We’ve been back from Norfolk for a little while but have just realised that I needed to wrap up our experience with a blog. And especially as Tom and Jess came to visit – needed to record the fun times we shared.

25th July

Tom and Jess arrived in the evening – the hottest day of the summer (so far!) … and so naturally we barbecued and, despite good intentions, had a few beers! We had all the doors of the cottage open due to the heat and so unfortunately managed to attract flies, and I mean hundreds of them, inside every room just about. A great first night though, despite the fact that Steve and I had a long drive to London the next day!

26th – 28th July

On Friday we had a five hour trip to Roehampton to attend Nathan and Lizzie’s wedding on the Saturday. A fabulous weekend, most beautiful of weddings, a catch up with friends … loved every minute.

While we were away, Tom and Jess settled into the cottage, getting to know their next door neighbours.

29th July – 1st August

As well as a whole string of chill out sessions at the cottage with these two party animals (Steve and I did our best to keep up), we also managed to fit in a few local day trips during the day too. We enjoyed swims at Brancaster Beach (our nearest beach), explored the Holkham estate and had a fabulous day in Blakeney, including a boat trip out to Blakeney Point, recognised for its seal and bird breeding colony.

On Thursday it was time for Tom, Jess and I to head back to MK. I had planned a girlie weekend with Anne, Tina and Gina – a weekend full of laughter, eating, drinking and even some table tennis!

And so Steve had one more week in our gorgeous Norfolk cottage alone …. to enjoy the cricket in solitude! He continued to enjoy his photography and was able to leave the house and garden in perfect condition for Virginia and Joss’ return. They sent us such a lovely email of gratitude and have even mentioned a possible house-sit in their holiday home in the South of France.

This was our first house-sitting experience and, apart from getting used to the solitude, we absolutely loved it. When we left after the 3 months it felt like leaving home. It was amazing having the time to discover this part of the county – its stunning beaches and stately homes, its farmlands, salt marshes, picturesque villages and ponds. I will remember the area for its lavender and poppies, its abundance of churches, narrow roads and windmills … and of course the birds …. oh so many birds. I’m sure we’ll be back.