s edgy sister bringing spice to the countryside surroundings. Tapas is firmly on the menu here, and the electric atmosphere transports you immediately to the Mediterranean.
A graffitied bar ceiling attracts attention next to the hanging cured meats, and the rustic seating makes you feel at ease and ready to sample everything you can muster. Highlights include the chorizo with rioja and honey, harissa lamb with hummus and flatbread, and the star of the show, squid ink paella with cuttlefish, prawns and lime zest. The staff are experts in small plates and cocktails to accompany.
For a real kick, the caipirinha is a sip not to be missed, and a favourite of Braka during his time in Columbia. The perfect contradiction of The Suffield Arms makes it very special dining experience; the sound of sport channels and chatter around a pool table, teamed with cosmopolitan dining of the highest standard. To continue the bijou evening, head upstairs to discover the secret saloon bar, with sumptuous velvets and dimmed lighting to conjure up an indulgent Riad feeling. The cocktails on offer are otherworldly.
To do
You’ll be spoilt for choice on local sights. Cromer Beach offers something nostalgic with its colour blocked huts, while the town of Holt is an antique lovers’ hot spot. Sheringham Park provides miles of stunning coastal views, and Holkham Hall is a must visit if you’re ticking through stately home tours. The Palladian mansion is packed with libraries, statues, paintings and sculpted gardens galore.
In a nutshell
The Gunton and Suffield Arms is Norfolk’s secret calling card for the artists and exuberant types looking for a sociable hub away from London. The perfect concoction of interior design, landscape and cuisine will have you wanting to be deemed a local.
Factbox
Barn House suites can be booked from £300 per night.
Address: The Gunton Arms, Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, Norfolk NR11 8TZ
Phone: 01263 832010
Email: office@theguntonarms.co.uk
Website: theguntonarms.co.uk and suffieldarms.com
