INTRODUCING THE CONTROL TOWER BED & BREAKFAST

The former WWII Airfield Control Tower is a unique vegetarian Bed and Breakfast — filled with beautiful art deco fixtures and furniture to ensure comfortable and relaxing stays. We find out more with owners Claire Nugent & Nigel Morter.

What inspired you to start your business?

The love of modernism and art deco design with a passion for the history of this building and place. We were also ready for a total change of lifestyle, both of us left behind responsible public sector careers.

What has been the highlight since launching?

The most rewarding element for us, having spent 3 years restoring the Control Tower, is seeing all our plans and ideas come together as one. The building flows beautifully with reclaimed parquet flooring downstairs, the carefully chosen furniture and art, through to the original art deco en suites in the B&B rooms Then once we opened our doors meeting so many wonderful people both guests and veterans. Meeting those with a special connection to this place always brings the history alive for us..

What have you got planned for the year ahead?

Renovating an annex into the #StirlingSuite — this will be an extra double B&B room with its own living/dining space and art deco en suite. We really feel under scrutiny (in a good way) for this as we are only able to do this development because we crowdfunded to raise the budget. Over 100 people have contributed to this for holidays when we are complete... we aim to have this bookable for next Spring. Our backers have been amazing and we can't wait to have them to stay.

How would you like to see your business grow & develop over the coming year(s)?

We aim to be fully operational in 2016 and then by 2018 to reach our maximum guest bookings. The Control Tower B&B is not about being the biggest but about trying to be the best we can. We don't want to compromise on the quality of our guest stays and have no plans to keep expanding our offering. While our business reaches maturity we are combining this with a heritage project to gather and share information about this secret RAF base.

What is it about "vintage" that you find most appealing and what is your favourite era?

For us really it all about design. There is so much to commend reusing furniture — it is so environmentally friendly. Firstly you save something from going to land fill and secondly you stop the need for something else being made. For us we are in love with the more restrained side of Art Deco — modernism really. We absolutely love the attention to detail on pieces designed during the 30s and 40s, from wood grain and handles even down to key escutcheons they really considered everything and it shows. We are also very keen on aspects of other eras and have 3 British cars of the 60s which we hire for weddings and our personal style leans towards the 60s too.

Why should the public vote for your business in this category?

We have created a home and businesses that we love, it is so rewarding to know that others love it too. Whilst we know it won't appeal to everyone in the wider world. we feel we provide a little vintage lovers haven away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.

Why not book yourself a stay and steep yourself in history... or just a deep art deco bath.

For more information:

Webpage: www.controltowerstays.com
FB page: The Control Tower (old North Creake Airfield)
Twitter: @ControlTowerNC

The Control Tower — Vegetarian Bed & Breakfast with a generous helping of history
Bunkers Hill, Egmere, Walsingham, Norfolk NR22 6AZ
01328 821 574 | mail@controltowerstays.com | www.controltowerstays.com