Layer de la Haye

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Library of Books

Entertainment

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Pod Coffee Machine

Freezer

Fridge

Kitchen

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

Toaster

Cooking Essentials

Kettle

Kitchen & Dining

Black-Out Blinds

Iron

Ironing Board

Hangers

Cleaning Products

Bedroom & Laundry

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Private Entrance

Self Check-in / Check-out

Parking & Access

Garden

Barbeque

Balcony

Access to Beach

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

Smoke Detector

Other

Hidden away next to ancient woodland in rural Essex, this cabin is a British getaway that overflows with quirk and charm.

Inside, classically styled furnishings, such as the tufted Chesterfield, oak dining table and the four-poster bed that's come straight out of a fairytale, rub shoulders with the eclectic animal portraits that dot the wall, the antler chandelier and antique-style gramophone — which actually works in case you're in the mood for a boogie. The copper rolltop bathtub that lies just next to the bed is another decadent touch that we can't help but salute.

The home's exterior is full of pleasant surprises, too. When the weather's warm enough — and even when it's not — you can sit out in the home's hot tub, before drying off on one of the egg chairs next to the roaring fire pit. It's possible to hear the sounds of wildlife from the neighbouring forest, as well as the occasional roar from Colchester Zoo, which is less than ten minutes' drive from the home.

Elsewhere in the local area, the huge Abberton Reservoir takes five minutes to reach in the car and offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The local village of Layer de la Haye, with its pair of pubs and farm shop, is a ten-minute walk away, too.

Kooky Cabin

Smart TV

Board Games

Sound System

Microwave

Cafetiere

Coffee Maker

Washing Machine

Dryer

Cot / Crib

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Underfloor Heating

Private Parking

Free Parking

Single-Level Home

Patio / Terrace

Pets Allowed

Pets

First Aid Kit

Egrets wade through the waters and hawks soar above at this unique home in the Essex Marshes. At the end of the adjoining field, the Wildlife Nature Reserve begins, where you can spend hours wandering the trails spotting plovers, owls, herons and larks. Although the scenery around you is marshes and fields as far as the eye can see, it’s just a ten-minute stroll into the centre of Tollesbury to stock up on groceries or stop in a café.

The home itself is a hexagonal-shaped, open-plan abode sitting at the base of the old radar tower. Head up to the tower's public viewing platform to get the full feel of where you are. Walls of glass look out over the marshes from the living room and flood the space with natural light. Slide open the doors to blend indoors with outdoors, and let the living room spill out onto the private patio. You can dine outside, or hole up with a blanket on the bench and enjoy the view. Should a chill creep in come evening, there’s a wood-burning stove inside to keep things cosy warm. Boardgames and books can keep you entertained and your host provides a full English breakfast in the morning to set you up for the day.

The Marsh Harrier

Home Cinema Setup

Projector

Baby Bath

Baby Changing Mat

Heated Towel Rail

Rain Shower

Children's Dinnerware

Espresso Machine

High Chair

Desk / Workplace

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Free Parking On Street

Fenced Property

Throws

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

Safe

Just outside the village of Little Bentley, a five-minute walk from the local pub and a ten-minute drive from Colchester, this rustic barn is nestled on a working farm. Previously a popular children's café with fun play areas both indoors and out, it's an ancient barn that retains a great deal of rustic charm. 

Quirky and imaginative, it's a family home with an emphasis on keeping the little ones entertained (and safe – it's fully child-proofed). The huge living space is dominated at one end by a log burner, with aged leather sofas and throws perfect for cosying up on winter nights, while the other end features a super cool, Scandi-style kitchen – complete with a professional café coffee machine that's been left in situ so you can play barista. Fun things about this room include the chalkboard wall, a movie projector for film nights and an indoor hammock chair.  

One of the bedrooms is aimed at kids, with twin beds, funky lights, chalkboards, toys and books. But as if that wasn't enough, they have a whole play area in the main space, where imaginations can run wild thanks to a wooden teepee, a wooden shop and a range of homemade superhero capes to choose from. There's more outside with a willow tunnel and mud kitchen. As the sun sets, toast some marshmallows around the fire pit before heading to your cosy beds.

Gooseberry Fool

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Ping Pong Table

Streaming Services

Laundry Supplies

Vacuum Cleaner

Workplace

Multiple Sets of Keys

Fenced Garden

Sun Umbrellas

It feels like every detail has been considered at this beach village home. Crabbing equipment is provided for days exploring the rockpools of Mersea beach (a five-minute stroll away) and there’s a ping pong table in the summer house, making the perfect secret den for kids. Plus, the garden is planted with fresh herbs and even a walnut tree to add a bit of ultra-local flavour to your cooking. You’re in the heart of the village here too, with a private path leading to shops, cafés and the local fish and chip shop. 

There’s room for dining on the patio, which is a lovely spot surrounded by greenery and there’s a barbecue for summer feasts. Inside, there’s a cottage vibe to the living room with its wood-burning stove keeping things warm in the evening. The modern kitchen has plenty of space for the bustle of family mealtimes and the dining table sits in a sunny, conservatory-style spot overlooking the garden. Should you need to work remotely, there’s a study with a laptop desk and plenty of board games and books to entertain the group.

The Winkle Picker

Bicycles

Ceiling Fans

For a secluded coastal getaway just an hour away from London, they don't come much better, or more picturesque, than this stunning cottage at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary. On one side, you've got yachts and barges passing on the sea lock and, on the other, a nature reserve that's a haven for migrating birds.

Despite its eighteenth-century origins, your hosts have modernised the cottage in a sympathetic way that pays homage to its humble roots, housing the foremen that worked on the canal. So while the exposed beams and wood burner in the living room probably haven't changed much over the years, the stainless steel kitchen and stunning glass sunroom ensure that it works perfectly for modern living. Meanwhile, upstairs, you'll find two elegant king-size bedrooms, a single room (available at an additional cost) and a luxurious marble shower room, with a second down on the ground floor.

Step out, and you'll find coastal walks that start right from your front door and a wide variety of wildlife to catch your eye. For those that want to get out on the water, why not take a trip on a Thames barge along the canal to Maldon (of sea salt fame). Here, you'll find posh pubs and charming tea rooms to cater to your every need. Six miles outside the town, Crouch Valley is home to a growing number of vineyards where you can sample the best that this little corner of Essex has to offer.

Foreman's Cottage

Satellite / Cable TV

From the sleek black leather furnishings and the grid windows to the monochrome photographs hanging on the walls and the effortlessly chic bathroom, there's something undeniably modern and urban about this large apartment. This makes it all the more surprising to find out that it actually lies within the sleepy market town of Halstead. Given the number of rural attractions that lie nearby — the landscaped garden of Markshall Estate take nineteen minutes to reach in the car, for example, while Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in just over twenty-five — the ultra-cool interior is a world away from rustic cosiness. However, we think the huge, horseshoe-shaped kitchen and cosy balcony space with seating will win even the most ardent of traditionalists over.

Camera Flashbulbs

This modern apartment is the perfect base for a solo traveller or couple looking to explore the beautiful market town of Halstead. Ingeniously designed to maximise the space and comfort, the living area feels much bigger than it really is (it's actually a studio flat). With the use of the industrial-style shutters, the bedroom is cleverly cut off from the open-plan kitchen and dining area, creating a cosy spot to enjoy a restful night's sleep or power through work at the dedicated study area – perfect for those in town on business. The spacious kitchen offers all the mod-cons for a comfortable long-term stay, with sleek worktops and appliances for preparing home-cooked perfection. Natural light pours in through the crittall windows making it a bright and airy apartment, while the private balcony opens the flat out to the lovely green views all around. Step out of the building and be right in the heart of Halstead, boasting boutique shops, coffee lounges and fine-dining restaurants to discover. Plus, you're a twenty-minute drive from Colchester town centre and less than thirty-five minutes from Stansted airport up the road.

All-In-One

This modern apartment really caught our eye due to its size and location. Set in the charming market town of Halstead, only a twenty-minute drive from Colchester, you're nicely placed in and around Essex. It's an industrial-style flat, with innovative use of sliding doors, steel beams and crittall windows to create a bright open-plan living area that feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The home offers a comfortable stay for groups of four, whether you're in town on business or exploring the surrounding area. And after mooching around the boutique shops, indie coffee houses and hip bars, return to a chic animal print armchair for a well-needed cuppa. Better still, extend the living space outwards to your private balcony and bookmark the day with lovely green views and pre-dinner drinks. Enjoy a hearty meal knocked up in the fully-equipped kitchen, before getting a peaceful night's sleep in one of the cosy bedrooms – comfort and ease are at the forefront here. 

Printworks

Private Dryer

Desk

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Child Friendly

Nestled in a luscious tree-filled garden in the Essex countryside, this characterful home is just as enchanting on the inside as it is at first glance. Brimming with one-off antiques and eye-catching wall art, the spacious house has been lovingly decorated by its discerning owners. There are plenty of interesting trinkets and vintage books to riffle through, in between drinks on the patio and meals around the walnut dining table.

If you value privacy and seclusion, this home is for you. As you amble through the vast garden, the only souls you'll spot are the horses grazing in a neighbouring field. The blissful expanse is ideal for families, who can play games and enjoy picnics on the well-tended grass.

Sible Hedingham is your closest village, just a two-minute drive – or sixteen-minute walk – away. The pretty hamlet houses two traditional pubs where you can indulge in wholesome British grub. If you fancy a city day trip, you'll reach Cambridge's historic centre in just under an hour. Walk the cobbled streets, visit the university and punt down the River Cam.

Antique Heart

DVD Player

Originally built in the 1700s as a winnowing barn, this cosy cottage conversion is part of the Old Grove Farm, and is one of six homes around a large central courtyard. Begin your morning here with a welcome basket breakfast, served at the Millstone breakfast bar. Then explore the acres of orchards and meadows, with your four-legged friend trotting by your side. For lunch, why not follow the footpaths through the open countryside to the dog-friendly pub, which is just a fifteen-minute walk away? 

In the late afternoon, we would love to curl up on the sofa with a good book in front of the roaring fire or lounge beneath the apple and pear trees in the beautiful orchard. 

From inside the house, handmade oak windows in the living room, cut through the floor to the bedroom above affording amazing views, while a handmade iron balcony is a great vantage point to watch the sunset from. 

In the summer months, the large open-sided ‘Cart Lodge’ has a barbecue which can be pulled out, or you could simply sit beneath the lodge’s fairy lights and gaze at the stars of the night-time sky. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the wildlife – bats, badgers, hares, rabbits, deer and birds ¬– that share this land. 

Despite its rural setting, this cottage is only a five to ten-minute drive from supermarkets, cafés, museums, and the river Stour. Kersey, widely regarded as Suffolk’s prettiest village, is only a ten-minute cycle ride from the home. Plus, Lavenham – England’s best-preserved Medieval Village – is just a fifteen-minute drive away, where you will also find great quality restaurants such as The Great House or The Swann. Meanwhile, a day out to the unspoilt Suffolk coast is roughly an hour’s drive away to reach places like Pin Mill, Nacton, Levington, Orford, Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Southwold, and Mersey Island. 

Orchard Farmhouse

Wine Cooler

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Just over an hour from London is this lovely home in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. In a fairytale setting, the extensive gardens are brimming with wisteria, roses and fragrant shrubs. There is also an ornamental vegetable garden where you may help yourself to bundles of fragrant herbs and fresh eggs from the hen coop. The house has a generous living area inside and out and is ideal for extended families looking to spend quality time together. The sociable kitchen allows for both group cooking sessions and aperitifs shared around the large kitchen table. The open-plan living area at the heart of the home presents the perfect place to relax, with comfy sofas around the log burner. There's also a stunning dining room, which offers a beautiful scene for more celebratory dinners and formal affairs. Enjoy peace and tranquillity in this lovely home or set out to discover the fabulous local country walks and attractions. Explore the nearby coastal villages, reachable in under thirty minutes, or why not try boating on the Stour river? With vineyard tours, antique hunting, and cream teas to be enjoyed in many local villages, you'll be in a prime location for taking in the best of the Suffolk countryside. The house is within easy walking distance to a friendly village pub, an excellent farm shop, and a family-friendly country cafe.

Under The Pergola

Sonos

Bathrobes

Luxury Toiletries

Wine Cellar

Luxury Bedding

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Air Conditioning

Temperature Control

EV Charger

Helipad

Beach / Pool Towels

Courtyard

Garden Games

Herb Garden

Outdoor Audio

Outdoor Bathtub

Outdoor Kitchen

Umbrellas

Alarm System

This is an extra-special home in the grounds of an award-winning boutique vineyard. It’s been carefully curated to offer everything you might need during your stay, and for you to enjoy your visit in the lap of luxury. 

The home is a contemporary villa with vast windows looking out onto the vineyard and the rolling countryside that surrounds the property. The open-plan living and dining space is perfect for chatting over food and sipping wine – there’s even an honesty box wine bar for you to sample the wines produced by the vineyard. A striking nickel bar – like at The Ivy – has pride of place in front of the huge picture window overlooking the vineyard. There are also full height glass patio doors which open onto a wonderful private guest garden and patio.

Outside, pop open a bottle of chilled white or rosé wine and sink into the jacuzzi while the barbecue heats up. When the weather is fine, you won’t want to be anywhere else – there’s a comfy sofa and loungers, ideal for relaxing, and a tennis court if you want to work up a sweat. Dining outside with beautiful views laid out before you is utterly idyllic, especially when the sun starts to sink in the sky. 

If you feel the urge to explore, there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. The villa is a four-minute drive from Toppesfield village, where you can enjoy a meal in the community-owned pub. Finchingfield, the most photographed village in Essex is 10 minutes drive. For history enjoy a stroll around Castle Hedingham with its thatched cottages and amazing Norman castle. Saffron Walden, a medieval town – is thirty-six minutes away. There you’ll find a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants around the buzzy market square as well as beautiful historic buildings, gardens, museum and art gallery. 

This is a memorable home for romantic visits to this picturesque area on the Essex/Suffolk border. Make sure you take a bottle of the vineyard’s award winning wine home with you – it’s the perfect memento.


An East Anglian Vineyard

Delightfully cosy and packed full of charm, this old farm building feels like a hug personified. Step through the front door and you'll find high ceilings, exposed beams and inviting spaces filled to the brim with antique furniture. In the summer, outside is where you'll spend most of your time, exploring the 300-acre grounds, relaxing by the boating lake and cooking up a storm on the barbecue. On chilly evenings, there's nothing better than snuggling up in front of the wood-burner with a glass of wine and a good book. Whether you're tucking into a hearty breakfast around the dining table, watching telly on the sumptuous sofa or snoozing in the comfortable beds, you'll love calling this little hideaway home.

And make sure to pack your walking shoes. Situated on the edge of Dedham Vale AONB, this stunning landscape inspired John Constable's paintings, and there are endless countryside paths, leafy woodlands and rolling Suffolk hills to wander on your doorstep. The nearest village is Layham, only a short walk away, where you can decompress after a hike with a pint at the local pub. For more choice, head to Hadleigh, less than ten minutes by car.

Constable's Muse

Situated a five-minute stroll from the affluent, medieval village of Nayland, this charming cottage has a fabulous location in Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border. You'll find a glorious riverside pub, shops and plenty of walks along the River Stour – it's perfect for birdwatchers. Flatford and its mill, immortalised in the paintings of John Constable, is twenty minutes in the car. This place is just under a two-hour drive from London, too. 

Surrounded by mature trees, the enclosed rear garden captures the afternoon and early evening sun, so it's ideal for an alfresco lunch or dinner, while the front garden gets the rays all day. Inside, there's a log burner for when it's chilly. We love the master bedroom, named the Hay Wain, with its views over the village. This completely renovated home is a great country retreat for two couples or a family.




The Hay Wain

This professionally-managed home is located in the desirable SouthChurch area, near Southend and great transportation links. The open-plan lounge and dining area is spacious and stylishly furnished, with comfortable sofas and a large dining table. Guests can relax in the large garden during warmer weather. The two main bedrooms are also spacious and comfortable, with a bunk bed and sofa bed available for larger groups. Guests have access to the entire property, including fast Wi-Fi and free on-street parking. The booking is protected by a Deposit Guarantee, Guest Guarantee, and public liability provided by SUPERHOG.

The Lighthousekeeper's Daughter

Changing Table

Swimming Pool

Indoor Pool

Sauna

Exercise Equipment

Hammock

Escape the ordinary at this riverside hideaway for two, nestled in over an acre of secluded woodlands and yet just a twenty-minute stroll from the historic centre of Cambridge. 

With a wood-burning stove to nestle up beside and riverside views from the luxurious four-poster bed, the charms of this cottage cabin are hard to resist. 

On sunny mornings, open the French doors wide and savour morning coffees from the deck’s swing chairs as swans and rowers glide on by. Then up the ante and take to the river with one of the home's boats or kayaks – you've direct access to the river from the garden. 

When thoughts turn to food, closeby you'll find a coffee shop for lazy brunches (ten minutes on foot) and a riverside gastropub (three minutes on foot). Or head into Cambridge's centre along the river towpath (twenty-minute stroll or ten on bike) to dive into one of its ancient pubs before a mooch about the shops. 

Just be sure to make it home for nightfall to get toasty beside the chiminea (which handily doubles as your barbecue). As the stars twinkle overhead, there's no finer place to be.


Float Your Boat

Piano

This pretty 16th Century cottage is full of character and light. Relax on the large enclosed courtyard with its beautiful blossom tree and flower baskets – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of rosé wine. At night the tree is lit up with twinkling lights giving the space a magical feel.

If it gets a bit chilly, head inside and sit next to the large inglenook fireplace with its cosy wood-burning stove. We love this room with its historic beams and antiques. If you don’t fancy eating out, rustle up a dinner using some local fresh seafood from the fisherman’s huts at Aldeburgh, a twenty-minute drive away.

Closer to home, the centre of Wickham Market is 50 yards away, where you’ll find a range of shops including a butchers, antique store and beauty salon, as well as an arts centre. There are a couple of restaurants here as well as a fish n’ chips shop, while there are many pubs nearby, including one in the village of Ufford, a one to two-hour walk from the cottage (or a four-minute drive). Your lovely hosts provide bikes for free, too, if you want to explore the area on two wheels.


Chaffinch Cottage

Record Player

Blender

Paid Parking On Premises

Bike Shed

Beach Essentials

Pet Bowls

Security Cameras

Stair Gates

Go off gird for a while beside the sweeping coastal banks of the desirable Granville Cliff Estate in Seasalter - the location of this contemporary, airy home. The estate's private beach, just a minute’s walk from the property, takes centre stage here. Grab the home's paddleboard and two-person kayak and head for the sea, or try beachcombing for seashells - the coast goes on for miles. And you can always pop back to rustle up a picnic when tummies start to rumble or stroll along to the acclaimed Sportsman pub to feast on oysters. Back at the sea-facing chalet bungalow, an effortlessly stylish home awaits. Expect vintage mid-century furniture, unique artwork, and a modern kitchen made for action. Ideal for groups of friends and family coming together, you’ll love how spread out the home feels. The self-contained apartment upstairs with a separate kitchen will be a bonus for anyone looking for that extra bit of privacy. And there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained in the surprisingly spacious garden, with a trampoline & football goal. When you can finally bear to part from the private beach, central Whitstable is just a five-minute drive away (or thirty minutes on foot). Just be sure to make it back home as the sun sets over Whitstable – it’s quite the show.

Off the Grid

Step back in time at this meticulously restored Regency cottage. Your hosts have poured their time and energy into sourcing period-specific reclaimed materials and equipping the home with antique furnishings to create a cosy and charming English escape that offers the very best of coast and country.

All that effort has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the beautiful interior. From the Victorian roll-top bath to the eighteenth-century range and the wainscotting on the walls – every effort has been made to make it feel as authentic as possible. Even the mod cons, such as the TV, are hidden away inside bread ovens that are built into the chimney so as not to shatter the illusion.

At the top of the narrow staircase is the twin bedroom, through which you enter the main bedroom – a pretty common arrangement for houses of this period.

Step outside, and you'll find a beautifully maintained nature reserve right on your doorstep. Your hosts bought it in 2015 and have spent the intervening years slowly restoring and exposing its beauty, with winding footpaths leading to conveniently placed benches, soaring Scots pine trees and ancient oaks – perfect for a reflective moment in nature or a ride on the supplied bikes.

For adventures further afield, you'll find maps detailing footpaths that run to the world-class concert hall at Snape Maltings, two-and-a-half miles away, and continue through forests and past lakes, leading all the way to the sea at Aldeburgh. 

The Miller's Cottage

Balcony / Patio

Resort Access

The picturesque village of Southwold sits on The Suffolk Coast and Heaths, one of only forty-six regions in the country officially labelled an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. We think the best way to discover this exceptionally beautiful landscape, is to stay in an exceptionally beautiful home. On a street of candy-colored cottages, an eight-minute walk from Southwold Pier, your home is painted in a dreamy pale blue, with terracotta roof tiles, and a cute white door beckoning you inside. Built in 1850, you’ll love the original features like exposed wooden beams, a winding staircase, and wood-burning fireplace in the lounge. We think this is the perfect spot to settle down on the sofa, crack open a bottle of fizz, and say cheers to the start of your holiday. Another option would be sipping champagne in the luxurious freestanding tub, or taking celebrations out to your private patio on a sunny afternoon. When you get peckish, take a wander to your nearest chippie, three minutes away. Protect your portion of fish and chips from the seagulls as you stroll one minute down to the promenade and take in the fresh air from the North Sea.

Pale Blue Gull

Dating back to 1250, this idyllic cottage has bags of charm. It’s in the town of Hadleigh, so shops, restaurants and cafés are just a short walk away, along with cycleways across the countryside and a meandering riverside walk. 

Hide away from the world in a timber-clad bolthole where Tudor windows let in plenty of sunlight during the day. By night, it’s time to get a fire crackling in the fireplace and snuggle up with a glass of wine on the sofa. Antique, rustic furniture has been hand-selected to keep the medieval feel to the cottage, including cast-iron pans suspended from the wooden beam in the kitchen. Heading up the narrow staircase to bed, you’ll find a sound sleep beneath the old roof beams. 

Tudor Romance

Rice Maker

This rustic barn conversion is a delightful place to stay in the Essex countryside. It has been lovingly restored, and retains its original wooden beams, which give the home a traditional, cottage-like feel. There are public footpaths nearby, meaning you’ll be able to make the most of exploring the surrounding countryside. After a busy day hiking, kick back on the plump sofas with a drink in hand, and warm up in front of the wood burner. During the day, the huge garden is the perfect spot to play games as a group, before cooking up a hearty meal on the Weber barbecue, to enjoy on the outdoor seating.

Butterfly Barn

Step-Free Access

In the heart of Stoke-by-Nayland — one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages — this immaculate cottage has stunning views over Box Valley. You’ll find a delightful mix of traditional and quirky here, with a battered leather chesterfield and a farmhouse table sitting alongside a supersized wall map and exposed bulb lighting. We love the surprising use of colourful wallpaper behind the bookshelf and in the second bedroom’s alcove, too. Wake up to the peal of the church bells and enjoy breakfast in the beautifully landscaped garden before taking a wander into the village. The church was the subject of a number of John Constable’s paintings, and he knew a thing or two about landscapes, so you can imagine how pretty it is round here. There are bountiful country walks in the surrounding Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and two of the best pubs in the area are less than a hundred metres from your front door, so after a long ramble, you can reward yourself with a pint of local ale.

The Perfection of Art

Minutes from the sea, this stylish house is the perfect base for a family holiday in Whitstable. The seafront is lined with beachy cafés, seafood restaurants and good old fashioned fish and chip shops. Build sandcastles and paddle in the sea knowing it’s just a three-minute walk back to this home if you forget the sunscreen. The home itself is pristine white with cosy furnishings. The snug living room is set around a wood-burner and there’s an ample vinyl collection if you want to set the mood with the record player. There are board games a-plenty and books for all ages scattered across the bookshelves. The breakfasting kitchen is big and bright, with glass doors that fold back to reveal the cute back garden where a picnic bench is brightened by stringed lights at night. Our favourite thing about this place is the claw-footed tub, perfect for a bath after a day on the beach.

Ice Cream By The Sea

Outdoor Shower

Breakfast Included

It's not just the mid-century furniture and muted colour palette in this home that takes influence from the Scandinavians. Out in the garden, there's an electric-powered sauna, as well as a bathtub on the patio that you can fill with cold water for the full authentic experience. Once you've finished flitting between the two, you can rest up in the cosy summer house. The host has put together a list of local therapists and this private space is perfect for treatments. Back inside, there's plenty of equipment to keep those particular about their coffee happy, including an espresso machine, milk frother, percolator, grinder and fresh beans from a local roaster. When you're feeling suitably caffeinated, the charming seaside town of Margate is waiting to be explored. The main beach takes about a quarter of an hour to reach on foot, as does the Dreamland Amusement Park, which often hosts concerts, club nights and events.

Fika & Sauna

With farmland to the front and the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind – this gorgeous home, part of a cluster of mill buildings, is in an idyllic spot. 

Take a stroll through winding footpaths of the reserve that meander through meadows and forests of giant cedars and ancient oaks. In spring, you’ll see enchanting carpets of bluebells, primroses and daffodils, but whatever time of year you come, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from chaffinches to woodpeckers. There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, just over two miles away, and to the sea at Aldeburgh (or it’s seven minutes in the car). You can borrow some bikes too if you prefer to cycle.

You don’t have to go anywhere to get some fresh air, though. There’s a lovely old cobbled, sunny courtyard where clematis and wisteria clamber up the walls – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the welcome hamper of breakfast goodies. There’s another patio area, too, with fragrant rambling roses – ideal for a glass of wine.

The home itself is a sympathetic conversion of a stable and grain store. We adore the character features inside, such as the traditional 17th Century Suffolk white brick flooring, wood-panelled walls and old oak floorboards. Part of the original manger has been incorporated into the wall dividing the kitchen and the living space area – a lovely touch. Open the stable doors here and listen to the blackbirds singing at dusk. Furnished with antiques, this cottage will appeal to couples and pet owners looking for a luxurious country bolthole.


Blackbirds Singing At Dusk

Just ninety minutes outside of London, you will find this charming and character-filled home on a quiet lane in rural Suffolk. It’s over 500 years old, and still has many of the original fittings, from the inglenook fireplaces to the oak beams. Perfect for a family getaway from the city, there is plenty to do and see from the property by foot or bicycle, while lush gardens and cosy interiors are there to enjoy if you’d like to stay put. When it’s meal time, if you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, there is an excellent local pub just down the road.

Raspberry Scone

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