The north Norfolk coast has a strangely desolate beauty, created by the flat nature of the landscape. It has inspired artists and creative types for centuries. Local designer Claudia Starr was inspired to create a perfect getaway for those wanting to experience it in luxurious surroundings, but rather than the landscape, Jane Fonda’s Barbarella was her muse.
Wagg Courtyard is located in the village of Docking, just a few miles from Brancaster, Wells-next-the-Sea and Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve, making it a great location to explore the area from. It comprises five luxury holiday cottages, each with its own unique theme and colour scheme.
The latest addition to the lineup is Barbarella, inspired by the 1968 cult movie
of the same name. While the stylish décor gives little hint to the connection, the design-led interior is stunning from start to finish, with specially commissioned artworks by a local artist making a big impression in the lounge.
The exterior of Barbarella is modern but uses Norfolk flint from the original buildings on the site, lending it an aesthetic that blends nicely with the surroundings. There are car charging points at all of the properties, the heating system is air pump driven, and the buildings are well insulated, making the site as environmentally thoughtful as possible without compromising the luxury and quality elements.
As you step through the door, the heated wooden floors draw you into the well-appointed kitchen, and then down a couple of steps into the open plan living area. Here the design comes alive, with a well thought out mix of greens, pinks and yellows which add vibrancy and life to the space. There is ample natural light from the skylights and large windows too, which makes it feel open and welcoming.
Throughout all of the properties, Claudia has used local craftspeople and artists to create bespoke furniture and art, showcasing their skills beautifully. The living space is littered with unique touches that add a sense of luxury and individuality, from a custom-made set of brightly coloured sofas covered in contrasting cushions to a pair of bird cages that have been repurposed as lamps for the dining table. On the wall, there’s bespoke art by local artist Nicola Hart that pairs 60s-inspired shapes with colours that complement Barabarella’s design.
Modern requirements haven’t been forgotten, so there’s whole-house WiFi available, and each bedroom has its own Smart TV so you can stream Netflix when the weather’s not playing ball. Pleasingly, the TV in the lounge area wasn’t some 72-inch behemoth, but a rather modest unit that, while useable, encourages personal interaction with those you’re staying with rather than relying on digital entertainment.
As well as the communal living space, there are three bedrooms, all with high-quality en-suite bathrooms. With two double rooms and one twin room, there’s plenty of space for a family or group of friends of six to enjoy without encroaching on each other’s space.
Each room has a different colour scheme and feel, but all are created to the same high, luxurious standard as the rest of the cottage. Material choices are exemplary, with a genuine premium sensation to all touchpoints, while the stand out headboards behind each bed have been custom made for the property. Huge wardrobes will also ensure you’ve got somewhere to hide things for the week, leaving the house feeling clean and uncluttered.
One of the double bedrooms is located on the ground floor, which could be a good option for holidaying with more elderly relatives, although the steps down to the living area might make that more problematic for those with mobility issues.
The kitchen is modern and very well equipped, with everything you could need during your stay, with an induction hob twin oven, fridge, freezer and even dishwasher in place. A welcome pack is included too, filled with locally sourced essentials like bread, milk and eggs, as well as snacks and fruit. A bottle of prosecco can be found chilling nicely in the fridge, and fresh flowers are a lovely touch in the living area.
Every thought has been put into what guests might want or need during a stay. Everything from dishwasher tablets in the kitchen to beach towels in the hall cupboard, and even a washer/dryer machine – handy after a trip to the beach in typical British weather. It really is a home from home.
Barbarella is the closest of the cottages to the road at the edge of the courtyard, which is a slight downside, but it is a very new development and once the grounds become more established, it will create a barrier and give more privacy for those wanting to make use of the fully equipped Kamado barbecue and outdoor facilities. And, being rural Norfolk, there’s not a huge amount of traffic passing by anyway.
Our 48 hours in Norfolk meant that our stay at Barbarella was short but very sweet – with so much just a stone’s throw away, stunning scenery and luxurious accommodation to come home to, and rates starting at just £775 for a week, it’s certainly a place to keep coming back to.
What: Barbarella at Starr Luxury Holiday Homes
Where: Docking, Norfolk, UK
Web: StarrHolidayHomes.com
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