10% Off Any July Booking in Gun Cottage.

These Reduced Prices Can Be Booked Online Today ! This Offer Closes Soon.

^{Star Rating}

Details Sleeps: 2/3 Adults or 2 Adults & 2 Children Changeover: Monday, Friday & Sunday Rooms: 1 double, 1 bunk bed room Length of stays: 2,3,4,5 or 7 nights Price: from £223 to £328 for 2 nights break Children allowed: Upto 2 Babies allowed: One, sleeping in travel cot Dogs Welcome: 3 Medium, Dog charges apply

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Checklist

	Open Christmas / New Year		Central heating		Television		Telephone
	Garden-unfenced		Barbeque		DVD player		Cooker and hob
	Off road parking		1 bathroom		CD player		Washing facilities
	Secure storage for bikes		Shower only		Bed linen provided		Clothes drying facilities
	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
	Open fire		Iron and Board		Internet Access

Gun Cottage is a lovely place to relax into, and if you have a small child or two it won't cost you more than most of our cottages for a couple only. Plus the children can help me collect the bantam eggs in the morning.
We now have a very large private car park and a dog exercise area covering over an acre so the cottages can enjoy even more peace and quiet and dog owners don’t have to walk bleary eyed down the country lanes first thing in the morning.

Gun Cottage is one of the six cottages that make up the Old Grove Farm which dates back to the 1720s.

Downstairs:

• Lovely sunny room with three windows on two sides and a beautiful open log fire with an antique pine ‘surround’ reaching to the ceiling, winding staircase behind a cupboard door leads up to two bedrooms and a bathroom.
• Handmade kitchen from reclaimed oak and tile, with original cupboards, Belfast sink, gas hobs and a modern electric oven / grill and air extractor.
• Original pine farmhouse kitchen table with charming old lace tablecloth.
• Cosy sofa, easy chair and antique Kelim rug in front of fireplace.
• TV & DVD player, CD / radio / cassette sound system, selection of CDs and tapes as well as books and games all hidden in a cupboard.
• Handmade terracotta tiled floor.

 

Upstairs:

• Main bedroom with pretty iron double bed, which we rescued from under the vegetable patch and which turned out to be nearly as old as the cottage. Restored to its former glory it looks right at home in the main bedroom. This bedroom is light and airy and is easily large enough to include a child’s cot.
• Small second bedroom with full single sized bunk beds.
• Newly made bathroom with a spacious shower.
• Ancient broad-cut Elm wood floor.

 

General Features:

• The cottage is completely self contained and centrally heated; it has its own front garden and overlooks the sunny orchard, ideal for lounging around and BBQ’ing
• The interiors are decorated in their original fashion, with white walls and black wooden floors; this gives a very 'pure' and rural feeling to the cottage, reminiscent of the American Shaker style.
• We provide quality mattresses, duvets, linen and towels. Highchair, baby-cot, TV and TV Video player. Music tapes, CD's and some children's videotapes are available on request.
• Well-behaved pets are always welcome.
• One big basket of firewood and logs free and firelighters.
• BBQ’s and picnic tables
• Bikes are free for guest’s use.
• Gun Cottage includes everything you would expect from its 4-star English Tourist Council rating.

In addition we provide a complimentary full English Breakfast Pack to make you feel more welcome: fresh roast & ground coffee, instant coffee, tea, milk, sugar, organic eggs, bacon, butter, Lavenham bread, tomatoes plus olive oil & vinegar, pepper & salt & fresh herbs from the garden.

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.

All prices include vat, towels, soap, linen, heating, a 'Proper English Breakfast' welcome pack, a bucket of coal, basket of logs and packet of firelighters.

Please use the Availability Calendar to contact me with any further questions or booking enquiries.

All cottages are complete little homes and facilities include modern central heating, TV DVD/Video players, CD players and CDs, DVDs tapes, books, games and a fully equipped kitchen including gas cooking and microwaves. Cots and high chairs are available on request.

               
Photo taken in Snow Cottage

We can now offer you the hedonistic enjoyment of a really            If you are in luck then there will be a stock of honey for sale 
 lovely massage in this cottage, please click this link for               from my own bees and we always try to give guests our 
more information.  Click for Massage info                                         own lovely Bantams eggs for their breakfast baskets.

            
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
 

About Suffolk

In Charles Dickens's days, boys living in Scotland and here in East Anglia would be allowed to leave boarding school a day early because it took so long to get back home to those places.

Even though we are just 60 miles from London, this area was always very inaccessible and remained so until very recent times.

Now the local mainline train journey to London is a mere 45 minutes and a car journey takes about an hour and a half.

But still Suffolk has retained an unusually strong independent rural atmosphere and one of the great joys of the area are the beautiful little hamlets that even locals get lost getting to though the meandering 'spiders web' of tiny lanes and byroads. Many of these villages are wonderfully preserved in their medieval origins, our local village of Lavenham being a fantastic example.

The area is very rich in History from the Saxon treasure of Sutton Hoo and the rebel Queen Boadicea who defeated the Romans, right up to the many expeditions of Settlers leaving for America - in fact the First Governor of Massachusetts came from this tiny hamlet of Edwardstone when I am based at The Old Grove Farm.

The landscape and the Architectural beauty of the area has long inspired Artists to work and move here. The greatest English landscape painter John Constable painted all his famous masterpieces along the Stour which is just 5 miles from The Grove Cottages. His work undoubtedly created this landscape as the quintessential English Landscape, which is one reason why visitors to the area feel so at home.

Flatford Mill where many of Constables most well known works of art such as 'The Haywain' were painted is now a National Trust area devoted to this artist and preserving his memory and the area he made so famous.

The Great Portrait painter Thomas Gainsborough lived in Sudbury which is the closest town to us and it is a real pleasure to visit his home which is now a very interesting museum and exciting showplace for local artists and events, it also has a wonderful print making workshop where courses on all kinds of printmaking are constantly held and very much sought after.

The great artist Sir Alfred Munnings, famous for his portraits of Rural Suffolk Life lived and had his studio close to the river Stour at Dedham and these are now an interesting museum devoted to him and his works of art.

For more information, please visit: my  'What to Do' Web Pages where I have an extensive insiders guide to South Suffolk

Above are a few photos I took around the area of Lavenham, Long Melford and Polsted - The seaside is at Aldeburgh which is a totally unspoilt seaside village, famous for its Arts events and good food - it is about 50 minutes from Lavenham.


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, 30th of July, 2010, Jane Archer:
Just fantastic brilliant welcome, excellent personal touches. Glorious area for walks - completely stunning - thanks.

Monday, 12th of July, 2010, Malcolm and Gill:
How can time pass so quickly in a place where time has stood still!

Monday, 12th of July, 2010, Julie:
Loved it here. Standard fab and lovely welcome from everyone. Booked the next stay already!

Sunday, 13th of June, 2010, John:
I stumbled across Grove Cottages website whilst searching for a cottage in rural Suffolk. What a fantastic surprise - Gun Cottage is the most cosy and romatic cottage that you could wish for. We had a blissful weekend and hope to return. We were most appreciative that you allowed dogs into your beautiful cottage.

Friday, 28th of May, 2010, David and Kori:
Well done on creating such a characterful and comfortable, practical and pleasant place. We're already scheming on ways and times to try to come back!

Wednesday, 26th of May, 2010, Alex and Rebekah:
Excellent! Such a lovely stay. Really true that the little things make such a difference...welcome basket on arrival with local produce was a fab touch! Thank you!

Monday, 24th of May, 2010, Frank and Jane:
We had a fabulous 4 days in Gun Cottage. It's quaint and quiet just what the doctor ordered. Many thanks.

Sunday, 9th of May, 2010, Mario and Valerie:
Beautiful cottage and setting, welcoming reception and hamper a wonderful touch. Guides and maps very useful. Also nice to have access to internet, music etc. Our stay gave us everything we hoped for - time together in a beautiful cottage to recharge our batteries!! We leave feeling happy and relaxed. Thank you!!

Friday, 23rd of April, 2010, Scott:
A lovely retreat in beautiful surroundings.

Friday, 16th of April, 2010, Mary, Chris, Emily and Imogen:
Rolling fields, spring sunshine, ducks, chickens, flowers, trees, birds singing, friendly people, excellent walks to excellent pubs...the list could go on. Gun Cottage is a wonderful, cosy retreat and Mark and his family are brilliant and helpful hosts. Do not want to go home and will definately be back !!

Friday, 9th of April, 2010, Tracie, Barrie and Rosemarie:
Had a wonderful relaxing few days, fantastic walks as recommended by Mark and pubs too. The cottage was very cosy and a real chill out. The only thing that could make it better was if I could stay even longer.

Monday, 5th of April, 2010, Nicola and Graham:
Brilliant weekend - would love to move here !! Sad to be going!!

Sunday, 28th of March, 2010, Gill :
It's so exhausting at 'The Grove' feeding ducks, watching the superb Suffolk sunsets, glorious walks and sitting next to a log fire finding new treasures to seek out from Marks guide - seven years of visits - never grow tired of it!

Saturday, 6th of March, 2010, Colin:
Lovely calm atmosphere surrounding all cottages and although very cold the cottage was very cosy. Woke up to the sound of quacking ducks.

Friday, 5th of March, 2010, Emma and Richard:
A beautiful spot in a wonderful location - a real spirit of welcome and generously makes Grove Cottages a special place to stay. Thanks !

Monday, 15th of February, 2010, Tasha and Alex:
Fantastic cottage: having to choose between curling up in front of log fire and going out to numerous gorgeous local attractions only difficulty!

Friday, 22nd of January, 2010, Hannah and Daniel:
Highlights had to be reading in front of fire and the complete quietness which I miss living in London. We had a brilliant, relaxing weekend - we'll msot definately be back !!

Monday, 18th of January, 2010, Patricia:
All you expect, and more for a weekend in a country cottage. Excellent stay !

Friday, 8th of January, 2010, Thomas and Fe:
Despite the extreme weather, we had a lovely weekend, 'doing nothing'. Gun cottage is stuffed full of character. Highly recommended.

Monday, 4th of January, 2010, Jack and jess:
Really cosy week with stunning walks, great local food and friendly cat on hand to visit.

Saturday, 7th of November, 2009, Judith:
Wonderful. Our second visit to The Grove, a different cottage this time as we brought our daughter (Gun Cottage) and our stay was every bit as pleasant as our stay at The Bakery. A few days in the calm of Suffolk and the gentle pace of life in the cottages and we feel refreshed and renewed. Thank you all at The Grove Cottages. We will be back.

Friday, 6th of November, 2009, Liz:
I can't tell you how much this 'Me' time has meant. On my first night here I stepped out of Gun Cottage and stood looking up at the stars - Chicken Soup for the soul. I don't remember the last time I woke up, decided what I'd like to do and just went and did it! It's been a relaxing, battery charging; ignoring the clock, fun time and I can't thank you enough for your kindness.

Monday, 19th of October, 2009, Melissa:
Peaceful, idyllic cottage - Just what we needed before baby arrives in December. We will be back with babe in arms in early Spring. Thank you !

Thursday, 8th of October, 2009, Margaret:
Wonderfully snug, well appointed, logfire-lit Gun Cottage perfectly placed in tranquilSuffolk countryside. A little slice of heaven for a few days in October.

Sunday, 27th of September, 2009, Anna and Mark:
The cottage was a relaxed, peaceful haven surrounded by nature. It is the perfect location to revive and restore both mind and body.

Sunday, 30th of August, 2009, Sarah:
Was a gorgeous cottage in a great location. Had a lovely week exploring Suffolk. All the great attention to detail and the garden gave us a sense of getting away from the daily hussle and bussle.

Sunday, 16th of August, 2009, Charlotte, Martin and Amanda:
We have had a lovely peaceful weekend here at Gun cottage. A delightful stay in a very well thought out and hospitable set up. Thank you. We hope to return again.

Monday, 27th of July, 2009, Maureen:
Great central location to discover the pleaseures of Suffolk - The best place to take your dog we have had the pleaseure of staying in.

Friday, 24th of July, 2009, Jim and Carmen:
A real find! You don't get a more authentic, rustic, rural cottage that this. We've loved every minute and felt ourselves relaxing as soon as we walked through the door. Thank you.

Friday, 17th of July, 2009, Esther:
The kids loved feeding the chickens, the team was very helpfull! Nice tips about things to do!

Friday, 10th of July, 2009, Jacqueline and David:
Excellent 'Handy Hints' introduction to the area given on our arrival. Situated in a superb rural setting. Peace and quiet Does exist!

Friday, 5th of June, 2009, Nancy:
Thank you for the opportunity to live out the fantasy of living in a quaint English Country Cottage!

Friday, 8th of May, 2009, rebecca:
We couldn't have wished for a more idyllic setting: bluebells in the garden and ducklings at our door!

Sunday, 22nd of February, 2009, Jonathan & Jody:
Everything at this cottage has been what we expected and more. The perfect place for a Romantic Get away - including the perfect proposal! :)

Monday, 16th of February, 2009, Ed & Charlotte:
Everything from start to finish was exceptional. The info provided and small details such as candles, welcome basket, flowers, good towels and linen made for a fantastic stay... not forgetting the friendliest cat I have ever known - and that comes from two dog lovers!

Friday, 13th of February, 2009, Adam:
Gun Cottage far outweighed our expectations. It was the dream short break in every respect. This to us was how self-catering should be done. The accommodation was better than advertised. Please speak to our employer to give us more days off to visit you on a regular basis!

Friday, 30th of January, 2009, Ed & Lisa:
We loved Gun Cottage; my favourite thing was the master bedroom; it had a wonderful atmosphere, relaxing, calming and restful. It reminds me of staying at the grans when I was little, what more could I ask! The welcome basket, welcome from Millie, Maxi the cats friendliness were fantastic!

Sunday, 25th of January, 2009, Nina & Tony:
Peace, comfort, cosiness and proper uninterrupted time together - perfect...

Monday, 29th of December, 2008, Deborah & Beverlee:
Again...we had the most relaxing, chilled out holiday..away from it all...in beautiful surroundings and the most charming, cosy cottage. See you in the New Year. Best Wishes, Debbie & Beverlee

Friday, 19th of December, 2008, Krishna, Dhaval & Bhavi:
We had a wonderful short break away from all the hustle & bustle of London life. Peaceful surroundings and a cosy cottage. Thank you for your hospitality and we look forward to retuning in the near future.

Friday, 12th of December, 2008, Andy, Tracy & Eleanor:
Relaxing, peaceful, away from everyday life. When we arrived after 7pm; lights all on in the cottage, central heating on - so lovely & warm and relaxing music on. Very welcoming! Fabulous open fire, so cosy. Welcome basket etc, great; all you could wish for. We do not want to go - See you again very soon!

Monday, 1st of December, 2008, Karen & Ian:
Sometimes you wonder if a place will be as good as it looks on the Internet - this place really is! Wonderful place to unwind before Christmas - thanks.

Friday, 14th of November, 2008, Shyama & Raj:
Gun Cottage is a completely self contained sanctuary. We had the most peaceful and cosy long weekend here. The open fire is beautiful and the are an abundance of things to do in and around the area. WE only wish we had more time, we will definitely be returning soon!

Sunday, 9th of November, 2008, Patricia:
Gun Cottage is the most wonderful retreat for one, romantic bolt-hole for two or family rest for four!

Thursday, 30th of October, 2008, Angela & Family:
A magical place to stay - have managed to unwind totally from busy hectic lives. Gorgeous cottage, lovingly restored with all home comforts and log fire for cosy evenings. Reluctant to leave....

Sunday, 19th of October, 2008, Claire:
Gun Cottage is a lovely rustic yet comfortable cottage in a tranquil setting. Our 4 year old son was warmly welcomed and was able to feed the chickens - the highlight of his stay!

Monday, 13th of October, 2008, Simeon:
Superb Cottage, beautiful location

Friday, 3rd of October, 2008, Mithran & Dinny:
Gun Cottage is so cosy – we were thoroughly charmed!

Monday, 11th of August, 2008, Jay & Jason:
Home from home. Lovely decor and comforts. Welcome Basket great find & very tasty ! Great for the dog, very stress free for us. Kids were enchanted and we had a very nice time indeed. Thank you !

Friday, 18th of July, 2008, Louise & Peter:
One of the best dog friendly cottages we have stayed in. Excellent welcome pack of groceries. The OS map with everything marked-out really helped us for great walks and places to eat. The location of the cottage is brilliant. Does what it says on the tin!! Thanks.

Friday, 11th of July, 2008, Yvonne & Yahya:
We came to stay at Gun Cottage straight from a 17 hour flight with 2 children and no car. The welcome was great, the cottage delightful and we’ve had some excellent cycle rides. A wonderful way to recover from jet lag & enjoy the best of the English countryside.

Friday, 27th of June, 2008, Kate & Charlie:
**7 Excellents!  Cleanliness, welcome, comfort, welcome basket, local info, cosy feel & expectations fulfilled**

Friday, 20th of June, 2008, Peter & Joy:
Holiday venues dont always live up to their own hype but this one does. We had a great week in Gun Cottage!

Sunday, 8th of June, 2008, Kathryn & Joel:
Great Cottage, well-equipped. Lots to do in the local area come rain or shine. Dog (and toddler) well-catered for. Great to have bikes to use (especially with child seat) as the landscape is so kind on the legs! We hope to be back and will try not to bring a weather front with us next time!

Friday, 6th of June, 2008, Maria:
Lovely, cosy cottage, all comfort and no kitsch. Woke in the morning to the sound of mallard family on the lawn. Wonderful.

Friday, 6th of June, 2008, Daniel & Juliana:
Gun Cottage will remain in our hearts till the end of our days! Our expectations were high, but the cottage has exceeded them!

Friday, 6th of June, 2008, James & Clara:
Wonderful Holiday  just one problem  not enough time! Our 2 year old daughter loved feeding the chickens, bantams and ducks every morning with Mark.

Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008, Mark, Alison, Isaac & Ursula:
We loved the flowers everywhere. The staircase hidden behind a door. The ducks and the conker tree. We felt completely at home, sorry to go so soon !! will try to come back soon. A thoroughly welcoming place. Well Done.

Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008, Shaun & Megan:
So glad we found this beautiful place! Our cottage was delightful, oozing with style and set in picturesque countryside. So much to see and do  our eight and ten year old children didnt even miss the Playstation!!  thank you so much, we will be back soon!!

Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008, Karen & John:
A lovely temple to tranquillity  effortlessly done  thank you!

Sunday, 18th of May, 2008, Maria:
Lovely, cosy cottage, all comfort and no kitsch. Woke in the morning to the sound of mallard family on the lawn. Wonderful.

Sunday, 30th of March, 2008, Stephen:
What a lovely way to de-stress before the madness of Xmas. I would recommend it to everyone. We have had a very chilled weekend in readiness for the 25th December.

Monday, 14th of January, 2008, Sally & Terry:
A cosy rural retreat which exceeded all our expectations.... and the dogs loved it as well !

Thursday, 31st of May, 2007, Nick:
The Cottages really are timeless – the perfect antidote to working in London. Throw away your car keys ‘once here’ and get around on one of Mark’s bikes.

Saturday, 17th of February, 2007, Sebastian & Elise:
We’ve had a fantastic and relaxing week – we’re so glad we chose The Grove and hope to be back soon.

Friday, 5th of January, 2007, Simon:
The Grove is such a fantastic place, and the setting of the cottages is truly marvellous. We’ve not been able to stop going on about the place to friends and family, since our return, and I wouldn’t be surprised if The Grove, captures the hearts of a few of our friends!

Sunday, 26th of November, 2006, Matthew & Juliet:
A sublime weekend. Thank you so much, the cottages are truly beautiful.

Thursday, 8th of September, 2005, Phil & Sharon:
Have had a fantastic time – Gun Cottage is so cosy, comfortable and quiet, and it’s nice to hear the ducks splashing in the pond – much nicer than the alarm clock!

Friday, 1st of July, 2005, Gill & Malcolm:
The Grove is a phenomenon, where time slows down and you can relax and enjoy life, BUT the holiday passes so quickly. We will be back!!!

Monday, 25th of April, 2005, Ross & Sarah:
A beautiful relaxing hideaway – this place needs to be kept a secret!!

Sunday, 17th of April, 2005, Neil:
Gun Cottage – should be “Fun Cottage”. We have had so much fun, fantastic location, great walks and total peace, just too short.

Friday, 7th of January, 2005, Tim & Kath:
10/10 again and again!

Monday, 8th of November, 2004, Jo:
You’ve got it right – a warm welcome, a comfy and well equipped cottage and complete privacy. Thanks!!

Thursday, 12th of August, 2004, Jim & Donna:
What a great cottage, bags of character, fantastic location and can’t wait to come back!!

Monday, 28th of June, 2004, Gill:
Better than spending time in a health farm! The tranquillity is priceless.

Monday, 22nd of March, 2004, Karen:
Blissfully peaceful, a slice of a quieter era, where the pace of life is as slow as you want it!

Thursday, 18th of March, 2004, Neil:
We have had an absolutely fabulous holiday. The area has so much to offer and to have somewhere to also bring our dogs, has been just fantastic. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Grove Cottages to anyone else who would like a quiet or fun packed holiday.

Monday, 17th of November, 2003, David, Pippa & Lydia:
Thank you for a lovely relaxing long weekend, which started with our little girl picking apples from the garden! Didn’t realise places like this existed. Lovely country roads with hardly any traffic and beautiful villages to admire. See you next year!

Friday, 24th of October, 2003, David & Valerie:
Very welcoming, with lovely touches seldom found, such as ‘welcome’ pack of food and fresh flowers. Lovely to see paintings, making homely atmosphere. Beautiful scenery and so peaceful and relaxing.

Tuesday, 12th of August, 2003, Jackie:
Mark - Just thought I’d drop you a note to say how much I enjoyed staying at Grove Cottages. Snoozing under an apple tree while my kids laze around and amuse themselves is truly my idea of heaven. (Note to self : MUST bring cider next time). Thank you for a fab week - sadly I am back in the London smog, quaffing cocktails in Charlotte St and wearing my Prada ...See you again soon, I hope (and for a long weekend without offspring too!)

Friday, 2nd of May, 2003, Shaun & Megan:
So glad we found this beautiful place! Our cottage was delightful, oozing with style and set in picturesque countryside. So much to see and do – our eight and ten year old children didn’t even miss Playstation!! – thank you so much, we will be back soon!!

Friday, 28th of March, 2003, Simon, Sarah & Oscar:
Positively charming – just the right mix of old and new

Sunday, 6th of October, 2002, Margaret:
Delightful, warm welcoming place. Totally private. Personal plus point - I can bring my dog!

Thursday, 28th of February, 2002, Mark, Alison, Isaac & Ursula :
We loved the flowers everywhere. The staircase hidden behind a door. The ducks and the conker tree. We felt completely at home, sorry to go so soon !! will try to come back soon. A thoroughly welcoming place. Well Done.