Wattisham Hall Barns

A complex of converted barns and buildings within the beautiful grounds of Wattisham Hall in Suffolk, this property boasts 10 bedrooms in total. The barns vary in size with Tithe Barn sleeping seven, Willow Cottage sleeping four and Owls End sleeping 10, making it the ideal location for any social gathering of extended family, friends or for that special landmark birthday or occasion. There’s plenty to keep you entertained right here with hot tubs, outdoor play area and fully equipped games room for a bit of friendly competition! The surrounding countryside offers lots of bird and animal life for lovers of the great outdoors, with plenty of footpaths nearby. If you fancy venturing further afield, head just 8.5 miles to Lavenham with its crooked wood-framed houses in what is sometimes called ‘England’s finest medieval village’. The bustling town of Ipswich is 16.5 miles away if you need to stock up on provisions or fancy having a look around its restored waterfront area. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is just a little further away and sure to thrill the children. Head to ‘Constable Country’ and visit East Bergholt (13.5 miles) for a bracing walk in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, followed by a cup of tea in the National Trust cafe and to see where he painted The Haywain. Check out the unusual church in the village with bells in a cage on the ground rather than in a tower.

Willow Cottage is the smallest property but loses nothing for that, with a comfortable open-plan living area. At once welcoming, cosy and spacious, it has a vaulted ceiling, tiled floor and exposed timbers for that rustic feeling. The space houses a seating area, dining area and modern kitchen plus French doors to the patio. Upstairs, the cottage sleeps four in a super-king-size (which can be arranged as a twin on request) and a twin bedroom which both offer exposed wood beams and frame.

Tithe Barn is similar but just on a slightly bigger scale. The hallway offers useful storage and the large open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner is truly show-stopping with its cosy wood burner, exposed wooden frame, beams and lofty cathedral ceiling. You really get a sense of perspective in here with room to sit and relax, eat and cook in true holiday style. In this barn, a bathroom and shower room are downstairs too, as are a double and single bedroom. Upstairs there’s another twin and super-king-size room (which can be arranged as a twin on request) all with exposed beams and neutral decor for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Last, but by no means least, is Owls End sleeping 10 in comfort and style. Leave your shoes and coats in the hallway before entering the luxurious living space. The sitting area has a large wood burner and double-height beamed ceiling, all flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. There’s also a sizeable kitchen with all mod cons for cooking up a feast and a dining area for 10. There’s one en-suite double bedroom down here too. The remaining three bedrooms are upstairs – one with bunk bed for kids; one super-king-size room; and a large family room with fantastic ancient wooden beams and wood frame, a super-king-size bed and single day bed with additional trundle (available on request). There’s another family bathroom and shower room up here as well.

All three properties offer their own fully enclosed patio areas with furniture and views of the moat. There’s also a private hot tub and charcoal BBQ for each cottage. They share an outdoor play park that any intrepid youngster will adore – with a climbing frame, swings and a slide. Beyond that is the raw natural beauty of this part of Suffolk with lots of walking and cycling opportunities or just the chance to sit and observe nature.