Award-Winning American Hotelier Opens Art-Filled Luxury Cottage in Norfolk, England
The Californer/10361696

NORWICH, U.K. - Californer -- Award-winning American hotelier and interior designer Barb Shadomy, creator of Atlanta's acclaimed Stonehurst Place, has brought her distinctive approach to luxury hospitality across the Atlantic with the opening of Stonehurst Cottage, a beautifully restored Victorian holiday home in Norfolk.

Unlike a conventional holiday rental, Stonehurst Cottage is Shadomy's own English country home, which she has chosen to share with guests when she is away. Internationally exhibiting British artists Nina Mae Fowler and Craig Wylie, longstanding friends of Shadomy, have helped give the property its distinctive artistic identity, with their artworks exclusively showcased throughout its interiors. Fowler also serves as the Cottage's local host, ensuring guests enjoy a personal welcome and an authentic introduction to Norfolk.

The three friends will celebrate the official launch with a two-day open house and artists' studio event on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026.

"Stonehurst Cottage brings together my love of historic architecture, beautiful interiors and extraordinary art," said Barb Shadomy. "It's my own English country home, created with the same attention to detail and exceptional hospitality I brought to my award-winning Atlanta inn, Stonehurst Place. As I can't be there as often as I'd like, I'm delighted to share somewhere so special with guests, knowing they're in Nina's wonderful hands."

Shadomy brings an impressive record of award-winning hospitality to her latest venture. Her former Atlanta property, Stonehurst Place, was named the Number One Inn in the American South in Southern Living magazine's 2019 South's Best Awards. Established in 1966, Southern Living is an American institution, celebrated for its coverage of homes, gardens, travel, food and Southern hospitality.

Stonehurst Place subsequently earned the prestigious One MICHELIN Key distinction from the MICHELIN Guide and has held the AAA Four Diamond designation since 2018, reflecting its longstanding commitment to exceptional accommodation and hospitality.

Originally built in 1836, Stonehurst Cottage has been carefully restored to combine its historic character with contemporary design and exceptional comforts. The three-bedroom property accommodates up to six guests and features individually designed bedrooms, a beautifully appointed kitchen, welcoming living spaces, a private garden and a dedicated cinema room with a 100-inch screen.

Throughout the Cottage, artworks by Fowler and Wylie transform the interiors into a living gallery, where guests can experience contemporary art not behind gallery ropes, but as part of everyday life.

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A Living Gallery and a Friendship Celebrated

At the heart of Stonehurst Cottage is Shadomy's longstanding friendship with Fowler and Wylie, who relocated from London to Norfolk in 2014 and now work from their studios in a restored historic coach house, just a short walk from the Cottage.

Both artists have established distinguished international careers, with gallery representation in London, Paris and Maastricht, and works held in significant public and private collections, including London's National Portrait Gallery. Fowler has numerous works in the collection of Oxford University, while Wylie was awarded the prestigious BP Portrait Award in 2008 and has exhibited frequently with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

Their artistic practices encompass drawing, painting and sculpture, offering Stonehurst Cottage guests an exceptional opportunity to live among works by two internationally acclaimed British artists.

Unlike a conventional gallery, Stonehurst Cottage encourages guests to live among the artworks, discover the stories behind them and, should they wish, enquire about purchasing original pieces or commissioning works of their own.

"One of my greatest pleasures in creating Stonehurst Cottage has been the opportunity to share Nina and Craig's extraordinary talents with a wider audience," said Shadomy. "I've admired and collected Nina and Craig's work for many years, and the idea that our guests might discover a piece they fall in love with, or even commission something especially for their own home, makes this project particularly meaningful to me."

Guests may also arrange exclusive private studio visits and creative experiences with the artists, providing a rare opportunity to explore their working environments and creative processes firsthand.

Exceptional Hospitality, Distinctively Norfolk

While art gives Stonehurst Cottage its individual identity, Shadomy's hospitality philosophy is evident in every aspect of the guest experience.

From luxurious bed linen and carefully selected furnishings to thoughtfully chosen local products and personal touches throughout the property, Stonehurst Cottage combines the warmth and individuality of a private country home with the attention to detail expected of an exceptional luxury hotel.

The Cottage also celebrates the best of Norfolk through partnerships with independent producers and businesses, including Flint Vineyard, Earsham Street Deli, Ampersand Brewery, and Norfolk Tea Company. Guests seeking a special occasion may arrange private dining with chef Paul Moll of Black Door Dining, while those wishing to explore can discover Norfolk's historic market towns, picturesque villages, celebrated coastline and remarkable countryside.

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"Norfolk has so much to offer, and I want our guests to experience the places, people and independent businesses that make it special," continued Shadomy. "Whether they spend their days exploring the coast, visiting artists' studios, enjoying wonderful local food or simply relaxing by the fire, I hope they'll leave feeling they've discovered somewhere very special — and already be planning their return."

A Festive Celebration of Art, Friendship and Norfolk

To mark the official opening, Shadomy, Fowler and Wylie will welcome invited guests to Stonehurst Cottage and the nearby artists' studios on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, from 11am to 4pm each day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Cottage's interiors, discover original artworks available for purchase and visit the working studios of Fowler and Wylie.

Seasonal canapés by private chef Paul Moll of Black Door Dining will be accompanied by wines from Flint Vineyard, cocktails from Edmunds and treats from Earsham Street Deli.

The weekend promises a celebration of art, friendship, exceptional hospitality and the independent creative spirit of Norfolk.

Launch Event Details:
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026 | 11am–4pm, both days
Stonehurst Cottage | 6 South Green, Mattishall, Norfolk NR20 3JT
Artists' Studios | Several House, Church Plain, Mattishall NR20 3QF
Invitation-only event. Members of the press are welcome to enquire about attendance, interviews and photography.

Notes to Editors:

About Stonehurst Cottage
Stonehurst Cottage is a luxury self-catering holiday home in Norfolk, England, owned and designed by award-winning hotelier and interior designer Barb Shadomy. Dating from 1836, the restored Victorian property is Shadomy's personal English holiday home, which she shares with guests when she is away. Accommodating up to six guests in three individually appointed bedrooms, the Cottage features original contemporary artworks by British artists Nina Mae Fowler and Craig Wylie, a private cinema, luxurious interiors and carefully considered amenities. Fowler serves as the local host. The Cottage is available for exclusive-use bookings, including a one-bedroom retreat option for couples.

Website: www.stonehurstcottage.co.uk | Instagram: @stonehurstcottage

About Barb Shadomy
Barb Shadomy is an American hotelier and interior designer, and the creator and former owner of Atlanta's award-winning Stonehurst Place. The property was named the Number One Inn in the American South in Southern Living magazine's 2019 South's Best Awards, subsequently earned One MICHELIN Key and has held its AAA Four Diamond designation since 2018. Her passion for restoring historic properties, collecting contemporary art and creating exceptional guest experiences is reflected in her latest project, Stonehurst Cottage in Norfolk, England.

About Nina Mae Fowler and Craig Wylie
Nina Mae Fowler and Craig Wylie are internationally acclaimed British artists whose works are held in major public and private collections, including London's National Portrait Gallery. Having relocated from London to Norfolk in 2014, the husband-and-wife artists work from studios in a restored historic coach house. Their original artworks feature throughout Stonehurst Cottage, where guests may arrange private studio visits and creative experiences. Fowler also serves as Stonehurst Cottage's local host.

Media Enquiries:
Stonehurst Cottage
Barb Shadomy | Owner
Nina Mae Fowler | Co-Founder & Artist at Large
Email: stay@stonehurstcottage.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)7563 657005
Website: www.stonehurstcottage.co.uk
Source: Stonehurst Cottage