Running Hare Barn is an old threshing barn, recently converted to sleep 10 people on three levels. The thatched barn has retained many of its original features and has reached the semi finals of the regional building excellence award scheme. It has five bedrooms, including two mezzanine rooms in the roof, three of which are en suite, plus a family bathroom.
- Sleeps 10
- 5 bedrooms
- Unlimited dogs at no extra cost
- Fully enclosed outside space
- Free Broadband and WIFI (recently upgraded to super-fast fibre)
- Off road parking for up to 5 cars
- Free electric vehicle charging (using on site generated electricity)
- Saturday changeovers
Gallery
Details
When you arrive:
From Mill Road turn into the short track beside The Old Piggery. Turn right through the double gates onto the gravel drive. There is sufficient parking for 4/5 cars, however we ask that you leave enough access for the owner’s car. There is also a charging point for electric vehicles. Running Hare Barn is through the wooden gate on your right and the French doors at the end of the path lead into the kitchen/dining area.
Kitchen/dining area:
Along one side of the open plan area is a well equipped, purpose built oak kitchen with plenty of cupboard space, a Rangemaster electric range with double oven, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave oven. There is also a free standing full sized American style fridge and freezer. On the other side of the room is a unique wooden dining table, which can seat up to 16 people at two large oak church pews (especially useful if both barns are booked together so that everyone can eat in the same place).
Atrium:
Large glass windows have replaced the original barn threshing doors, letting in plenty of natural light. The windows at ground floor level are screened with louvred shutters, to maintain privacy for you and for the Old Piggery yard, which is on the other side. The open plan atrium extends up through the building to the beamed roof at the top. There are comfy sofas and arm chairs for you to relax in and a radio/CD player. French doors open out into the paved yard.
By the French doors is a sectioned off area which can be used for storage, space for coats, boots and dog items or even for soggy dogs themselves whilst they’re drying off.
First Floor Sitting Room:
Again, there are plenty of comfy sofas and chairs and amazing views over the fields. It has a large 65” curved screen smart TV/DVD and home theatre system.
Bedroom One with en suite bathroom:
Just off the Atrium, this ground floor bedroom has a king size bed, chest of drawers and hanging space. It looks out onto the yard through a small gothic arched window. The spacious en suite bathroom has a double ended roll top bath, newly fitted large shower cubicle with grab bars, wash basin and toilet with a traditional style high line cistern.
Bedroom Two with en suite bathroom:
Also on the ground floor, this bedroom has a king size bed, hanging and cupboard space. The en suite bathroom is laid out the same as Bedroom One.
Bedroom Three with en suite shower room:
Overlooking the yard, through a small gothic arched window, the large master bedroom on the first floor has a superking zip and link bed (which can be two large single beds if required), wardrobe, chest of drawers and a small sofa. The en suite shower room has a spacious shower cubicle with a large rainfall shower head, high line traditional style toilet and wash basin.
Mezzanine Bedroom Four:
With stunning views across the fields from its second floor window, this mezzanine bedroom has a king size bed. A large curtain can be pulled across the balcony rail to screen the bedroom and give privacy. The low beams in both mezzanine bedrooms are part of the original fabric of the barn.
Mezzanine Bedroom Five:
This bedroom is also set in the roof space and enjoys amazing views across the countryside. It has two small double beds and a privacy curtain hanging from one of the beams to screen the bedroom from the rest of the barn.
Bathroom:
The family bathroom on the first floor has a corner bath, large shower cubicle with rainfall shower head, Victorian style toilet and wash basin.
Heating:
There is underfloor heating from a ground source heat pump and a mechanical ventilation and filtration heat recovery system, which continually provides the building with fresh, filtered air. Both are powered by our own on site renewable generation.
Garden/Outside Areas:
There is a fully enclosed grassed garden to the front of the barn, leading through a gate to the large paved courtyard area. The walled courtyard is also fully enclosed with raised flower beds, plenty of space and can also be accessed through the French doors in the Atrium. It has a large table and chairs and a gas barbeque. The covered area under the eaves of the barn has a warm dog shower, cycle racks and an additional fridge and freezer.
What else we provide:
- All bed linen and towels
- All heating
- Gas barbeque
- Doggie paraphernalia – throws, dog towels, beds, bowls etc
- Dog crates – various sizes available on request and stairgate if required
- Information on places to visit/things to do in the local area. Most of the local beaches, cafes and pubs are dog friendly
- Although completely self contained and private with separate outside areas, if booking with The Old Piggery both properties can be easily opened up to share the space
Please Note:
- Running Hare Barn is a strictly non smoking property. It is essential that this is adhered to as the building is thatched and guests must be aware of the low thatch when smoking outside
- If you would like your dogs to sleep on the beds please use the throws provided or if you prefer, bring your own bedding
- This property is not very suitable for young children because of the open staircases, high access areas and balconies. Any children will require very close supervision
- The first floor and mezzanine bedrooms may not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility
- Running Hare Barn will be available any time from 4.30pm on the day of your arrival and we ask that you vacate by 9.30am at the end of your stay to allow us plenty of time to prepare it for the next guests
- All the major supermarkets deliver to East Ruston
- Mobile phone signal in rural Norfolk can be variable
Availability
Location & Directions
Address:
Running Hare Barn | Mill Road | East Ruston | NR12 9HS
Directions:
| From the A149 Stalham bypass take the B1159 turning signposted Happisburgh/Walcott/Bacton (Stepping Stone Lane). At the t-junction turn left (B1159) and stay on this road for approximately 2 miles. After passing East Ruston Church on the brow of the hill take the second road on the left, signposted Byway to Fox Hill. You’ll see ‘Elsie’ our wind turbine as you head down the lane. As the road bends sharply to the right, The Old Piggery is on your right. The postcode will bring you straight to Running Hare Barn. |
Guest Comments
With many thanks to Dermot and Caroline we had a wonderful week, once again! Daily walks at Happisburgh beach, the dogs have had the best time! This has been a perfect rest and break and time to recharge our ‘batteries’! Cannot wait to come back so have already booked for next year – the next stay cannot come soon enough. RHB is comfortable, cosy, homely and so inviting. Thank you – Rachel, Maeve, Ozzie and Ivy, May 2023
Our second time at the barn and it was as lovely as we remembered. Everyone had a wonderful time (especially our dog Ted). We will more than likely be back – Steve and family, April 2023
Another wonderful time here. Our family Christmas was so special here in this beautiful barn. Thank you for the Christmas tree, decs and lights – looked so festive. Our little Norfolk terriers loved it too! See you next year! – Paul, Kate and family, Christmas 2022
Fantastic return visit. Lovely welcome pack, thank you so much 😊 It’s the most dog friendly property we have stayed in! Lovely pie and mash at the Crown Inn, Trunch – Sarah, Jamie, Rose, Bernie, Trio and Willow, November 2022
Our first visit to Running Hare Barn, but we were the first ever guests in the Old Piggery many moons ago. What can I say, we love it here! Always feels like coming home. The most relaxing place to stay, makes for a perfect holiday. Thanks for making the weather incredible like I asked for! Our favourite places amongst many are Cart Gap, Horsey and Hickling. Best pub by far, The Star Inn at Lessingham. Dogs enjoyed their time too!! Hope to be back next year – Debbie, Rosie, Tom and Juliana with Monty and Mavis, October 2022
Wow! What an amazing space for a wonderful family holiday! Literally everything you could possibly need in this beautiful barn, we were never in a rush to go out, despite it being a lovely area to explore. The welcome pack was very much appreciated. Thank you so much, we would definitely love to return again very soon – The Bourne family, August 2022
Amazing place to stay. The Barn is very well considered for people and dogs! Lots of things to see and do locally. The welcome pack was a lovely addition. Thank you for having us – The Kelly family, July 2022
We had an amazing stay at Running Hare Barn. Not only was the place beautiful and spacious, it was also very well equipped with everything needed. Our 3 dogs loved the space and all the comforts that were available. We will be telling all our friends who have dogs that you can’t beat this place for a holiday – The Bunyans, July 2022
Absolutely the most dog friendly holiday we have ever had and it helped us to relax on holiday better than ever before. I cannot praise this property enough – The Henning family, May 2022
Thank you for another wonderful stay at Running Hare Barn! We look forward to returning in November – Jenny and Paul, March 2022
WOW! Enough said. – Deb, Mick and family, November 2021
Ambitious in concept, awesome in execution, delight in every detail. And an exceptional place to celebrate a 70th birthday with friends, many thanks – Pam and Geoff, October 2021
We’ve had a wonderful week – the barn is perfect for a family celebration – wish we could stay longer! Thank you for the goodies and all your help in making this a memorable time for us all – Angela, Graham and family with Logan and Lisa, August 2021
A fabulous week and so kind of you to arrange the beautiful sunshine! Thanks so much Dermot for a really great week – such a lovely place to stay, we will thoroughly recommend it to friends and family – John and family, July 2021
What a fabulous place to stay, it’s like home from home. We enjoyed the Vicarage Gardens and a day out on the Broads. You’ve done a great job with the renovations and we hope to come back one day – Tom, Rachel, Seb, Julie, Pete, Pam, Neil, Morgan and Isabella, May 2021
‘Wow’ what an amazing place to stay for us and our dog. Felt at home straight away with everything you need provided for you. An amazing welcome pack which was enjoyed by all. So much to see and do in the surrounding area. Even though we were restricted due to Covid it didn’t feel like it. Thanks so much – The Junges and Lola, April 2021
Three dogs and five adults had an amazing time with lots of for play and lots of things to do in the amazing space of Running Hare Barn. A real place of freedom, fun and relaxation – Oct 2020
We really appreciate this beautiful barn. Very spacious and well laid out, the beds were very comfy and I slept very well. The bath was fantastic and a real pleasure to relax in. Perfect place for the two dogs who were very settled here. We loved the local walks with them, all very close to the sea and lovely beach walks. Look forward to returning at Easter – Denise, Ian and the dogs, September 2020
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Running Hare Barn. Such a perfect place to stay. The location is perfect for both countryside and coast and the barn itself is wonderful. Whilst here we visited Bacton Woods and the beach every day. It really has been such a perfect week. Thank you – Sonya and family, August 2020
Very dog friendly house. We had a wonderful time in Norfolk and our holiday was absolutely stunning. Had everything we needed on our doorstep and filled our days with walking, horse riding, go-karting and day trips. Lovely week here at Running Hare Barn, we will be back – Nicky and family, August 2020
Excellent location, the barn was 5* and a lovely treat. Very enjoyable stay – Patrick and family, August 2020
The Best Stay! Thank you for the welcoming treats, the dog was very impressed! Gorgeous barn excellent location and the Tesla charger was a bonus. We visited the seals, walked the beaches (blessed with fab weather) and raced at the go-karting in Cromer. Everyone enjoyed the stay – we will be back! – Shane, Charlotte, Finlay, Alice, Jean, Sue, Gray and Yara the dog.
We’ve had a fabulous week here altogether – 5 families and 5 babies! The house has everything required and more, huge table was great for all our feasts and very comfy beds and lovely showers. We’ll definitely consider coming back again if you’ll have us! Thank you Dermot. – Sam, Maya, Tracy, Jamie, Dottie, Jodi, Adrian, Rosie, Tom, Alfie, Casper, Michelle. Levi, Every, Louise and Gaz.
Girlie get away with our four legged friends. Fantastic venue with all kitchen needs met. Lucky with the weather. Lots of beach walks with the dogs and comfy beds at the end of the day for a good night’s rest. Positively perfect in every way! – 5th Nov 2018
What a wonderful place! The barn conversion is so beautifully done, full of interesting spaces, light and airy and so well decorated – hares everywhere! The dogs have loved it and enjoyed long walks on the beach. A great week, thanks so much. – Jane, Sian and dogs.