2 guests
-
1 bedroom, 1 bed
1 bathroom
sq/ft
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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.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights
Stay in this top-notch eco retreat, tucked away within a private nature reserve
Keep an eye out for barn owls and other wildlife that has made its home in this protected habitat
Settle in for a cosy evening by the fire
Enjoy an unbroken night's sleep with zero traffic noise
Enjoy a peaceful paddle out on the millpond
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
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
About this stay
Amenities
Outdoor seating
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Garden
Bedrooms & bathrooms
1 bedroom, 1 bed
1 bathroom
Extras
Additional fees
Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you for an additional fee of £20 per pet, per week (for up to 7 days). Breed restrictions apply – please check with the host before booking to discuss the suitability of this home for you and your pet.
Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About Dedham Vale
Taking a wooden clinker boat out onto the River Stour on a pleasant day has to be one of the most romantic English experiences you could picture – that is, until you bump into a bank as you glide backwards. Horse chestnut trees hang over the banks and meadows stretch out in either direction. The waterway is the focal point of Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that...
Get around
Airport
London Stansted
1 hr 18 min
London Southend
1 hr 15 min
Rochester
1 hr 42 min
Train station
Bures
12 min
Bus stop
Elm Tree Lane
16 min
Local shops & services
Cafe
12 min
Pharmacy
11 min
Points of interest
Beach
Brightlingsea Beach
43 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
Not suitable for children under age 12
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
30
days
Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Mark
This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. For over twenty years, Mark has been providing guests with a lovely collection of hand-picked, characterful cottages in Suffolk and Essex. Each home has authentic five-star charm on the inside, and idyllic rural settings on the outside. He'll go the extra mile to make sure you have a fantastic stay, so whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.