^{Star Rating}

Details Sleeps: 6 Changeover: Monday, Friday & Sunday Rooms: 1 double, 1 treble. 1 single bed on landing Length of stays: 2,3,4,5 or 7 nights Price: from £271 to £377 for 2 nights break Children allowed: 2 Babies allowed: One, sleeping in travel cot Dogs Welcome: 2 large, 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		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

Orchard Cottage was created out of the old hay and pigeon lofts that made up part of the long Eastern wall of the old enclosed farm quadrangles first built in the 1720’s. It is our biggest cottage and sleeps 5 people very comfortably and a sixth in an emergency.

It features a stunning Inglenook fireplace, above which hangs the old poacher's gun we found hidden away in the barn. 

There are 2 lovely bedrooms with high beamed ceilings and lovely peaceful views over the Orchard and onto the countryside.

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

Downstairs

• The large room with its Inglenook fireplace has a spacious dining alcove that seats 7 and an attractive farmhouse kitchen area, hand-made from reclaimed oak and tile with original cupboards.
• Cosy period pink velvet sofa, two easy chairs and an antique Kelim provide perfect relaxation in front of the fire.
• The floor is original medieval brick. The walls are old soft red brick and exposed beams or limewashed with distressed blue / green pigments.
• Beautiful large antique pine dining table with handcrafted built-in oak benches.
• In the kitchen you’ll find a Belfast sink, new refrigerator and microwave, a completely renovated classic 'New World 33' gas hob and oven from the 1950’s which works as well as it looks beautiful.
• TV & DVD player, CD / radio / cassette sound system, selection of CDs and tapes as well as books and games.

Upstairs

• The floor upstairs is highly polished old wood with Kelim rugs, the two bedrooms have high vaulted wooden ceilings showing all the original beams. The bedrooms are really large with a double brass bed in each and an additional full sized single brass bed in the second bedroom. Old pigeon loft entrances were turned into tiny windows, which catch the full impact of the sun in their coloured glass.
• On the bright landing there is a divan, which can be made up into an extra bed in emergencies.
• The bathroom is newly made with a big spacious shower and a lovely old sink.

 

General Features:

• The cottage is completely self contained and centrally heated; it overlooks the sunny orchard garden, ideal for lounging around and BBQ’ing
• 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 table are provided.
• Bikes are provided for guest’s.
• Orchard 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.

This is a very cosy cottage where you can loose yourself not just in the tiny pretty lanes around but just by relaxing in the sofa and enjoying the massive log fire.
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.

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.

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 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

Here 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, 16th of July, 2010, Anne and David:
This is our 4th visit, just as good as ever, have recommended you to friends.

Monday, 14th of June, 2010, Ian and Sally, Clive and Gill:
Although we lived very near here some 25 years ago, we had forgotten just how picturesque it is round here.

Friday, 4th of June, 2010, Steve:
We have really enjoyed our few days here. It has been so tranquil - a step back in time - reminds me of my childhood holidays in the country - perfect!

Friday, 21st of May, 2010, Jacqueline and Billy:
The weather, the area and the cottage all made for a wonderful honeymoon.

Friday, 30th of April, 2010, Naomi and Alastair:
This cottage seems to have the perfect balance of coziness and function. Our welcome by Millie was lovely. Thank you for the welcome basket. The breakfast that we cooked from it was really good. I felt at home immediately!

Monday, 12th of April, 2010, Rachel:
Attention to detail made it a really special stay.

Monday, 12th of April, 2010, Sekekij and Maeyek:
We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in this gorgeous cottage, amongst the real authentic English countryside.

Friday, 12th of March, 2010, Anne:
So peaceful and relaxing, max moved in and kept us company!

Sunday, 7th of March, 2010, David and Leanne:
Delightful, peaceful and romantic.

Sunday, 21st of February, 2010, Lee:
Really didn't want to go home. We will definately be back.

Sunday, 7th of February, 2010, Nigel:
What we particularly enjoyed was all the little extras and attention to detail; Tea light candles, food basket, farm apples, map of walks and bike rides, tea, coffee and all the other little things.

Monday, 25th of January, 2010, Craig and Nicky:
An ideal rural weekend bolthole in beautiful Suffolk countryside. Excellent local microbrewery, lots of top-knotch restaurants and gastro pubs. Cottage had a fantastic rustic feel, you can't beat a roaring fire and a dram of Whisky on the weekend !

Sunday, 10th of January, 2010, John and Jackie:
Wonderful, thank you ! We will be back.

Thursday, 7th of January, 2010, Charlotte:
Enjoyable and peaceful stay. Very picturesque.

Friday, 18th of December, 2009, Michael:
Orchard Cottage exceeded all expectations. A fabulous early Christmas and thank you for the snow !! Wonderful weekend.

Friday, 27th of November, 2009, Lisa:
Sympathetically and creatively decorated, we found the cottage a comfortable and snug retreat on a wonderfully blustery November weekend.

Friday, 13th of November, 2009, Catherine:
Everything about 'Orchard' was perfect for relaxing with friends and enjoying the fireside, food and drink. We all agreed that it was perfect in every way, even the cockeral did not crow too loudly too early. A lovely lovely place !

Monday, 9th of November, 2009, Sarah:
Orchard Cottage is lovely and cosy. Maxi the cat was a fantastic extra guest for our stay! Elin, Naomi, Sarah and Susan

Sunday, 1st of November, 2009, Kackie and Shaun:
A completely relaxing and tranquil break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was like getting to know each other all over again.

Sunday, 11th of October, 2009, Sarah:
It's all been perfect - thank you. We'll definately be back.

Sunday, 4th of October, 2009, Steve:
Thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail of the cottage, especially the retro oven and chandelier. Very cosy and the fireplace was a delight.

Friday, 2nd of October, 2009, Paul:
If you are looking for 'Classic Olde Worlde' farm cottage break, this is it !

Thursday, 17th of September, 2009, John and Diane:
This has been a great escape for us and I know all about escaping!! John Leyton "Willie the tunnel king"

Monday, 14th of September, 2009, Sarah and Ben:
A beautifully decorated cottage in a tranquil place. We didn't feel the need to go far, especially once Maxi the cat adopted us. We feel fully relaxed and refreshed. Thank you!

Sunday, 6th of September, 2009, Kirk:
A lovely cottage in a lovely area. Tranquil and well thought out in every respect. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would gladly return.

Thursday, 13th of August, 2009, Ruth:
As a family of four we have loved staying in Orchard cottage. There is a wonderful atmosphere and everything is so well thought out to enable you to have a comfortable and peaceful stay.

Friday, 7th of August, 2009, Jim:
For me, this has been a perfect stay. Perfect cottage, perfect company and perfect weather. I love Grove and Suffolk.

Friday, 7th of August, 2009, Jim:
For me, this has been a perfect stay. Perfect cottage, perfect company and perfect weather. I love Grove and Suffolk.

Sunday, 26th of July, 2009, Martin and Liz:
Cosy country cottage with ducks and chickens (and friendly cat) Near picturesque villages with good pubs. Made to feel very welcome.

Sunday, 19th of July, 2009, Michael:
Fantastic week in a fantastic cottage where children and dogs are welcomed equally, space to relax and chill.

Wednesday, 20th of May, 2009, Samantha:
Beautiful cottage. Perfect for a tranquil and relaxing honeymoon, thank you.

Sunday, 10th of May, 2009, Edward and Ali:
Our first time in Suffolk and we will definately be back. So many lovely walks to go on with our dog who has collapsed into her bed every night exhausted!! We loved Orchard cottage and the very thoughtful welcome basket - a perfect getaway - we don't want to go home!!

Tuesday, 14th of April, 2009, Debbie:
It was even better than i could have imagined. Cosy but had a retro style to it. Made us fall in love with Suffolk!

Friday, 6th of March, 2009, Sumera & Marcus:
Be warned...you won't want to go home!!

Sunday, 1st of March, 2009, Susie, Kate & friends:
What a fabulous girly weekend in front of the fire. Breakfast in the garden in February was a bonus!!

Friday, 27th of February, 2009, Nina & Jeff:
Fabulous, quirky accommodation!

Monday, 29th of December, 2008, The Clayton Family:
'A Tranquil Relaxed Stay'

Friday, 12th of December, 2008, Liz & Dave:
A unique place to stay with walks, countryside pubs, pretty villages & towns nearby, and the cosiest of cottages to return to.

Sunday, 30th of November, 2008, Amelia:
A fairytale country escape. A roaring log fire, comfy beds, bicycles & good food in utter serenity. What more could you want?!

Friday, 28th of November, 2008, Duncan:
We've had a wonderful break and feel very relaxed. We are already looking for an excuse to return!

Friday, 21st of November, 2008, Lize & Francois:
Beautiful cottage in peaceful surroundings. Exactly as it should be, we had a fabulous time. Thank You.

Friday, 21st of November, 2008, Martin:
Orchard Cottage was EXACTLY what we wanted. We will definitely be back as soon as we can!

Monday, 10th of November, 2008, Sandy & Andrew:
This is our 8th stay at The Grove - Bakery & Orchard - feels like coming home! Couldn't be happier - carry on with the great job!

Sunday, 2nd of November, 2008, Maria & Don:
Jack and May's farm is magical; with deer that come up to you as if in a medieval tapestry. We love it here and will be back!!

Sunday, 12th of October, 2008, Meriel & Robin:
Superb accommodation - didn't miss the Internet! Very good on the little things that matter in self-catering like loo-rolls, washing up liquid - even a pair of marigolds!!

Friday, 3rd of October, 2008, Sharon:
Beautiful location. Warm Welcome. Comfortable accommodation – the bedrooms & shower were excellent!

Friday, 26th of September, 2008, Gillian:
We had a brilliant week here – we’re sad to leave and can’t wait to come back! Enjoyed the company of Maxi the cat!

Friday, 5th of September, 2008, Deb & Tobias:
Stay with complete confidence, place was immaculately clean and had everything you could possibly need for a cosy, comfortable, romantic, relaxing time.

Friday, 15th of August, 2008, Geoff & family:
Very relaxing atmosphere with very welcoming hosts – within 15 minutes of arriving, my daughter was out collecting eggs from the chickens in the private garden. Thank you !

Thursday, 7th of August, 2008, Jim:
Tranquil & relaxing rural retreat with easy access to interesting & varied heritage attractions.

Monday, 14th of July, 2008, Michelle, David & Family:
A stunning place and a beautiful cottage with the friendliest people we have ever met. Perfect!

Friday, 6th of June, 2008, Michael & Karen:
Wonderful stay, just as described on website couldnt ask for more, lovely clean cosy cottage, had the feel of stepping back in time which was what I was looking for. (Does exactly what it says on the tin!) Already looking forward to coming back! You have done a fantastic job!

Friday, 6th of June, 2008, Claire & Patrick:
If you want to get away from it all, but in perfect comfort, this is the place to come

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Peter:
I turned off the BlackBerry for 5 days - it was heaven!

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Matt, Claire & Jack:
Loved that 1950's cooker!!

Monday, 2nd of June, 2008, Alex:
Another fabulous weekend at Grove Cottages; the place has it all! Ultimate comfort, gorgeous setting and oh so many places of interest around!

Friday, 7th of March, 2008, Michael & Karen:
Wonderful stay, just as described on website couldnt ask for more, lovely clean cosy cottage, had the feel of stepping back in time which was what we were looking for. (Does exactly what it says on the tin!) Already looking forward to coming back! You have done a fantastic job!

Monday, 25th of February, 2008, Sarah & Paul:
We had a really relaxing and enjoyable stay here. Was a beautiful cottage with a lovely log fire. Our little boy went to feed the chickens & ducks in the morning & the welcome basket was very generous. Will stay again.

Monday, 14th of January, 2008, Richard:
A beautiful cosy cottage in a beautiful setting. A wonderful walk to a local pub, which is also great with dogs. A warm fire and pretty Christmas tree  very festive.

Monday, 14th of January, 2008, Peter:
We were warmly greeted by Mark. Who then introduces us to our Orchard Cottage our tranquil home for two weekends.

Monday, 12th of November, 2007, John & Louise:
We love enjoyed our weekend very much it just passed too quickly. The cottage has been beautifully renovated, but is very comfortable with a lovely shower. So much to do, we’d love to come back. Fantastic to come to a place which is dog friendly to well behaved four legged children.

Monday, 28th of May, 2007, Laura & Rees:
The children very much enjoyed collecting the eggs every morning at 10 o clock !!

Friday, 18th of May, 2007, Brian & Pauline:
2nd time round for us – It has been perfect. The attention to detail afforded to everything. The decor, the facilities, the local recommendations, eating, drinking and so on....

Monday, 16th of October, 2006, Celia & Andrew:
As always – just perfect. This beautiful place “bathes my soul”. I can only hope I will return soon.

Friday, 3rd of June, 2005, Ashley & Sue:
Work? Stress? After a few hours here we have forgotten it all. Orchard Cottage is the perfect chill out haven to return to, after a days exploring. This place combines the luxury of a Boutique Hotel with the sense of feeling at home. Log fires, ducks quacking, the scent of beeswax and honeysuckle – it appeals to all the senses – you really have thought of everything!

Friday, 25th of February, 2005, David & Anthony:
Orchard Cottage was spacious and stocked with everything you need for a nice, relaxing break. We’ll definitely return soon, and anyone who is reading this, BOOK NOW!!

Monday, 21st of February, 2005, Marion:
It was certainly worth the journey from Holland, to stay in your cottage. We love the place. Great walks, good pubs, warm welcome. We’ll recommend you to our friends and family.

Friday, 10th of December, 2004, Gill & Malcolm:
The twinkling Christmas lights welcome you back to The Grove. The smell of spice, poinsettia’s in the window and roaring fires complete the festive mood. Merry Christmas to all !!

Monday, 18th of October, 2004, Sarah:
Felt like home down to the open fire and ‘rent-a-cat’. We will definitely be back!

Monday, 4th of October, 2004, Malcolm & Gill:
Mark has created a sanctuary for all seasons.

Friday, 23rd of July, 2004, Ian, Carol & Imogen:
The three of us and our dog had a really good stay. The surroundings were very peaceful, the owls, the peacocks and the rooster added to our enjoyment. We have tried several times before to visit The Grove, and this is the first time we have been able to get in. Our expectations and hopes were very fully achieved.

Thursday, 22nd of July, 2004, David & Susan:
Staying in this delightful cottage has been everything we expected and more. The accommodation is charming, the facilities provided for all our needs. The thoughtfulness which so obviously pervades every inch of the cottages and gardens is apparent in every detail. We have enjoyed the tranquillity, the dogs have enjoyed the country walks. We will definitely come here again!!!

Friday, 16th of July, 2004, Roscoe & Grace:
It is so refreshing to have a quiet country cottage, that is self catering and so beautifully decorated, it should be tried by everyone on holiday. Beautiful countryside and we were well taken care of. We appreciated the basket with the goodies, and the extra touch with the flowers. The Grove did an excellent job taking care of us!

Sunday, 18th of April, 2004, Louise & Tristan:
We have had a lovely weekend in your gorgeous cottage……peace, quiet, birds and stars – thank you!

Friday, 22nd of August, 2003, Amanda & Richard:
So sad to leave. We have had a magical time. Mark has made us feel very welcome and is full of useful information and recommendations. I will miss watching the sunset over the orchard while enjoying a glass of wine. I will recommend you to all my friends. Amanda.

Sunday, 17th of November, 2002, Charlotte & Friends:
Once again The Grove Cottages never fail to produce the perfect place to come to totally unwind, relax & shake off the cobwebs. Winter or Summer the ideal country retreat. We will definitely be coming to visit again – Charlie (our little Westie) was also made to feel very welcome. Recommend a visit to The Red Rose at Lindsey – would suggest however not eating for a few days in preparation as the portions are extremely generous.

Thursday, 28th of February, 2002, Veronica & Lucy:
We’ve had such a happy time here. A lot of thought has been put into getting it right - comfortable beds, cotton bed linen, feather duvets (yum), fluffy towels, shower that works - and Maxi the cat. Thanks for a wonderful stay !