The ironic thing about trying to choose somewhere to stay in a location like Southwold is the strong likelihood that you'll be spending the bulk of your time outside exploring the natural riches of the Suffolk coastline. However, this marvellous address offers plenty of incentives to hunker down at home. When the weather's on your side, you'll want to make full use of the charming outdoor space, which has its alfresco dining table and barbecue for outdoor banquets, as well as the summer house complete with a games room to keep youngsters – as well as not-so-youngsters – entertained. There's plenty to like in the main house, too. The large glass doors and windows flood the interior with natural light and this dances pleasingly off the smart parquet flooring. We like that the design is pared-back but doesn't look neglected in any way – in fact, the white walls, sleek kitchen surfaces and equally glossy bathrooms all score high on the style stakes. As mentioned at the start, there's a wealth of spots to explore in the local area. First and foremost is Southwold Beach and Pier, which both take under ten minutes to reach on foot. There are nature reserves and walking routes to discover in the surrounding Suffolk Coasts & Heath AONB, as well as the Southwold Maize Maze only five minutes' drive away.

Read more