The Control Tower B&B

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A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.

Sleeps: 2 per room
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 1 ensuite per room
Minimum stay: 2 nights

A former RAF control tower, lovingly restored as a B&B. Original art deco furniture throughout, from the beds to the bathtubs. A delicious vegetarian breakfast, all locally and ethically sourced where possible. Oh, and a promise there won’t be a TV, trouser press, high-tech gizmo or rasher of bacon in sight. There’s certainly only one place fitting this description, and it’s the Control Tower.

Located in North Norfolk, three miles south of Wells-next-the-Sea, the Control Tower offers the rare opportunity to stay somewhere that not only has real historical significance, but also opens a window to the past. Vintage furniture, faithful period restoration and a warm welcome help you step back to a time when life was simpler, slower and calmer.

The Control Tower has had an eventful history. After RAF North Creake Airfield closed in 1947, the building went from overseeing the take-offs and landings of 199 and 171 squadrons to becoming flats and offices. When it came up for sale in 2011, owners Claire and Nigel saw their opportunity to restore the Control Tower to its original modernist appearance on the outside, all the while creating a comfortable period home and B&B on the inside.

Today, three double bedrooms – the Signal Room, the Board Room and the Controller’s Rest Room – inside the tower and a new garden room – The Stirling Suite, welcome guests with original period furniture, art deco artwork, and comfortable beds. Unwind with a cup of organic tea or locally roasted coffee while listening to the Roberts Revival digital radio – probably the most hi-tech object you’ll see during your stay!

All rooms are en-suite; the Signal Room, Board Room and Stirling Suite bathrooms are particularly special, giving guests the chance to relax in a 70-year old bathtub with locally made lavender bubble bath.

The outstanding attention to period detail continues throughout the whole house. The former Metrological Office is now a large living room where guests can relax by the art deco fireplace, perhaps playing a game or reading one of the many books on offer. You can even take one back to your room if you’d rather snuggle up there – the relaxed atmosphere at the Control Tower really does make it feel like a home-from-home. And don’t forget to explore the two-acre wildflower garden where it’s impossible to feel anything but relaxed.

Venture beyond the front gate and you’ll find a veritable list of things to see and do in this wonderful part of Norfolk. Explore the expansive beaches of nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, Burham Ovary Staithe and Stiffkey, travel the historic Holt to Sheringham steam railway, or walk the magnificent Peddars Way, dating back to Roman times.

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At a glance

Original period furniture throughout
Vegetarian breakfast, using locally and ethically sourced ingredients
Four double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (three with baths, one with rainfall shower)
Excellent pubs and restaurants in nearby villages
Beautiful beaches, historic walking trail and steam railway to explore

Facilities

3 double rooms with Art Deco en-suite bathrooms and one garden suite, individually appointed, period furniture and beds, towels, hairdryers, digital radios, WiFi access, tea & coffee provided, local vegetarian breakfast included, communal lounge and gardens. Please contact the owners directly with any questions.

Local activities

Beaches, bird watching, stately homes, shopping, wildflower centre, steam railway, cycling, orchards.

More information

If staying in the tower, after a restful night’s sleep, a delicious breakfast awaits you downstairs. Help yourself to Norfolk yoghurts, fruits and cereals from the Art Deco cocktail cabinet, and enjoy tea, coffee and toast, all accompanied by homemade jams and local juice. A word of warning – you’ll need to make the difficult decision between the delicious vegetarian cooked breakfast, or one of the irresistible lighter options, including drop scones with jam and butter, or boiled eggs with ‘airmen’! If staying the Stirling Suite your continental breakfast will be delivered to you in a basket each morning.

It’s easy to see why the Control Tower has achieved national acclaim and rave reviews from guests. Whether it’s a flying visit you’re making or something a little more long haul, a stay at the Control Tower is an experience you’ll treasure for years to come.

Things to note

Minimum 2 nights stay over bank holidays and weekends during July and August. Prices from £125 per night. Private group parties possible by prior arrangement. No Televisions on property. No smoking. Children welcome – please call in advance to arrange. Space in The Signal Room for a travel cot. No pets as the owners have two rescue cats, Window & Mandrel!