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Entertainment

Bathtub

Rain Shower

Hair Dryer

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Microwave

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

Fridge

Kitchen

Cooking Essentials

Kitchen & Dining

Iron

Washing Machine

Dryer

Ironing Board

Hangers

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Desk / Workplace

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking

Private Entrance

Free Parking On Premises

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Patio / Terrace

Garden

Outdoor

Throws

Nice to haves

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke Detector

Other

If an English countryside cottage with bags of rustic character is what you had in mind, this home is sure to fit the bill. While it’s just a seven-minute drive from the town of Framlingham and its 12-century castle, we think you’ll have plenty to look at here. Mullion windows with lead detailing, red-tiled roof slates, original timber beams, narrow wooden staircases, an antique stove – need we go on? With an inglenook fireplace and wood burner, you can curl up by the hearth with a cup of Earl Grey, or a tumbler of whisky in the evening. Outside, the garden is perfectly placed as a south-facing suntrap. This quaint courtyard has several options for seating, as well as a lush lawn for cute picnics in the sun. Or if you’ve had enough cucumber sandwiches, you can light up the barbecue for a big grill one evening. Once you’re ready to explore a bit further, take a thirty-minute drive into the lush plains of Suffolk Heaths. The bright purple heather and its accompanying scent is sure to stir your senses. 

The Inglenook

Freezer

Suffolk village life is on your doorstep at this beautifully converted forge peacefully perched within the countryside and just a half-an-hour drive from the coast.

Inside this dreamy bolthole for couples or solo travellers, the exposed wooden beams and stable door remain to show the bones of this cottage’s historical past, while everywhere else has been beautifully reimagined for elegant, modern living. 

The sociable living area, dining space, and kitchen are perfect for cooking up dinner, and there are all the goods for a cream tea in the generously-stocked welcome hamper. When the sun shines, grab a  glass of something crisp and pad out onto the private, raised patio. With just vast open fields before you, it’s a serene spot to sit out in the fading evening sun as the local hares and muntjacs hop on by and the birds strike up their evening chorus.

When it’s time to venture out for a meal, the nearest pubs can be found in Framlingham (be sure to check out the 12th Century castle there, too) or Earl Soham –⁠ both less than a ten-minute drive. And a little further, the classy seaside towns of Aldeburgh or Southwold (a half-an-hour drive) for their famed fish and chips and a hefty dose of seaside nostalgia on the side.

The Old Forge Cottage

Smart TV

Kettle

Toaster

High Chair

Private Washing Machine

Cot / Crib

Parking On Premises

Single-Level Home

Self Check-in / Check-out

Outdoor Seating

Balcony

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Created by an award-winning visual artist, these converted grain silos caught our eye for a number of reasons. There’s the industrial exterior which made us question how cosy it would be, but once inside it’s everything you’d expect from a charming rural retreat. You can admire beautiful views across the Suffolk countryside or be inspired by the artwork whilst sitting by the log-burning fire. Outside, you’ll find a little table and barbecue, plus there’s a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion here. It’s also just a short drive from the pretty market town of Framlingham, with plenty of walking trails within easy reach.

Artist’s Residency 

DVD Player

Board Games

Pod Coffee Machine

Bicycles

Wellness & Fitness

Pets Allowed

Pets

Set in landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Deben, this home has all the ingredients of a restorative trip to the country. You’ll not tire of wandering the peaceful grounds, navigating the waterway in the little rowing boat or simply sitting out on your patio with the sun on your face and cold drink in hand. Inside, the wood-burning stove ensures you’ll be cosy all evening long, especially when under a blanket on the squishy couches. The surrounding area is excellent for walking and cycling, with plenty of scenic paths that will take you through the local villages and beyond. If you’re keen to explore further afield, the impressive Framlingham Castle and the historic market town of Woodbridge are a fifteen-minute drive away, while the Suffolk Heritage Coast is closer to twenty-five.

Pink Matter

Library of Books

Piano

Sound System

Black-Out Blinds

Cleaning Products

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Free Parking On Street

Herb Garden

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

Bathrobes

Underfloor Heating

This elegant single-storey cottage in heart of the Suffolk countryside is an ideal place to escape the pressures of city living. Out in the private garden enclosed by a woven fence, you’ll find an outside table where you can enjoy an early breakfast to the sound of birds chirping away in the nearby woodland. 

The interior feels instantly bright and inviting, thanks to the walls painted in white and the furnishings in light neutrals. Oak floors and doors add to the rustic feel of the place, as does the living room’s wood burner, which you can curl up in front of while watching a film – take your pick from the extensive collection available in the library. We love the cosy feel here, courtesy of the comfy sofa and armchairs. 

You’ll love getting lost in the beautiful woodlands which surround the house – there are an impressive two and a half acres of it. When you’re ready to venture out further, you’ll find yourself around thirty-five minutes’ drive from Dunwich Beach and RSPB Minsmere. It’ll take you a similar amount of time to stroll over to the nearby village of Stradbroke, where you'll find a pair of charming country pubs.


Crackling Logs

Private Parking

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

Forget all about the city in this secluded idyll. This modern retreat is an oasis nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. When you arrive, walk up the gravel path to the cabin, and drop your bags in the lounge with its cool and contemporary aesthetic – a slice of the cosmopolitan within a rural setting. 

Relax in a fully enclosed garden, complete with an unreal wildflower meadow and fruit trees. Raised decking surrounds most of the home, with the benefit of expansive field views from behind. Without another house for miles, indulge in the privacy this home offers. While you may not have any neighbours here, you may spot some wildlife sightings including owls, deer, buzzards and woodpeckers that habitat in the local area. 

Based on the outskirts of the small village of Stradbroke, stock up on local produce to enjoy in the contemporary kitchen. A fifteen-minute walk from the lodge, Stradbroke centre has two pubs and plenty of local eateries including a bakery and craft beer shop. The market town of Diss, with coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs overlooking the pretty lake, is a fifteen-minute drive away. Equidistant is Framlingham – a town steeped in history from the Anglo-Saxon period.  

Traveller's Joy

Coffee Maker

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

The Miller's Cottage

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

Heated Towel Rail

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Welcome Hamper

Situated in the quiet village of Sweffling, this white-washed cottage is as idyllic as they come. Start your day in the fuss-free living area. The contemporary sofa is just the place to sit and nurse your morning coffee, while the modern kitchen is well-equipped for whipping up a hearty cooked breakfast. 

When the sun shines, settle into the deckchair on the patio with a good book or pull on your walking shoes and ramble through the surrounding countryside. Nip over to the small market town of Framlingham, a ten-minute-drive away, to discover the 12th century castle, followed by a spot of lunch at The Crown gastropub. If you’re keen to explore the Suffolk coast, Aldeburgh is only a twenty-minute drive from your doorstep. 

Return to your abode in the early evening for board games in the dining space as the roaring wood-burning stove keeps you toasty. As soon as you’re ready to get some rest, head up to the sumptuous bedrooms for a night of sweet dreams.

Sweet Sanctuary

DVD Library

Espresso Machine

Luxury Bedding

Multiple Sets of Keys

Safe

Tucked away in Rendlesham Forest, this quintessentially English cottage is as dreamily secluded as it is beautifully striking. The brick-and-stone facade contrasts with the modern extension. Lofty windows capture sweeping green views of woodland and rolling fields, and fill the home with glorious light. These views are best seen from the master bedroom where you'll find high ceilings, decorative beams, and a modern country aesthetic. This home has a farmhouse feel - window sills and kitchen cupboards are painted a cool sage green and you'll find a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Cooking in the stunning rustic kitchen is easy with its modern amenities, and the exposed brickwork, colourful rugs and elegant dining space make for an idyllic socialising spot. Nature is so easy to access here as the back gate opens directly onto the forest. You can walk for miles or take the 15-minute drive to the beach at Shingle Street for a day at the seaside. This one's definitely a keeper.

The Keeper's Cottage

Nestled in a farmyard in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, this property offers the perfect place to rest, recharge and forget the stresses of daily life. Start your day with an alfresco breakfast while you listen to the birds sing, and then wander around the three acres of grassland, looking out for wildlife while you breathe in the fresh country air. 

Follow the footpath to the village of Yoxford, which is just one mile away and offers an array of superb eateries. The RSPB Minsmere is a great afternoon out for bird watching and discovering some of the UK's rarest wildlife. Alternatively, head to the coastal village of Dunwich or enjoy the sunny seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold, where you can soak up the sun and take a dip in the sea. 

In the evening, fire up the BBQ and dine outdoors under the stunning sunset before heading inside to cosy up by the warmth of the roaring wood-burning stove.


Kunekune Cottage

The home sits on the beautifully converted first floor of a period hall, overlooking gorgeous formal gardens. With its tasteful furnishings and high ceilings letting plenty of light, the space feels both restful and chic. Outside, the tennis court provides a spot for endless fun – whether it's a lazy afternoon game or a competitive morning match. Location-wise, the village of Parham is a perfect base from which to discover Suffolk's countries side and coast. The seaside town of Aldeburgh is just twenty minutes away by car, and with its literary festival, public art installations and world-class fish and chips, it's a must-visit. A little closer to home is the ancient market town of Framlingham, complete with an imposing castle and a pub of the same name. Arrive back in the evening to local treats – your hosts like to welcome you with fresh flowers, homemade marmalade, eggs from their own chickens, and fruit and vegetables according to the season. 

Up The Spiral Staircase

Set in the tiny riverside village of Snape, this characterful cottage is like a fairy-tale setting come to life – but with better wifi. In the charming streets close by, you’ll find cosy pubs for a swift pint and hearty grub and village shops for browsing. Or head for Snape Maltings on the River Alde (ten minutes on foot), where you’ll find a myriad of boutiques, galleries, cafes, restaurants, a farmers market, and grand performance spaces – it’s the location for the renowned Aldeburgh music festival. And let’s not forget the coast. Make the morning of it and walk the picturesque six-mile path along the Alde estuary to Aldeburgh’s coastline, or jump in the car, and you’ll be there in nine minutes flat. But there’s plenty to do without ever leaving the property; lounge on the grass in the spacious, landscaped garden before firing up the barbecue, or dive into a good book in front of the wood-burning stove. We’re big fans of the light-filled extension at the rear of the home, which floods the dining room, hall, and contemporary kitchen with natural light. It’s a wonderful spot to gather the troops over lazy breakfasts as you hatch plans for your next adventure in Suffolk. 


Oak Smoke

Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, a stay at this contemporary cottage guarantees tranquillity and charming country views. Surrounded by stylish furnishings, you and your loved ones will enjoy a peaceful stay with endless views of nature. There's no better place for a country escape, as you're just short walk from the charming village of Snape as well as the Suffolk Heritage Coast. All of the bedrooms feature French doors, so each morning you can breathe in fresh country air before exploring the local area! After a busy day, you and your loved ones might gather in the expansive living and dining area, taking advantage of the pizza stone or steamer to whip up a feast, while in the summer, enjoy the evening sun with a BBQ on the decking. As night draws in, cosy up on the plush corner sofa and play a board game or watch a DVD. 

Harvest Cottage

Home Cinema Setup

Luxury Toiletries

Toiletries

Blender

Cafetiere

Children's Dinnerware

Ice Machine

Mini Bar

Wine Cooler

Private Dryer

Laundry Supplies

Vacuum Cleaner

Hot Tub

Bike Shed

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Fenced Garden

Fenced Property

Outdoor Kitchen

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Alarm System

Security Cameras

Your hosts have spent the best part of three years restoring this stylish space to create a super chic retreat in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. As a former threshing barn, this home offers spectacular surroundings, with exposed brick walls, seventeenth-century beams and sky-high vaulted ceilings that make it a fantastic choice for larger groups of friends or family who want to get away to celebrate a special occasion.

Step inside the vast open-plan space, and you'll find comfortable corner sofa seating, a beautiful rustic dining table, and a sleek custom kitchen, bookended by long stretches of folding doors that allow for seamless access to the outdoors. In addition, a stunning copper-topped bar is perfect for mixing up summer sundowners to sip out on the terrace, while a separate snug offers a secluded spot to get stuck into a good book.

Head down the hall to uncover four of the six bedrooms, with a further two rooms up on the first floor. Each is individually decorated, with comfortable British-made beds, luxurious linens and stunning en-suite bath/shower rooms.

Outdoors, an immaculately tended garden offers several terraces so that you can enjoy the sun from different spots as it moves across the sky. In addition, there's a well-equipped outdoor kitchen with a gas barbecue and a state-of-the-art pizza oven to keep everyone fed and watered throughout the day.

Copper Top Warren

Shared Washing Machine

Shared Dryer

Curl up on the sofa underneath the traditional wooden beams as you read your favourite book – paired with a sumptuous glass of red. The pastel kitchen is the perfect space to whip up a lovely dessert or a savoury treat. The aroma of a homemade meal flows through the living space as the sunlight streams in through the large windows that grant you direct access to the pebble garden. 

Tuck into tasty plates of food alfresco style by the verdant plants or enjoy at the glass dining table by the windows as you bask in the daylight. The highlight of this home is the unique bedroom with an en-suite bathroom separated by just a glistening glass wall. Spend evenings in the garden as you bathe in the amber glow of the sunset, accompanied by a bottle of wine or a flute of champagne.

Head out to explore Yoxford high street, with a wonderful combination of historical architecture, ranging between the fourteenth century and the twentieth century. You'll find a fantastic choice of antique shops as well as bookstores that sell secondhand novels, followed by an hour spent at one of the charming cafes.

Pastel Beams

Satellite / Cable TV

Sun Umbrellas

Child Friendly

Located in the charming town of Woodbridge, this cottage sits peacefully along the River Debden, which flows out to the North Sea. Adorned with herbaceous vines and wisteria, this delightful cottage offers a rural retreat set back from Suffolk’s Heritage Coast.

Step inside and you’ll find a country charm to match the exterior. We love the fresh white walls and neutral rugs that bring a bright and contemporary feel to the space while retaining classic English features from tiled kitchen floors to elegant period-style furnishings. Start your day with tea on the terrace, surrounded by the weeping pear tree and mature roses before heading off for a bike ride along the local bike trails – there’s a bike shed to store them in here. If you haven’t stopped off for a comforting dinner in one of the local pubs, return home to enjoy a heartwarming dinner around the family-style table. What better way to end the day than cosied up in the living room, toasting by the fire, your holiday read and a glass of wine in hand?

A stay here wouldn’t be complete without setting out on the river by boat – the moorings at Tidemill Yacht Harbour are a ten-minute walk from your front door. If you’re wanting to experience the historic town on the Orford, where you can grab a pastry, take a riverside walk and then savour a seafood dinner, you’re just twelve miles away.

The Wisteria Cottage

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Streaming Services

Desk

A rural retreat with an almost embarrassing amount of charm, this thatched home dates back centuries and represents the best of Norfolk's architectural style. Carefully modernised and curated with stylish wall colours, art and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, it's a fabulous space to unwind in unique surroundings. As well as a stunning historic home, it boasts a large, enclosed garden and a summer house to die for.  

Inside, the stripped-back, authentic character of this place is evident in the ancient beams, brick floors and inglenook fireplace. A comfy velvet sofa provides a modern twist but otherwise, the living room is dressed like it would have been a hundred years ago or so. Elsewhere there's a delightful country kitchen, a casual dining room and a midnight-blue TV room, along with a useful utility room and three gorgeous bedrooms.

And outside you'll find pretty gardens, along with a greenhouse and a deck for enjoying the sun. Step inside the summer house for the biggest surprise though. A lovely space for friends and family to socialise and eat together, it comes with a Scandinavian-style indoor barbecue cabin. 

Around half an hour's drive from both Diss and Norwich, you'll be deep in the country here so a car is essential, but there are great walks to be had nearby and the coast is around forty-five minutes away. Visit Southwold, Lowestoft and more for days out by the sea.



Reedgrass & Tallow

Ping Pong Table

Perfect for families, this lovely home stands in Spexhall, on the outskirts of Halesworth. It’s close to the seaside towns of Southwold and Walberswick, and there’s plenty to explore nearby. The home itself is comfortable and attractive, with the star of the show undoubtedly being the orangery. From this glass-walled room, you can enjoy wonderful views over the acre of gardens and the surrounding rolling fields, and watch gorgeous sunsets. There’s also a terrace with a fire pit, barbecue and pizza oven, ideal for warm summer evenings. 

The Pilgrim's Path

Sitting in the idyllic village of Middleton, this postcard-pretty barn conversion is the perfect spot for discovering this part of Suffolk's coast and countryside. Combining authentic rural character with modern comforts, this home is an idyllic base for exploring the market town of Saxmundham – with its quaint teahouses and bistro pubs – and ambling the coastal paths with your furry companion.

Beautifully renovated, you’ll find crisp white walls, wooden floors, carefully curated furnishings and thoughtful artworks sitting beneath the barn’s original beams. Curl up in the living room by the crackling fire and your new read, prepare intimate dinners in the sleek kitchen and choose to eat inside at the bar or out in the garden, surrounded by a wild meadow. After a day walking the coastal trails and bird-spotting on the wetlands on RSPB Minsmere, you’ll love coming home to your rural sanctuary and falling blissfully asleep in the soft sheets of your super-king-sized bed.

The Timber Sanctuary

This charming barn conversion is the perfect romantic hideaway for two. In an idyllic location surrounded by wildflower meadows, woods and farmland, you’ll be very well-placed to explore the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Bring the dogs and hit one of many nearby nature trails, catch some fish for supper in the on-site fishing lake or take a day trip to the coast. Southwold is just twenty minutes away, with its sandy beach and pastel-coloured huts, and you can reach the independent shops and beach sculptures of Aldeburgh in less than half an hour. Make sure you stop in one of the local pubs for a pint of the acclaimed Adnams beer. In the evening, sit in the garden with a glass of wine as the sky darkens, and watch the barn owls begin their nightly flight. Or fire up the wood-burner and get cosy inside. If you want to feel closer to nature as you drift off, there’s a double bed in the charming shepherd’s hut in the garden. 


Owl's Nest

Games Room

Nestled just outside the quaint village of Huntingfield in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, this home is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to rest and recharge. Set within sixteen acres of stunning, peaceful grounds, you might be lucky enough to spot all kinds of wildlife, including deer, barn owls, and kingfishers. 

The house, a former barn, has been converted and updated with easy living in mind. Take turns cooking dinner and serve it up in the fully covered outdoor seating area – you’ll really notice how quiet the place is at night. During the day, you can wander the grounds to your heart’s content. If you feel like taking a boat out on the fishing lake, or borrowing some bikes, just ask your host. 

You can drive to Halesworth, the closest market town, in fifteen minutes or if you feel like soaking up some sun on the coast, the sandy beach at Southwold is only a thirty-minute drive away. Return to indulge in a tasty meal at the local pub before finishing the night back at the barn with some friendly competition in the games room.

Life is but a Dream

Take your family or your closest friends to this barn conversion, tucked away in the charming village of Middleton (one of Suffolk’s best-kept secrets). Don't let the traditional exterior fool you – this home is sleek and modern while retaining the original elements of the agricultural building. 

Set in the owner’s grounds, with rare breed sheep grazing in the neighbouring field, and far-reaching country views, it’s a rural idyll, whatever the season. Spend balmy summer days picnicking in wildflower meadows and drinking cold rosé in the garden, or visit in winter for long walks, and hot chocolate in front of the wood burner. Cook together in the contemporary kitchen, and gather in the lounge after eating for a lively board game session, or just relax with a good film and your favourite drinks. 

You’re ideally positioned for a day trip to the coast, with the sandy beach at Dunwich just a fifteen-minute drive away. If you’re holidaying with another group, the home next door can also be booked for a bigger getaway. And, for a unique experience, the owners are opening an etching studio, where you can arrange a printmaking course for a true escape from the city. 

Strawberry Fields

Playstation

We're pretty sure this home is bigger on the inside somehow. With bags of space and a cutting-edge, modern gleam to everything, it's actually a recently renovated 19th-Century cottage. Its charming exterior has been spiced up with new black windows and there's a striking barn-style extension to the rear, where you'll find the bedrooms. 

A vast room with an open layout is the star of the show. So big it takes up almost the whole of the original cottage, it's a mix of contemporary cool and comfy, practical furnishings. We particularly love the three sociable sofas facing each other and the breakfast bar in the well-equipped kitchen. Set on a quiet country lane, you'll have a fenced front garden with picnic benches and a private deck at the back of the house with garden furniture. 

A little more than five miles from Aldeburgh, you'll have easy access to Orford Ness, Thorpeness and more coastal gems, with Snape Maltings concert hall nearby for music fans and loads of footpaths and cycle routes for lovers of the great outdoors.

Coppice & Pitch

Nintendo Wii

Lift Access

Set in a quiet back street in the bustling market town of Woodbridge, this Regency-style house is a total haven for families. Cosy and inviting, both lounges have books, board games and DVDs to entertain everyone on rainy days – the second lounge also has a Wii. The kitchen is a particular highlight, with a traditional Aga cooker and plenty of space for lazy breakfasts at the long table. A lift makes it easy to transport luggage to the welcoming bedrooms on the first floor, and the pretty private garden is the ideal spot to play a game of croquet, badminton or swingball. Fire up the barbecue on summer evenings for alfresco meals, then challenge someone to a round of table football in the shed. In terms of location, you're just metres away from several wonderful old pubs, independent cafes and local shops, not to mention within walking distance of the River Deben. Woodbridge is home to charming narrow streets lined with pretty houses and cottages as well as a famous Tide Mill. Further afield are some great beaches – from the sand dunes at Walberswick to the pebbled Aldeburgh with its world-famous fish and chip shop – but a visit to this neck of the woods isn't complete without a ramble through the picturesque Heaths, just a short drive away.

Big Skies

Dating back to the 19th century, this quaint cottage has been carefully renovated to create a cosy space for a family or close-knit group of friends wanting to relax in the Suffolk countryside. The interiors are homespun and fuss-free – there’s a wood-burning stove in the living space to keep you toasty and a separate snug for when you want some alone time with a gripping novel. 

If the weather’s right, enjoy meals outside on the patio before penning a postcard at the writing desk in the garden room. Pull on your walking boots and ramble along the bucolic lanes that unfurl from your doorstep or jump in the car and make haste to the coast – Southwold Beach is only a fifteen-minute drive away. 

In the late afternoon, head into the pretty market town of Halesworth, reached in ten minutes by car, for a tasty dinner in one of the independent eateries. End the day with a nightcap at the Star Inn, conveniently located less than half a mile from your doorstep. 

Honeysuckle & Hedgerows

This statuesque townhouse on the Suffolk coast is the perfect retort to the idea that beach-themed decor is kitschy and overdone. Artistic prints of shells and sea life adorn the walls, with nautical blues and whites providing a base for the contemporary furnishings – this home is seaside chic at its most sophisticated. It’s spread out over three floors so there’s plenty of space to socialise and with a self-contained garden flat, the layout works well for two families or a group of friends who would appreciate some privacy as well. 

The first floor offers large French doors leading out to a magnificent standing balcony overlooking Aldeburgh Beach, the boating lake and the sea, while the space is kept cosy and comfortable with squishy sofas, armchairs and an animal print rug. Elsewhere, stripped pine floors, grey tones and elegant decor make up the bedrooms and there's a modern kitchen for the keen chefs of the group. But our favourite spot has to be out in the shaded courtyard, with a nice cup of coffee and a good book. 

Outside, the big draw of this home is that it's right by the shore, meaning paddling in the sea and midnight strolls are just a few steps away. The rest of Aldeburgh is right on your doorstep, with trendy bars and boutiques rubbing shoulders with traditional fish and chip shops and quaint English pubs. 

That’s My Buoy

Parking On Street

Courtyard

Some homes don’t need fancy gadgetry or a huge surface to utterly enchant you upon entering – this gorgeous cottage nestled in the coastal village of Woodbridge certainly has enough charm to make you fall in love with it at first sight. 

This little gem is a perfect base for a couple’s romantic getaway, offering everything from a magical private garden to a cosy living room, complete with a plush sofa and a fireplace for those evenings of movies and wine. You’ll be able to dazzle your travel companion with delicious suppers rustled up in the sleek kitchen, and you can choose to savour them indoors at the dining table or out in the garden, where you’ll also be able to take advantage of the barbecue. We love the brick wall, the wooden floors and that extra dash of something special you can’t quite define. 

Head up the stairs to a cosy bedroom which carries the promise of sweet dreams. In the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee outside and plan your day’s adventures. Why not start by exploring the village, with the quaint market square just around the corner, before taking a lovely ten-minute walk to the seafront. 

Our Love Song 

This neat little home has been designed with every comfort in mind. The soft, pale furnishings create a calming atmosphere; the roaring wood burner adds warmth and relaxation, and a bright and cheery conservatory brings all the Zen of the leafy outdoors inside. The fitted kitchen is well-equipped with all mod-cons, or The White Horse (just 300m away) does a mean hot meal if you’re taking the night off cooking. Located in the village of Badingham, this cottage makes a great base for a family or four friends to tackle all Suffolk has to offer, from Framingham Castle (an English Heritage site, just a couple of miles away) to the coast at Aldeburgh or Southwold – a thirty-minute drive from home – to the ancient woodland at Thetford Forest. Wherever you choose to visit, you’ll have a warm and cosy welcome when you return.

Dream Cottage

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

Sonos

Balcony / Patio

Umbrellas

If you’re looking for a real away-from-it-all retreat that’s truly one of a kind, then look no further than this home on the Norfolk Coast. Featured on Channel 4's Homes by the Sea, it’s located right next to the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A former working lighthouse, it’s perfect for a peaceful stay with a surreal fairytale quality. When we visited, we were particularly impressed by the unusual round rooms that stack up on top of one another. Once filled with nautical equipment, these are now well designed spaces with beautiful furniture and objects, including an impressive library, bunk-bed room for kids, living room, and finally a lofty viewing platform bedroom (not for the faint hearted). Down on ground level you’ll find a contemporary open-plan space where you can cook in the shiny stainless steel kitchen or bask in the warmth of the wood burner as you eat dinner in the relaxed dining area. Folding doors give access out into the small garden for picnics or al fresco breakfasts. Families in particular will love the easy access to seaside life, including great fish and chips, good local pubs, parks and boat-trips. The Norfolk Broads is also nearby; the UK's largest wetland area, it's perfect for boating, cycling and walking. In short, this is a great home for those who want to experience everything a Norfolk staycation has to offer, while staying somewhere with real wow factor. 

The Norfolk Beacon

Wine Cellar

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Workplace

Air Conditioning

Temperature Control

EV Charger

Helipad

Beach / Pool Towels

Garden Games

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

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