Where to stay in Suffolk, by Stephanie Cross
WHERE TO STAY
The Westleton Crown
Dating to the 12th century, this traditional coaching inn (left) is set on the edge of a Suffolk village green. Its décor is inspired by local wildlife and landscape: gorse, sand, sea and steely skies. westletoncrown.co.uk
Tuddenham Mill
A luxuriously converted 18th-century mill in 4.8 hectares of Suffolk countryside. Its four AA-rosette restaurant offers field-to-fork fine dining, while swans float on the mill pond. tuddenhammill.co.uk
Five Acre Barn
Londoners Bruce and David escaped to the country to create this beautiful, stylish barn conversion in wooded grounds. Each room enjoys dramatic, full-height windows with garden access. fiveacrebarn.co.uk
SEVEN SUFFOLK COTTAGES
House in the Clouds, Thorpeness
One of the country’s most famous follies, the five-bedroomed House in the Clouds (right) sits atop a 189,270-litre water tank built in 1932 to supply Thorpeness. The whimsical holiday village was purpose-built in 1910 by Stuart Ogilvie “for people who want to experience life as it was when England was Merrie England”. houseintheclouds.co.uk
Beyond the Barn
A modern take on a rustic Suffolk barn with its own sanctuary-like courtyard garden, this is the ideal base for exploring Suffolk’s market towns. There are walks from the door, and a host of popular pubs a short drive away. Or just curl up in front of the log-burner and enjoy the ever-changing Suffolk light. beyondthebarn-stay.co.uk
Belle Grove, Halesworth
Steeped in colour, this unique, photogenic five-barn complex has its roots in its owners’ past globetrotting. If you want to know what it feels like to sleep in a ‘Mughal jewel box’, this is your chance. Each barn has its own walled garden, beyond which are beautiful ponds and fields to explore. bellegrovebarns.com
Dingle Marsh Barns, Dunwich
Set in the picturesque coastal village of Dunwich, these two converted 18th-century agricultural dwellings are only five minutes’ walk from the local, The Ship Inn. Dingle Hill Tearooms and Dunwich Nurseries are next door to the property, also run by owners the Barnham family. dinglemarshbarns.co.uk
Time Cottage, Lavenham
This stylishly decorated Grade II Victorian cottage in the heart of La
