Diss

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This charming cottage feels like a step back in time. It sits in the former stable block of an elegant Georgian Estate, dating back to the early-seventeenth century. Now a working farm, it's surrounded by four hundred acres of gloriously green pastures and ancient parkland – inhabited by herds of red deer, muntjac and an array of birdlife – which you're encouraged to explore. Here, you're just shy of a twenty-minute drive from the picturesque cathedral city of Norwich and the enchanting Norfolk Broads.

The exquisitely renovated interior is cosy and welcoming. Hardwood floors, exposed brickwork, and beam-clad ceilings offer a characterful canvas primed for relaxation. We especially love the sitting room with its plush velvet sofas and wood-burning fireplace, not to mention the delightful country-house kitchen, where a spacious dining table offers a lovely space for homecooked feasts with your clan. 

Framed by a grade-two listed stone wall and dense woodland, a private south-facing garden beckons you to feel completely immersed in nature. After a restful slumber in Egyptian cotton linens, step outside and enjoy your morning brew to the sound of birdsong and gently rustling leaves. Between adventures, spend your days sunbathing on the lawn, reading in the conservatory and, come sunset, sipping cocktails on the furnished patio.

Echoes of Spring

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

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

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

Perched a five-minute stroll away from Caister-on-Sea Beach, this spot offers an idyllic setting for a family to come together for a refreshing break by the sea. Inside the home, a vast open plan living area, furnished with timeless furniture and decoration offers a sophisticated space to relax all year round. Whether you visit during the sunny summer's months or in the chill of winter, this home remains a warm, welcoming and tranquil place to retreat to when seeking an escape from the mundane. From the living space, large glass sliding doors invite in plenty of natural daylight from the outside patio – perfect for relaxing amidst the sea air. Fire up the barbecue or chill with a book in hand on the corner sofa, before heading down to the beach to catch the sunset. And if you head upstairs (and stand on tiptoes), you can catch a glimpse of the sea from the attic window – the beach is just 300 metres away after all. After a day on the beach, call into the village to nosey around the local shops and boutiques followed by a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants or cafes. With everything within walking distance, there is little need to travel by car when you don't feel like leaving Caister-on-Sea. But if you do fancy a little drive out, Great Yarmouth is only ten minutes down the road and well worth a visit. 

'Tis the Sea-Sun

Set within over 100 acres of grounds, this handsome Georgian house is surrounded by manicured gardens, woodland walks and activities like clay pigeon shooting and archery. The home’s private garden features a heated swimming pool for sunny days and you can still sit and listen to the birdsong in the huge conservatory if the weather turns. Or, head inside to the games room for a round of pool or foosball by the wood-burning stove. The kitchen, with its gas range cooker and oodles of prep space, is more than big enough for the bustle of family breakfast time, and the old servant’s bells are still on display. Tucked into a corner of the kitchen you'll find a little TV snug, warmed by the purr of an Aga. Gather the group in the dining room with its view across the fields outside, or head up to the privacy of beautiful bedrooms, each decorated with its own motif – paisley and peacocks perhaps, or a princess-style four-poster and freestanding tub. If you don’t feel like cooking, the estate staff can arrange for a private chef, or you can make the short walk to the Brisley Bell which serves excellent food.  

Peacocks & Petticoats

We can see why this cottage was in The Sunday Times' Coolest 100 Cottages' list – it's a Jacobean dream, full of original character and quirky features. Once home to the miller of Plomesgate Mill, it now houses wonderful antiques, such as a fantastic 1700s Breton bed built straight into the wall, a gorgeous oak four-poster and a working 1800s kitchen range. 

Enjoy a tasty full English breakfast (courtesy of the welcome hamper provided by your lovely hosts Beverley and Martin) in the farmhouse style kitchen. Or when the Suffolk sun is shining, dine in the pretty, wisteria clad courtyard. If you’re lucky enough to be here in August and September, there's a mulberry bush in the grounds that guests are welcome to pick fruit from – perfect for making some jam or muffins.

Something else we adore here is the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind this home. Take the dogs for a walk through the meandering footpaths that wind through meadows and ancient woodland. In spring, you’ll see captivating carpets of cheerful daffodils, bluebells and primroses. Whatever time of year you come, though, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from nuthatches to woodpeckers.
 
There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, an arts complex on the banks of the River Alde, just over two miles away. Or head to Aldeburgh (seven minutes in the car) – you can borrow some bikes and cycle there in around thirty minutes too.



Jacobean Gem

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

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

This quirky converted church makes for an ideal creative countryside retreat. The open-plan downstairs, where the pews used to be, has been given over to create a vast double-height space with one double bedroom leading off it and a single and master bedroom found upstairs. The building was originally constructed as a Methodist chapel, and it retains some of that spiritual atmosphere, with a piano, drum kit and guitar – plus a fully equipped kitchen – at hand for whenever musical or culinary inspiration strikes.  Located in the village of Briston and just fifteen minutes from the coast, it's a great base to explore the natural beauty of the area and charming towns like Holt and Cromer. The butcher, baker and greengrocer (no candlestick maker, unfortunately), plus a Co-op, are only around a hundred metres away. At the same time, the local pub serves good food and is only a short walk away. If you'd like to see how the other half live, there are many stately homes and gardens to visit nearby, including Sandringham, the Blickling Estate and Holkham Hall, all within a thirty-five-minute drive.


Oh, Happy Day

Escape for some fresh coastal air and bring your friends or family members along with you. It's a spacious and stylish apartment with plenty of seating, pops of colour and tasteful decor. Ideal for a small group, this contemporary home offers comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a sleek kitchen and a chic dining area – we especially love the Eames-style chairs and funky artwork. While this is a modern build, and a well-presented one at that, there's a warmth here with the vibrant scatter cushions, comfy throws and green houseplants that makes it feel like home right away. The real highlight of the apartment is outside space – complete with garden furniture, a barbecue and a tall wooden fence for added privacy – sitting out on the patio with a glass of chilled wine is a dreamy way to bookmark any day if you ask us. Perfectly placed, walk to sandy Great Yarmouth Beach in less than twelve minutes and be at Nelson's Monument and the lively town centre in under half an hour. We'd especially recommend a trip to the Merrivale Model Village if you're after a fun family day out – as with most of the popular attractions, it's well within reach here. 

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