An architect-designed ‘happy place' by the sea, set behind the sand dunes in a Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Magazine and press features on Shangri-la

If you were going to create your very own Shangri-La, you could choose no finer UK location than Waxham to do it. An enchanting hamlet in East Norfolk, Waxham's beautifully unspoilt beach is frequently mentioned as one of the country's finest. The Norfolk Broads are also within ridiculously easy reach, making this the ideal location for exploring the wildlife-strewn best of this unique region.

A stylish re-imagining of the traditional wood-built coastal chalet set within an acre of lush grounds, the three-bedroom Shangri-La was designed by award-winning Mole Architects to maximise its stunning surroundings. Imagine the luxury of a 5-star hotel, with one of Norfolk's best beaches as the backdrop.

You won't even need to leave the house to enjoy spectacularly uninterrupted views across the coastal plain and out towards the Broads, and as the house is built to rigorous Passivhaus standards, you'll even be helping the environment while enjoying your luxury stay.

South-facing windows and high vaulted ceilings provide glorious light and space, while immaculate oak flooring and washed plywood walls add elegance to your seaside break. High-end additions that include Miele kitchen appliances, Duravit bathroom suites, Hansgrohe showers, indulgently fluffy towels and heavy Egyptian cotton linen mean you'll be living in luxury, blissfully surrounded by modern furnishings and vibrant pops of colour. At the touch of a button, open the electrically operated skylight, lie back in the bath and listen to the waves breaking on the beach.

Ideal for indulgent family breaks, you'll find plenty of space for everyone to enjoy just as they like. The sociable open-plan living, dining and bespoke cooking area is perfect for morning and evening gatherings, bordered by spectacular views. Meanwhile, a separate snug with TV is ideal for those wanting their own space.

Outside, you'll find a huge grassy area the kids will enjoy tiring themselves out in, along with shaded areas for relaxation and al-fresco dining. Observing the huge skies the area is famous for is a real treat here, too.

Two of the three bedrooms feature a king-sized bed, and come complete with glazed doors that lead out to a covered south-facing terrace (an idyllic spot for morning coffee) and the third bedroom is a twin room. 

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning, and then why not head for the beach? It'd be rude not to really, when all you need to do is take the public footpath that connects the house with the beach. For those who enjoy swimming you may not be alone as the friendly seals will often swim by to see what is going on. The nearby beach at Sea Palling, just 20 minutes walk along the beach, has Blue Flag status and lifeguards during the summer months. You'll find the exhilarating coastal path runs in a field around the house too, so those who enjoy a bracing walk are in for a real treat.

Bird and seal watchers will enjoy a visit to nearby Horsey, which is also a wonderful gateway to the Broads. Take a wildlife boat trip for an immersive journey through this flourishing area.

You'll find charming Norfolk pubs within a ten-minute drive, including the Ingham Swan, a fine dining restaurant set in a fifteenth-century coaching inn - if you're celebrating something special, this is the place. Oh, and with the city of Norwich accessible within half an hour, shopping and sightseeing are more than covered.

For those who need their creature comforts even when getting away from it all, there is a multi-speaker Sonos system in the living area, large smart TVs and on arrival a luxury hamper packed with Norfolk goodies and other essentials such as Nespresso capsules. If you really have to work, hook up to the Wi-fi and fire up your laptop but don't forget that beach...

It's high time you upgraded your family seaside break to something a little more indulgent, and with a location this magnificent, and a house that's bursting with so much style and luxury, you'll find Shangri-La the ideal choice whatever time of the year.

Read more about autumn, winter and spring at Shangri-la, Waxham

At a glance

• Luxurious three-bedroom and two-bathroom home, designed by award-winning Mole Architects in the style of a traditional beachfront chalet
• 3- and 4-day short breaks available all year
• Secluded location to truly ‘get away’ from it all
• Dogs welcome
• Premium hamper on arrival featuring a host of goodies, mostly from Norfolk
• The house connects with a public footpath that leads straight to Waxham beach, frequently cited as one of the finest beaches in the UK
• There is excellent disabled access, and the house has been designed to rigorous Passivhaus standards, ensuring energy usage is minimised
• An excellent base for wildlife-watching and exploring the Norfolk Broads, with the city of Norwich accessible in a half-hour drive