Old Black Horse Farm is a charming traditional period farmhouse in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. If you are looking for the perfect accommodation for a family getaway, a break away with a partner or with friends, then you may have just found what you are looking for. This property caters for all events and special occasions. Situated in a hamlet on the fringes of the rural Suffolk village of Finningham, this beautiful thatched Suffolk Long House lies surrounded by rolling countryside and boasts a large attractive garden with fields beyond.
This impressive 16th century farmhouse has been transformed to provide a warm and welcoming holiday cottage, which effortlessly fuses charming interiors with quality comforts. The accommodation is set over three floors, with at its heart, a modern well-equipped kitchen complete with breakfast area and views over the garden. The large dining room with its long farmhouse table is ideal for family gatherings. Each reception room is bright and spacious; the main lounge is large enough for all to sit comfortably and there is also a cosy snug and reading room for some quiet/breakout time. Four of the well-appointed bedrooms can be found on the first floor and each is brimming with character. The grand master boasts a super king size bed along with an en-suite shower room. There is also a standard double and two twin bedrooms on this floor (one of which can be reconfigured to a king size bedroom if desired), plus a large well-appointed family bathroom. The fifth bedroom on the top floor hosts a king size bed, high pitched ceilings and a wealth of exposed beams.
Outside, there is off road parking for a number of cars at the front of the house and there is a large and secluded South-facing rear garden offering plenty of opportunity to sit back and relax; whether it be having a meal on the patio or sitting reading a book on the jetty or swing chair and enjoying the water. There is a boat if you feel inclined, you can’t row very far but you’ll get to meet the ducks! For little ones, there is lots of fun to be had zooming about in the paddock; plenty of places to build dens and explore. Safety is paramount, so children must of course be accompanied and supervised at all times when in the garden! If you enjoy cycling or walking then this is a great choice; there is a secure shed for your bicycles, with footpaths and bridleways on the doorstep for wonderful country walks.
Old Black Horse Farm is a year-round house, providing a magical space both in the summer months and throughout the cooler months too. From summer barbecues to winter walks followed by a hearty meal at home or at a local establishment, it serves up all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday. With exposed timber beams and characterful period fireplaces adding to its charm, it is these original features, which make this property such a gem.
The property is conveniently situated with easy access to three well-served market towns, two main-line rail connections and a number of A-roads allowing you to explore the county in an efficient and timely manner. The popular destinations of Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds and Framlingham are all between 30-40 minutes away or for day trips there are the Broads and the delightful coastlines of North Norfolk and Suffolk to the East. For activities closer to home, there is Thetford Forest (with an exclusive GoApe! discount for you), castles & stately homes to visit, golf courses & spas, farms or the cities of Cambridge, Norwich and London easily accessible by road and rail. There are many local pubs, most of which serve food all day and a carvery on Sundays. The neighbouring villages have an array of amenities, including butchers, bakers and general stores. There are a variety of restaurants in close proximity, notably Wyken Vineyards is a must visit day out with a renowned Farmers’ Market each Saturday, gardens to enjoy, a café, a shop and the award winning Leaping Hare restaurant (which has been accredited with the prestigious Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Red Guide). In fact there are so many activities, the house has a dedicated shelf for local information and attractions to help you get the most out of your stay.
GROUND FLOOR
Kitchen & Breakfast Area: Leisure Cook Master double oven and 5 ceramic hobs, extractor, butler sink, microwave, fridge, freezer, toaster, dishwasher, Roberts Internet Radio and Breakfast table for six.
Utility/Boot Room: Sink, cupboard space, washer/dryer and space for stowing away shoes and coats. Access to drying room.
Cloakroom: WC and Basin. Bookshelf with a range of books and reading material.
Dining Room: Large farmhouse dining table and seating for 12 people. Feature inglenook fireplace and sideboard.
Sitting Room: Soft seating, Smart Television with Apple TV providing access to your iTunes, On-Demand portals, Netflix and other streaming services. Bureau study space ideal for teleworking. Feature Inglenook fireplace and side board stocked with board games.
Snug: Soft seating, Smart Television with Apple TV providing access to your iTunes, AirPlay, Netflix and other streaming services. A perfect cosy breakout space. Door out into garden.
Study/Reading Room: Formal seating for reading or working as required.
FIRST FLOOR
Master Suite: Super King size bed, beside tables and lamps, wardrobe, chest of drawers, occasional chair and television. En-suite shower, WC and basin.
Bedroom 2: Two single zip and link beds (can make a king size bed as required), bedside tables and lamps. Fitted wardrobes, dressing table, mirror and stool.
Bedroom 3: Standard double bed, bedside tables and lamps. Dressing table, mirror and stool. Hanging rail.
Bedroom 4: Two single beds, bedside tables and fun bubble lamps. Wardrobe with hanging rail and chest of draws. Towel airer.
Family Bathroom: Bath with separate overhead thermostatically controlled shower. WC and basin, with ample storage.
TOP FLOOR
Bedroom 5: On its own floor, with high pitched ceilings, this bedroom has a king size bed, bedside tables and lamps, a double chest of drawers, hanging rail with hangers supplied and a television. It also has a towel airer. The top floor has an open landing area that can be used by guests should they wish.
Shower Room: Large walk in shower, WC and basin with vanity unit, chair, towel rails and cupboard space.
Garden: Extensive garden with paddock and large wildlife pond (unfenced), incorporating a jetty and rowing boat. Good sized shingle patio with furniture where you can enjoy leisurely meals cooked on the gas barbecue provided. There is also a secure shed for bicycle storage.
Heating: Oil fired central heating and softened water.
Tech: Apple TV boxes for sitting room and snug. Bose Sound Dock boxes throughout for streaming music via Apple AirPlay. Internet Radio in the kitchen. Wi-Fi Hotspots in each room and a number of USB charging points.
Parking: Ample gated off-street parking on private driveway for 10+ cars.
Notes: Please note there are many low beams as this is a period property and care must be taken. Use of fireplaces is prohibited by insurance constraints due to the property having a thatched roof. There is an unfenced wildlife pond in the rear garden therefore children must be supervised. High chair and travel cot can be provided; please enquire at time of booking.
The village of Finningham is surrounded by rolling Suffolk countryside. The noteworthy villages of Eye, Lavenham and Framlingham are all within easy driving distance. The town of Bury St Edmunds is a 17 mile drive away and has a wealth of shops, restaurants and a cinema. Finningham is located in the Suffolk Countryside.