Almost 30 years ago, Bernie Marsham took a leap of faith to start a business to help people enjoy some of mid Norfolk's serene countryside. 

This year, he and his family are reaping the benefits of that decision. 

Waterfall Farm Cottages, near Dereham, has received a Recognition of Service Excellence award from VisitEngland. 

The farm in Swanton Morley is a rural retreat that offers four cottages for guests to stay at. 

Sally and Bernie Marsham handed over the business to their daughter, Caroline, in 2021.Sally and Bernie Marsham handed over the business to their daughter, Caroline, in 2021. (Image: Waterfall Farm) READ MORE: Schism in Shipdham Bowls Club over relocation plans

Mr Marsham bought the property when it was a disused dairy farm for £1,200 in 1971.

After purchasing the land, he converted the main barn into what is still the family home.

He then began converting the old cattle sheds with his wife, Sally, and welcomed the farm's first holidaymakers in 1997. 

The farm in Swanton Morley has modernised over the years to become a quaint country escape.The farm in Swanton Morley has modernised over the years to become a quaint country escape. (Image: Waterfall Farm)

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Mr Marsham, now 75, said the business has been revisited by the same customers since opening. 

He said: "We've had a phenomenal time over the last two decades and I think that's down to the friendly service we try to give our guests."

Building a swimming pool has also been one of the biggest changes Bernie Marsham has seen happened at the holiday cottages.Building a swimming pool has also been one of the biggest changes Bernie Marsham has seen happened at the holiday cottages. (Image: Waterfall Farm) Over the years, much has changed at the farm and the family has also built a swimming pool and refurbished the cottages.

He said: "The biggest change has been modernising it, which is thanks to my daughter, who now runs it. 

"She's done an incredible job, I can't praise her enough and I'm so chuffed that we're getting recognised."

In keeping with the property's history, animals are a favourite feature of the farm, with pigs, donkeys and pygmy goats being some of the permanent guests.

The farm keeps a menagerie of animals, including pigs. The farm keeps a menagerie of animals, including pigs. (Image: Waterfall Farm) Mr Marsham said: "People love the donkeys, who serve as their the alarm calls in the morning." 

Another feature for the farm is its proximity to the coast.

Mr Marsham said: "We're also really handy for guests who want to see the coast because we're about a half hour's drive from north Norfolk." 

Waterfall Farm Cottages has been given the ROSE award from Visit England.Waterfall Farm Cottages has been given the ROSE award from Visit England. (Image: Waterfall Farm) The best part, for Mr Marsham at least, is that the farm is secluded enough that you can still see the stars.

He said: "I think so many of us take that for granted now because you can't do that when you're in the city. 

You can book a stay at Waterfall Farm Cottages online at https://www.waterfallfarm.co.uk/.