A delightful, spacious, bright, airy and modern house, with ground floor accommodation throughout, so very suitable for the less mobile and two dogs can come along as well! The quiet, yet central, position is perfect too; just a 5 minute stroll takes you to Snape Maltings, with its magnificent concert hall, shops, galleries and restaurants. There is also a choice of three highly-regarded village pubs in Snape all, less than 5-minutes walk from the house, and just a short drive, bicycle ride or walk will take you to Suffolk's Heritage Coast at Aldeburgh.
ALDEBURGH 6 miles, ORFORD 7.5 miles, SOUTHWOLD 18 miles, DUNWICH and RSPB MINSMERE 17 miles, WOODBRIDGE 11 miles
About the property:
This delightful self-catering property has been completely refurbished to a very high standard, providing spacious, open-plan living accommodation and three good-sized bedrooms. With modern, eclectic and comfortable furniture, a log burning stove, oil central heating throughout, an en-suite bathroom and family bathroom, it's perfect for either a family or group of friends seeking a relaxing break on the Suffolk coast at any time of year.
Just one step at the front door after which everything is on one level (small step to shower in family bathroom, 4 inch step to shower in en-suite) so ideal for those with some mobility restrictions.
Parking:
There is space to park two small cars or one large car within the garden boundary, and space for a further car just outside the garden, in front of the garage.
Sleeps:
Five in one king-sized double bedroom, one twin room, and one single bedroom. There is a Travel cot available at the property but please bring your own cot linen.
Setting:
Tucked away in the heart of Snape village, it's only a couple of minutes' walk from Snape Maltings and its world famous concert hall, home of the Aldeburgh Festival and Snape Proms. You've also got three well-regarded pubs within easy walking distance, as well as the village shop just up the road.
This property is ideal for:
Everybody! For walkers, the Sailor's Path to Aldeburgh is more or less on your doorstep and, on the south side of the river, footpaths heading out to Iken and beyond will keep you entertained for hours if not days. And don't forget the owners allow two dogs to accompany you on your walks!
The area is popular among cyclists, being none too hilly, with some exceptionally pretty scenery, and many quiet lanes. Offroaders are well catered for in the many forests nearby.
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element, with great birding opportunities to be had along the river, and frequent sightings of seals, deer and even, if you're very lucky, otters, in the river and surrounding countryside.
For the less mobile, the ground floor accommodation is ideal and such a pretty garden to sit in and watch the birds, tucked away from everyone, yet so close to the nearby attractions.
The garden is also nice and secure for families with children. Boat trips from Snape Maltings down the river make for a lovely family day out.
The nearby coast is of course a great draw for many - fish and chips on the beach at Aldeburgh being an absolute must for your visit. Orford - 10 minutes in the other direction - is a must-visit spot too. A picturesque village complete with imposing castle keep, there's crabbing to be had on the quay, boat trips (with or without a meal), some great eateries in the village itself (see below) and trips to the historically-fascinating Orford Ness, and Havergate Island - the first RSPB reserve.
And of course for music-lovers there's Snape Maltings, with its year-round programme of concerts and events but most famous for the Aldeburgh Festival and Snape Proms. There's also some lovely shops, galleries and eateries there - a real treat on your doorstep.
Eating and drinking:
Within easy walking distance you have three very well-regarded eating pubs - The Crown Inn being your nearest, The Golden Key just a smidge further away, and The Plough and Sail at Snape Maltings. Snape Maltings also has a couple of nice cafes and tearooms, and plays host to the Aldeburgh Food and Drink festival in September - a real mecca for foodies.
Aldeburgh, only 10 minutes' drive away on the Suffolk coast, has a wide array of eateries - restaurants, cafes, tearooms, diners, pubs, and of course the world-famous fish and chips (don't feed the seagulls!)
Orford is also blessed with good eating - pubs, a restaurant, smokehouses, and of course the Pump Street Bakery, that got a nod at the 2015 Oscars (they do do fabulous doughnuts!)
Woodbridge - a little further afield at 20 minutes' drive but well worth the trip - is a delightful riverside market town, equally blessed with great places to eat - more award-winning bakeries, fab food pubs, lovely restaurants, and some great little independent cafes. It's not bad for a spot of retail therapy either, with some super independent boutiques.
Suffolk is the land of good produce, so you can't go far without finding a great farm shop, deli or pub serving locally sourced delicious food. Of course rural pubs do sometimes close down with little warning, so do call ahead to make sure they're still running if you're relying on them.
Self catering:
Chances are on the way to The Blue House you will pass Friday Street Farm Shop, so a pause here to stock up on some local goodies is highly recommended. The Food Hall at Snape Maltings is sure to make your mouth water with all it has to offer, and there is a monthly Farmers' Market, currently held on the first Saturday of every month.
Saxmundham, just a couple of miles away, has a lovely deli and a weekly Farmers' Market, but is also home to your nearest supermarkets - Waitrose and Tesco - if food shopping doesn't really factor in your holiday plans and you just want to to get it done in one hit.
Aldeburgh, which almost certainly will factor in your holiday plans, has a couple of great independent food shops/delis, as well as two Co-ops and a Tesco Express. If you like seafood be sure to head to the fresh fish huts that line the beach and pick up some of that morning's catch.