Set on the edge of a national landscape, and within 5 miles of Suffolk’s beautiful coast, this is a wonderful base perfect for friends, a small family or two couples on a break together. Made up of two separate cottages, metres from each other, this inspiring holiday retreat dates back to 1797 and was formally home to the famous composer Benjamin Britten, who composed some of his greatest works here. Britten and his partner Pears began the Aldeburgh Festival in the 1940s and, finding that their initial venue was too small, they saw the derelict Snape Maltings (1.5 miles away) and renovated it into the world-famous concert hall it is today. This property overlooks Snape Maltings which is why this fantastic location was top of mind for the famous composer. For more days out, head into vibrant Aldeburgh or Thorpeness, both charming coastal resorts within 6 miles, to discover beaches and attractions. More fantastic places to visit include Orford Ness, RSPB Minsmere, Woodbridge (all within 13 miles), Dunwich and Southwold (both within 18 miles).
While Britten lived here, this property was a meeting place for numerous great artists, musicians and writers of the mid-20th century, including E M Forster, John Piper and W H Auden – and it’s no surprise as both cottages offer beautiful spaces to spend time in. Step through a stable door to enter the first of these two enchanting cottages. The bright, well-equipped kitchen with pamment flooring and exposed flint wall, is a delightful place to cook and dine, with the charming table and four chairs sitting to your right, offering views of the garden while you eat. A small step leads from the kitchen up to the hall where you’ll find a pretty family shower room with a lovely heated towel rail. Head down the hallway to the sitting room, a welcoming space with a variety of artwork, cushy sofas and a TV and DVD player. A small step leads up to the beautiful bedroom, with a wonderful zip-and-link super-king-size bed (can be made into a twin on request when booking), and garden views. The second beautiful studio-style cottage can be accessed via French doors that lead straight into the open-plan living/bedroom area with enchanting garden and meadow views. A pretty farmhouse-style kitchen area offers a great space to cook, with a table and two chairs for dining or sharing a coffee. Lovely artwork adorns the walls, and it’s been thoughtfully decorated. Cosy up together on the sofa to watch the TV with a DVD player. When night falls, a beautiful double bed is the perfect place to rest, while the charming shower room boasts a rain shower head and a heated towel rail for toasty warm towels. Both cottages are ground floor throughout.
Outside, both of these lovely holiday lets boast their own private garden space so you can choose to spend time together as a group or unwind in your own space. The first cottage has a lovely grassy space with a picnic bench and pretty planting, while the second hosts a covered veranda with a table and chairs for two, and a generous unfenced garden. Off-street parking is available for two cars so you can easily park up and head straight inside to relax on arrival. A garage in the driveway has a tumble drier, BBQ equipment and room for storing bikes during your stay.
Need to know
2 bedrooms – 1 zip-and-link super-king in cottage 1 (can be made into a twin set upon request when booking) and 1 double bed in cottage 2
2 bathrooms – 1 shower room in each cottage with shower and WC
Cottage 1 – electric combi oven and induction hob, fridge with freezer compartment, kettle, built-in washing machine and built-in dishwasher
Cottage 2 – electric combi oven and 4-ring induction hob, washing machine and dishwasher
TV and DVD player in each cottage
Cottage 1 has a lovely grassy garden with a picnic table, and cottage 2 has a covered veranda with a table, chairs and good-sized unfenced garden space
Private parking for 2 cars
Pub within 200 metres, shop 3.5 miles, beach 5.5 miles
Garage in driveway with a tumble drier, BBQ and bike storage space
Please note, in Cottage 1 there’s a small step between the kitchen and hall, and hall and bedroom