5 Bed Cottage in Debenham

About this property

This magnificent, Grade II-listed, 16th-century country retreat in the heart of Suffolk is the perfect venue for a gathering of family or friends. Steeped in history and brimming with character, it sleeps ten guests across five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is set in beautiful, formal gardens on the edge of pretty Debenham village, with wonderful period features including original beams, leaded light windows and a footbridge over the surrounding moat. Debenham has a good selection of shops selling fresh local produce, along with cafes, pubs and a pottery where both children and adults can paint their own teapot and other household items.

Cross the footbridge into the historic hallway and enter the splendid lounge, featuring ceiling beams, an open fire and comfortable seating, plus a snug. The spacious farmhouse-style kitchen/diner with an AGA is ideal for family meals, while the formal dining room houses a beautiful table and a Bluthner grand piano. A mezzanine floor features useful office space, while the first and second floors house the luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms, with antique-style fittings that echo the property’s historic heritage. Outside, the patio terrace offers a tranquil spot for al fresco dining. Wander the formal gardens and take row boats out on the moat, but please supervise children at all times. There is ample private parking at the cottage.

Nearby attractions include a trip on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, known as Middy, which runs regular steam trains through the gentle countryside and a visit to residents in the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary (both 4 miles). The sanctuary is also home to other birds of prey, along with red squirrels and meerkats. Walk among the flowers at beautiful 16th-century Helmingham Hall Gardens (5 miles), surrounded by a moated manor house, and explore magnificent Framlingham Castle (8 miles), a 12th-century fortress set high above the town. Charming Woodbridge (13 miles) on the River Deben has one of the UK’s only working tidal mills and is closely linked to the famous Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial site.

Additional information and rules

- 5 bedrooms – 3 super-king-size, 1 super-king-size zip-and-links, 1 king-size

- 3 bathrooms with baths, separate showers and WCs, 2 separate ground floor WC

- AGA range cooker, additional electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher

- Utility cellar with washing machine and tumble dryer

- Open fire in the lounge and dining room

- Smart TV

- Bluthner Grand Piano

- Patio terrace with outdoor dining furniture and BBQ, and formal gardens

- Ample private parking

- Shop and pub 1.5 miles, beach 22 miles

- Please note Crows Hall, whilst private and on its moated island, is within the grounds of the owners home

- In-house catering available upon prior arrangement

- The property is surrounded by a moat – 2 rowing boats are available for guests (children must be supervised at all times)

- Paddock and 2 12x14sq ft loose boxes available upon prior agreement

- Excellent hacking for horses direct from property and within easy horsebox distance to Rendlesham and Tunstall Forest

- Use of 20 x 60m Equestrian Surfaces Cushion Track arena and grass gallop from the stables