Layham

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Library of Books

Entertainment

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Microwave

Freezer

Fridge

Kitchen

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

High Chair

Cooking Essentials

Kitchen & Dining

Iron

Washing Machine

Dryer

Ironing Board

Cot / Crib

Hangers

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Desk / Workplace

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Private Entrance

Single-Level Home

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Garden

Balcony

Outdoor

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Smoke Detector

Other

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

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Self Check-in / Check-out

Free Parking On Street

Pets Allowed

Pets

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

Toiletries

Pod Coffee Machine

Coffee Maker

Black-Out Blinds

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

Satellite / Cable TV

Smart TV

Sound System

Espresso Machine

Toaster

Kettle

Cleaning Products

Private Washing Machine

Private Dryer

Drying Rack

Bicycles

Wellness & Fitness

Patio / Terrace

Fenced Garden

Outdoor Seating

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

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

Herb Garden

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

DVD Player

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

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

Board Games

Baby Bath

Private Parking

Free Parking

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

Rain Shower

Luxury Bedding

Step-Free Access

Throws

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

Games Room

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

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

Netflix

Amazon Prime

Cafetiere

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

Wine Cooler

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Safe

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

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

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

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

This beautiful home is ideal for those looking to escape to the country without missing out on any creature comforts. It’s a quintessential English country cottage, dating back to the 16th century and with timber frames. Best of all, it’s located in Boxford, one of the most charming villages in Suffolk. Wake up in the morning to the sound of birdsong from the garden, and stroll one minute to the family butchers for locally sourced sausages. After a hearty family breakfast – by the wood burner when the weather turns chilly – you can plan how to spend the rest of your stay. 

You’ll want to stay close to home, of course – the cottage has everything you might need. It’s been renovated to blend the original features with modern luxury, so you can enjoy every second of your stay, whether you’re dining in the garden, sleeping in until late, or are sipping coffee while taking in the lovely view from the sitting room. 


Village Views

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

Multiple Sets of Keys

Wheelchair Access

Balcony / Patio

Access to Beach

Umbrellas

In a quiet sunken spot surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling countryside sits this cosy converted barn. Guests lucky enough to escape to this rural treasure will find the open layout a sociable and homely space to unwind. Stepping inside, you'll notice the floor-to-ceiling patio doors that slide open to blur the boundaries between nature and the home's rustic interiors. Light pours into the living space, where industrial design meets modern comfort, with exposed brick walls, low-hanging lights and a wooden dining table. Spend chilly evenings snuggled up by the wood-burning stove with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book in hand ― the Persian rug, tasteful artwork and quirky ornaments will soon have you feeling all warm and settled. Come morning, we can think of no better start to the day than eating breakfast in the crisp country air out on the private patio area, facing uninterrupted views of the River Stour ― there's also a barbecue and fire pit out here for after the sun's gone down. We recommend packing your walking shoes because you'll want to explore the beautiful Suffolk landscape. Whether you bring the whole family or just a few friends, we suggest spending a fun day at River Stour Estuary and its stunning beaches, just a ten-minute walk away.

Barefoot Magic

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

Home Cinema Setup

Projector

Baby Changing Mat

Heated Towel Rail

Children's Dinnerware

Fenced Property

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

Get off the grid with a stay at this cute cottage tucked away within a private seventy-acre nature reserve in the Suffolk countryside, on the edge of the big skies and unspoiled countryside of Dedham Vale. You'd be hard-pushed to find a more idyllic setting, with a spring-fed millpond providing the backdrop to trips out in the rowing boat and lounging in the sun on its grassy banks.

This pond serves a dual purpose, supplying the water to turn the mill wheel, which provides all the electricity for the home. Inside, a ground-source heat pump keeps things nice and cosy, while natural wool insulation helps maintain a near-constant temperature. Interested in learning a little more? Your hosts would be delighted to share the virtues of their composting toilet out in the barn.

On the ground floor sits a well-equipped kitchen that takes care of all your self-catering needs, plus a good-sized wetroom. Then, wend your way up the winding oak staircase to find a charming double bedroom and a characterful living room with a wood burner for cosy evenings in, though you'll need to watch your head on that beam.

Stride out from your front door and discover an owl tower (built by the owner) and badger watching sites within a short walk, though both are most active after sunset. At the same time, the lack of light pollution makes for an incredible stargazing experience on moonless nights. In addition, an eleven-acre section of the nature reserve is fenced off so your dogs can hare around without a care.

Head up the track to the tiny village of Assington, where you'll find a farm shop, cafe, restaurant, and a popular pub, The Shoulder of Mutton. Further afield, several supermarkets, the medieval village of Lavenham, and 'Constable Country' are all within a fifteen-minute drive.

Green & Pleasant Land

Luxury Toiletries

Lift Access

Breakfast Included

This penthouse apartment just steps from the Ipswich Waterfront and Neptune Marina is the definition of living the high life. 
Decked out in chic contemporary furnishings, the open-plan living area is a treat for socialising and soaking up the incredible floor-to-ceiling views over the marina and the River Orwell. While the plump sectional sofa puts you in a prime position to feast on the wide-sweeping vistas, we suggest stepping out on the wraparound balcony for a real wow-worthy treat. Whether you’re starting mornings here with an alfresco breakfast or enjoying a glass of wine at sunset, you’ll never tire of taking in the beauty of the home’s living backdrop. 
Both bedrooms, too, offer stunning views over the city and its marina and beckon a peaceful night’s sleep under their luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets.
With a plethora of fabulous extras – like the welcome hamper packed with locally produced pastries and treats, as well as the environmentally-friendly toiletries – you’ll be on cloud nine in this dazzling penthouse pad.
Outside of your home, you’ve got plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore along the waterfront (a one-minute walk away), while the Ipswich Museum is fifteen minutes away on foot. Alternatively, hop in your car for a day of sun and sand with Felixstowe Beach a twenty-minute drive away. 


Neptune's Sky

EV Charger

Hammock

Sun Umbrellas

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

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

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

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

If you’re looking to stay somewhere truly unique, there’s little competition for this converted chapel. Once part of the United Reformed Church in Nayland, this holiday home is graced by beautiful large chapel windows, stained glass and original carpentry. There are even two box pews and a gorgeous wooden piano that harken back to the home's past as a place of worship. With high, vaulted ceilings, striking gothic windows and a huge open space living area, relaxing in this home feels exceedingly tranquil. Wander the grounds, which includes a small beautiful cemetery, or simply unwind on the comfortable couches with an absorbing novel. You’ll be located in the pretty village of Nayland, surrounded by timber-framed buildings, meandering footpaths and stunning countryside. Explore the famed Constable Country – you’ll be in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Dedham Vale, while Stoke-by-Nayland offers shops, pubs and more outdoor activities, all within a five minutes' drive away.

Old Chap

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

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

Sonos

Bathrobes

Wine Cellar

Vacuum Cleaner

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Workplace

Temperature Control

Helipad

Beach / Pool Towels

Courtyard

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

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

If you're looking for somewhere that embraces slow country living yet has all the little luxuries you'll need for a getaway, this converted goat shed is sure to do the trick. Situated on the grounds of a family-run farm dating back as far as the 1300s, we think it's the perfect bolthole for a romantic, restful weekend in the great outdoors.

Inside, vaulted ceilings sport original wooden beams, while enormous glass walls flood the space with sunlight. Books and board games line the shelves, cushy sofas are perfect for snuggling and a delightful wood burner keeps everything toasty warm on chilly evenings. We love the small but well-equipped kitchen – you'll have everything you need to rustle up dinner – and the sumptuous bathtub is just the ticket after an invigorating walk through the countryside. On summer days, take your relaxing onto the private courtyard garden, gathering around the fire pit and firing up the barbecue for an alfresco feast when you grow peckish.

Spend sunny afternoons strolling around the farm, admiring the prehistoric ponds – they're some of the last remaining ones in the country. This home is nestled in the heart of the Brecks, where wild forests, craggy heaths and twisted pines are rife for rambling. It sits along the Peddars Way – ideal for walkers, cyclers and horseback riders travelling along the ancient route – plus it's within easy reach of Norwich and an hour's drive from Norfolk's stunning beaches when you fancy a day by the sea.

The Goat Shed

Swimming Pool

Private Pool

This majestic house is surrounded by an immaculate garden and private woodland. With its stately grandeur and Georgian architecture, it's a true one-off. Inside, opulent furnishings nod to the history of this estate and provide luxurious comfort. There's even a house manager and team on hand to prepare the home to suit your occasion. The surrounding coastline and local countryside provide ample opportunity for beautiful scenic walks and outdoor pursuits. 

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