A DESIGN LED RETREAT

Nestled by the River Glaven, Riverbank offers a serene escape with luxurious finishes and stunning natural surroundings. With its blend of light, water, and natural textures, it’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect. Thoughtfully designed for both comfort and style, Riverbank embodies the quiet beauty of Norfolk, with Falcon Enamelware enhancing the al fresco experience.

Can you introduce us to yourself and how you came to host these beautiful design-led getaways?

We’ve always had a love for interiors, old buildings, and the sense of character a place can hold — especially in North Norfolk, which feels like a world of its own. Spinks Nest was our first cottage; a real labour of love that slowly evolved into a calm, design-forward bolthole, blending traditional and hand-made British design. Riverbank came later, when we found this quiet spot by the water and couldn’t resist. Hosting people here felt like the natural next step — creating thoughtful spaces where guests can slow down, breathe a bit deeper, and reconnect with the beauty of a simpler pace of life.

What inspires you most about the Norfolk landscape?

It’s the quiet drama of it. The vast skies, shifting light, and wild, marshy coastlines that feel untouched and a little bit magical — especially at high tide, when the sea covers the marshes. North Norfolk has this understated beauty — whether it’s the reed beds along the Broads or a pink-hued sunset over a salt marsh. There’s a stillness that seeps into you, and you end up feeling miles away from everything, in the best possible way. I also love how the landscape shapes the way people live here — they’re very much a part of it. That’s something we try to reflect in both cottages.

What makes your new stay at Riverbank unique, and how is it different from the wonderful Spinks Nest?

Riverbank is Spinks Nest on steroids! It’s more luxuriously finished, with more space, more amenities, and an even more magical location — with the River Glaven chalk stream and Garlic Wood just across the water, all visible through the wall of glass at the back. It’s all about water and light, with the soft sound of the river and a feeling of secluded tranquility. The interiors are still rooted in natural textures and a mix of rich and light tones, but now with the addition of wallpapers by some of Britain’s best Ebury Street designers in the bedrooms and lounge. Spinks Nest, by contrast, is more humble. They’re like two sides of the same coin, with many of the same or similar design details. We love them both for different reasons.

We know it’s near Holt, a beautiful little town. But what else do you love to do in that area?

Holt is full of charm — great antiques, independent shops, and hidden courtyards — but we also love heading out towards Cley for marsh walks, or to Blakeney for crabbing and seal-watching. A swim at Holkham or Wells-next-the-Sea is a must in the warmer months, followed by fish and chips somewhere good. There’s a quiet joy in simply driving the tiny lanes with no plan, stumbling across farm shops, cosy pubs, and little galleries tucked away in old barns. Norfolk’s full of gentle surprises if you let yourself meander.

Do you have anything exciting coming up?

Aside from the joy of properly welcoming guests to Riverbank, we’ll be working on expanding The Store at Spinks Nest — a space where we sell some of the objects and items used at both Riverbank and Spinks Nest. It’ll also be a chance to reflect on what’s next, both creatively and for the cottages. We’ve got a few ideas brewing — maybe a small line of homewares inspired by the spaces. Nothing rushed; we’re just letting it all unfold gently. But yes, lots of exciting things quietly growing in the background.

What Falcon products have you brought to Riverbank and what do you love about them?

We’ve used several Falconware pieces for years — ever since the earliest days at Riverbank, when it was more glamping than cottage! They’ve been a mainstay at Spinks Nest too, loved by guests and us alike. Personally, we use Falconware at Riverbank for serving food al fresco on the terrace by the river in summer — it’s just so practical and perfectly proportioned for outdoor meals. They’re timeless, functional, and a bit nostalgic, which feels completely in tune with Riverbank. Whether it’s a riverside breakfast or a Broads picnic, they’re beautifully suited — and built to last.

 



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