In the quaint village of Deopham, Norfolk, our house-sitting adventure unfolded with warmth and charm.
Tasked with caring for Janis and Peter’s lively Cocker Spaniels, Kali and Isla, who infused our house-sitting stint with joy over our time here. Their boundless energy translated into playful walks, creating fun moments with the exuberant canine duo.
Every week we had encounters with their friendly housekeeper, Marie, who gave us insights into local areas, Georgie their dog walker a reliable and caring young lady who takes pride in ensuring Kali gets the exercise and attention she needs while her owners are away, and the daily visit from the friendly postman always ready with a helpful smile, became a familiar face during our stay, connecting us to the local rhythm and with them all adding another layer to our experience.
We were also embraced by the friendly locals, I joined the lively coffee morning at Angela’s house, where laughter resonated through the cosy space and I got to chat with Jo who I discovered lives just along the road, which was lovely to know a friendly face nearby. The community’s hospitality was heartening, and I left with a trove of tombola prizes and festive holly, a tangible expression of their generosity.
Though the village lacked amenities, the monthly get-together orchestrated by Jane and Martin is a real focal point. This gathering not only fostered connections but also contributed to the community’s well-being through funds raised.
So, as we immersed ourselves in the village rhythm, encounters with the wildlife became a daily pleasure to, with sightings of Deer, pheasant and an array of birds this all added a touch of nature Deopham holds.
Yet, the idyllic scenes weren’t untouched by the capriciousness of weather. Rain, high winds, and bitterly cold days challenged our comfort. Unfamiliar power cuts, a rarity in other places we have stopped at, also added a twist to our stay. The internet signal, or lack thereof, became a source of both frustration and amusement at times, a reminder of the simplicity and unpredictability of life in this charming corner of Norfolk.
Seven weeks have swiftly passed during our time here, and as our stay draws to a close, reflection reveals a tapestry of great opportunities, experiences, and memories that will stay with us, thank you to everyone we have met, and hopefully, we get the opportunity to return one day.
Sadly I didn’t get to take any photos at Angela’s however I made use of the festive holy and tried my hand at a Christmas table display
The fun-loving Kali and Isla have been delightful to look after
Keeping watch on the water levels as the ground is sodden from all the rain
At Gralix Hall’s coffee morning, John enjoys a bacon roll as we engage with more locals, discovering their fascinating stories and tips on places to visit.
On this wet, dreary day, Jane’s dedication to the community shines as she serves up more hot cups of tea. Her selflessness is evident, and it’s no surprise to discover that Jane is a humble individual with her own remarkable story. Through research, we unveil her role as the founder of Norfolk White Lady, a cheese, which at the time made her one of the few “lady” cheesemakers in the country, we can’t wait to try some of this delicious cheese.
We make the most of the facilities at the Wymondham leisure centre with John attending the spin classes whilst I join the lane swimmers who are a friendly bunch
Experiencing a different Christmas this year, and with Sandringham practically on our doorstep, we decide to witness the royal family attending church on Christmas Day. For us it’s a unique experience to see the King and two future Kings altogether, it adds to the other memories Norfolk has given us.!