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  • 3 guests

  • 2 bedrooms

  • 1 bathroom

  • sq/ft

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Perched on a hill overlooking the Stour River valley, this homestead is a rustic and romantic hideaway in the heart of Dedham Vale. It's nestled along a cart track, happily hidden away from the hustle and bustle – and that's precisely why we love it. A former 17th-century farmworker's cottage, the interior is bursting with character – brick floors here, wooden beams there – and the whole place is snug and cosy. We don't know what we love more: the woodburning fire, the Victorian bath or the country kitchen, where you can rustle up Sunday roasts with ease. And don't even get us started on the garden, which has views across the valley towards the woods. We can easily picture ourselves here, sipping wine in the sunshine, barbecuing on summer evenings and watching the dogs run amuck as the day slowly fades. When you're in the mood to explore, footpaths fit for countryside walks stretch out in every direction – including The Pilgrims Way and Stour Valley Path steps from the door, both excellent options for rambling. Your host can arrange bikes, so cycle down to the local pub for a pint and paddleboarding on the river, or hop in the car and drive twelve minutes to Sudbury for shops, supermarkets and delicious restaurants.


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Ask the host anything

Do you have a question about this home or the local area?

What to expect


Highlights

Stay in the hilltop hamlet of Hickbush, surrounded by the idyllic Dedham Vale AONB

Stay in the hilltop hamlet of Hickbush, surrounded by the idyllic Dedham Vale AONB

Fall in love with the cosy character of this 17th-century farmworker's cottage

Fall in love with the cosy character of this 17th-century farmworker's cottage

Appreciate the serenity of the Suffolk countryside in the sunny garden

Appreciate the serenity of the Suffolk countryside in the sunny garden

Get warm and cosy in front of the wood-burner in the snug living room

Get warm and cosy in front of the wood-burner in the snug living room

Walk or cycle the many country paths on your doorstep – the host provides bikes for you to use

Walk or cycle the many country paths on your doorstep – the host provides bikes for you to use

Like what you see? Explore more of this home

Home truths

    This is a small cottage and although there are two double beds, we think it's a better fit for two guests – a third could fit, but it would be a squeeze

    Due to the steep stairs, this home isn't suitable for babies or children under sixteen

    Dogs are more than welcome, but please note that the garden isn't enclosed

    You'll have to drive down a private, unmade road to reach this home – there's off-road parking available

    There is a pylon line running through the town but you won't notice it in the garden

    Please check with the owner if you'd like to use the bikes

    There's no washing machine here, but there is a laundromat in Sudbury

About this stay


Amenities

Wi-fi

Pets allowed

Parking available

Garden

TV

Dishwasher

Bedrooms & bathrooms

2 bedrooms, 2 beds

1 bathroom

Extras


Additional fees

  • Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you for an additional fee of £20 per pet, per week (for up to 7 days). Breed restrictions apply – please check with the host before booking to discuss the suitability of this home for you and your pet.

  • Your host provides a starter supply of logs for the wood burner – extra logs can be supplied for an additional fee

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.

Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.

Local guide


About Dedham Vale

Taking a wooden clinker boat out onto the River Stour on a pleasant day has to be one of the most romantic English experiences you could picture – that is, until you bump into a bank as you glide backwards. Horse chestnut trees hang over the banks and meadows stretch out in either direction. The waterway is the focal point of Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that...

Get around

Airport

London Stansted

1 hr 12 min

London Southend

1 hr 23 min

London City

1 hr 33 min

Train station

Sudbury

17 min

Bus stop

Rugby Road

20 min

Local shops & services

Supermarket

17 min

Cafe

25 min

Pharmacy

12 min

Points of interest

Beach

Brightlingsea Beach

1 hr 5 min

Booking policies


House Rules

Pets welcome

Not suitable for children under age 12

Not suitable for infants under age 1

No smoking

No parties or events

Good to know

Arrival from 13:00

Departure before 11:00

Wifi

No air con

Cancellation policy

  • Up until

    30

    days

    Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.

  • Up until

    7

    days

    Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.

  • Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.

Host


This home is managed by Mark

This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. For over twenty years, Mark has been providing guests with a lovely collection of hand-picked, characterful cottages in Suffolk and Essex. Each home has authentic five-star charm on the inside, and idyllic rural settings on the outside. He'll go the extra mile to make sure you have a fantastic stay, so whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask.

This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.

  • Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.

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  • Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
  • Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
  • Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
  • Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
  • Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.