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Hope Cottage,Hacheston, Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
Framlingham 3 miles, Woodbridge 8 miles, Snape 8 miles, Aldeburgh 12 miles
House style: Well, it bowled me over! A 15th century timber framed Suffolk cottage with lovely inglenook fireplace with log burning stove, bread oven (sorry, no longer in use) and a fascinating elm board panelling in the study. Outside the garden wall is said to have come from the castle at nearby Framlingham. The staircase branches to the two bedrooms. Beams and studwork everywhere.
Setting: Centre of the village of Hacheston, set well back from the road
Know what you're getting
This is not a cottage for toddlers or anyone with mobility problems. The staircase is steep and you have to go downstairs to the bathroom.
Grounds: A sweet little cottage garden complete with water pump, roses, shrubs, mainly laid to lawn, picket fence and gate to road. The rear garden is very private with flagstone terrace, table, chairs and parasol, beyond which is a grass area with apple tree.
Ideal for:anyone with an interest in old houses who wants to explore the Suffolk coast, its castles at Framlingham and Orford and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which includes Sutton Hoo, Orford Ness, Dunwich Heath (all National Trust) and the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. There are books galore for evening reading, the terrace is ideal for al fresco eating or a drink and a chat after a day's walk.
Eating & drinking: The cottage is well equipped and there is a wonderful array of pots and pottery.
The village farm shop and garden centre has a great seection of groceries, fruit and vegetables and would be happy to make up a box for collection after arrival. Nearby is The Station, Framlingham, an excellent dining pub - do book for Sunday lunch and weekend evenings - it is well subscribed. There is a market in Framlingham square, with great local veg and of course newly caught fish. There is also a great deli and supermarket. Woodbridge has an excellent selection of restaurants and great pubs and again a market (Thursday) and several excellent shops selling local produce.
Children: Hope Cottage has some lovely old furniture, with a number of items just a few inches from the floor as well as original stud work and beams so not ideal for young children. Personal recommendation - a cottage to holiday in when the children are staying with grandparents or friends.
Packing tips: Walking boots and books on history of houses, camera and binoculars. Anglian Bird Tours : elizrichfoss@btinternet.com - half or full day tours - brilliant!
Ground Floor - The front door leads straight into the sitting room with laminate flooring and rugs, log burning stove, with original bread overns to the side, two armchairs, sofa and fireside stall, tables with lamps, flat screen TV with DVD, old oak chest
- The study is separated from the sitting room by a shoulder high wall with stud work above. Desk and stall, loads of local information and to one side the original elm wall and book case with good selection of books
- The kitchen now incorporates the hallway where there are coat hooks, and cupboards. The kitchen is fitted with microwave, winerach, fridge with small freezer compartment, rangemaster gas cooker, butler sink, and loads of kitchen equipment
- Dining table and 4 chairs
- Beyond the kitchen is the bathroom with large bath with overhead electric shower, wash basin and w.c.
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First Floor - The staircase is fascinating branching after 5 reasonable steep stairs to the two bedrooms There is shelving to one side with loads more books
- Bedroom 1 has a king sized double bed with bedside chests with lamps, carpetted and with rugs, there is a wash basin and small chair. A built in hanging ccupboard
- Four stairs to the right leads you to Bedroom 2 with antique brass king sized bed with bedside tables and lamps, chest of drawers, walk in cupboard with hanging and shelving space
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Garden - A pretty cottage garden at the front of the cottage, mainly laid to lawn with shrubs, roses and an old water pump
- There are two distinct areas to the rear garden. Immediately outside the back door is a large terrace, with a high wall (originally from Framlingham Castle) to the left and wicker fence to the right. Extremely private the terrace is paved with table and chairs, parasol. There is an outhouse with washing machine.
- Beyond the terrace is a lawned area with apple tree. A gate takes leads to a path and to the parking area.
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Services - The cottage has both central heating throughout and a log burning stove in the sitting room
- Bed linen and towels are provided, Please bring your own beach towels
- Off road parking for one car, other parking on road
- In consideration of other guests, please do not smoke in the cottage
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