Woodfarm Barns and Barges in Suffolk & Tuscany

A delightful, tastefully decorated cottage within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants, and pubs on the unique Mersea Island where you can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. The jetty is a great place for crabbing and boat tours are available.
Mersea gets cut off for about an hour when there is a very high tide, usually once a month, so it’s worthwhile checking the tides, all adding to the uniqueness and charm. It is a beautiful island with lots of coastal and nature walks, seafood restaurants with the famous Mersea oysters, delis, takeaways, supermarkets, and child-friendly pubs with craft beer. Why not visit Mersea Island vineyard and brewery, where a beer festival is held at Easter and you can buy real ale, wines, and even Mersea Island gin?
The Mersea Regatta, which has been running since 1838, is held every August and should not be missed. There is a variety of rowing races, an outboard motor balloon race, a swimming race, and ‘walking The Greasy Pole’, and ends in a firework display in the evening.
If you can tear yourself away from this peaceful beautiful island, then the historic town of Colchester is a 20-minute drive with shops, restaurants, a castle, and a museum. Castle Park offers something for all ages with a play park, bouncy castle, crazy golf, boating lake, and bandstand. Why not watch a game of cricket at the Essex Cricket Ground adjacent to the park? Colchester United football ground also hosts concerts and shows all year round, and the park has concerts in the summer. Colchester Zoo is a great day out and home to over 160 species, set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes.
Dedham Vale, known as Constable Country and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a 35-minute drive with beautiful walks and activities for all ages. If the children are wanting amusements and rides, a 40-minute drive takes you to the East Coast where you will find Walton-on-the Naze, Clacton, and Frinton. All in all, this is the perfect location for an enjoyable holiday.

Stunning luxury property renovated in 2023 to a high standard located near the unique Mersea Island and offering the ideal family holiday. As you step through the door, you will see the care and attention to detail that has gone into this superb property. The large living room with sumptuous sofas has patio doors which leads to the large garden and spectacular views over open fields. The kitchen/dining room has been fitted to a high standard, With a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine (please remember to bring your own Vertuo pods) and also has an 8-seater dining table. This property has the added bonus of two downstairs double bedrooms and a bathroom with a bath and shower cubicle. Upstairs are a further two bedrooms and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower. The garden offers an ideal entertaining space with a large lawned area, patio and the added bonus of a hot tub, a perfect space for all the family. Dogs are welcome and the area has some great walks for your four legged friends.
Peldon has a pub, and there is a grocers/butchers a short drive away. The property is also just 6 minutes away is the unique Mersea Island. Mersea gets cut off for about an hour when there is a very high tide, usually once a month so it is worthwhile checking the tides, but this adds to the uniqueness and charm. It is a beautiful island with lots of coastal and nature walks, seafood restaurants, try the famous Mersea oysters, delis, take aways, supermarket and child friendly pubs with craft beer. Why not take a visit to the Mersea Island vineyard and brewery where a beer festival is held at Easter and you can buy real ale, wines and even Mersea Island gin?
The Mersea Regatta, which has been running since 1838, is held every August and should not be missed. There is a variety of rowing races, an outboard motor balloon race, swimming race and ‘walking The Greasy Pole’ and ends in a firework display in the evening.
The historic town of Colchester is a 20-minute drive; here you can shop, enjoy many restaurants and visit the castle and museum. Castle Park offers something for all ages with a play park, bouncy castle, crazy golf, boating lake and bandstand, or why not watch a game of cricket at the Essex Cricket ground adjacent to the park? Colchester United football ground also hosts concerts and shows all year round and the park has concerts in the summer. There is a bus service to Colchester. Colchester Zoo is a bit further out of town, but is a great day out home to over 160 species and set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. Dedham vale, known as Constable Country, a designated Area of Outstanding natural Beauty is a 35-minute drive and has activities for all ages and some beautiful walks. If the children are wanting amusements and rides then a 40-minute drive takes you to the East coast where you will find Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton and Frinton. Beach 3 miles.

Located within walking distance of the market town of Saxmundham with its shops, bars and restaurants, this delightful spacious property offers the ideal place for a relaxing holiday with family, friends and pets.
The large kitchen/dining room is perfect for entertaining, and the ground floor bedroom and bathroom are ideal for the less mobile members of the family. A separate living room with wood burner is the perfect place to chill. Upstairs, you will find two further large bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside is a generous size enclosed garden with seating area, perfect for whiling away the day or star gazing at night with a glass of your favourite tipple.
Saxmundham is an excellent base for countryside and coastal activities. The area has an array of walking trails, ideal for walking your furry friends, and the coastal town of Aldeburgh, famous for its connection with Benjamin Britten, the founder of the Aldeburgh Festival which takes place every June, is only 7 miles away. For the nature lovers, RSPB Minsmere is only 8 miles away and the beautiful Westleton Heath National Nature Reserve, one of Suffolk’s hidden gems, where you can see a variety of birds and Dartmoor ponies is only 9 miles away. Why not visit the Cold War Museum at Bentwaters or the Transport Museum at Ipswich; you could also stop for a drink along the waterfront. Pleasure Wood Hills Theme Park is less than an hour away and offers a great day out for all the family. There are a variety of antique shops and centres, and if you are looking for a treat, then why not spend a day at the Potton Hall Spa. Norwich is only one hour away and is an ideal day out with its array of shops, market stalls and famous cathedral.

Indulge and delight with this cottage. Truly a home from home, equipped and furnished to include every day modern amenities. Having no steps or stairs, makes it a favourite choice for young and old alike. Neighbouring the owners’ home and set within delightful open countryside boasting enclosed seating courtyard garden with wonderful countryside vista overlooking the fields. A few steps from the door is the village common, a meadow of wild flowers, and a duck pond, a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Moments away from the doorstep there are excellent walking paths to venture on. Beautifully furnished and equipped, boasting open living space, with comfy kingsize bed to offer a restful night’s sleep.
Located in the quiet village of Wortham, just 12 minutes’ drive from the market town of Diss, which is plentiful with shops, cafés, supermarkets, and restaurants. Be sure to bring your golf clubs, driving range and golf course within 10 minutes’ drive. The area is great for exploring the delights of Norfolk and Suffolk, with its Heritage Coast, including Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Walberswick and Southwold. All within easy driving distance. Hire a boat on the famous Norfolk Broads or enjoy Great Yarmouth’s golden mile and funfair. The historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, famous for its cathedral, Georgian theatre and museums and markets. The medieval city of Norwich which also has a cathedral and market plus a wide range of shops, restaurants, and galleries to delight you. The surrounding area offers plenty of gastro pubs to enjoy. Nearby you will find nature reserves, Bressingham Gardens and Steam Park, National Trusts Ickworth House, and Thetford Forest, where you will find extensive walks and cycle trails. If you want a day out at the seaside, both the Norfolk and Suffolk coastlines are within an hour’s drive. You will soon see just why this is such a popular destination for visitors.

In the market town of Stowmarket, you will find this stunning 17th-century thatched cottage. The property features a cosy living room, a very spacious dining room, and a sun room ideal for relaxing in with a good book. It also has a well-equipped kitchen with a range-style oven and views out to the generous garden. There are four bedrooms, two will be found upstairs which include kingsize beds, and two (one kingsize, one single) both being located on the ground floor. Along with these, you’ll find there are two bathrooms, both of which are also situated on the ground floor. In the large lawned garden, there is plenty of space for dogs to run about, as well as comfortable seating for everyone.
This stunning, pet-friendly cottage is located close to the town centre and train station which enjoys a main line train link to London Liverpool Street. It is within easy driving distance of the cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket which is known as the home of racing, as well as Cambridge, Clare, Long Melford and Lavenham to the west and the Heritage coastal towns of Aldeburgh, Southwold, Woodbridge and Thorpeness to the east. Beach 21 miles. Pub and restaurant 700 yards.

Connect with nature and relax at Topplesfield Hall. Silver Birch Lodge was designed and built by the owners in 2022. With its own hot tub, gas BBQ, firepit and outdoor seating, this purpose-built lodge is a perfect base for you to enjoy the beautiful villages of North Essex, Suffolk and beyond.
Toppesfield Hall is a holiday retreat location set within 6 acres. There are 5 different holiday homes spread around the estate. The owners also live on site at the main hall next to the cottage. The accommodation is entirely open plan and made up of a well laid out sleeping area, spacious living and dining area and a modern kitchen featuring everything you’ll need for a short break or holiday. The outdoor space is a real sun trap, and it is a great spot for enjoying your morning coffee whilst planning your day ahead. After a busy day exploring, sit back and relax, light the fire pit when it starts to get a little colder at night, or submerge yourself in the hot tub. The choice is yours.
Feeling energetic? You are welcome to take full advantage of the on-site tennis court (shared with other properties), hire bikes (please pre book to avoid disappointment) or run around in the dedicated playing field. This area is also great for exercising your beloved dogs.
Silver Birch is situated within a peaceful rural location in the North Essex village of Toppesfield. The village has a great local pub which can be reached on foot from your accommodation, and a small village shop and brewery. The English Spirit Distillery (just 5 minutes away) or Tuffon Hall (also 5 minutes away), both offer wine tours and are excellent to pick up some local English wine. You can even sample Toppesfield’s very own award-winning wine during your stay too. Great Yeldham, Sible Hedingham and Castle Hedingham are all less than 10 minutes away by car.
Twelve minutes in the opposite direction and you will find Finchingfield, its famous village green and duck pond together with three pubs and eateries. Further afield to the north but still less than an hour’s journey, you’ll find the wonderful city of Cambridge. Located on the River Cam and home to the world recognised university. You may enjoy punting along the river. For all you shopaholics, you’ll be pleased to know that Braintree Designer Village is less than 30 minutes away. Fancy a day beside the sea? The Essex coast at Clacton on Sea or Mersea Island can both be reached in approximately 1 hour.
Other local popular attractions include Colne Valley Railway, Hedingham Castle, Boydells Dairy Farm, Gosfield Lake and Watersport Centre, Clare Castle Country Park. Get out and about, explore the wooded walks and parks or simply relax and enjoy some quality relaxation. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is roughly 40 minutes away and London reachable by car and train if you fancy venturing further afield. With lots of day-out opportunities from your doorstep, make Silver Birch Lodge at Toppesfield the base for your next adventure, long weekend, or holiday. For larger families or groups, why not book both Woodland Lodges.
This property can be booked with English Oak (ref UK40478) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

A wonderful charming cottage, tastefully refurbished and perfectly styled to marry the character with every day essentials. Boasting character floors, sash windows, high ceilings and spacious rooms, very tastefully furnished all contribute to offering a very comfortable and relaxing holiday. Entering the cottage there are low ceilings stepping down to the kitchen and up the stairs. Stepping up into the lounge from the kitchen, the lounge boasts a wood burning stove, perfect to snuggle alongside during the cooler evenings. Outside is a lovely garden with seating area perfect for barbecue and al fresco dining. Situated in a peaceful village location with a great village pub a few minutes’ walk away. A perfect location to take a moment and recharge, but still having a wealth of activities and attractions to explore on the doorstep. Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with unspoilt countryside rich with wildlife and the unique market town of Beccles just a mile away or approximately 28 minutes walking distance. The local area offers plenty of great walking and cycling opportunities from the doorstep, where you have miles of tracks to explore, so be sure to bring your binoculars as it’s a great place to view the abundance of wildlife and offers great fishing opportunities. Just 400 yards from the cottage onto Marsh Lane is a footpath where you can walk alongside the river. The village of Gillingham sits on the Norfolk and Suffolk border, located in the Broads National Park where the River Waveney runs through. Beccles town offers independent boutiques and chain shops, a great collection of eateries including fine dining and many cafés serving home made cakes and savouries. The weekly market is excellent for all things local should you wish to enjoy a night of cooking and dining in. The Broads National Park is very popular, best enjoyed on the waterways with kayaks, canoes and day boat motor launches for a more leisurely pace. Alternatively sit back and enjoy a guided boat tour, where you can just soak up the incredible national park. Don’t forget to enjoy a swim at the local Lido open air heated swimming pool, popular with many local swimmers. Norwich (18 miles) a bustling cathedral city with culture, heritage, excellent shopping and entertainment for all. Watch the weekly speed boat racing (in season) on Oulton Broad, 9 miles. Suffolk Heritage Coastline, famous Southwold for the pier, lighthouse, beach and fresh seafood eateries, 15 miles, and Walberswick RSPB reserve, 14 miles. Golf course within 1½ miles. Fishing within ½ mile. Beach 10 miles. Pub 300 yards. Shops, supermarkets and restaurants 1 mile.

Tucked away in a quiet location, adjacent to the owner’s home, this single-storey, detached holiday home is just a few hundred yards from the centre of the village of Old Newton. Well furnished, with a fully enclosed lawned garden, it makes an ideal base for visiting the picturesque Suffolk countryside and coast, including Constable Country, Lavenham, Long Melford (for NT properties Kentwell and Long Melford Halls), Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Thetford Forest, the Heritage Coastline and the Broads. The nearby market town of Stowmarket provides a variety of interesting shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as a leisure centre and direct rail links to London and Norwich. Shop 500 yards, pub 2 miles and restaurant 250 yards.

Situated in the ever popular town of Pakefield, near Lowestoft, Albion Cottage is a renovated, end terrace property, and is only 100 yards from a sandy beach, making it ideal for fishing. Its bright interior makes it a more than comfortable base to relax in following a day of sun, sea, sand and fun on the Suffolk Coast. There are many things to do in the surrounding area, including Africa Alive, which is a renowned nature reserve, Lowestoft, with its popular pier, and Pleasurewood Hills, the UK’s most easterly theme park. Further inland, you will find Oulton Broad, part of the Norfolk Broads National Park. From here, you can fish (licence required), hire a day boat or sit back and watch the passing pleasure craft. Southwold, Aldeburgh and Dunwich are all within easy reach by car. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Set in a quiet country lane this stunning detached listed barn conversion, adjacent to a property which is occasionally used by the owner, is perfect for a relaxing family holiday or celebration. Steeped in character with beams, the spacious barn has a vaulted ceiling, an oak floor and a wall of glass doors opening onto a large lawned garden with views over open countryside. There is also a small orchard and an enclosed terrace which is perfect for al fresco dining. With 3 bedroom suites plus one double bedroom in the cowshed and a small double sofa bed in the barn gallery, it is ideal for families, all with TVs there is room to spread out. Just a few minutes’ drive away is the historic market town of Framlingham, which has a range of interesting shops, restaurants and cafés, all housed in buildings of many ages, there is also a 12th century castle, a splendid example of Norman architecture. Conveniently placed to explore the delights of Suffolk, in one direction are the charming coastal towns of Aldeburgh, famous for its fish and chips and links with Benjamin Britten and Southwold, famous for its pier and colourful beach huts, Snape Maltings concert hall, Orford and the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. Whilst in the other direction visitors can enjoy the riverside market town of Woodbridge with a swimming pool and independent cinema, the ancient burial ground at Sutton Hoo (NT) and the Victorian seaside resort of Felixstowe. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
Please note that the Barn and Cowshed are one building, but for the purposes of description are described separately.