This absolutely stunning converted Victorian barn (one of three in a row on the site) is perfect for a family or group of friends, and is set in a tranquil countryside location just a few miles from the coast. The barn is surrounded by 3,000 acres of ancient heathland, two-thirds of which is farmed in conjunction with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to ensure the conservation of rare flora and fauna. Sheep graze heathland areas in which nightjars nest, horses and ponies canter around the meadow pastures, and there are secret copses of ancient trees as well as 400-year-old orchards. Walks and cycle routes are plentiful in this area, which is criss-crossed with miles of rural footpaths and bridleways. Bawdsey, at the mouth of the River Deben, is 4.5 miles away, and the busy market town of Woodbridge, with its wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, is 6 miles. Sutton Hoo, the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, is 4.5 miles. Owned by the National Trust, the 255-acre estate is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Venture a little further to Aldeburgh, 18 miles, to explore this timeless seaside town, where fishermen still haul their boats up the steep shingle beach and sell their catch each morning. The wide high street has attractive Georgian buildings housing independent shops, galleries and restaurants (the fish and chips is said to be among the best in the UK). The 16th-century Moot Hall is worth a visit, as is the fine hilltop church, where composer Benjamin Britten is buried.
The renovation of the two-storey barn has cleverly and sensitively retained its characterful structure, with exposed beams, roof trusses and beautiful brickwork, while adding striking modern elements such as the metal-and-wood, open-tread staircase, which has a mezzanine landing overlooking the open-plan living space. On the ground floor is a gorgeous fitted kitchen with a butler’s sink and American-style fridge-freezer, from which there is a step down into the enormous lounge/diner. Here, three sofas are gathered around a wood burner, while at the far end the dining table is capable of seating 12 to 14 people. An additional area for relaxation comes in the form of a snug, with a sofa, bean bags and TV and DVD player. Upstairs there are four lovely bedrooms, all of them featuring charming sloping, exposed-timber ceilings and furnished with exceptional style. Two bedrooms are king-size and have their own sleek en-suite shower rooms, while the twin and bunk-bed rooms share a quaint family bathroom with roll-top bath and a separate shower room.
Outside the barn, via a glazed door from the lounge/diner, is a private, paved terrace with a table and chairs, perfect for recharging in the fresh country air. A large, shared area of lawn surrounds the three properties. Beyond this are fenced and gated areas of grass and some old farm barns – one of which houses a table tennis table and dart board for guests of all three barns to enjoy.