Architect-Designed Coastal Retreat | Wells-next-the-Sea | Sleeps 10

The space

Swap the busy party-house atmosphere for architectural style, wide Norfolk skies and a weekend with your closest friends. Designed by Sir Michael and Lady Patty Hopkins, Long House brings together a striking flint exterior, soaring timber interiors and views across the coastal landscape. Sleeping up to 10 guests, it suits a hen group looking for good food, coastal exploring and relaxed celebrations together.

The sense of space is a huge part of its appeal. A grand central hall sits beneath an expansive vaulted timber roof, while windows throughout the house keep the surrounding countryside in view. There is room to gather as a whole group without spending every moment on top of one another, with quieter corners for reading, resting or enjoying a slow morning coffee.

This is a particularly lovely choice for a bride who would rather spend her weekend sharing long dinners and catching up with friends than following a packed nightlife itinerary.

Inside the house

Five double bedrooms each have their own en-suite, making getting ready together much easier. One double bedroom is on the ground floor and includes a desk, offering an option for someone who would prefer to avoid the staircase. If accessibility is important, check the layout and bathroom arrangements with the host before booking.

The remaining four bedrooms sit off the first-floor galleried hall, reached by a timber spiral staircase. Two bedrooms can be arranged as twins on request, giving your group some flexibility with sleeping arrangements. The en-suites vary, with some featuring showers and others baths. Simple finishes and timber-lined upstairs rooms create a restful setting, complemented by Peter Reed Egyptian cotton bedding and complimentary REN toiletries.

Downstairs, the spacious layout is semi-divided into the grand hall, living room and open-plan kitchen and dining area. The fully equipped kitchen makes group catering straightforward, while the dishwasher helps keep the clearing-up manageable. An oval dining table seats 12, so your group of 10 can sit down comfortably for brunch or a celebratory evening meal.

A double-sided wood burner adds warmth to evenings in, and the well-stocked library offers plenty of reading material. Wi-Fi is available too. An arrival pack includes essentials such as tea, filter coffee, biscuits, milk, bread and butter, alongside useful kitchen and household supplies.

Hen weekend highlights

The standout here is the space to spend time together. Plan a leisurely breakfast, dress the dining table for the bride’s celebration or settle around it for a quiz about the guest of honour. With seating for everyone, meals can become the main event rather than something squeezed between activities.

Two semi-enclosed courtyards sit at the eastern and western ends of the house, reached through full-height sliding doors. They offer lovely spots for morning coffee, relaxed outdoor dining or an early-evening drink while taking in the views over the fields. Having outdoor spaces at both ends of the house gives the group another way to spread out during the day.

On cooler evenings, gather beside the wood burner for conversation and a relaxed drink. Long House’s appeal is its architecture, generous shared spaces and coastal setting, rather than a packed list of spa or party facilities. It is a strong fit for a hen weekend centred on company, comfort and a slower pace.

Location & getting around

For a hen weekend around Wells-next-the-sea, Long House provides a scenic base for exploring the North Norfolk coast. Despite its secluded feel, traditional villages, seaside towns and places to eat are within reach. A car will be useful for beach outings, shopping and making the most of the surrounding area; check exact journey times with the host when planning your itinerary.

Make time for Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham for beach walks, or head towards Blakeney for harbour scenery and crabbing. Boat trips in the Morston and Blakeney Point area offer another way to experience the coast, subject to operators’ schedules and weather conditions. Cycling is also an option, with cycle hire available locally.

For a food-focused celebration, explore nearby pubs and restaurants or gather ingredients from village bakers, butchers and fishmongers for dinner back at the house. Wiveton Hall’s farm shop and café are another option to investigate, with current opening times worth checking before you travel.

Enquire today

Message the host with your preferred dates, group size and plans for the hen weekend to check availability and suitability. Ask about twin-bed arrangements, any access requirements and the house rules for celebrations before booking. Whether your priority is a coastal day out or a beautifully relaxed dinner together, Long House offers plenty of space to make the weekend your own.