Lavenham

This scenic cluster of pretty converted farm cottages are a picture-perfect prescription for family rejuvenation – especially those with stunning views from their private hot tubs!

The nine cottages offer stunning views over the Stour Valley, a stress-free short trip from London or the Midlands, a peaceful location within a 20-minute stroll of a picturesque town with family friendly gastro pub, and brilliant on-site facilities including a heated indoor pool, children's play areas and tennis courts, not to mention the friendly farm animals.

The interiors may be more homely than boutique but they are high quality and well-equipped. Plus, with gorgeous White Company toiletries, and optional additional services like pre-arrival grocery and baby essentials shopping, ready-meal deliveries, a treatment room for pre-bookable beauty and massage therapy, and CRB-checked babysitting, they allow parents to feel a little spoilt and relaxed so that they can enjoy the kind of quality family time that is a luxury many would rate above designer fixtures and fittings.

A typical day at Gladwin’s offers an experience of life on the farm far more luxurious than those conjured up ideas of early starts and rustic living. A morning of animal feeding and petting can be followed up by a relaxing swim in the heated pool, a sauna, dip in the hot tub, or even a pampering session from one of the visiting spa therapists. Mini guests face the tough choice of indoor or outdoor play areas, unless the weather dictates it for them, and evenings can be spent relaxing in front of the log burner with a delicious meal from the farm shop and a DVD in the player. Plus the many lovely beaches and charming towns of the area known as Constable Country are all within a short drive.

Accommodation Overview:

Lavenham is a beautifully restored, two bedroom Tudor cottage with original beams throughout. It has a homely feel with cosy soft furnishings and a relaxing neutral palette. The main bedroom is a gallery room over the living area, with a double bed and skylight providing plenty of light by day and a blackout blind that allows guests to sleep in, in the mornings. The second bedroom is set on the ground floor and is a twin room, perfect for little ones. There is one family bathroom with a bath and shower over the bath. The living room, dining area and kitchen are open plan and are set a few brick steps down from the entrance hall. There is a TV with freeview in the lounge for quiet nights in (and CBeebies!). Double doors lead out onto a shared veranda with a gas BBQ and outdoor furniture.

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Gladwins Farm is set in a peaceful location overlooking the Stour Valley around five miles from Colchester and 20 minutes walk (5mins drive) from the centre of the famous Suffolk cloth town of Nayland, which is most picturesque thanks to its abundance of pretty medieval timber-framed buildings. It’s easily reached within 2 hours of both London and the Midlands making it an easy trip for both a short break and a week-long stay.

The long sandy beaches of Frinton or Mersea are within a short drive, and would-be gladiators will love the roman exhibits at the Castle Museum in Colchester, said to be Britain's first Roman town. There's also a world-renowned zoo.

There are plenty of great places to eat out locally. Nayland’s White Hart and riverside Anchor Inn, which has its own kitchen garden, lovely riverside terrace, wildlife walks and a great kids menu, come highly recommended. There’s also the brilliant field kitchen at Jimmy's Farm (near Ipswich), made famous by the TV show and a great day out in itself thanks to its animals and nature trail - stock up on supplies in the shop too.

testimonial scores:0:::

Had a fabulous time here at Gladwins, lovely meals at the Anchor and the Crown. ...

Had a fabulous time here at Gladwins, lovely meals at the Anchor and the Crown. We will be back. Thank you.

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