FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions all about booking Barn Drift, before you arrive and what’s allowed.

How do we book?

To book we just ask for 20% minimum payment – your final payment will be due approximately 10 weeks prior to arrival. You will find the booking calendar on the Book page with all payment info, but as usual just call, text or email if you have any questions.

What if the prices go up after we booked and we’ve only paid 20%?

When we address some, or all of our prices we always honour the previous price to all confirmed bookings who have already paid the minimum of 20% of their total. If guests have a confirmed booking but decide to add on extras after a price increase they will be charged the new price for those extras only.

When will we receive access info and directions?

We usually contact you the morning of your arrival with all this information, so that you have it easily to hand that afternoon when you arrive – unless you specifically ask for it earlier.

Can we have food and wine delivered to house before we arrive?

We will do our best to make sure we are there to receive any delivery for you but it won’t always be possible.

How late can we party if we are holding an event during our stay?

There is no limit for small inside events but we need to know exactly what you have planned so that we can be sure everyone is happy about it. All events end at 11pm unless the guest applies for a ‘temporary event notice’ from the local council (NNDC) to keep it legal and thoughtful for local residents. With this in mind we recommend any amplified music played outside or from a marquee stops at midnight.

Can we preview Barn Drift and The Hangar?

Of course, anytime. Just call, text or email to book your viewing. We don’t charge for viewings, nor is there any limit on the number of times you come over.

Can we have extra guests?

Yes, just let us know how many and if they need camp beds made up or are just coming for an event. There are additional charges for a large event, additional linen or camping but all this can easily be found on the website on the Book page.

Is the Barn Drift and the Hangar officially licensed for ceremonies?

Yes, several and you can legally marry outside at licensed venues as well, there are multiple stunning areas in the garden. The drawing room inside has been officially licensed since 2014 and in 2020 we received our official license for the Hangar. The Hangar is not automatically included with Barn Drift, please see the additional charges on the list of Extras on the Book page.

Can we bring dogs?

Yes, just let us know how many – we prefer no more than two at once and ask that they remain on their lead while on the farm for obvious reasons.

What is the changeover day?

We have no strict changeover day apart from in July and August when it is Friday.

What are the longest and shortest stays allowed?

Our minimum is three nights all year except July, August and Christmas week, when our shortest stay is seven nights. All year the maximum stay is 28 nights, after which we draw up a short hold tenancy agreement allowing a longer stay.

How much has to be paid in advance to reserve our dates?

A minimum of 20% has to be paid to book, the rest is due 10 weeks before arrival.

Can we pay by credit card or PayPal?

Yes, we take PayPal payments but this carries a surcharge set by PayPal.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

You can arrive anytime after 4.30pm on your first day and we ask guests to have left by 10am at the latest.

What is the cancellation policy?

20% is non refundable. This percentage increases the nearer to your arrival date you cancel, unless we are able to relet your dates (when we’d only keep 20%). If we have to cancel we return 100% of any payment made immediately and by bank transfer.

Are there any Covid safe procedures or requirements?

Yes. We and our team retrained on-line during the first 2020 lockdown, enabling us to provide completely safe holidays and events at Barn Drift and The Hangar. Copies of the Covid Risk Assessment can be found laminated in the house book, copied in all bedrooms of the house. Barn Drift received the safety ‘We’re Good to Go’ award from Visit England.

Is it possible to change the dates of our booking?

Of course, just let us know when you’d rather stay and we’ll do our best to organise it for you.

What happens if we arrive and we are not happy about something in the house?

Just let us know what the problem is as soon as you can, however small or large and we will sort it outit is in our interests that you are completely comfortable while you are at Barn Drift. We need to know as soon as possible, even if you’d rather not be disturbed during your stayso that we can rectify the problem as soon as you leave or while you’re out.

Frequently Asked Questions all about Barn Drift and the local area.

Can we hire bicycles?

Yes, we can put you in touch with a local firm.

Can we hire a boat?

Yes, we can put you in touch with a local firm.

Can we hire paddle boards?

Yes, we can put you in touch with a local firm.

Are there local taxis and mini buses we can hire?

Yes, there are many good taxi firms to choose from, some with mini buses too and some that will do long haul pickups. They all know Barn Drift well – just ask and we can give you their numbers.

How do we get into the house on arrival?

We communicate with all guests long in advance of arrival to organise this.

Is there WiFi and good mobile phone reception at the house?

Yes, there is wifi and speeds are adequate and often excellent but sometimes drop out due to the remote location. We have an EE mast on the farm and there is a Vodaphone mast on Blakeney church, both of which provide excellent reception and from which there is a clear view to the house. However, we don’t yet have fibre optics but are reliably informed that we will shortly.

What happens if there is a problem during our stay?

What ever it is we make sure that you can contact us at any time of day or night by phone, text or email and we will do our best to sort it out.

What do we do if something breaks while we are there?

Just let us know and we will sort it out with minimum disturbance to you and totally at your convenience.

How close is the house to the centre of the village and shops?

You can walk to shops, church and pub in about 8 minutes.

What shops are in the village?

Cley has two long established and world class food shops – Picnic Fayre and Cley Smoke House. There is also Pink Foot Gallery selling art work, Made in Cley Pottery, Crab Pot Books for second hand books and The Barn at Artemis. You can also buy the Sunday papers from Mr Brett through his sitting room window at York House on the Coast Road.

Are there any pubs in the village?

Yes, there is The Three Swallows and The George & Dragon

Can you park in the village?

Yes, there is a large free car park at the Village Hall on Church Lane and Picnic Fayre has a small car park a few door down from the shop.

Is there a public loo in the village?

Yes, in the village hall car park.

Are there good walks from the house?

Yes, some of the best in England. The house is situated on private farmland with tracks leading to many public footpaths, the Coastal Path and beaches, as well as Salthouse and Kelling Heath, two large public areas of heathland overlooking the sea.

Can we walk to the beach?

Yes, it takes about 25 minutes, the track is wide and firm. Half of the route is on the farm, cross the coast road and the rest is along the raised marsh path.

Can you park at the beach?

Yes

What is Cley beach like?

Beautiful and uncrowded. It is mainly shingle, sand at low tide and deep quickly – perfect for swimming.

Is it safe to swim?

Yes, but there are strong currents and rip tides so always be careful and never leave children swimming unattended.

Can you see the sea from the garden?

Yes.

Can you see the sea from the house?

Yes.

Can you hear the waves from the garden.

Yes, in the distance and at high tide you can usually hear the waves for about 2 or 3 hours.

Can you hear the sea form the house?

Yes, in the distance and in high summer you hear the waves at night.

What wildlife do you hear at night?

Roe deer, muntjac, red deer, owls, woodcock, marsh harriers, foxes, badgers and loads more.

Where’s the nearest supermarket?

Holt, 3 miles. Fakenham, 15 miles. North Walsham, 20 miles.

How close is the nearest house?

Two fields away to the south, south west and 3 fields away to the west.

Can we have extra cleaning or washing up during our stay?

Yes, we need as much notice as possible to organise this and of course there will be charges for anything above the usual weekly clean.

Is there a barbecue?

Yes, we have a charcoal Egg barbecue fitted into a stainless steal table kept to the south of the central walled garden.

Are there any games at Barn Drift?

We leave a few board games, croquet, outdoor table tennis and children’s toys.

What’s the garden like?

The house sits in the middle of extensive grounds with three original walled gardens lying to the south, surrounded by lawn offering plenty of scope for marquees, small or large. The first walled garden is a gravel courtyard from which you access the front and back door, as well as the 8th bedroom (or second sitting room). This leads to the middle walled garden, mostly paved with four established umbrella-pruned trees for shade and planted up with espaliered fruit trees against the surrounding walls, fox gloves, alliums, rosemary and lavender in boarders. The end walled garden is all lawn with a large fig tree and olives tree against the west facing wall. There are old climbing roses over a low, ruined piece of wall to the west. To the north of the house is a small wood of ancient sycamore, beech, oak and pine trees where snow drops grow in winter. From the garden you can see the sea, Cley marsh and three medieval churches across the Glaven valley .

What’s the accessibility like?

The main areas of the house are very easy to move around in a wheel chair or with sticks with wide doors, wood floors throughout and lots of space for large groups. There is a loo on the ground floor. 6 of the 8 bedrooms are accessed via a short set of 7 steps with hand rails off the kitchen. Of these 6 bedrooms two have ensuite bathrooms and one has an ensuite shower. The remaining 2 bedrooms are accessed up a full flight of stairs not suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet.

What is in the welcome pack?

We leave a freshly made cake, vouchers for local shops, a few Nespresso coffee capsules, refillable Norfolk Natural Living shampoo and conditioner in all bathrooms, Barn Drift bars of natural cedar and lemon soap made by the Natural Soap Company. We leave freshly cut flowers from the garden and an honesty bar, largely stocked with delicious Norfolk spirits.

Do you have a coffee machine?

There are Nespresso coffee machines in the kitchen

What are the cooking facilities like?

There is an electric, 110cm Smeg range, with 5 ring induction hob, a microwave and in the garden a Big Egg barbecue.

What’s the fridge and freezer capacity?

More than enough: In the kitchen there is a pair of very large fridges and a pull out under-counter freezer (can be switched to fridge or wine cooler if preferred). In the larder, off kitchen leading to dining room is a half chest freezer and under-counter fridge. There is also a spare under-counter fridge and freezer in the boot room. There is a full size fridge with an internal top box freezer in Hangar.

Can we have any caterers at the house?

Of course, please use any caterer of your choice and we can make some suggestions if you like.

Can we have a marquee or teepee in the garden?

Yes, you can set up marquees, teepees, bell tents – whatever you like. There is plenty of room and no restrictions. There is an event fee and charges for camping units which is all clear on the Book page of the website listed as Extras.

How is the house heated?

Every room has its own underfloor heating with its own thermostat in the room.

Is there an open fire or wood burner?

Yes, there is a large wood burner in the drawing room.

Do you supply logs?

Yes, but you can also get them locally if you need more.

Is there enough space for everyone to sit down comfortably together in the drawing room?

Yes, more than enough. There is an L-shaped sofa, two french daybeds, three arm chairs, two upright arm chairs, 4 poofs and a large ottoman bench.

Can we bring our pets?

All pets are welcome, it is essential no dog mess left in the garden at all and that they are kept under control and on a lead on the surrounding farm tracks.

Is there any garden furniture?

Yes, lots of garden furniture for all guests to eat out side and enjoy the garden. There are also some garden cushions and deck chairs.

Is there any shade in the garden?

Yes, we have 4, well established Persian Ironwood trees planted in the central courtyard, umbrella pruned to provide dappled shade, covering over 12 square meters. We also have two pretty, Indian hand blocked umbrellas that you can move about the garden. There is also extensive woodland for plenty of cool natural shade.

What’s the parking like?

The drive leading from the road is an active farm track shared by farm machinery and walkers as well so we don’t advise parking along the edges but the driveway outside the house, off the track is totally private, with parking for over 40 cars. There is a small parking area for approximately 10 cars at the end of the garden, also accessed from the main track. If you take the Hangar this has a acre of lawn that you could also use for parking and there is extensive further parking near by on the farm.

Is there a washing machine, drying racks and tumble dryer?

Yes. The washing machine has an excellent Short Wash and it has an ‘auto dispenser’ for washing detergent – all designed to be kind to the environment and we leave foldable drying racks, so you only have to use the tumble dryer in an emergency.

Is washing powder provided?

Yes, we leave a large bottle of Ecover clothes washing liquid on top of the washing machine. Here we also leave a few bottles of Norfolk Natural Living sports wash and silk wash. Both these luxury makes are kind to the environment, not using harsh ingredients. You shouldn’t need to top up the machine with washing detergent because it has an ‘auto dispensing’ system. There is no need for fabric softener because the water is commercially softened, a further benefit to the environment.

Do you provide washing up liquid?

Yes, Ecover washing up liquid is the only product we have ever used at Barn Drift. This is important due to the soak away system,

Do you provide dishwasher tablets?

Yes, we leave masses under both kitchen sinks. They are made by Ecover to protect the environment. We also provide Ecover Rinse Aid and salt so that you can keep the dishwashers topped up for best performance.

How many can sit at the dining table in the kitchen?

Up to 16 and 6 on bar stools at the kitchen island. We have extra chairs about the house and 6 trestle tables in the larder.

How many can sit down for dinner in the dining room?

Up the 50. There are 28 upholstered dining chairs and plenty of extra chairs about the house and 6 trestle tables in the larder to enable 50 seated in the dining room.

Is there a TV?

Yes, two large wall mounted Smart TVs.

Is there Sky TV?

No – the Smart TVs give you access to a huge collection of 4K content, and all your catch-up TV apps including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, NOW TV and BT Sport,

Frequently Asked Questions all about the bedrooms and bathrooms

How many bedrooms are there?

8 double bedrooms, comfortably sleeping 16. Each bedroom can be made up as a super king double room or large twin room.

Are there cots, stair gates and high chairs?

There are 2 Ikea high chairs, a travel cot and 3 stair gates available in the house for guest’s use.

What are the beds like?

Really comfy. The double beds are Super King Size. The single beds are luxuriously spacious with double duvets on each so that you are always cosy. We keep 4 fold up camp beds at the house, great for children and teenagers, these can be set up where ever you like.

What is the bed linen like?

We’ve spared no expense providing you with White Company bed linen with high thread count, all pure cotton and every bed has two pillows and a duvet.

Are extra blankets provided?

Yes, there are rolled up blankets in every bedroom.

Do you provide hot water bottles?

Yes, two in every bedroom.

Is there a radio?

We leave a small plug-in radio in every bedroom, it’s kept in a blue cotton bag marked radio.

Do you provide hairdryers?

We leave a hairdryer in every bedroom. They are kept in brown cotton bags embroidered HAIR DRYER – you can’t miss them.

Are towels and sheets provided?

Yes.

Can we have bed linen changed during our stay?

Yes, just let us know what you need. We charge for extra bed linen and towels.

Is hand soap provided?

Yes, we leave liquid Ecover hand soap in refillable glass bottles by all basins and sinks to protect the environment – as well as beautiful, hand made, customised Barn Drift bars of Cedar and Lemon luxury soap made locally by The Natural Soap Company, one of England’s oldest soap factories just a few miles along the coast at Wells Next The Sea.

Do you provide shampoo and conditioner?

Yes, locally sourced from Norfolk Natural Living, their shop is in Holt. We re-fill glass bottles in every bathroom.