Sotterley Barn, Sotterley

Suffolk. Sleeps up to 10

With exquisite elegance, old meets new in the most spectacular fashion at Sotterley Barn. Situated in the glorious countryside in Sotterley, four miles from the charming market town of Beccles and a short drive from Suffolk’s beautiful Heritage Coast, with the celebrated resort of Southwold just fifteen minutes away, this rural idyll is a fantastic holiday pick for ten lucky guests.

It packs a contemporary style punch whilst retaining the warm ambience of exposed wall struts and rafters. With magnificent lofty opulence, it offers five gorgeous bedrooms and outstanding social spaces, not to mention the fabulous pond setting and stunning grounds, complete with a petanque court. Sotterley Barn has been magically transformed to provide fabulously flexible accommodation. It is perfect for a special celebration or a wonderful get together of friends or family. The main open plan living space boasts a lavish grey and wood kitchen with stunning worktops and excellent appliances. With double height aspect, vaulted beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling contemporary doors and windows, it feels wonderfully cavernous as well as being a bright and beautiful space. The exquisite oak dining table with its modern chairs sits perfecty positioned to enjoy the stunning garden views. A calm, elegant sitting room is woven with the dining area beneath the barn’s full height and age-old woodwork. The dreamy design touches, structural and soft, are simply stunning. The far end of the barn is home to another living space where interior designers have been in their element blending ancient charm with high-end contemporary chic. Guests can lounge on the leather sofas enjoying spectacular views all around and, on cooler evenings, will truly appreciate the modern log burning stove.

Designers have also worked their magic on the lavish bedrooms. Three are on the ground floor including the beautiful master which offers an achingly luxurious feel. It boasts a king-size bed and a glorious en-suite shower room. Also on the ground floor is a delightful twin bedroom which can be set up as a king on request and a bunkroom. The bunk room is ideal for children with bespoke bunk beds. Even this room looks glamorous, stylish and inviting! These two bedroom delights share a stunning shower room. Upstairs, within the rafters, you will find two gorgeous super king bedrooms, both of which enjoy immaculate, stylish en-suite bathrooms. All of the bathrooms in Sotterley Barn are utterly superb with top-notch fittings, exquisite tiling and, of course, luxurious towels to complete the feel.

The pretty pond setting will certainly bring a smile to your faces. Its is so beautiful. You will find yourselves amidst a wildlife haven, can enjoy some healthy competition on the petanque and boules court and dine alfresco as the sun goes down on this heavenly, tranquil spot. You can store bikes in the pole barn after exploring Cycle Route 31. Sotterley Barn really does enjoy all the benefits of its rural setting and mature gardens and actually, it is very close the special heritage coastline.

The charming village of Sotterley is located within 15 minutes drive of wonderful Suffolk Heritage Coast beaches and is only 4 miles from the fabulous market town of Beccles. Sotterley was originally known as Southern-lea from its situation south of the river.

The Sotterley Estate is an extensive wooded parkland, a tranquil setting that is home to a number of wonderful attractions and hosts wonderful events such as the Sotterley Country Fair, music concerts and outdoor cinema experiences. There is a pony club on the estate as well as the Hundred River Farm and Maze, a wonderful family day out.

Beccles is a charming market town, as peaceful as it is popular. It is comprised of small market squares with winding streets, all nestled by the River Waveney. Around every corner, you will find quirky independent shops, fabulous restaurants and delightful cafes. There are many events, festivals and much entertainment. You can hire canoes, kayaks or day boats from Hippersons Boatyard to explore the River Waveney or you can climb aboard a skippered boat and take a guided tour. Beccles Lido is wonderful from spring to autumn with its outdoor heated pool sitting alongside the meandering river. There are plenty of paved and grassy spots to sunbathe. There are many pretty riverside walks through the Waveney Valley or you can head northwards and explore the Beccles Marshes. You may even catch a show or a concert at Beccles Public Hall. There is an antiques street market twice a year in May and August when vendors set up over 100 stalls. Beccles is surrounded by fantastic views of the Southern Broads amongst rolling countryside.     

There are few seaside towns quite so quintessentially British as Southwold. It is little wonder that it is so celebrated! Pretty pastel painted beach huts line the promenade and the sandy beach is vast. The iconic pier was refurbished is lined with shops, eateries and amusements.  Southwold lies between the pretty resort of Aldeburgh and the busy town of Lowestoft on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Southwold is almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold Harbour to the South West and by Buss Creek to the North. There is only one road in and out of the town which adds to its magic. Southwold is home to the famous Adnams Brewery with its brewing rooms set just behind the High Street, adjacent to the town’s iconic lighthouse. Adnams offer brewery tours throughout the year and you can sample the tasty pints everywhere. The Coastal Voyage is one of the most popular trips. At high speed, your boat is put through formidable paces in a 30 minute tour where you will see marsh harriers, herons, gulls and possibly osprey.

There are some wonderful walks that you can take from Southwold. You can cross the River Blyth to Walberswick, exploring the trackbed of the old Southwold Railway and returning on the little ferry if you want a change for the return. Over a thousand acres of heath and marshland around Walberswick are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walberswick offers tea rooms, restaurants, two pubs, an art gallery, village shops and some charming craft and gift shops. Fresh fish can be bought from the harbour huts and crabbing is very popular for children by the harbour. Walberswick used to host the annual British Open Crabbing Championship, raising funds for good causes.