Just inside the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this former millkeeper's cottage sits on a bend in the Ant river. It may be close to the Museum of the Broads but the architecture of its rear extension is toothy and contemporary... Photograph: PR
Sleeping nine, the property, part-clad in charred cedar, has huge windows, galleried landings and stylish interiors.
• 01485 211022, norfolkhideaways.co.uk. From £1,600 a week Photograph: Norfolk Hideaways
One of two converted barns in the grounds of an 18th-century farmhouse, Quaker Barn is 20 minutes' drive from the Broads, and handy for Coltishall and Wroxham. Sleeping six (eight if you include a sleeping platform in one of the three bedrooms), it offers comforts including underfloor heating, a woodburner and Wi-Fi... Photograph: pr
A large sliding window opens on to a private terrace, and a herb garden and potager are shared with the adjacent barn.
• 01328 821744, furtherafield.com. From £880 a week Photograph: pr
Bookable between Easter and the end of October, this simple gingerbread cabin on the banks of the Thurne can only be accessed via a footpath, or by boat. A good base for exploring Hickling, Martham and Horsey, it sleeps six... Photograph: PR
Although one of the bedrooms has bunks, it's perhaps best for older children because of the 17m of river frontage alongside. Older guests will enjoy dipping toes in the water, watching boats from the veranda or trying their hand at fishing.
• 01252 339020, watersidebreaks.com. From £455 a week. Pets allowed Photograph: PR
Torn between seawater and fresh? This brick-and-flint cottage sleeping four offers both. It's 300m from the beach, 100m from the pub (fishermansreturn.com) and around three miles from Martham Broad, famous for its swallowtail butterflies... Photograph: Hoseasons
Inside, there's a tasteful seaside theme, with bleached-wood furniture, driftwood mirrors and blue-and-white striped bedlinen.
• 0844 847 1356, hoseasons.co.uk. From £374 a week. Wheelchair access Photograph: Hoseasons
Not a mill but a blue-painted cabin, this cottage sleeps two (four with a sofabed) and is a 10-minute walk from the bridge at Acle... Photograph: PR
Recently renovated, it's simple and cosy, with patterned fabrics livening up otherwise bland but practical fittings. The waterside setting adds plenty of magic, though. On the Bure and close to Upton, Filby and South Walsham, it's an ideal place to sit and spot otters, herons and butterflies.
• 01493 368300, riverside-rentals.co.uk. From £250 a week. Pets allowed Photograph: PR
