Thorpeness

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Set within 100 acres of parkland, these former stables put open countryside walks and wildlife on your doorstep. Wander across the fields to the deserted medieval village of Godwick, where a ruined church tower juts out from the ground. It’s also a half-hour drive to Wells-Next-the-Sea, a pretty seaside town in the Norfolk Coast AONB. The 19th-century stable block has been transformed into a cosy country bolthole for a family or group of friends. You can spot the village’s old church tower from your private garden, where a patio provides a place to sit in the sun and fire up the gas barbecue, and a vast lawn stretches before you. Or, head inside to the sunny kitchen diner where dining is set for the whole group. Scandi-chic interiors make for a relaxing living room, set around a traditional wood-burning stove should the weather turn chilly. Bedrooms blend in with the estate’s wonderful ladscape, with autumnal tree motifs on feature walls lulling you off to sleep. The only sounds around here are the swish of towering trees and birdsong in the morning. 

Astrophil & Stella

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

A restorative family-home with stylish interiors in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Located just a seven-minute walk from the charming riverbank village of Horning, you'll have easy access to all of the local inns, restaurants, small shops and tea rooms. Back inside, it's a modern, beautifully decorated house with all of the mod-cons needed for larger groups to enjoy a comfortable stay. The colourful, light-filled living room benefits from bi-folding patio doors that extend out to a crowd-pleasing garden that boasts a spa-style hot tub, bar area and outdoor seating, so you can spend lazy evenings dipping in-and-out of the jacuzzi, sipping drinks and swapping stories. On chillier nights, chum up and challenge your friends and family to a round of pool or foosball in the games room. Or break open a bottle of wine in the sleek, chef's kitchen and plate up the catch of the day – there's plenty of fishing opportunities nearby, so be sure to bring your rods. In fact, the best way to discover this achingly quaint holiday destination is by hopping on one of the daily boat trips that take you all the way down the river and are readily available from in the village. 

Swallowtail Summer

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

Echoes of Spring

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

Pale Blue Gull

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

Experience a rare treat – a stay at a truly grand stately home, nestled in the middle of a beautiful country estate, steeped in history and offering more than a taste of luxury. A filming location for Netflix’s uber-popular hit, The Crown, this home will make you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive. 

Dating back to the Saxon times, the house as it appears today was created during the reign of Queen Victoria, with the help of the visionary architect, John Thomas and renowned landscape designer William Andrews Nesfield. As you arrive you’ll be dazzled by the spectacular gardens, known as one of the finest in the country – guests will be able to spend hours wandering through the enchanted alleyways, exploring the maze and the parkland and cooling off in the wild freshwater pool. 

The main Hall will welcome you in lavish style – great rooms with grand pianos, a library with rare, gilded books, and dining rooms with long tables for the group to gather and celebrate special occasions or delicious family feasts served in true style. You'll be able to sample those unforgettable menus, created by a team of chefs who use only the best local and sustainably sourced produce. Each of the twelve bedrooms retains the character of a Victorian mansion with a collection of antique furniture that’s seen many esteemed guests stay here over the home's long history. If only these walls could talk! 

Outside, this family-run estate offers everything from bike trails, horse stables and woodland walks, to cocktail classes, wine tastings and foraging. The grand rewilding project has seen 1,000 acres become home to an abundance of wildlife, making a stay here a unique experience for nature lovers too. 

Lords & Ladies

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

Peacocks & Petticoats

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. 

Sense & Sensibility

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

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

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.

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