A north Norfolk building which was once the grain store of a flourishing brewery has been chosen as one of the cosiest holiday cottages in England.

Eastern Daily Press: The former Trunch Brewery Picture: SUBMITTEDThe former Trunch Brewery Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Owners Roger and Barbara Whybrow were taken by surprise when a friend in Surrey rang to tell them their Maltings holiday let in Trunch had been listed among The Times newspaper's top 30 snug cottages.

'We have no idea how it came about. We weren't aware of any special visit,' said retired Metropolitan police officer Mr Whybrow, 62.

'There's been a flurry of bookings since the piece appeared which is unusual in December.'

The Maltings adjoins the Whybrows' 200-year-old home which was once the residence of the manager of Trunch Brewery.

Also known as the North Norfolk Brewery, the once-thriving business operated between 1837 and 1952.

The brewery itself, which stood in front of the Whybrows' home, was demolished decades ago but its importance in the area is remembered in the village street name of Brewery Road. Mr Whybrow said whenever they dug a hole in their garden they found glass from the old brewery.

The couple retired to Trunch from Hertfordshire two years ago having enjoyed holidays in Norfolk in the past.

They set about completely renovating the Brewery House and Maltings which they found in a 'bit of a state' with problems including no damp course and rotting floorboards.

The Maltings has been a holiday let for a year and The Times article praised it as 'very snug', with a wood burner and stairs to a galleried bedroom.

The writer also noted that it was handy for a 'bracing walk on Holkham beach', crabs and fish and chips at Cromer, and The Gunton Arms gastro-pub, set in a 1,000-acre deer park.

Go to www.northnorfolknews24.co.uk to view a stunning photo gallery of the inside of the house.