The Farmstead, Suffolk
Arriving at Lodge 1 at The Farmstead
Farmstead Lodges at The Farmstead, Suffolk: A Luxurious Countryside Retreat
Check-in 3 pm - Check-out 10 am
Reviewed September 2023
‘ Farmstead Lodges are a collection of beautifully designed luxury self-catering lodges, each exuding rustic chic elegance and comfort. ‘
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Suffolk countryside, not far from Sutton Hoo, The Farmstead offers a luxurious and enchanting escape if you want tranquillity and relaxation in your own living space. Set amidst meadow flowers, The Farmstead boasts a genuinely idyllic location just 25 minutes from the Suffolk coast and Ipswich.
Your key safe code is sent to you by email before your arrival, making the check-in experience effortless. Once you arrive, park in the car park and grab a trolley to take your luggage to your lodge. The wooden cabins remind me of Little House on the Prairie with their verandas and charming outlook. Each one also has its own firepit and outdoor sitting area, though if you keep the veranda doors open, you have a lovely inside-outside living space leading onto a garden lined with flowers and young hedges.
The eight lodges have been created by husband and wife team Ali and Sian Kerr, owners of next-door wedding venue Easton Grange. Of the eight lodges, four are two-bedroom (one with wheelchair access) and four one-bedroom all of which welcome dogs and children. Their aim with the lodges, which opened late 2022, is to connect with the countryside using vintage and textured wood and antiques, and the attention to detail is evident in the open-plan kitchens, fully equipped with dishwater, a fridge (2 in the two-bedroom lodges), a Range cooker and a Grind coffee machine. The kitchen is handcrafted; there is a log burner in the living room with a large, comfy sofa and telly (if you must!) - all of the lodges are dog-friendly (though they are pretty close together, so you will hear a dog barking from another lodge). It doesn’t stop there; the bedrooms feature huge handmade beds, quilted feather pillows and natural bedlinen, whilst the en-suite bathrooms have large industrial-chic walk-in showers, Thomas Crapper loos and Norfolk Living bath and body products.
The welcome pack includes local products and essentials, and a big basket of kindling and logs. You’ll need to bring supplies with you or book a supermarket delivery. If you don’t fancy cooking, The White Horse Pub is less than a 5-minute drive away, and Prince of India in Framlingham serves delicious, clean Indian food. Otherwise, The Table in Woodbridge serves excellent food, or The Crown at Ufford is a good choice for a Sunday roast (booking essential).
While Farmstead Lodges is a place to unwind and reconnect with nature, there is no shortage of activities and experiences to enjoy nearby; there are plenty of lovely walks in the surrounding countryside, golf is 5 minutes away, and Aldeburgh, Snape and the Suffolk Coast are just 25 minutes by car. Curl up under a blanket under the big starry sky or cosy in front of the wood burner on the big squishy sofa. On a sunny day, sit on the veranda, enjoy the surrounding nature with a glass in hand, and practice gratitude.
The Farmstead in Suffolk is a destination that seamlessly blends rustic luxury with the beauty of the countryside. This hidden gem offers a truly unforgettable experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city but also makes a perfect change of scene for a few days from wherever you live - I live 20 minutes away, and it was so lovely staying somewhere different and enjoying the Suffolk countryside from a different perspective. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or simply a place to relax and recharge with friends, The Farmstead ticks all the boxes and is a testament to the peace and natural beauty of the Suffolk countryside. One of the best places to stay in Suffolk.
Rating 8.5/10
No flannels and USB ports so chargers and plugs are essentials to bring.