Self Catering in Suffolk - Harkstead

Knights Farm is a Grade II-listed cottage near Chelmondiston in Suffolk. Family-friendly, in a rural location, featuring a woodburning stove, off-road parking, and a hot tub.

Knights Farm is nestled in an idyllic rural setting adjoining a working farm, offering the ultimate countryside retreat and an ideal location for a get-together with family and friends for a special occasion. With spectacular rural views, you couldn’t ask for a better location, and the grounds of the property add to its appeal with an enclosed courtyard, and a gorgeous walled garden complete with a hot tub. This is somewhere you can imagine spending lots of time during your stay whether it's firing up the barbecue on a sunny day and immersing yourself in the warm waters of the hot tub, or getting snuggled up by the open fire and woodburning stove inside on a chillier winter's day.

Inside, the property gets better and better with original features throughout including wood panelling, beamed ceilings, feature fireplaces, and attractive sash windows, which all add up to create a beautifully traditional ambience. Take your pick from the warm and welcoming sitting room with its open fire, plush seating and original patio doors offering stunning views over the gardens and adjoining farmland, a great space for gathering together to socialise. Or escape to the inviting and comfortable games room where you can enjoy a game of darts, table football, retro console games, board games or even just a good book.

For the designated chef, the rustic kitchen is a well-equipped delight with an electric range cooker, additional combi oven and Tassimo coffee machine. When it's time to serve up, choose from the informal island dining area in the kitchen or take a seat in the adjoining dining room where you can look forward to drinking and dining in an elegant and stylish setting with woodburning stove. If you'd like a break from cooking altogether, the property owner is happy to assist you in booking a local private chef (depending on availability).

When it's time for bed, guests can choose from six beautifully-appointed bedrooms including a ground-floor double and both super-king and king-size suites upstairs, with two twin room options available if required. Most beds have Emma mattresses and rooms have quality window dressings to ensure the most comfortable night's sleep. The bedrooms offer a peaceful space for guests to catch some rest after a refreshing shower or relaxing bath.

The Knights Farm garden really comes into its own as a fun and social space in the summer. Along with the barbeque and the hot tub, you can enjoy a (not so) civilised game of Croquet, Quoits or Boules on the lawn, or get really competitive with your own sports day using the equipment for sack, egg & spoon and 3 legged races that's waiting for you! Knights Farm is in a superb location for those wishing to explore the local area on foot, bike, boat or just in the car. The local roads are low-traffic, single track and relatively flat for those wishing to venture out to the excellent local pubs by bike.

The property is also surrounded by a fantastic network of footpaths along the banks of the River Stour and River Orwell. The beautiful Harkstead Beach (tidal) is a short walk away from the property - a peaceful and pretty bay with lovely warm shallow waters in the summer which is also great for those who fancy taking a dip. It is the perfect spot for a picnic or beach barbeque.

For those who wish to venture a little further, the wider area is jam-packed with things to do. Catch the Shotley foot ferry (March - October) to visit either Harwich or Felixstowe. The latter has a sandy beach, pier, arcade and an abundance of fun activities for all the family.

Visit the polar bears at Jimmys Farm and Wildlife Park, hire bikes or go kayaking at Alton Watersports Centre. We'd also recommend a stop at the popular Suffolk Food Hall for a spot of farm shop and homeware shopping and afternoon tea - there is also plenty for children to do too. You might also consider a quick stop at the Freston Boot en route - the UK's first cashless pub! Or to get straight to the source, book a tasting and tour at the beautiful Shotley Vineyard which produces award-winning English sparkling, white and red wines.

Other nearby attractions include the Ipswich Transport Museum, Flatford Mill, the East Anglian Museum of Life and gorgeous nearby towns such as Hadleigh, Woodbridge, Dedham and Framlingham. Knights Farm is just over two miles from the captivating village of Chelmondiston, home of the infamous Pin Mill. As well as a traditional and well-stocked shop, the village boasts a takeaway, a cafe and two pubs including the renowned Butt & Oyster - a great spot for a drink or tasty meal overlooking the River Orwell.

A delightful rural getaway in an enchanting location close to a great selection of attractions and activities, a stay at Knights Farm is a must.