About Suffolk

 These are some images of the countryside and tiny unspoilt vilages around Lavenham

             Kersey yesterday and today !  

 

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 Bodicea 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 totaly unspoilt seaside village, famous for its Arts events and good food - it is about 50 minutes from Lavenham.

 

  Kentwell Hall is just 7 minutes away and open to visitors, it is famous for it's Medieval Re-enactments 

  There are lovely walks around the little lanes and tracks that criss cross the countryside.

   these are 2 lovely hamlets close to Lavenham, Polstead. 

   and Chelsworth.

  These are the bluebell walks at Polstead - Hiya Reuben (my grandson)  

  This is the pretty Suffolk coast, a lovely days outing when you stay in 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


 

Sunday, 11th of July, 2010, Peter:
A wonderful holiday at Pound Cottage, made more enjoyable by the little touches that you provided for us before arriving. Not everyone would of provided the little things for our gorgeous 6 month old daughter.

Monday, 5th of July, 2010, Brian:
Peaceful, relaxed and extremely comfortable, coupled with its small, green and private garden it is the perfect location to sit back and unwind.

Sunday, 27th of June, 2010, Katie and Rosalind:
The cottage was beautiful and absolutely pristine - all the little touches made it. It was so much more than we were expecting.

Friday, 18th of June, 2010, Laurence and Kerrie:
Great cottage, full of character, with thoughtful service, highly recommended!

Monday, 14th of June, 2010, Lynn and Barry:
The cottage was delightful, clean, well equipped, and with well preserved ancient timbers. The pictures don't do it justice! We would love to visit again.

Friday, 4th of June, 2010, Hilary:
We have had a lovely relaxing time in gorgeous sunshine. Children very much catered for with toys, high chair etc. Thank you so much for making it so easy. We will be back very soon.

Friday, 14th of May, 2010, Douglas:
Well appointed period cottage with all modern conveniances. Well equipped but retaining its natural charm. Thoroughly recomended.

Thursday, 6th of May, 2010, Carolyn:
Cottage very comfortable, fresh flowers and thoughtful touches in every room. No hesitation to recommend - Thank you.

Monday, 3rd of May, 2010, Jane and Robert:
Ideal weekend break, we enjoyed The Great House restaurant 50 metres away. The cottage and village are both 5 star.

Monday, 26th of April, 2010, Nichola:
We had a fantastic stay at Pound Cottage. It is very cosy and well appointed. Wish the cottage was ours!

Monday, 12th of April, 2010, Dave:
Very nice cottage. Warm, cosy, clean, very quiet. Lots to see in the village.

Friday, 2nd of April, 2010, Malcolm:
Fantastic, the best cottage we have stayed in. With a large family it was a great way to spend a bank holiday weekend.

Sunday, 28th of March, 2010, Neil:
Pound Cottage is beautiful, cosy and charming. We loved every second of our stay and would definately recommend! Try the disused railway circular walk - we really enjoyed it (took about 2 hours).

Friday, 26th of March, 2010, James and Catherine:
Pound Cottage is beautifully furnished and makes you feel at home from the moment you step inside. The 'welcome breakfast pack' and fresh flowers were lovely touches that helped make all the difference.

Sunday, 21st of March, 2010, Kevin:
We really enjoyed our stay in the cottage. The fresh flowers and breakfast basket were thoughtful additions. Would certainly book the cottage again !

Saturday, 6th of February, 2010, Lynne:
A well presented comfortable cottage in which a deal of attention to detail has been given. We recommend the 'Audio Tour' of the village which we found very interesting and informative.

Tuesday, 26th of January, 2010, Nick:
We had a wonderfully relaxing time - beautiful cottage - made even more perfect by the welcome basket of local food stuffs!

Monday, 18th of January, 2010, Jen and Dave:
Gorgeous! Just perfect to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. Thank you.

Friday, 15th of January, 2010, Ann and David:
Our second visit, just as enjoyable as the first! Looking forward to our third !!

Monday, 4th of January, 2010, Leigh and Jo:
A wonderful cottage with excellent facilities. The extra touches of bread, milk, bacon etc were very welcome and lasted the whole week! Maryka and Gilly also made us feel very welcome. We would love to stay here again - we enjoyed the cottage so much we hardly left it and still need to try some of the local walks!

Sunday, 27th of December, 2009, Peter:
Well equipped, beautifully furnished and very importantly Very Clean.

Monday, 14th of December, 2009, Tony and Sally:
My first time in Suffolk, Lavenham is totally charming, Pound Cottage is lovely.

Sunday, 6th of December, 2009, Michael:
Fantastic property. You have thought of everything. Thank you.

Friday, 4th of December, 2009, Helen:
Fantastic cottage, well furnished, comfortable, warm, could continue ... The attention to detail in all areas kitchen, bathroom etc is great. Lavenham is a delightful village.

Sunday, 29th of November, 2009, Kendrick Party:
Fresh flowers and a lovely welcome basket. Thank you

Friday, 27th of November, 2009, Anne and Richard:
The best holiday cottage we have ever stayed in, so much attention to detail by owners and agency. Can't wait to return !! Thank you for everything to make our stay so enjoyable.

Monday, 23rd of November, 2009, Nikki and Rob:
This is the perfect cottage in a stunning town. We would recommend to all !

Saturday, 21st of November, 2009, Emma and David:
Wonderful service !

Friday, 13th of November, 2009, Jones:
We had a perfect weekend at Pound Cottage, we would love to try out more of the Grove Cottages. We will be recommending Pound Cottage to all our friends and family.

Friday, 30th of October, 2009, Frank:
An ideal cottage in an ideal place.

Saturday, 24th of October, 2009, Emma:
Beautiful cottage ... had all the touches that make a weekend away perfect from the log fire, wooden beams and historic features to the cleanliness, breakfast basket and contemporary mixes in with the old - made it gorgeous. Thank you !

Friday, 16th of October, 2009, Christine Vaughan:
Our second visit to Pound Cottage fully realised our expectations, Lavenham is a very special place.

Monday, 21st of September, 2009, Colin and Gaynor:
From the extremely friendly reception by Maryka on arrival our holiday at Pound Cottage was wonderful. The standard of the cottage was exceptional and Lavenham a charming village. We are sorry to be leaving ! A perfect choice.

Monday, 21st of September, 2009, Bruce:
Delightful cottage, ideally located for exploring Lavenham and surrounding area.

Sunday, 13th of September, 2009, Barbara, John and Irene:
Pound cottage exceeded our expectations, the pictures do not do it justice. The minute we walked through the door we all felt at home and after three days none of us wanted to leave. Can't wait to return.

Friday, 28th of August, 2009, Lucy:
Beautiful cottage, equipped with everything you would want for a relaxing holiday.

Friday, 7th of August, 2009, Jane and John:
Grove Cottages was reccomended to us by our friends in Edwardstone. The experience has been first rate and we will definately re book.

Friday, 10th of July, 2009, Nick and Deborah:
Attention to detail was second to none. We managed to make the welcome pack last the whole week.

Friday, 10th of July, 2009, Nick and Deborah:
Attention to detail was second to none. We managed to make the welcome pack last the whole week.

Friday, 10th of July, 2009, Aileen:
Lovely accomodation in a lovely part of the country. Comfiest beds ever. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Monday, 15th of June, 2009, Derek:
Really lovely - wonderfully historical setting. Highly recommended to everyone.

Monday, 25th of May, 2009, David and Helen:
A wonderful cottage, the attention to detail was staggering. Just ideal and set in a magical village.

Friday, 24th of April, 2009, Peter and Jeanette:
Welcome was great, welcome basket much appreciated and the supplies better than in any other cottage we've been in here in England. Our expectations were more than fulfilled!

Friday, 24th of April, 2009, Yvonne:
Pound Cottage must be the ultimate in cottages - Spacious, very comfortable and with everything you could possibly want for an enjoyable holiday. Loved the garden. Highly recommended!

Tuesday, 14th of April, 2009, Nick and Julie:
First Class comfort, luxury and attention to detail - all with period charm.

Monday, 2nd of March, 2009, Liz:
Peace Perfect Peace and Foodies Heaven

Monday, 23rd of February, 2009, Leo:
Superb Cottage. Lovely Walks and villages. This was an excellent mid-week holiday.

Friday, 23rd of January, 2009, Alyson:
"Pound Cottage at number 20 Shilling Street" ! You have to be a certain age to get that! What a lovely cottage in a beautiful village. We doubled ticked all the excellent boxes and meant it!

Friday, 9th of January, 2009, David & Ann:
Charming - an exceptionally well managed and equipped cottage. The attention to detail is second to none.

Monday, 29th of December, 2008, Paul & Ann:
The journey down the M6 is definitely worthwhile!

Friday, 19th of December, 2008, Mr & Mrs Diamond-Conway:
A fantastic cottage with everything thought out. Service from Denise was outstanding as was the owners hospitality and the cottage itself. We Are Now Regulars!!

Friday, 5th of December, 2008, Hannah, Stewart, Jackie & Richard:
We all had a wonderful winter break - the cottage is beautifully decorated & warm. We felt at home immediately thanks to little details like the welcome basket. We look forward to returning again!!

Monday, 24th of November, 2008, David:
Superb! Delightful! and so welcoming! Thank You

Monday, 24th of November, 2008, Grahame:
The cottage far exceeds any expectations! The attention to detail is outstanding - superb accommodation!!

Sunday, 9th of November, 2008, Richard & Jane:
Idyllic location and fabulous cottage - very clean, tastefully furnished and lovely decor. Really do not want to leave! Thank You!

Monday, 27th of October, 2008, Mike:
A lovely, cosy cottage equipped with all that one expects from 5 star accommodation, with additional extras that you don't!

Friday, 17th of October, 2008, Kevin:
We don't think you can improve on perfection!

Friday, 3rd of October, 2008, John:
A cosy, comfortable and thoughtfully set-up gem of a cottage. "You'll have to wake me up in the morning...my bed is too easy to sleep in" Jem, aged 8 !

Monday, 25th of August, 2008, Mr & Mrs Key:
Excellent accommodation which is very well presented in an exceptionally attractive village.

Tuesday, 15th of July, 2008, Julia, Barry & families:
We had a fantastic time. Not a word we use lightly; but it was truly perfect !!

Tuesday, 15th of July, 2008, Carol:
When can I move in ?!!

Monday, 7th of July, 2008, Sugedur & Dora (Iceland):
Excellent cottage, very relaxing stay, beautiful surroundings.

Monday, 16th of June, 2008, Rick & Vanessa:
Pound Cottage is a stunning, traditional cottage you would expect in this historic village. Comfortable and very tastefully designed. The cottage offers all the amenities you may need with lovely added touches such as fresh flowers. An excellent location for exploring the region.

Monday, 16th of June, 2008, Clare:
You have such an attention to detail and to thoughtfulness, we felt specially cared for. Thank you.

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Matthew:
Hard to fault! The quality and comfort of the cottage speaks for itself, additional touches were much appreciated. Thank you!

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Simon & Rebecca:
The cottage is fantastic, very comfortable and also a quiet street  yet only a short distance to the amazing market square of Lavenham  the perfect location! We have stayed at a few cottages in our time and this was by far the best! Will definitely be recommending to our friends.

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Susanne:
5 Star all the way! A lovely cottage and fabulous holiday. Thank you to all who have provided such a first class service

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Sandra:
We had an excellent stay. We never experienced something like this before! Pound Cottage  Jewel Cottage! And Lavenham is wonderful. For sure we will be back.

Friday, 18th of April, 2008, Matthew:
Hard to fault! The quality and comfort of the cottage speaks for itself, additional touches were much appreciated. Thank you!

Friday, 22nd of February, 2008, Ann & Terry:
Not only the best cottage weve stayed in Lavenham - weve stayed in a few  probably the best in the country! Thanks to the owners for welcoming us warmly and allowing us to stay in such a charming cottage.

Friday, 15th of February, 2008, Ann and Paul :
We really enjoyed ourselves at Pound Cottage. It combines the benefits of an excellent location with a thoroughly modern and tastefully decorated cottage that still retains the original character of the building. This was our second visit to Suffolk and it confirms that we love the area, the way of life and the friendliness of the people. We are very envious of the people who live in the rural areas in and around Lavenham. Perhaps I should apply for a job at the Suffolk tourist board after these glowing recommendations? We look forward to visiting Pound Cottage again Kindest Regards Ann and Paul

Monday, 22nd of May, 2000, Jo:
The attention to detail was exceptional, nothing had been overlooked. Beautifully decorated and furnished and fitted with everything that we needed. The most beautiful hideaway that we have come across in a long time. 5*s all round.

Thursday, 1st of January, 1970, Mike:
These guys have thought of everything, really clean and organised. We've stayed in three cottages in the UK this year. This place gets the gold stars, wins all the prizes. Thank you.