The Cottage
Relax into the big comfy sofas and you will realise that actually you don't want to go out, just being here sitting right now in this character cottage is exactly what you want: Relaxation has arrived!
This is a comfy cottage full of eclectic character and quirky features, downstairs it has a stunning inglenook fireplace with a massive open log fire ready to go in it - above which hangs the old poacher's gun we found hidden away in the barn - a big farmhouse table for friends to gather round and sofas and chairs to relax into.
The well equipped kitchen has a tall Fridge with a 3 draw Deep-Freeze there is also a dishwater in Orchard Cottage.
Upstairs there are two lovely large bedrooms with large exposed beams, and with peaceful views over the Orchard and onto the countryside beyond.
One bedroom with a Kingsize bed (without a footboard you tall people will be happy to hear) and one bedroom with a Kingsize and a single bed, again no footboards.
There is also a pretty shower room upstairs and exposed beams everywhere, a wonderful high vaulted and beamed ceiling and lovely reclaimed wood floors.
Orchard Cottage was created out of the old hay and pigeon lofts that made up part of the long Eastern wall of the old enclosed farm quadrangles first built in the 1720's. It is our biggest cottage on the Old Grove Farm. The walls are soft red brick from the original 1720's build, with some lime-washed hand plastering.
This is a very cosy cottage where you can lose yourself not just in the tiny pretty lanes around but just by relaxing in the sofa and enjoying the massive log fire.
Dog owners please note there is an acre of dog exercise Orchard and meadow at The Bakery along with a pretty Dog washing station for muddy doggies including white fluffy towels ! – plus there are footpaths directly from the cottage into open countryside with a lovely dog friendly pub just a 15 minute walk away.
There are lovely walks straight from the cottage - or take one of my bicycles - my favourite takes in the church and the hidden river valley and upstream to the local pub which has its own macro brewery and does some very tasty food.
Please note that outside High Season this cottage offers a reduced rate for just two guests, who use one bedroom only.
The Gardens
There is a lovely mature orchard garden at the front of the cottage where guests can laze around under the apple and pear trees and have a BBQ in Summer, we have put out a nice table with a bench and chairs onto the patio directly outside Orchard Cottage with flowering plants beside it for you to enjoy watching the sunsets in privacy.
There is a large courtyard with a big open sided cart lodge barn were guests can pull out a BBQ or sit in the barn which is is lit with fairy lights and candles and watch the night skies.
There is also a small herb garden off the courtyard where you are welcome to take any herbs you wish.
There is also an acre of Orchard and lawn with a pond at the back of the property where I have established some peaceful private areas with tables and chairs or benches and where I have planted some very rare apple trees. This is an ideal dog exercise area.
You can walk directly from the gardens onto footpaths leading to the Church or Pub.
The South Suffolk Cycle route runs past the cottage and I provide bikes for free.
