The Old Piggery | Unlimited Dogs Welcome Norfolk | Large Secure Courtyard

Cottage Details (The Grand Tour!)

When You Arrive Your holiday starts as you pull into the private track beside the barn. We have plenty of room for up to four cars, so don't worry about the packing! There’s an EV charger right there if you need it. A short path leads you through a little grassed area straight to your front door. As you step inside, the sense of space and light is immediate.

The Heart of the Barn: Kitchen & Dining This is where everyone gathers. The open-plan kitchen is massive and full of character, with original beams and a gorgeous breakfast bar. It’s fully kitted out for the "Great Pack Bake Off" with an oven, dishwasher, and even a washing machine. The dining table is perfectly placed for long, social meals while the dogs snooze on the underfloor heating (which stays at a lovely, even temperature all day).

The Lounge & "Doggy Depot" Flowing from the kitchen is the lounge—a truly impressive space with a high-tiled ceiling and a wood-burning stove for those extra-snuggly winter nights. We have a huge cupboard at the end of the room which is the "Doggy Depot"—it's full of dog towels, throws, and essentials! French doors lead directly out to the secure courtyard and to the covered utility area with an extra fridge and freezer—an absolute must-have for raw feeders!

The Bedrooms & Bathrooms Follow the hallway to the sleeping quarters, all kept cosy by the eco-heating:

• Bedroom 1 (Master): A spacious King-size room with views over the front garden and a luxury ensuite featuring a rainfall shower.
• Bedroom 2: A beautiful room with a Victorian-style double bed.
• Bedroom 3: Features twin beds that can be zipped together to make a King, depending on who's visiting!
• Family Bathroom: This is a treat! A traditional high-level toilet and a deep bath with a rainfall shower overhead.

The Courtyard Garden This is the "crown jewel" for dog owners. It’s a huge, paved courtyard with raised cobbled flower beds. Because it’s fully enclosed, you can relax with a glass of wine and the gas BBQ while the pack explores in total safety.

🐾 Local Walks: "Vicarage Views & Sandy Toes"

• The Old Vicarage Gardens (0.5 miles): A world-renowned 32-acre garden. While dogs can't go inside the gardens, the lanes around it are stunning for a walk.
• The Beach (5-8 mins drive): You are perfectly placed for the sandy dunes of Happisburgh or Sea Palling.
• The Weavers Way: Pick up this famous trail nearby for miles of flat, easy-going rural walking.

🛍️ What We Provide for Hoomans

• Eco-Comfort: Heating and fuel for the wood-burner are included.
• Luxury Linens: All bed linen and fluffy towels are provided.
• Tech & Fun: Flat-screen TV with DVD, CD, and a home theatre system.
• Cooking: A gas BBQ and a fully equipped kitchen (plus that extra freezer!).
• Travel Safety: EV charging point and parking for 4 cars.

🐾  What We Provide for the Pack

• Unlimited Policy: No fees for dogs, no matter how many you bring!
• Dog Buggy: We now provide a dog buggy on request (suitable for dogs up to 12kg) — perfect for senior dogs who want to join the walk but need a little rest for their paws.
• The Essentials: Dog towels, throws, bowls, and furniture covers.
• Sleep & Safety: Luxury dog beds and crates in various sizes (available on request).
• The "Depot": A dedicated cupboard full of doggy supplies so you don't have to pack the kitchen sink.

🌊 The Old Piggery Frequently Asked Questions

Is the local area suitable for older dogs? Yes! Because the area is quite flat, it’s great for gentle ambling. Plus, we now provide an on-site dog buggy (for dogs up to 12kg). This means your senior dogs can still come along for the fresh air on longer walks to the Vicarage Gardens or the local lanes even if their legs aren't as young as they used to be!

Can I really bring as many dogs as I want? Yes! We are proud to be one of Norfolk's few truly unlimited dog-friendly properties. Whether you have 2 or 12, they are welcome.

Is the garden secure for my reactive dog? The main courtyard features has solid walls and wrought iron fencing at the top. The lowest point is the entry gate at 4.5ft. It is a very private space that is not overlooked by neighbours, making it a 3-Star Reactive favourite.

Is it suitable for raw feeders? Absolutely. We have a dedicated extra fridge and freezer in the covered area specifically so you have plenty of room for your pack's food.

📝 Please Note

• Arrival/Departure: Check-in is from 4:30 pm and departure by 9:30 am to give our team time to make it sparkle!
• Supermarket Deliveries: All major supermarkets deliver here—perfect for stocking up that extra freezer on day one.
• Non-Smoking: This is a strictly smoke-free property.
• Doggy Bedding:  If your dogs love to share your bed, please bring your own linen, or use the throws provided

🐾 Local Walks & Explorations

Right from the Doorstep: The beauty of The Old Piggery is that you don't even need the car to give the dogs a great walk. The lanes surrounding the barn are exceptionally quiet and level—perfect for using the on-site dog buggy!

• The East Ruston "Loke" Loop: Explore the network of quiet lanes and public footpaths that criss-cross the village. It’s a great way to see the beautiful thatched cottages and open farmland that make this area so special.
• East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens (0.5 miles): While dogs aren't allowed inside the formal 32-acre gardens, the walk down Mill Road to the entrance is lovely. You can admire the exotic trees and hedging from the lane, and it’s a very peaceful stroll for the pack.

A Short Drive Away:

• Happisburgh Beach (8 mins): Famous for its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse. This beach is wonderfully dog-friendly all year round with miles of sand and dramatic cliffs.
• Sea Palling (10 mins): If your dogs love to run, Sea Palling offers vast expanses of sand and calm waters protected by offshore reefs. It’s one of the best "zoomie" spots in the county.
• Weavers Way: You can pick up this famous 61-mile trail just a few minutes away at Honing or Stalham. It follows the old railway line, so it’s flat, easy underfoot, and largely away from roads.
• Bacton Wood: A huge favourite for Norfolk dog owners. It offers over 130 hectares of ancient woodland with clearly marked trails—perfect for a shady walk on a hot summer day.

🍴 Dog-Friendly Dining Nearby

• The Star Inn, Lessingham: Just a few minutes down the road. They are legendary for their dog-friendly welcome and have a fantastic garden.
• Smallburgh Crown: Another great option for a hearty meal where the dogs are welcomed as warmly as the humans.

🛒 Local Essentials

• Groceries: All major supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Waitrose) deliver directly to The Old Piggery. If you need a quick top-up, North Walsham and Stalham are both less than 10 minutes away and have multiple supermarkets and local bakeries.
• Dog Food & Supplies: Sams Pets in North Walsham   has a great range of pet supplies if you've forgotten anything.
• Amazon Hub: The local Tesco in Stalham or various locations in North Walsham serve as collection points if you need a mid-holiday delivery!

💡 Gail's "Secret" Tip:

Keep an eye out for "Elsie" while you’re out walking the East Ruston lanes. I won't spoil the surprise, but she’s the most famous resident in the village and a real favourite with our guests. She’s definitely worth a photo if you’re lucky enough to spot her!