Why come to East Ruston? 

Possibly because it is a quiet and unspoilt village, set in the heart of rural Norfolk but on the edge of the Broads, just south of the well known delights of North Norfolk, within easy distance of Norwich and only moments from the coast – the best of all that Norfolk has to offer!

The Weavers Way footpath runs through the village and there are plenty of foot and bridle paths and quiet lanes to explore in and around the area. The village doesn’t boast about its wildlife lakes and common areas for walking and wildlife watching but we'll let you in on the secret! There are sandy beaches at Walcott, Cart Gap and Happisburgh – all under 4 miles away. A short distance down the coast you can enjoy walking (and sometimes seal watching) at Horsey, Waxham and Sea Palling beaches - all sandy and dog friendly and often deserted!  For a change there is the ancient wood at Witton - another lovely place for a walk, bike ride or a picnic.

The small towns of Stalham and North Walsham are close by and the Broads centre of Wroxham is less than 15 minutes drive away. In the immediate area there are wonderful old churches, wildlife areas and fishing lakes. The internationally famous Old Vicarage Gardens is walking distance from the 3 properties East Ruston/Ridlington properties. So worth a visit even if you aren't green fingered.

The Cottages
All properties are dog and child friendly. Three are within a couple of miles of each other - the Old Forge and the Old Piggery in East Ruston and the Garden Room just over the border in Ridlington. They also have the advantage of being on one level. Dogs are genuinely very welcome and free of charge (there is a small charge for more than 4 dogs in the Forge) – just let us know how many you are bringing. Our ‘It’s a dogs life’ page shows just how welcoming we are! Please note, there is a limit to the number of dogs in the Garden Room but contact us first as we are very flexible.

Our latest addition, Red Roofs, is just opposite Hickling Broad and is on two levels with the master bedroom/bathroom upstairs. However, there are bedrooms (a superking double and two twins) and a shower / bathroom on the ground floor.

The Old Piggery
The Old Piggery is owned and run by us and was converted from an old farm building in 2007/8 and is proving very popular with those who have stayed. It is located next to the old New Barn (it was new once!) and has its own secure, walled and gated barn yard outside. The conversion work has been carefully carried out to a high standard. The furnishings are simple and comfortable and the main living and kitchen areas are open-plan with high beamed ceilings and provide a very adaptable living space.

The cottage is on the corner of a quiet lane and surrounded by fields and is at the bottom of a bridle path - Munn's Loke - so you can start an easy walk straight from the back door.

If you want to bring bicycles, motorbikes or trailers there is space in the barn or stable to lock them up safely. Also useful for windsurfers, surfboards, golf clubs, fishing tackle, car top boxes etc.

The Old Forge
The Old Forge is owned by Sue and Chris Harris but run by us and a short mile from the Piggery.  It is situated on the road to the coast and has a small, single track lane running down the back of the property - exit and entry is onto this lane. Walks into the village and onto the Weavers Way can start from here. It has great charm, with original beams and brick and flint walls and is furnished in an homely style with lots of books, paintings, cushions and lamps.

The large living room with its newly installed wood burning stove in the original forge fireplace has plenty of space for comfortable country evenings. There are a couple of cosy nooks where you can curl up and read, a large table for meals or board games and welcoming sofas to relax on after a day exploring.

The five bedrooms are each named after a local bird – this is great bird-watching country – and are flexible for for couples, singles and children. The three bathrooms – one en suite - are small but brightly decorated.

The Garden Room
The Garden Room is just off the private drive of The Old Rectory, Ridlington. The Old Rectory is the home of Fiona and Peter Black and The Garden Room is run by Fiona. The location is very tranquil and The Garden Room is an airy, open plan space yet manages also to be very cosy. It is simply decorated and very tastefully furnished. The formal part of the garden is beautifully planted and beyond that there are areas of managed woodland. Fiona's working labradors are in kennels opposite and her free range hens and guinea fowl roam around the garden.

There are wonderful walks from the door onto tracks, quiet lanes and common land and plenty of wildlife in the area.

Bicycles can be hired or you can bring your own and they can be safely stored. There is a tennis court and croquet lawn for guest use.

Red Roofs
Our latest addition is Red Roofs at Hickling, owned and run by Jane Monteith. It is in a wonderful location, overlooking Hickling Broad. Only 4 miles from the coast too with easy to access, dog friendly, sandy beaches. It's set in a very tranquil and open area down a private lane. The house has a lovely rambling and spacious feel to it, full of bits of family furniture. pictures etc. It's not 'smart' but it has bags of charm and a sense of history. There is a dinghy to sail, the bird and wildlife watching is wonderful and there is plenty of quiet walking in the area.

If we can't accommodate you... Then we can highly recommend Ollands Farm Barn in Happisburgh, they are particularly dog friendly too.