Get off the grid with a stay at this cute cottage tucked away within a private seventy-acre nature reserve in the Suffolk countryside, on the edge of the big skies and unspoiled countryside of Dedham Vale. You'd be hard-pushed to find a more idyllic setting, with a spring-fed millpond providing the backdrop to trips out in the rowing boat and lounging in the sun on its grassy banks.

This pond serves a dual purpose, supplying the water to turn the mill wheel, which provides all the electricity for the home. Inside, a ground-source heat pump keeps things nice and cosy, while natural wool insulation helps maintain a near-constant temperature. Interested in learning a little more? Your hosts would be delighted to share the virtues of their composting toilet out in the barn.

On the ground floor sits a well-equipped kitchen that takes care of all your self-catering needs, plus a good-sized wetroom. Then, wend your way up the winding oak staircase to find a charming double bedroom and a characterful living room with a wood burner for cosy evenings in, though you'll need to watch your head on that beam.

Stride out from your front door and discover an owl tower (built by the owner) and badger watching sites within a short walk, though both are most active after sunset. At the same time, the lack of light pollution makes for an incredible stargazing experience on moonless nights. In addition, an eleven-acre section of the nature reserve is fenced off so your dogs can hare around without a care.

Head up the track to the tiny village of Assington, where you'll find a farm shop, cafe, restaurant, and a popular pub, The Shoulder of Mutton. Further afield, several supermarkets, the medieval village of Lavenham, and 'Constable Country' are all within a fifteen-minute drive.

Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request – you'll need to supply your own bedding
*Bicycles are available – please check with the host prior to arrival if you'd like to use them
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*There's a laptop-friendly workspace
*Your hosts welcome well-behaved dogs – you'll need to keep them on a lead near the house as there are chickens – dogs are free to roam in eleven acres of fenced woodland
*There's a thatched story-telling hut that you're welcome to use
*You'll need a car to access the home – there's on-site parking