Woodfarm Barns and Barges in Suffolk & Tuscany

Enjoy a relaxing and restful stay in the beautifully converted Little Barn, located in the lovely Suffolk countryside, on the Shotley Peninsula near Ipswich. Close to the rivers Orwell and Stour, and surrounded by a multitude of splendid walking opportunities, this delightful, restored barn is in the grounds of one of the best restaurants in the area, owned and run by a Michelin starred chef. What could be better than stepping out of your door for something delicious to eat or a relaxing drink?
This stylish, self-contained, open-plan barn has been tastefully furnished and fitted out to the highest standard. There is a kingsize bed making sleeping a dream, a luxurious walk-in shower room and a wonderfully spacious living area with sofa bed. There is also a dining area with a modern fully appointed kitchen, with a fridge well stocked with breakfast ingredients for your stay.
The Shotley Peninsula has an abundance of walks in both the countryside and along the river, as well as two marinas at Woolverstone and Shotley. Pin Mill, just half a mile away, lies within the Suffolk Coast and heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is a designated conservation area. From Shotley Marina, which is just 4 miles away, you can jump on the foot ferry to either Harwich or Felixstowe, this is run between April to October, weather permitting. Whilst at Shotley Marina you can pop into the Ganges Museum which is dedicated to the 160,000 boys who passed through the gates and climbed the mast, as featured on Blue Peter when John Noakes attempted the climb. There are many artefacts to be seen.
Whilst in the area pay a visit to Ewarton Church and Hall, where legend has it Anne Boleyn’s heart is buried. Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, is only 6 miles away. Here you will find lots of shops, theatres, museums, the beautiful Christchurch Park, mansion and lake. A visit to see Hilly Ridge Alpacas is a delight, and the famous Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park is nearby.
In less than an hour you can be at the beautiful Suffolk Coast. Aldeburgh has an array of independent shops and is close to Thorpeness, which was built as a holiday resort by J. M. Barrie, the author of ’Peter Pan’, and where you can hire rowing boats, kayaks, dinghies, punts and sailing boats on the 40-acre mere.
The popular Pleasurewood Hills family theme park is worth a day out and is only 1½ hours’ drive away. All in all, The Little Barn and the surrounding area offers something for everyone, and if you have a special occasion the owners are more than happy to arrange champagne, wine or flowers.

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.

Located in rural Suffolk, 15th-century Woodfarm House is the perfect dog-friendly hideaway for groups of friends or families.

Live the seaside life at Curlew. Standing on the sea wall, this stunning holiday house overlooks the beach with amazing uninterrupted 180 degrees estuary views that are simply breath-taking whether it’s summer or winter. Perfectly sized for the larger family, generations, or two family get togethers. Specially designed to be a tranquil escape and take full advantage of the amazing sea views, sun, and wildlife, this is a truly unique property set immediately alongside the beach. This super location offers winter peace and summer fun to enjoy and relax at the seaside.

This modern beach-themed three storey property is fully equipped and very comfortably furnished for your full enjoyment. Excellent coastal walking can be enjoyed from the doorstep, and there is an abundance of bird life and nearby nature reserves, so be sure to bring your binoculars. The beach is 5 yards away so beach exploring, tidal swimming and crabbing is outside the door. Paddle-boarding and kayak on request.Windsurfing, kite-surfing, dinghy sailing, canoeing and sea fishing can be enjoyed from the beach (equipment not provided). Be prepared to drive out for trips and other amenities in local towns.
The Colne Estuary offers further fishing and boating opportunities. Check out Brightlingsea Harbour. There is a great watersports park at St Osyth, a 2-mile drive away. This area is well regarded as Essex’s ‘best kept secret’, with the popular coastal towns of Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, Mersea, Clacton, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze, all within half an hour’s drive. There is a foot ferry (summer months) to Mersea Island to Brightlingsea to enjoy the promenade, lido and fish and chips. The town of Colchester is close by, famous for its cobbled streets, castle and world renowned zoo, with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Further afield are Ipswich, Chelmsford and Felixstowe. Many picturesque villages and the Constable Country are close by - Dedham, Flatford Mill and Manningtree within ½ hour and, Nayland, Lavenham and Long Melford to name but a few. Other local pastimes include golf.
Pub, takeaway and cafe 150 yards, shop ½ mile walk with further pubs, takeaways and shops at St Osyth village, an easy 2 mile drive.

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 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.

A wonderful detached holiday property, situated in a cliff top location directly overlooking the sea with panoramic and breath-taking views.
Situated on an exclusive and award-winning conservation park, this detached lodge is quietly nestled within the landscaped grounds. Ocean Glade offers a high level of comfort with an open plan style living accommodation and excellent uninterrupted sea views. Whatever the weather, you can relax and watch the changing weather conditions and spectacular sea-ward views direct from the comfy sofa. An enclosed veranda offers wonderful opportunity for al-fresco dining. With no compromise on style or comfort, full attention to details and high comfort levels provided, the warmest welcome awaits you.
The lodge is situated in the delightful village of Corton, near Lowestoft in Suffolk, the most easterly point in the UK. Surrounded by numerous areas for walking, it is especially popular with those who like to be close to nature. The coastline and award-winning beaches offer an ideal location for a coastal holiday and are pet friendly all year round, and the area is also famous for stunning sunrises, should weather conditions permit. Inland you are on the doorstep of the southern gateway to the Norfolk Broads National Park and Oulton Broad. Lowestoft has two popular piers, one boasting classic seaside entertainment and the other with an all year-round restaurant with wonderful views of Lowestoft’s beautiful sandy beach. Fishing and golf are also available nearby. Beach 500 yards.