The Bakery has a beautiful open fire in the chimney of the old Bake oven and it’s original 'Copper' is built in next to the oven, originally used for boiling up masses of water through its own fireplace underneath.

From the sitting room of The Bakery you can walk straight into the sunny orchard garden or if you are lazy just relax back into the sofa in front of the fire and enjoy the views and the sunset.

The Bakery which makes up part of the double quadrangle of the Grove Farm, is tucked away at the corner of the Orchard garden, giving honeymoon guests an even more private nook to view the world from.

Downstairs

• Sunny ground floor with walls made of mottled yellow lime plaster and soft red brick; French doors leading into the orchard.
• The working open fire is set into the old Bake oven. The old copper forms a backrest for the breakfast seating area.
• The kitchen is hand made with reclaimed oak and tile, it has old built in cupboards and a Belfast sink.
• Original farmhouse kitchen table
• Cooking is by gas. You’ll also find a microwave and toaster.
• TV and DVD player, CD / Radio / Cassette sound system, selection of CD’s and tapes as well as books and games.
• The floor is medieval brick with antique Kelim / Persian Rugs.

Upstairs

• The bedroom has a high wooden vaulted ceiling showing all the original beams. The bedroom is extremely generously sized with a large king-size brass bed. The floor is highly polished old wood with Kelim rugs, There are three windows on two sides which, in addition to the velux window, makes this a very sunny room overlooking the orchard.
• A child safety gate can be fitted if required.
• The bathroom is newly made with a spacious power shower and a nice old sink.

General Features

• The cottage is completely self contained and centrally heated, with its own front door into a private courtyard.
• We provide quality mattresses, duvets, linen and towels. Highchair, baby-cot, TV and TV DVD player. Music tapes, CD's and some children's DVD's are available on request.
• Well-behaved pets are always welcome.
• One bucket of Coal and a packet of firelighters free.
• BBQ’s and picnic table are free.
• Bikes are free for guest’s use only.
• 2 ‘top of the range’ 3 seater aluminium, ‘Canadian Canoes’ with all accessories are available for hire.
• The Bakery 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 one our most romantic cottages and has a very special atmosphere about it - read the guest comments here and on our other website www.grove-cottages.co.uk .

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

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.

 

           

On Monday, 15 of December, 2008 Peter:
Wonderful stay in an idyllic cottage. Perfect. Excellent is not a high enough rating particularly for the 'cosy feel' !!

On Friday, 28 of November, 2008 Leon & Tracey:
We stayed in the Bakery - Millie was fantastic showing us around. They couldn't have made the cottage more cosy and warm if they tried! The lights on and soft music playing made you feel welcome straight away. Welcome Basket was a lovely touch. Whole 4 days were wonderful for us and our dog Toby. We will be booking again!

On Monday, 24 of November, 2008 Julie:
We have had the most perfect weekend here; recharged our batteries & quality time together!

On Friday, 21 of November, 2008 Alison:
Wonderful Place! Very cosy and well equipped; beautiful bedroom, very romantic!

On Sunday, 16 of November, 2008 Victoria & Matthew:
What a fantastic place to relax and unwind! Our dog has never been so tired after all the wonderful walks which were recommended. A Massive Thank You

On Friday, 31 of October, 2008 Jean & David:
Lovely cottage - cosy and warm amidst this crisp autumnal weather!

On Sunday, 26 of October, 2008 Clare & Mark:
THE perfect escape from city life. The Bakery is a beautiful, peaceful retreat. This place is a real find, we will definitely return at the first opportunity!

On Saturday, 18 of October, 2008 Mr & Mrs Woolven:
This cottage is so pretty, cosy and well-equipped. The setting is beautiful and very well maintained. Everyone is very friendly, even the ducks! It was a perfect place to spend our wedding anniversary. We'll definitely come back! Thank You!

On Monday, 13 of October, 2008 Carl & Linda:
A truly unique experience; a lovely weekend. Thank You

On Thursday, 02 of October, 2008 Julia & Arnie:
The cottage just exudes character, stepping inside for the first time (& every time after!) just brings a smile to your face. Having the lamps on and music playing, on entering, just added to the atmosphere – a lovely touch. Also excellent intro on what the site has to offer.

On Friday, 26 of September, 2008 Edward & Joy:
Fantastic! We didn’t realise silence was so relaxing. Recommend to anyone wanting to get away for a well earned break to try Grove Cottages.

On Friday, 12 of September, 2008 Julia:
We stayed in The Bakery for our mini honeymoon and had a fantastic time! Such a beautiful and peaceful cottage & surroundings. Well be back as theres much more to do in the area! Please sure to light the fire and relax with a bottle of wine.

On Friday, 05 of September, 2008 Cathy:
Our first visit to the cottages. The Bakery is so gorgeous and so peaceful. Goodbye to the rat race for a few blissful days.

On Friday, 15 of August, 2008 Neil:
The Bakery is the perfect escape from the daily grind. The minute you walk through the door, work and worries are a distant memory.

On Monday, 11 of August, 2008 Bill & Norma:
Authentic Old English unspoiled atmosphere. Relaxed, welcoming area around The Grove.

On Friday, 08 of August, 2008 Sheila & Tim:
Grove Cottages was the ideal place to stop the world and get off. We really enjoyed our stay, as did our 7 month old Springer; loved the walks and sniffs in the countryside!

On Thursday, 07 of August, 2008 Angela & Rowan:
The perfect start to our honeymoon; The Bakery is so cosy and homely and the surrounding area very tranquil and beautiful - it has been bliss ! We will definitely be returning to this special place. Thank you so much

On Tuesday, 01 of July, 2008 Mike & Rhonda:
Mark and his team are the perfect hosts, and have done a wonderful job of preserving the historic character of their cottages while adding modern conveniences. Very comfortable and we look forward to returning!

On Friday, 27 of June, 2008 Christopher & Tash:
After a very hectic wedding weekend, this was/is the perfect getaway from cosmopolitan life. Full of cosy nights in, beautiful countryside walks, and most of all, a stunning cottage to relax in. Thank You Grove Cottages.

On Friday, 20 of June, 2008 Paul & Zoe:
The Bakery was outstanding, the welcome warm, the fantastic local information, the welcome basket was superb as was the location. Totally exceeded our expectations. **7 excellents for cleanliness, welcome, comfort, welcome basket & supplies, local information, cosy feel & expectations fulfilled! **

On Monday, 16 of June, 2008 Amanda & Alan:
Wonderful, relaxing, tranquil escape from the hustle & bustle of everyday life.

On Tuesday, 10 of June, 2008 Sandra & Brian:
Calm and comfort in a delightful setting; what better way to explore Suffolk!

On Tuesday, 10 of June, 2008 Jorge & Shelley:
Our escape from Californias silicon-valley was everything we had hoped for and needed  complete with cottage cat Maxi and our daily dose of ducks at the back door. We couldnt have asked for more.

On Tuesday, 10 of June, 2008 Kevin & Jo:
The Bakery is a pretty, quaint cottage combining everything you could possibly need for a relaxing, chilled break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our puppy loved it too!

On Wednesday, 04 of June, 2008 Mark & Lottie:
If you have booked a weekend, make it a week. If you have booked a week, make it two. Whatever you book it won't be long enough as, like us, you won't want to leave. What a gem - we really ought to keep it to ourselves!

On Friday, 14 of March, 2008 Judy & James:
Simply one of the best holidays weve been on. A fantastic cottage and a lovely welcoming feeling.

On Friday, 18 of January, 2008 Lynne & Darren:
This is just the perfect place and we will be recommending it to all our friends – Thank you

On Monday, 14 of January, 2008 Emma & Phil:
We travel regularly and the great thing about The Grove Cottages is that you have confidence that everything advertised on the website is true  extras provided, images as shown and wonderfully rustic. It exceeded all our expectations !!

On Monday, 14 of January, 2008 James & Danielle:
A cosy and relaxing setting. For a moments peace and tranquillity from todays mad world!!

On Saturday, 05 of January, 2008 David & Mary:
A lovely cottage – all our dreams have come true.

On Friday, 24 of August, 2007 Simon & Fiona:
The map of the area provided by Mark should be your bible. It has everything listed from pubs to beaches, walks to wildlife. Use it, live it, love it!!

On Sunday, 12 of August, 2007 Mike & Lin:
Enjoyed a relaxing week at The Bakery. Mark made us and our Westies very welcome. We felt particularly at home in the en-suite- with its Jim Lawrence loo roll holder- identical to the one we have in our cloakroom at home! It prompted us to go over to their showroom in Stoke by Nayland and get a few more fittings!! We loved Suffolk- our first trip there and hopefully not our last- it is a beautiful setting and so much more to see.

On Friday, 13 of July, 2007 Alan & Sandra:
Stepping into The Bakery was like stepping back in time. It brought back lots of childhood memories. A very friendly welcome on arrival. All in all a very enjoyable visit.

On Friday, 18 of May, 2007 Simon:
We stay all over the country, in the most beautiful places, about every other week. We have never been made to feel more welcome or stayed in such a fantastic cottage!!

On Friday, 11 of May, 2007 Mark & Dawn:
Expectations 100% fulfilled !! Maxi the cat should be paid for his outstanding contribution to the ‘cosy feel’ Great to go somewhere that exceeds expectations !

On Friday, 13 of April, 2007 Lyndsey:
Perfect in every way. I fell in love with the cottage when I looked at the pictures on the internet. But I was overwhelmed when I first arrived. Better than I imagined !

On Friday, 29 of December, 2006 Robin & Wandie:
Cosy Cottage. Completely Comfortable. Fabulous Fire. Super Scenery. Wonderful Walks. Lovely Lavenham. Happy Hols !

On Sunday, 26 of November, 2006 Ruth:
The laid back character, welcoming host and the assortment of animals, gives this cottage a charm, which sets it apart from anywhere else we have stayed.

On Sunday, 19 of November, 2006 Richard & Fay:
The Bakery/The Grove was a haven – the perfect place to chill out and get away from everyday life. Lovely walks in the fresh air, pretty villages to explore, and lots of wonderful antique shops to browse around. Finish the day off with a blazing log fire or dinner in one of the many yummy eateries – what more could anyone want from a holiday?

On Sunday, 22 of October, 2006 Bernadette:
We stayed in The Bakery – not on honeymoon, but we did get engaged !!

On Monday, 17 of April, 2006 Nick & Laura:
Waking each morning in The Bakery was like waking in a dream. The Grove is a haven of peace, relaxation and rural charm. Bliss! Thank you.

On Monday, 14 of March, 2005 Stephen & Janet:
So relaxing, the stress of work was gone within the first few hours. Wish we could have stayed longer. Just what we needed to re-charge the batteries. Charming cottage, everything we needed on hand.

On Thursday, 13 of January, 2005 Karl & Diane:
The warmest, cosiest cottage experience in England! The attention to detail (local artwork, food provisions, suggested attractions, restaurants, rambling trails, fresh flowers and guest amenities), made the transition to settling in seamless. Instant relaxation. Your hosts are also very accommodating and professional. Well Done!

On Sunday, 12 of December, 2004 Andrew & Ann-Marie:
We had an excellent & relaxing week’s break. A real ‘Home from Home’ – a million miles away from the stresses of modern life but with all the creature comforts. It was a wonderful surprise to come back to the Christmas Tree in The Bakery – Just another of the wonderful attentions to detail. Our first visit to Suffolk & we look forward to returning in the future and making The Grove Cottages our base.

On Thursday, 04 of November, 2004 Selena & Alan:
A very peaceful place and great for quiet contemplation but also a big adventure for toddlers who like ducks, chickens, tractors, bikes, deer, dogs, cats, and Autumn leaves.

On Saturday, 09 of October, 2004 Tasha:
We had a perfect weekend break. The Bakery is very cosy and the mattress, duvet and pillows were so comfy, and the bath towels so fluffy. It was an effort to get out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and abundance of things to do. We highly recommend Grove Cottages, and hope to return.

On Sunday, 18 of July, 2004 James & Kate:
A home away from home –quiet, peaceful and tasteful. I’d recommend Grove Cottages to anyone and everyone. We were both thoroughly impressed with your set up. The properties themselves were gorgeous and your guest info superb. Even though it rained, your provision of bikes and general local area info meant that we found plenty to do and enjoy. The only disappointment is that we didn’t stay longer. Kate Pain, Editor, Fitness First Magazine.

On Monday, 17 of May, 2004 Janet:
Splendid atmosphere – we arrived wired as you do when you live in London, and after 3 glorious days feel completely at peace. “An Oasis”.

On Friday, 20 of February, 2004 Mike & Pat:
Wonderful time. Great welcome to a beautiful cottage, with music playing quietly as we arrived, and flowers to move us - a breakfast hamper to fill us. The eggs were delicious. Warm, friendly and helpful hosts. Thank you so much. A real bolthole away from the rush of life and quietness to be together.

On Saturday, 27 of December, 2003 Joanne & Peter:
Perfect place to recharge our batteries ! Really enjoyed it, as did our dogs. Thank you !