^{Star Rating}

Details Sleeps: 4, 2/3 Adults, 2 Children  Changeover: Monday, Friday & Sunday Rooms: 1 large double, 1 Suffolk landing with screen and 2 single beds.  Length of stays: 2,3,4,5 or 7 nights Price: from £223 to £328 for 2 nights break Children allowed: 2 Babies allowed: 1 sleeping in a travel cot  Dogs Welcome: 2 Large Dogs, Dog charges apply  Bed sizes: Double 4'4" x 6'2", 2 singles 2'9" x 6'2"

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Checklist

	Open Christmas / New Year		Central heating		30" Television		Telephone
	Courtyard only		Barbeque		DVD player		Cooker and hob
	Off road parking		1 bathroom		CD player		Washing machine
	Secure storage for bikes		Shower & Bath		Bed linen provided		Clothes dryer
	Bikes provided		Microwave		Towels provided		Clothes airer / washing line
	Ground floor bedroom		Fridge		Breakfast basket provided
	Ground floor bathrooom		Freezer / compartment		Basics of tea, coffee, sugar provided
	Wood Burner		Iron and Board		Internet access *

 

 

Gabriel's Place is in a very pretty small village in mid Suffolk, the area is very rural and lovely for cycling and visiting the many pretty villages and special attractions in the area.

This place will appeal to those who want a short stylish break completely away from city influence, just look at the images of the village, it looks more like a collection of farms and ancient buildings rather than a village, but there are some shops and 2 good pubs.

Gabriel's Place is set back from the road with a parking area in front of it, there is a sunny small patio garden where you can breakfast or slowly make up your mind which wine to drink with the Sunday papers.

The cottage itself dates back to the 1640's but it has a sunny and spacious feel with a wealth of original ancient beams accentuated by the architect’s use of modern hard wood design features like the kitchen, the open staircase and gantried Suffolk landing with two beds and a screen.

 

Gabriel's Place is situated in a very pretty small village in mid Suffolk and the village web site www.walsham-le-willows.org is definitely worth a look.  

• The Six Bells is a no frills GREENE KING drinkers pub with crib, pool, darts and even shove ha’penny some nights.

• The Blue Boar is a free house, with good guest beers and basic grub.

• Rolfes of Walsham (butcher, delicatessen, general store, newspapers) have a reputation second to none, and their Walsham Wonder sausages win prizes... www.rolfesbutchers.co.uk

• The Post Office at Badwell Ash has the Sunday papers

• Shami Gill at Wattisfield Wines  www.wattisfieldwines.co.uk  will give you a wine tasting and make you feel very good about the world.

• Just down the road is the wonderful Wyken Vineyard  www.wykenvineyards.co.uk  with a Saturday Farmers Market, a fabulous shop, home grown wine, a restaurant and woodland walks AND Eggs Benedict breakfast to die for.

  

The main room is spacious and has an eight foot sofa to lounge back in and enjoy the beams and fire in the wood burning stove. There is even a piano which is a family friend who has come to the end of the line but is happy in this quiet corner of Suffolk and so it sits untuned but still loved.

 

The pretty kitchen diner is fully equipped to produce any kind of menu and there is a useful utility room with washer / dryer machines downstairs and a stylish shower room.

 

The designer staircase leads straight onto a Suffolk landing with an open room to one side where there are two single beds (one under the other when not in use). This guest room is useful for a third person or a child or two. A modesty screen is provided to give some privacy.

 

The main bedroom is bright and airy with two windows to catch the sun most of the day and a skylight in the high vaulted ceiling. There is a pleasant open airy en-suite bathroom.

 

The floors upstairs are made from the most wonderful original old broad elm wood I have seen.

 

This cottage will appeal to those who want to have a peaceful stylish break from the stresses of modern life. Everything is on your doorstep, from provisions to a very decent wine merchants and friendly pubs.

 

There are beautiful local walks and bikes are provided to explore the surrounding countryside and its maze of tiny lanes.

Well behaved pets are always welcome, please refer to this web page  All About Bringing Pets  for charges and how this cottage may suit your pet.

Solar water heating

The owner of Gabriel's Place is an Architect who believes passionately that our lives (including our holiday lives) should be as sustainable as possible and with this in mind the cottage is insulated to the highest possible standards, given its age and construction, AND he has invested in solar water heating by www.solarworks.co.uk so that you will be able to bathe in the very lovely bath tub and wash the dishes in water that has been at very worst, preheated by the sun OR at best completely heated by the sun. It really is a good feeling to lounge in the bath and know that this is possible as a result of a very netural and sustainable process...enjoy.

 

Meals on arrival

After a hard week and a long journey you may wish to have something easy to eat and what could be easier than a home made casserole to heat up on the top of the oven together with the makings of the famous Walsham Mustard Mash...About tweny minutes and its done and ready to eat. You can choose from one of the following all using local ingredients including lots of vegetables and all really delicious:

Pheasant in red wine
Rabbit in cider
Venison sausages in red wine
Good old free range chicken in whatever is available

The cost of all this would be about £12.50 per head and if you want to order something for your arrival or during your stay then you should deal with John direct on john@architectatwork.co.uk or home 01359 259061 or work 01284 704546 OR when you arrive and meet him is also just fine. What ever you choose we know you will love it...

 * Internet is accessed as WiFi via password from owner.

All prices include vat, towels, soap, linen, heating, a 'Proper English Breakfast' welcome pack and a supply of breakfast basics like real coffee and tea etc.
The cottage is a complete little home and facilities include modern heating, TV, DVD player, books, games and a fully equipped kitchen including electric hob and oven and a microwave.
A travel cot is provided for babies (please bring your own bedding)

            
While you are staying with us why not have a special                  Graeme Cavey is a local naturlist who would be very 
 treat and go Sailing for the day.                                                        happy to include you on his nature walks.
 Click for days out sailing                                                                    Click for Guided Nature Walks
 

 

Gabriel's Place is in one of Suffolk's pretty little Villages, just one cross roads with some lovely old cottages, farm buildings and unusual early Industrial

buildings, ask John the owner what they are, here are some photos and remember this is the High Street !!    

I took all these photos as I drove along the road through the village the day Spring Arrived.

 Lovely walks straight from the Cottage:   

 There are fabulous local walks and you will find details in the cottage and Gabriel's Place is ideally located for trips out and around our lovely East Anglia with a multitude of suggestions..

• The Suffolk coast is just 40 minutes away and Southwold’s ‘old world charm’ and the ADNAMS on tap has to be experienced.

• Bury St Edmunds has history oozing out of it, after all the Magna Carta was signed their?

• Lavenham is just gorgeous and again history on a stick..

• Norwich is just up the road, lots of history and great for shopping and with a brilliant market.

• Cambridge is 45 minutes to the west, just stunning.

• Ickworth to the west of Bury St Edmunds is a National Trust gem with lovely walks and fine NT Teas

• Thornham woods www.thornhamfieldcentre.org  a little to the east of Walsham offers lovely walks and the Four Horseshoes nearby offers good pub fair.

 

There are lots of places to eat and John will be able to make more suggestions

• The Leaping Hare at Wyken is a very fine Restaurant www.wykenvineyards.co.uk

• The Pykkeryll in nearby Ixworth High Street

• The Beehive in Horringer

• The Four Horseshoes at Thornham

• For special events Maison Bleu in Bury St Edmunds www.maisonbleue.co.uk

• Ravens wood Hall is just a few miles away and has a very good reputation.

• The Dark Horse at Stowlangtoft is very quirky but wholesome www.darkhorserestaurant.co.uk 
 

• Rob’s Place in the Village might be open you should definitely ask?
 

 Below is a recent article about the Suffolk Coast

Joanna Symons, Telegraph Travel Newspaper January 2nd 2010.

'Popular though the Lake District and West Country are as tourist destinations, they can be rather damp. If you want to reduce the risk of a rainy holiday, statistics show that you should head east.

Suffolk for instance, had only about a third as much rainfall as the Lake District last summer. It also happens to have one of the loveliest stretches of coastline in Britain.


The Met office regional statistics per annum.

                        The Lake District             Suffolk

Rain fall         2300 - 3900mm          600 - 660 mm

 

Friday, 25th of June, 2010, Linda and William:
Lovely cottage - great location for trips out as well as local walks. Particularly enjoyed days out to Sutton Hoo (unforgettable!) and RSPB Sanctury at Lakenheath - a first time for us and to be repeated. Also trip to Bury St Eds and lunch at Maison Bleu. Lots of opportunity to take minor roads and see the countryside.

Friday, 18th of June, 2010, Ruth and Paul:
Lovely relaxing break had in Gabriel's Place. Beautiful walks in Suffolk countryside returning to this perfectly comfortable cottage. Very well done John!

Friday, 11th of June, 2010, Jay:
Great cottage, friendly host, the whole stay was just what we needed.

Thursday, 10th of June, 2010, Bernard and Gail:
Nice little cottage, well equipped, clean and cosy. Lovely village, well situated for visitors to various places. Would recommend. Great for walking the dogs.

Friday, 28th of May, 2010, Lisa and Previn:
A beautiful cottage with lots of character in a stunning village location. Rolfis butcher and Wyken vineyard very highly recomended! The perfect relaxing 'babymoon' before our baby is born! Thank you!

Friday, 21st of May, 2010, Tim and Sandi:
Unpretentious hideaway with wonderful walks (the orchid walk is enchanting). The blue boar pub in the village is a little run down on the outside but is lovely inside and the welcome and food was excellent.

Sunday, 16th of May, 2010, Ralf:
We spent a perfect week in Gabriel's Place. This is a place you would like to stay if you need recreation, unspoilt nature and a cosy place to be in the evening.

Sunday, 9th of May, 2010, Matt and Paula:
A beautiful cottage in a fantastic location. We had a delightful weekend.

Thursday, 6th of May, 2010, Marianne and Oliver:
Lovely experience!

Friday, 9th of April, 2010, Paul and Jennie:
Lovely stay, cosy and peaceful. Having the internet is a nice touch and allowed us to plan our days depending on the weather.

Monday, 29th of March, 2010, Catherine:
A lovely cosy cottage in a very pretty little village. Perfect for a relaxing weekend in front of the fire. Also many thanks for rabbit casserole it was very tasty and we really enjoyed not having to cook that first night.

Monday, 22nd of March, 2010, Jan, George and Betty:
Our daughter and son in law had purchased the gift vouchers for us to choose. We have enjoyed our stay. Very warm and cosy. Lovely walks round the village. Kitchen area and bedrooms finished to a good standard. Very comfortable. Have all enjoyed our stay especially our border collie.

Monday, 1st of March, 2010, Frank and Margaret:
Having stayed at numerous cottages with other companies. This by far exceeds them all in provisions and welcome. John was extremely helpful and informative.

Friday, 19th of February, 2010, Amy and Mark:
Another amazing cottage in a beautiful setting. Our 3rd stay with Grove Cottages and just when you think it couldn't get any better - it does. Thank you once again.

Monday, 15th of February, 2010, Alison:
Lovely relaxing cottage. John a very hospitable host - nothing too much trouble. He also cooks a mean venison sausage casserole. Thank you John.

Friday, 12th of February, 2010, Steve and Michelle:
A great 5 days. Perfect retreat to get away from it all. Lovely cottage with everything we were looking for.

Monday, 25th of January, 2010, Alex:
We had a wonderful time: Gabriel's Place is warm, comfortable, cosy and we received a lovely welcome. We would definately come back.

Monday, 18th of January, 2010, Sarah and Dave:
Our second time at Gabriel's Place. We really love it here and we'll be back.

Monday, 11th of January, 2010, Jon and Issy:
We have had the most 'magical' time at Gabriels Cottage - the snow was just perfect, allowing us to snuggle up next to the fire. Everything we could have wanted.

Monday, 4th of January, 2010, Anne and Doug:
Very cosy cottage - perfect for a chilly New Year break.

Monday, 28th of December, 2009, Wendy and Eddie:
A lovely cosy cottage, a warm welcome and a beautiful area to explore - Thank you for a great week.

Monday, 21st of December, 2009, Debbie and Paul:
Very cosy and beautiful cottage. Wood burner was lovely, Location lovely (especially in the snow!)

Thursday, 10th of December, 2009, Pete and Jane:
We have never been disapointed, our 7th booking with Grove cottages !

Sunday, 6th of December, 2009, Lesley:
We had a marvellous time at Gabriel's Place, where not even the English autumn can detract from the pleasure of staying in a beautifully designed cosy home from home. John had thought of everything, which meant we wanted for nothing. I can think of no better way to greet the Christmas season then staying in Gabriel's Place.

Sunday, 29th of November, 2009, Fran:
Gabriel's Place combines romantic seclusion with homeliness. Every little detail is considered - from the amazing welcome pack, to candles and even a bottle of wine from our host John. It really has been a perfect weekend and we both hope to return here in the future. I would definately recommended it as a destination to friends and family.

Monday, 23rd of November, 2009, Esther:
All the little touches made for a wonderfully relaxing, hassle - free weekend. A beautiful cottage and the perfect host - I would heartily recommend !

Friday, 20th of November, 2009, Gary:
Stunning Cottage, very carefully prepared and presented. It was easy to have a great time here.

Monday, 2nd of November, 2009, Sue:
Gabriels's Place - a must place to stay, relaxing with great log fire !

Friday, 2nd of October, 2009, Lindsay and Jason:
A wonderful cosy cottage in lovely village, superb accomodation felt like home from home, ideally situated for many places of interest

Monday, 28th of September, 2009, Ian and Rosemary:
We found Gabriels Place the perfect place to relax and unwind and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Friday, 25th of September, 2009, Tim and Laura:
We have really enjoyed our stay here. Johns' welcome and the design and feel of the cottage made us relax straight away. Thank you.

Sunday, 20th of September, 2009, Mike and Jan:
The cottage has a wonderful restful quality and has been sensitively restored. A peaceful friendly village - a real haven.

Monday, 17th of August, 2009, Machiel, Nienke and Joachim:
Romantic? We're having twins! We had a really great time in England, and that was for the most due to your beautiful cottage. Our stay at Gabriel's place was really super. Our holiday at Gabriel's place was just great and we think you're a fine host. In future we'd like to spend our holiday again at Gabriel's place but we're afraid that will never be happening. Because when we returned home we discovered at the hospital that Nienke is pregnant of a TWIN. That was a very big suprise for us and we are really glad with it. But it also means we won't fit in your cottage anymore ;)

Monday, 3rd of August, 2009, Vee:
Good walks from the door, great local produce from the farmers market and local deli. Excellent cottage with good decor and kitchen equipment you can use! Very hospitable host. Thanks.

Friday, 17th of July, 2009, Wendy:
Delightful cottage, lovely welcome, nice little extras.

Thursday, 2nd of July, 2009, John and Mary:
A beautifully restored cottage. It was cool and comfortable during the heatwave we experienced. A pretty little patio with table and chairs was perfect for sitting and enjoying a drink.

Friday, 26th of June, 2009, Neville and lynn:
Some say perfection is unattainable, well, Gabriels Place is as it gets. John, the owner, is a lovely man and his welcome to his cottage was really valued and much appreciated.

Friday, 19th of June, 2009, Frank:
A beautifully refurbished cottage with excellent facilities and ideally located for visiting many attractive parts of Suffolk.

Saturday, 9th of May, 2009, Katy and Maureen:
A relaxing cosy getaway. Nestled in a quaint village in the Suffolk countryside. Lots to do and see within close proximity. A warm welcome and help when needed - Can't wait to come back.

Tuesday, 14th of April, 2009, Laura and Graham:
One of few plces that you are happy to stay snuggled up in, even when the sun is shining!

Sunday, 8th of March, 2009, Yuk-Lung, Antonia & Gabriel!:
Thank You for providing us with such a lovely place for our first family holiday - it has been really special and we are so glad we were drawn to Gabriel's Place! The lovely bath, cosy wood burner, thoughtful decor, the huge couch, Lavenham, Southwold, Thornham Woods, Rolfes Sausages! You thought of everything!

Friday, 13th of February, 2009, Leslie & Barbara:
We needed short notice bolthole, what we fond was above our expectations - cosy, welcoming, home from home. If only all 'boltholes' were as good!

Sunday, 8th of February, 2009, Mick & Fran:
What a great little cottage - just the thing to get away from it all for a couple of days - even the mobile phones 'didn't work' - great!! Despite freezing weather - snow and ice outside - th remained warm and cosy inside - just stoke-up the log burner!

Monday, 2nd of February, 2009, Simon & Joe:
Thanks John for such a lovely cottage...and for making it snow! In front of the fire was the perfect way to while away the hours as the white stuff fell outside. Thank you for everything, the stay was fantastic.

Monday, 19th of January, 2009, Neil and Jonathon:
Millie made booking a breeze - friendly, prompt and professional. Gabriel's Place is a perfect bolthole - a little piece of boutique hotel style in the heart of rural Suffolk.

Monday, 5th of January, 2009, Gina & Harriet:
What a fantastic way too see in the New Year - in a relaxing, well stocked, beautiful cottage. The log fire was heavenly, as was the super sized bath. Loved the huge sofa and great attention to details all through the cottage - candles, supplies, etc. Many Thanks for letting your gorgeous cottage to visitors - we have had a wonderful time and will no doubt return in the future!

Friday, 7th of November, 2008, Jo:
The staff at Grove Cottages were extremely helpful. The cottage is beautiful, sympathetically restored and very cosy.

Monday, 20th of October, 2008, Hedley & Jane:
The cottage has been beautifully designed and contains everything you need for a quiet and relaxing weekend away.

Monday, 13th of October, 2008, Maxine:
Lovely bedroom & bathroom; ideal romantic get away! Great dog walking area

Friday, 26th of September, 2008, Richard & Erica:
We’ve had a lovely time here. Very restful time and the cottage was homely, warm and cosy. The fire was fab!

Friday, 19th of September, 2008, Janet & Peter:
Suffolk is a wonderful area and Walsham le Willows is very friendly. Our accommodation was beautifully clean, with lovely towels and bed! Everything you could need was provided for you.

Sunday, 31st of August, 2008, Ann & Paul:
Everything was truly wonderful; we are very sorry to leave your lovely cottage and this lovely village. We particularly liked the staircase !! Nothing to change; keep up the good work !

Friday, 15th of August, 2008, Peter, Nicky & family:
We’re just back from a great few days in Walsham le Willows at Gabriel’s Place. Lovely cottage, c**p weather (log burner fired up for 4/4 nights...in August!) John was great as was the cottage. The absence of ‘chintz’ was especially pleasing! As was the attention to detail in the cottage. The kids refused to go to bed early! You have a great product in a lovely part of the UK and you deserve to do well. Have arrived home determined to make these short breaks a regular treat. Great newsletter, as always. Shall spread the word !

Monday, 11th of August, 2008, Paul:
John’s warm welcome and kindness were so very much appreciated. His gorgeous cottage is so tastefully and sympathetically refurbished. This is THE perfect place to come and get away from the rat race ! Another Grove Success. Well Done Mark & Team.

Friday, 8th of August, 2008, Janice:
A lovely old cottage sympathetically renovated with all the modern conveniences. A real home from home with a super log fire to warm the cockles! A very warm welcome from John and a very welcome ‘welcome pack’ of provisions. Thank you !

Monday, 30th of June, 2008, Helen:
The cottage is lovely. Relaxing with everything you could want for a romantic break.

Monday, 30th of June, 2008, Hazel & Mick:
One of the very best cottages we've stayed in over many years of cottage holidays.

Monday, 30th of June, 2008, Tej & Family:
The cottage was even prettier than we'd thought from the pictures and contained everything we needed and more.

Tuesday, 24th of June, 2008, Nigel & Joan:
We have been meaning to come to Suffolk for ages and have loved it here! John went out of his way for us. Gabriel's Place is an architectural triumph, we very much enjoyed our stay. The cottage has an excellent cosy feel. I feel sure we'll be back!

Tuesday, 17th of June, 2008, Mr & Mrs Russell:
We loved the cottage very much. John was very friendly and helpful. It was nice to have the fire ready and some music on when we arrived. We will come back!!

Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008, Andrew:
Beautiful cottage in a lovely area of Suffolk. Picturesque surroundings and abundant opportunities for sight-seeing. We were looking for a relaxing break and we found just that. Really enjoyed it!

Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008, Greg & Sheryl:
A beautiful, relaxing cottage in a great location with lots to do and EXCELLENT books. Light the fire, pour a drink & enjoy