Composer, Benjamin Britten converted The Old Mill, Snape and what is now known as Garden Cottage into a home and studio in 1937. Here he composed some of his greatest operas including Peter Grimes and, with his partner, Peter Piers, planned the conversion of the Snape Maltings to become one of the world's leading concert hall. Fully refurbished in 2015, Garden Cottage is a delightful little detached holiday cottage. Light and airy, it backs on to the open hillside with views over the surrounding countryside. Very private and charming, it has been completely refurbished in 2016. The open plan cottage has large south facing windows/French doors which open onto a verandah that overlooks the garden and the view beyond.
ALDEBURGH 6 miles, ORFORD 7.5 miles, RSPB Minsmere 9 miles, WOODBRIDGE 11 miles, DUNWICH 17 miles, SOUTHWOLD 18 miles
About The Property: Tucked away in the tranquil setting of Snape sits the charming Garden Cottage, privately situated with its own garden in the grounds of The Old Mill, which dates back to 1797. The Old Mill was converted in 1937 by Suffolk composer, Benjamin Britten. It was here that he composed many of his greatest operas including his most famous, Peter Grimes. You can read more about The Old Mill's history here.
Garden Cottage is a charming detached single storey open plan holiday cottage full of charm and character; natural light pours in through the south facing French doors which open on to its verandah and private garden. Sleeping two in a double bed, it has all the mod cons you could possibly require for self catering including TV, DVD player and WiFi, a newly fitted, fully equipped galley kitchen, and a powerful new shower in the lovely new shower room.
Outside: A south facing patio area with table and chairs looks out over the delightful private garden which includes a large lawned area surrounded by attractive planting giving colour throughout the year. At the top of the hill, the garden has uninterrupted falling away views across the fields. There is parking on the drive and a large garage where there is a drier and plenty of space for secure bike storage - cycling is a joy in this area of the Suffolk coast.
If you are thinking of holidaying with friends but each want your own space do have a look at Miller's Cottage, also in the grounds of The Old Mill. Or, for parties of 4, the two properties can be rented together as The Old Mill.
Sleeps: Sleeps 2 in 1 double.
Parking: There is plenty of space for turning and parking in the drive outside the cottage.
This property is ideal for: Garden Cottage would be the perfect base for a couple looking to discover Snape and surrounding area. For those who enjoy walking, cycling, music and art, fine dining or simply relaxing, with just under 1 mile from Snape Maltings, a centre for fine dining, shopping, art and culture. The Snape Maltings Concert Hall has an all year round program of music and dance from many genre. This is also a great place to start a walk; either following your own leisurely itinerary or by joining one of the guided tours from the Snape Maltings to explore the wildlife and historic landscape of the Alde valley. There are also boat trips down the river Alde to Iken church, an area naturally rich in wildlife and a haven for wildfowl. RSPB Minsmere is 9 miles away.
For cyclists the quiet country lanes and pathways provide a picturesque ride with some great pubs and tearooms to punctuate your journey.
Snape, Woodbridge and particularly Aldeburgh are rich in art galleries for viewing, collecting or inspiring and you will find a great art shop in Woodbridge; an Aladdin's cave of art materials for creating your own landscape masterpiece.
Eating and Drinking: With three local pubs - The Plough & Sail, The Golden Key and The Crown - all of which offer food from fish and chips to gourmet cuisine, you can dine out without getting into the car. Further afield Aldeburgh has some great restaurants, The Regatta and The Lighthouse are both very popular and there is also a good choice of shops selling excellent local produce. The historic fishing village of Orford is situated on the rivers Alde and Ore and well worth a visit for lunch, supper or just to explore. Pinney's of Orford has grown oysters at Butley Creek since the 1950s and their smoke house supplies mouth-watering freshly smoked fish every day. The Crown & Castle, Orford, co-owned by Ruth Watson of TV's The Hotel Inspector fame, offers a wonderful menu, fine wine and enjoys great reviews.
Self-Catering: There are several good farm shops nearby, Friday Street Farm Shop on the A1094 just before you get to the A12 and The Farm Cafe and Food Market, Marlesford. There is also a great deli and tea room at Snape Maltings and you can buy groceries and newspapers at the village stores. There are a number of supermarkets nearby, including both Waitrose and Tesco in Saxmundham.
With the brilliant seaside town of Aldeburgh and the vibrant market town of Woodbridge nearby, there's plenty to discover.
All accommodation is on the Ground Floor
- French doors open on to the open plan living/bedroom area. Views of the garden and fields beyond.
- Kitchen area with wooden table and two chairs, fully fitted kitchen with plenty of storage space as well as a toaster, kettle, cafetiere, electric combi oven and 4 ring induction hob, washing machine and dishwasher.
- Sitting area with sofa for two, coffee table, chest of drawers, wall mounted flat screen TV and DVD player and WiFi.
- Sleeping area with full sized double bed, wardrobe, two bedside tables and lamps. A door on the left leads to the shower room.
- Shower room with hand basin, under sink cupboard, corner shower unit with power shower and rain shower heads, w.c. and heated towel rail.
Outside
- Small covered verandah with table and chairs for two. Generous garden area, not fenced.
- Off street parking for one - two cars.
- Garage with drier and bike storage.
Services
- Bed linen and towels are included but please bring your own beach towels.
- In consideration of the owners and other guests, please do not smoke in Garden Cottage.
- WiFi service is provided.