The Hoste Arms is already one of the most popular pub-with-rooms in North Norfolk, so when it opened a boutique property across the road, it was sure to be a hit.

Vine House occupies an elegant Georgian terraced house that fronts Burnham Market’s bustling high street of fancy independent shops. If you don’t want to spend the day on the glorious beach at Holkham, five miles down the road, there’s plenty of retail distractions, from upmarket clothes boutiques to delis, hearty butchers and, inexplicably, one of England’s largest hat shops.

It’s hard to know what to call this property because it falls between categories, but an upscale B&B doesn’t do it justice and guesthouse is far too shabby a description – staying here is more like staying at the home of a monied relative.

The homely feel owes to the intimacy of Vine House - there’s only seven bedrooms and no reception or restaurant – and the relative bit refers to its relative informality – you can slob around the two reception room in your socks and not feel under-dressed.

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In these rooms guests can lounge on elegant sofas reading the newspapers and magazines provided or play a board game, or in the evenings (between 6pm and 7.30pm) have a drink before dinner (shoes on for this bit).

From here guests can also order drinks, canapés, snacks or afternoon tea, which is brought over from the Hoste Arms, opposite. Likewise breakfast is also served at the Hoste. For a full review of the dining on offer, click here, to read my review of the Hoste.

The other communal space is an intimate patio garden that faces south and offers a quiet spot to read the paper or have a drink when the sun is shining.

The chic décor continued throughout the property, with gilt mirrors, soft duck egg blue and burnished metal shades, and gorgeous pieces of period furniture.

My room (number 57) had a huge comfortable double bed with stylish patterned wallpaper backdrop and luxury bed linen, wardrobe, vanity table and stool, a flat screen television and double doors into the bathroom. A free-standing claw-foot bath in the centre of the room was sandwiched by double sinks; above them two oval mirrors and a beautiful floral tiling feature above the bath.

The towels are fluffy and white, as are the huge bathrobes, and Arran Aromatics are the chosen toiletries – covetable bottles that are hand written and offer good-enough-to-eat combinations such as mandarin and mint.

The room had an airy feel thanks to the two sash windows and the vast mirror on one wall. It was silent at night and the curtains did a good job of keeping out the morning sunshine, so sleep was uninterrupted.

Parking is at the back of the hotel – which is a blessing as parking behind the Hoste Arms can get busy with guests and diners, particularly at the weekends.

Bottom line: Vine House rooms cost from £125 midweek B&B, and from £205 at the weekends, or £315 for two nights including a Saturday.

Best thing: The beautiful decor

Worst thing: Getting soggy on the way from check-in/to breakfast over the road if it’s raining (a minor quibble!)

Access all areas: There are bedrooms on the ground floor that are suitable for wheelchair access, and there is a disabled bathroom in the conservatory area of the Hoste Arms, where all meals are served.

Need to know: Vine House, Burnham Market, tel. 01328 738777; www.vinehouseboutiquehotel.co.uk

Food: 9 out of 10 (see Hoste Arms review)

Service: 10 out of 10

Room: 10 out of 10

Value: 9 out of 10

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