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Entertainment

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Microwave

Freezer

Fridge

Kitchen

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

High Chair

Cooking Essentials

Kitchen & Dining

Iron

Washing Machine

Ironing Board

Hangers

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Desk / Workplace

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking On Street

Private Entrance

Self Check-in / Check-out

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Garden

Balcony

Outdoor

Pets Allowed

Pets

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Smoke Detector

Other

Once among the wealthiest of conurbations in England, Lavenham is a great place to see well-preserved medieval architecture. This Grade-I listed timber-framed home gives you the rare opportunity to stay in a property from the Elizabethan age. Inside, there are plenty of period features, from the wooden beams and inglenook fireplace to the wattle and daub walls and the various nooks. This sense of history continues when you step out the back door into the Tudor knot garden, which teems with well-tended foliage and also features an alfresco table and a vine-covered metal bower. Despite the home's advanced age, you'll find plenty of modern amenities inside, including an Aga oven and a rather elegant freestanding bathtub. Elsewhere in Lavenham, there's a wide range of similarly characterful buildings to visit, including The Crooked House Gallery three minutes' walk up the road. Alternatively, the Railway Walks nature reserve can be reached in just over a quarter of an hour on foot.

Ruffle Collar

Netflix

Amazon Prime

Cafetiere

Dryer

Multiple Sets of Keys

Throws

Nice to haves

A cottage straight out of a fairytale, each room is dreamier than the next. The living room’s chapel-like ceiling is lined with timber beams and a woodburner crackles in the corner. Sleep sound as Sleepy Beauty in a four-poster bed fit for a storybook. A welcome pack of local goodies awaits your arrival in the cute, country-style kitchen, but there are more culinary delights to be explored in the area. Touted as the food capital of Suffolk, the cottage is a few minutes' walk to Lavenham’s tea rooms, an ice cream parlour, and the local museum, along with traditional eateries tucked away on narrow streets. You'd be forgiven for spending most of your time in the spectacular lodgings though as even the walled garden with its twisting vine archway has a magical feel to it. Treat yourself to a trip in a beautiful location, within a beautiful abode.

Fairy Flax

Board Games

Library of Books

Sound System

Kettle

Toaster

Coffee Maker

Cleaning Products

Black-Out Blinds

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Bicycles

Wellness & Fitness

Private Parking

Free Parking

EV Charger

Free Parking On Premises

Fenced Garden

Hammock

Herb Garden

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Patio / Terrace

Sun Umbrellas

Outdoor Seating

Every inch of this stunning thatched barn set in the Suffolk countryside has been meticulously restored by master craftsmen using centuries-old techniques to create the perfect romantic retreat or solo escape.

Step inside and prepare to be wowed by the open-plan living room and kitchen, with a comfy seating area, gas fire and farmhouse-style kitchen beneath a soaring double-height ceiling with the exposed original timber frame on show.

Vast floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that there's plenty of natural light alongside views over the lovely garden. Climb the open staircase up to the mezzanine floor to find an inviting bedroom and reading area where you're free to relax and unwind at any time of day or night.

In the enclosed gardens, you'll find outdoor seating to make the most of long summer evenings and alfresco meals, a fire pit to gather around once the sun has set.

The Free Ranger

DVD Player

Baby Bath

Cot / Crib

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

Toiletries

Pod Coffee Machine

Paid Parking On Street

Paid Parking On Premises

Safe

The town of Bury St Edmunds is perhaps most famous for its cathedral and former abbey, and this apartment puts you as close as can be to these landmarks. In fact, the historic Norman Tower and Cathedral Gate can be seen out the window. Inside, the newly refurbished interior living quarters feel suitably smart, from the wooden floorboards and mid-century inspired furnishings to the stark white walls and the sleek surfaces in the kitchen. The bedroom has been painted in a soothing shade of pastel pink and there's even a bathtub for enjoying long soaks after a day of taking in all that this quaint town has to offer. As well as the ecclesiastical attractions just across the street, Moyse's Hall Museum can be reached in six minutes' walk, while the Italiante Ickworth House is only eighteen minutes away in the car.

Saintly Virtue

Games Room

Surrounded by over 500 acres of woodland, lakes and ponds, this Grade II-listed farmhouse makes a big impression. Rooms are spacious and comfortably modern, though taller guests might want to watch their heads on some of the sloping ceilings. The manicured garden stretches around the outdoor seating, making it easy for parents to supervise kids playing on the lawn whilst they enjoy a sunset drink. There's also a tennis court, gym, squash court, play set, and table tennis to keep everyone busy, but the lake is our favourite. With a jetty and small rowing boat, you can get out on the water whenever you need a peaceful moment. 

Suffolk's Delight

Rain Shower

Espresso Machine

Balcony / Patio

Umbrellas

Despite its small size, this charming Georgian cottage is packed with character – think exposed brick, original wooden flooring and traditional braced and ledged doors. We think it's the epitome of cosy – just curl up next to the wood-burning stove with a glass of wine and you'll understand what we mean. And although it's snug, it has everything you'll need. Out back, you'll find a small patio, and upstairs, a sumptuous bed beckons after a long day on your feet. The bathroom boasts a lavish rainfall shower, the kitchen comes well-stocked with culinary gear and crockery, and there's even a desk if you need to work from home. 

And the location is excellent, too. Nestled just a few minutes from the historic heart of Bury St Edmunds, five minutes on foot is the Abbey Gardens, while scrumptious restaurants, lovely cafes and old-school pubs aplenty are practically on your doorstep. The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking or cycling or, if you prefer ales to ambles, the Greene King Brewery in town is ideal for beer enthusiasts.

Brick & Barley

Single-Level Home

Right in the heart of Constable country, this romantic cottage is love at first sight. Once part of an 18th-century dairy, you'll find oodles of charm and history inside – original Suffolk white brick floor, high arched ceiling exposing all the ancient beams and pretty redbrick walls. It's as cosy as it looks, with a sumptuous sofa and a crackling fire to snuggle up in front of on wintery nights. The kitchen is small, but it has everything you need to rustle up a delicious meal using herbs from the garden or something sweet with the apples and pears from the orchard. Tuck into your fare on the enchanting, foliage-wrapped patio, while sunny days call for a picnic as you explore the gardens and picturesque countryside on your doorstep. 

The walking and cycling in this area are great – your host provides bikes you can borrow, and this cottage is dog-friendly, so you can bring the pups along. Head down to the local pub for a pint (it's about fifteen minutes away on foot), or pedal to the tiny Medieval villages dotted around – our favourite is Lavenham, about six miles away. And with Ipswich and the Suffolk Coast less than an hour's drive, exploring the other postcard-worthy villages is a breeze.

Asking For Roses

Child Friendly

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

Air Conditioning

This cosy cottage can be found just eleven minutes outside of beautiful Lavenham, tucked away down Suffolk’s pretty country lanes. This charming home is on a plot of land with its own pond, exercise area for dogs, and apple trees. It’s an idyllic spot. 

Grab bikes from the owner and head out to explore the South Suffolk Cycle Route, which runs past the cottage. A foray into Lavenham gives you access to great cafes, shops and restaurants. A dog-friendly pub is an easy fifteen-minute stroll away, making it ideal for evening meals. Slightly further away, Ipswich’s galleries and museums make for a lovely day trip, as does Framlingham Castle – it’s about an hour away and well worth the scenic drive. 

After a day of cycling, hiking or seeing the sights, there’s nothing more welcoming than a roaring wood fire and the cottage offers just that. Sit around playing board games and keeping warm. In summer, the barbecue is a great focal point of the attractive garden – it’s up to you to decide who’s cooking and who gets to lie out in the sunshine. 


Wood Smoke

DVD Library

Hot Tub

Despite being an outhouse conversion, this former barn in Suffolk has a real cosy country cottage vibe, thanks to its chintzy decor, terracotta tiling and relaxed living space. It’s fantastic for sociable families, as you'll have shared use of a games room (including ping pong, foosball and pool tables) as well as an on-site playground for the children. Located in Wattisham – a fifteen-minute drive away from Stowmarket, there’s easy access to great walks, wildlife spotting (including otters!) and day trips to Sutton Hoo, which is a fifty-minute drive away. For trips out the Suffolk coast – you can be in the seaside town's of Aldeburgh or Southwold in around an hour. On summer nights, head back to your humble abode to fire up the barbecue, hop in the hot tub and make the most of the rural surroundings and fresh country air. For larger groups, ask the host about their other cottages, also on Plum Guide.

Cosy Convert

This collection of three barns in the Suffolk countryside, sleeping up to twenty, is the ultimate destination for a large family get-together. Despite being former agricultural outbuildings from the twelfth century, these conversions have a real cosy country cottage vibe, thanks to their chintzy decor, olde-world feel and comfy living-dining spaces with wood burning stoves. Located in Wattisham, near Stowmarket, each cottage comes with its own barbecue and hot tub. Whichever one you stay in, you'll have access to great walks, wildlife spotting and day trips to Sutton Hoo or the Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh and Southwold. A stay here is fantastic for all ages, with shared use of a games room (including ping pong and pool tables) and an on-site playground for younger guests, while those more established guests can simply relax with a glass of wine by the moat. 

The Barn Owl's Playground

Once used as an agricultural outbuilding, this huge barn has been transformed into a split-level holiday cottage. Wooden features create a warm and welcoming space, which is laid out perfectly for socialising together as a group. With cosy, country interiors, it's an idyllic setting to warm up in after a day out in the fresh countryside air. Fire up the barbecue during the warmer months at the alfresco dining area, which boasts views out onto a 16th-century whimsical moat. Then spend the evening relaxing in the patio's private hot tub – all year round. There's also an on-site games room with shared use with a ping pong table, foosball and pool tables. It's safe to say the kids will be entertained as there's even a children's playground which can be seen from inside the house – so parents can keep an eye on them with a cup of tea in hand. Located in Wattisham – a fifteen-minute drive from Stowmarket, there's easy access to great walks, wildlife spotting (including otters!) and day trips to Sutton Hoo – a fifty-minute drive away and Suffolk coastal towns such as Aldeburgh or Southwold – both reachable in around an hour's drive. For larger groups, ask the host about their other cottages, also on Plum Guide. 

The Grand Barn

Desk

Underfloor Heating

Standing on the grounds of a classic Victorian vicarage, this converted 19th-century coach house enjoys its own outside space and brightly-lit interiors. Effortlessly blending original and modern design, the rural retreat is ideal for a group of friends or family looking to get away from it all.

Recline on the colourful seating when you arrive in the living room and admire the rustic details – exposed brick and wooden beams feature alongside a contemporary colour palette and eye-catching wall art. If you're too energised to relax, challenge your fellow guests to a pool or foosball tournament in the games room. At the end of the day, come together for a nourishing meal cooked up in the grand country kitchen.

Keen to see the sea? The Suffolk coastline is just over half an hour away – spend an afternoon in Ipswich and visit the charming selection of shops and galleries, some of which are housed in beautiful Victorian buildings.

Country Coach House

Bringing you back to a bygone era, this quaint cottage in the Suffolk countryside is made from straw bales and couldn't be further from the city. Warm and inviting, the rustic interior is as cosy as can be. In the winter, sit and catch up by the crackling pellet stove, while the wooden deck and pretty rural garden are just the ticket for fine summer days. Take it in turns to cook in the open-plan kitchen, which is ideal for a chef that likes to socialise and have a drink as the rest of the group relaxes. Rounding out the space, you'll find a couple of comfy bedrooms, each with their own en-suites, making this eco-home suitable for a family, a few friends or two couples craving some fresh country air.

On your doorstep, you'll find miles of rolling green countryside perfect for a wander. Make your way to the village pub for some delicious grub and a refreshing ale (it's a half-hour walk), or for a bit more buzz, historic market town Bury St. Edmunds is just a twenty-minute drive away. If you fancy a day on the Suffolk coast, popular spots like Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Southwold are about an hour away by car.

Serenity Straw

Smart TV

Parking On Premises

This cosy cottage has been designed with pure relaxation in mind. Nestled in the grounds of a Grade II Listed Manor Farm, you’ll be welcomed by views across the Suffolk countryside as well as a private terrace – perfect for summer evening drinks and barbecue meals. The grounds are shared with the owners, but you’ll have plenty of privacy plus it's spread across one floor – making this a lovely option for those with reduced mobility. From here, there’s easy access to walking trails through Dedham Vale (just a twenty-minute drive away), as well as local amenities in Boxford and Kersey – both a short drive away. 

Dove Place

Go back a few centuries and this building was the bakery for the surrounding farm, providing sustenance for the owners and workers. Rather remarkably, the original oven is still here, although it has been repurposed as an open coal fire. 

This is just one of the charming period features that have been retained, along with the brick floor, ceiling beams, lime-washed plaster walls and a kettle that was used for laundry and brewing beer. By comparison, many of the antique furnishings are more contemporary, but they're perfectly in keeping with the romance of the address. 

When the weather's pleasant, there is a selection of outdoor spaces to enjoy, from a private patio area to an orchard at the front of the house and acres of grassland from which it's possible to embark on walks into the surrounding Suffolk countryside. If you prefer to cycle, the host can lend a few bikes and show you the way to the South Suffolk Cycle Route. The medieval village of Lavenham is just over ten minutes away in the car, too.

Baked to Perfection

In one of Suffolk's prettiest villages, this lovely Victorian home is just what the doctor ordered. Cosy, quaint and beautifully decorated, it's a carefully restored piece of history that feels like home from the moment you open the door. Entering through a gate at the rear, you won't miss the charming cottage garden – beautiful at any time of year but breathtaking in the summer.

Packed with character, this home is the perfect size for a family, with a comfortable living room, large country kitchen and a pretty dining room. Thoughtfully designed with a homely feel and artistic touches, we can't think of a better place than beside the open fire of an evening. And just up the hidden staircase, you'll find enchanting bedrooms with original wood floors. 

On fine days, open up the French doors in the kitchen to the glass-covered terrace – perfect for alfresco meals. Or take a stroll to one of the village's three pubs. From here it's easy to head off on a walk or bike ride locally, or to explore the nearby village of Long Melford, famous for its antique shops, pubs and restaurants. There are two National Trust properties on your doorstep and the home is so pet-friendly the hosts even leave out a water bowl and treat for their arrival.

Tea with Aunt Ada

Satellite / Cable TV

Private Washing Machine

Private Dryer

Nestled in the tiny village of Kersey, this magnificent timber-framed house has been lovingly restored to its former glory, allowing you to experience the authentic Suffolk countryside. Inside you'll find a roaring log burner, beautiful beamed rooms, and original features that give this home a cosy atmosphere and an air of rustic charm. 

Start your days with a home-cooked breakfast made in the classic country kitchen, then take one of the bikes from the shed and head off to explore the pretty lanes around the village. Boasting close proximity to the unspoiled Suffolk countryside, there are plenty of walks to enjoy with the dogs, as well as an array of quaint villages, such as the famous Lavenham, which is known as England’s best preserved Medieval Village. Ruggedly rural and untouched by city life, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature for a few days. 

When you get home, head to the private garden to fire up the barbecue and tuck into an alfresco family dinner. You'll find an apple tree on the lawn, which provides some natural shade in the summer. Post-dinner, run yourself a bubble bath and relax with a glass of wine, then head downstairs to snuggle up by the fire. 

The Old Apple Tree

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

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

Dating back to the 12th century, this former Tithe Barn (where farmers would store their harvested donations for the church) has been reborn as the ultimate play space for a family holiday with its own games room (including ping pong, foosball and pool tables) and playground. Despite being an outhouse conversion, it has a real cosy country cottage vibe thanks to its wooden beams, sloping ceilings, wood burning stove and comfy living room. Located in Wattisham, near Stowmarket, there’s easy access to great walks, wildlife spotting (including otters!) and day trips to Sutton Hoo and the Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh or Southwold. This home comes into its own on summer nights – you can fire up the barbecue and dine al fresco, before relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of wine. 

Moat Slide

Ski Storage / Boot Room

Ideally located in the rolling Suffolk countryside, this elegant cottage nails a rural retreat. Surrounded by a landscaped courtyard and a private apple orchard. Pick to your heart's content and whip up apple-inspired dishes in the modern kitchen – there is plenty of space to unwind amongst nature. This 18th-century Georgian coachman’s cottage offers bucolic living but in the most refined way – underfloor heating, a power shower, and a log burner. After an afternoon walking the local trails with your dog in tow, sip a glass of locally-produced cider on the grounds. 

The Apple Orchard Cottage

Welcome Hamper

Nestled in a picturesque Suffolk village, this quaint and private studio offers a relaxing country retreat for two. The open-plan space features a mahogany super-king size bed, a cosy living room with an electric log effect fire, and a cleverly designed self-contained kitchenette. While the studio shares the landscaped gardens, there is plenty of privacy. Explore the nearby Dedham Vale, Stour Valley, and the medieval village of Lavenham, or simply enjoy a short stroll to the local pub. With its charming setting and proximity to historic sites, this studio is an ideal choice for a romantic countryside getaway.

Cockleshell Cottage

Situated a ten-minute bike ride from tiny Kersey, widely regarded as Suffolk’s prettiest village, this 17th-century farm worker’s cottage is steeped in history and charm. Inside, it’s a homespun delight with terracotta floors, original timber beams, reclaimed wood and quaint floral bedspreads. 

Whip up breakfast in the rustic kitchen, before finding a quiet spot to relax in the blooming gardens. If the weather takes a turn, dart back to your abode to kick off your wellies and dry your pooch’s muddy paws in the utility room. Cosy up by the wood-burning fire with a hot mug of tea and slice of homemade cake from a local farm shop. 

When you’re ready to explore the Suffolk countryside proper, take to the surrounding bridleways by foot or by bicycle. If you’re in the mood for some hustle and bustle, Ipswich is a thirty-minute drive away. 

Farmer's Hideaway

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

Luxury Toiletries

This one-of-a-kind barn conversion definitely has the wow factor. With an ancient shell, but an interior straight out of a contemporary design magazine, it’s no wonder it was featured in the Times’ Best Holiday Houses for Groups in Britain in 2018. The heart of the home is the enormous open-plan living area, with its soaring ceilings and wall of glass. We can imagine some really special meals here. There are six bedrooms, most of which have splendid views over rolling fields, and the hot tub in the lower ground bedroom is a real touch. Pour a glass of something cold and relax on the patio while the younger guests run wild in the large garden (just over an acre) or a stroll into the village. Chelsworth is basically an open-air history museum, with wattle and daub houses that are mostly unchanged since the 17th Century, and a country pub for that delicious post-walk pint.

The Old Barn

This cosy home is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway to the countryside. The home is full of traditional elements such as wooden beamed ceilings, charming wooden doors, and a brilliantly rustic kitchen. Snuggle up on the sofa in front of the glowing fire as you watch a movie on TV – pair with a warming cup of coffee or indulge in a bottle of wine. 

Meals can be enjoyed together alfresco style on the wooden bench in the verdant outdoors – admire the scenic view as you spend quality time together. There's also a lovely dining nook indoors where you can tuck into light bites or curl up with a book by the window. Our favourite part of this home is the wonderfully luxurious bath in the bedroom, where you can soak in the bubbles as you overlook the scenic countryside.

Head out to explore the charming village of Wickhambrook, where you'll find a lovely local pub – you'll be residing in a beautifully rural area, perfect for a peaceful getaway. Take a hike across the countryside down one of the many available footpaths or visit the historical Bury St Edmunds.

The Sunlight Bath

Home Cinema Setup

Sonos

Bathrobes

Heated Towel Rail

Wine Cellar

Luxury Bedding

Vacuum Cleaner

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Workplace

Temperature Control

Helipad

Beach / Pool Towels

Courtyard

Fenced Property

Garden Games

Outdoor Audio

Outdoor Bathtub

Outdoor Kitchen

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

In the historic market town of Hadleigh, this Tudor cottage makes for the perfect romantic bolthole. Days can be filled with riverside walks and cycles along the old railway line out into the countryside (your host provides bicycles). The town centre is just a few minutes walk and has cafés, pubs and shops to keep you going.

Heading back to this cottage after a day in the outdoors is a delight, especially once you get the stove going in the living room. Low ceilings with old, timber beams keep things snug and cosy and there’s a little library of books should you wish to take things back to analogue. You can still feel the 1600s in the beams on display in the bedroom too. If it’s a sunny day, head out to the patio and fire up the barbecue (perhaps with some herbs from the herb garden) or just enjoy an evening tipple in the peace of the countryside. 

Story By The River

Access to Beach

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

Projector

Baby Changing Mat

Children's Dinnerware

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

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

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

Ping Pong Table

Changing Table

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.


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