^{Star Rating}

Details Sleeps: 2 to 4 Changeover: Monday, Friday & Sunday Rooms: 1 double, 1 sofa bed Length of stays: 2,3,4,5 or 7 nights Price: from £288 to £361 for 2 nights break Children allowed: 2 over 8 years old Babies allowed: One, sleeping in travel cot Dogs Welcome: 2 Large Dogs, Dog charges apply   May be suitable for those with mobility problems: Please call for details Please Note: Very steep steps to guest bed and tv room Bed Size: Double 6'2" x 4'6"

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Checklist

	Open Christmas / New Year		Central heating		23" Television		Telephone
	Unfenced Garden		Barbeque		DVD player		Cooker and hob - standard size oven
	Off road parking		1 Shower Room		CD player		Washing machine
	Secure storage for bikes		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
	Chimenea		Iron and Board		Internet Access

  The cottage sleeps 2 but there is a chill-out room in the roof space where a friend or 2 can also sleep on a sofa bed - children under 8 are not advised to stay because of the steep ladder staircase to the spare sofa bed.

The big attraction about this unique cottage is not just it's uplifting desigh but its wonderful location.

As you relax into the sofa you have glass on 3 sides of you and a high arched ceiling; this gives you a great feeling of 'oneness' with your surroundings and at night the stars put on a wonderful show and during the day when the big patio doors are open you are almost picnicing in the large wildflower meadow that surrounds this cottage.

Guests really enjoy this closeness to nature and if you have a doggie then he will thank you for ever. 

There are many lovely footpaths going in all points of the compass straight from The Pump House including the Pilgrims Way which actiually goes through the lower part of your meadow !

This steep little river valley is one of the very prettiest parts of Suffolk and has a magical rural quality to it where time seems to have stood still for ages - right now there are even Osprey in the Valley and it is only 65 miles from London - Amazing.

The Pump House is a Frank Lloyd Wright style, ex water pumping station serving the village, it has been imaginatively converted to offer wonderful views and embraces the most modern ‘green’ Heat Transfer system for under floor heating and hot water and an ecological waste water Reed Bed system.

There is a 1200mm telescope in the ‘Inside Out Room’ – so called because of the unobstructed views on 3 sides - to view the wonderful black night sky.

There is a large wooden decking to lounge about on and enjoy the meadow from and a BBQ picnic area close to the stream.

The tiny meandering lanes lead to the prettiest local villages, which have the best gastro pubs in the area.

This is a very different and interesting place to stay in, the feeling of the place is spacious and modern but at the same time very in tune with it’s surroundings – and very relaxing.

Well behaved pets are always welcomed - please ensure your pet respects the meadow and the cottage and is not allowed to damage anything or sleep on any furniture or in the bedrooms. Please do not leave dogs alone in the property and please bring suitable bedding and towels for your pet, Dog charges apply.

The cottage is a complete little home and facilities include modern heating, flat screen TV, DVD / CD player and CD’s, books, games, guides, maps, local information and a fully equipped kitchen including electric cooker and microwave, washing machine and dryer.

There is also a cot and high chair. Bikes are freely provided - The South Suffolk Cycle Route runs past the cottage.

This is a special place if you want absolute peace and quiet and a special closeness with the environment, it is also a doggies dream.

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.

A travel cot is provided for babies (please bring your own bedding)

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.


 

                          
Photo taken in Snow Cottage

We can now offer you the hedonistic enjoyment of a really             While you are staying with us why not have a special                 Graeme Cavey is a local naturlist who would be very         
lovely massage in this cottage, please click this link for                  treat and go Sailing for the day.                                                        happy to include you on his nature walks.   
more information.  Click for Massage info                                          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, 16th of July, 2010, Allan and Karen:
An extaordinary conversion - which was real fun to live in.

Sunday, 11th of July, 2010, Lisa:
Really early morning walks, sparkling dew, wonderful scenery in all directions. 'Home' to a lovely fry up while sitting on the patio watching wild life - perfection excellent evening meals at 'Crown'. 'Home' again to coffee or wine on the patio. What more do you want.

Friday, 25th of June, 2010, Shirley:
Peaceful. Saw a red kite!

Friday, 11th of June, 2010, Clare and Mike:
Wonderful, well signposted walks from the door in every direction. The perfect place to relax and unwind in such beautiful countryside. Love the wild flower meadow!

Friday, 4th of June, 2010, Paul and Anna:
A perfect rural retreat and definately doggie heaven for two collies. Better than it looks in the brochure if that is possible! Absolutely exceeded all expectations (people very friendly too). Halls farm shop at Stokeland St Mary is great.

Friday, 28th of May, 2010, Anthony:
Loved it here. Much better than expected. Especially loved lying on the sofa watching the birds at the feeder throught the window. Are you aware you have water voles in the river? What a bonus!

Friday, 21st of May, 2010, Helen and Christine:
The most peaceful location to get away from it all. We loved the 'industrial feel' that has been created in this fabulous building.

Friday, 23rd of April, 2010, Steve:
Amazing place, so tranquil and relaxing - we loved watching the wildlife through the lounge window. Although small it felt very spacious. Great local walks.

Sunday, 18th of April, 2010, Johanna and Bob:
Amazing and intriguing building. Great location. Very relaxed and happy thankyou.

Friday, 16th of April, 2010, Jinn:
Thank you Pumphouse for being our friend and 'home' for 4 very comfortable nights. Perfectly functioned, fun and accomodating. We hope to see you and stay with you again!

Monday, 12th of April, 2010, Judith and John:
We have had an amazing holiday, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the cottage and the surrounding area. The cottage has everything needed for a comfortable stay and it is very cosy. Having never visited Suffolk before we have enjoyed exploring and hope to return soon.

Friday, 2nd of April, 2010, Oliver and Chloe:
We felt totally at home here from the moment we arrived. The Pump House has been beautifully converted (the attention to detail is v impressive!) and the setting was all we hoped it would be, stunning.

Monday, 15th of March, 2010, Alice:
Very quirky and original and very lovely.

Friday, 5th of March, 2010, Adam:
A country retreat with the 'wow' factor. Modern and fun with all the comforts of home. A definate must!!

Friday, 15th of January, 2010, Marec and Alison:
Thankyou for a lovely week in a great cottage with beautiful walks and places to visit right on the doorstep. The dogs loved it too!

Monday, 14th of December, 2009, Hannah:
I just want to say what a lovely stay my partner and I had at the pump house over the weekend.

Friday, 4th of December, 2009, Katie and Dave:
Fantastic short break, just what we needed! Welcome basket was lovely. The cottage had everything we needed, clean, warm and comfortable with the bonus of being in a superb location. Local pubs are very welcoming and definately recommend the Crown for food. Would love to return in the summer. Thanks again.

Friday, 20th of November, 2009, Tony and Margareta:
The front of 'The Pump House' doesn't do justice to the interior. An amazing cozy, warm feel that is echoed by the warm welcome from Douglas. All this on top of the 'doggie heaven' orchard makes for an amazing romantic escape from London life ! !

Friday, 13th of November, 2009, Matt and Georgina:
The Pump House really is special, everything the website said it would be and more ! Unique design, stunning location, a real secret treasure. We will be back (sooner than later)

Monday, 9th of November, 2009, Sue:
A very lovely quirky place to stay and brilliant for the dogs who thought they were in 7th heaven

Sunday, 1st of November, 2009, Graham:
Everything you need for a romantic weekend in the countryside. Thank you for the pumpkin and all the extra touches !!

Friday, 30th of October, 2009, Chris and Jill, Martin and Claire:
A great place to chill out. We all fell under its spell !

Friday, 9th of October, 2009, Keith and Anne:
The Pump House has a lovely cozy feel, along with all its 'quirky' features which are very clever. The land it sits in is beautiful and peaceful, and watching and listening to the birds is great. It's a wonderful place for dog owners. lovely walks lead straight from the house.

Friday, 2nd of October, 2009, John and Carla:
Wonderfully individual style cottage in a peaceful and tranquil setting. It's only 50 miles from our home but could have been a million - we've had such a lovely few days.

Friday, 11th of September, 2009, Sally:
Very impressed with the quality, location and brilliant for the dogs.

Friday, 7th of August, 2009, Tricia :
Fantastic - accomodation, setting, countryside, pubs, food and weather ! Great for dogs.

Sunday, 2nd of August, 2009, Penny and Paul:
The Pump House is in such a beautiful and tranquil situation. The quiet and peace from suburbia was just what we needed.

Sunday, 19th of July, 2009, Roy and Pauline:
A truely unique property, very comfortable in a peaceful location, and perfect for complete relaxation. Our labrador loved the many walks and her own garden stream! We all want to come back and once again enjoy this little peace of heaven.

Monday, 13th of July, 2009, Tony:
Superbly designed building, fantastic location.

Monday, 6th of July, 2009, John and Barbara:
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this peaceful serene location.

Friday, 29th of May, 2009, Sonia and Peter:
What an Oasis of peace. Thankyou for another wonderful, restful few days.

Saturday, 23rd of May, 2009, Mary:
Absolute bliss. Completely chilled out from the moment we arrivaed! The children loved their 'den' in the attic space and exploring the water meadow. Look forward to returning soon!

Thursday, 14th of May, 2009, Helena:
We had a wonderful week. At The Pump House, we felt it a perfect setting to get engaged!

Monday, 4th of May, 2009, GIna:
Most unusual property. We have had a lovely time, extremely peaceful, would definately come again, our Westie Cassie loved it too, all this freedom and hardly a car engine noise to worry about. Peaceful, perfect and mentally detoxifiey. Thank you.

Monday, 27th of April, 2009, Frank and Mary:
The Pump House is a quirky, unusual but cosy cottage and very interesting in its design. Its location is idyllic and the opportunity to watch birde is endless. For those wishing to rest and recuperate or walk for miles in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, this cottage is perfect.

Friday, 10th of April, 2009, Helen and Ralph:
A very sensitive and fun conversion - I'll be sending all my formaer English Heritage colleagues over! Superb! Mollie loved the walks, Lotte re-discovered her inner tiger on night-time forays to the meadow!

Friday, 20th of March, 2009, Martin:
Lovely relaxing setting, fantastic eco friendly renovation

Monday, 9th of February, 2009, Hayley:
A fabulous welcome - a cosy, warm pump house and classical music! and a very relaxing weekend in a unique property in a beautiful setting. I will be back!

Sunday, 25th of January, 2009, Andreas:
A great welcome as always - you hit the right balance between discreet and facilitating.

Friday, 21st of November, 2008, Samantha:
The perfect escape from a hectic London schedule. This is exactly what we needed to reflect and recharge. We cannot wait to book our next break away!

Friday, 7th of November, 2008, Zoe:
Lovely place - haven of peace and quiet!

Friday, 31st of October, 2008, Judy & Bill:
Warm as toast despite frosty October weather! Fantastic local walks, churches and village pubs. Brilliant views from the glass extension room and decking.

Sunday, 19th of October, 2008, Ruth:
Perfect and fascinating property. Very peaceful and a real escape.

Friday, 10th of October, 2008, Joan & Michael:
A most relaxing 4 days - wonderful walks, a definite doggie heaven!! The Pump House was enchanting, a relaxing ambience as soon as you enter the door.

Sunday, 10th of August, 2008, Hugh & Pauline:
“Our best ever cottage holiday”

Monday, 28th of July, 2008, Helen & Family:
Just back from our 5 days at The Pump House where we all had a fabulous time. I would just like to say how much we enjoyed our stay at the Pump House (I am sure the spectacular weather helped a little). The property is unique and I have just recommended it to my sister whose husband is a Pump Engineer! As we wrote in the visitor's book the children and the dog were very impressed with the whole set-up - the river, the meadow, the chill-out room (a bedroom with a TV is a treat indeed for my two!). We had some wonderful walks including this morning a 7.30am breakfast picnic in a pine tree plantation somewhere between Stoke-by-Nayland and Polstead. Thank you for all the little extras that made the Pump House a home-from-home and our holiday one that will be remembered for a long time to come. We had to promise the kids that we will come back or I think you may have had a couple of sitting tenants!!

Sunday, 20th of July, 2008, Debbie & Paul:
Fabulous stay at The Pump House. Idyllic spot with a superb garden  much appreciated by our Labradors Archie and Hercules, who particularly enjoyed the stream!

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, John & Carol:
We enjoyed ourselves so much we had to write a small novel in the guest book at the cottage! It's absolutely fantastic and we would recommend to everyone. Views, weather, walks and people are all lovely. Has the virtues of the garden of Ede. We want to buy it and live here always!

Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008, Laura & Tom:
The idyllic location & sensitive redesign of an industrial building made the Pump House an enviable place in which to relax, attempt to stargaze & digest some great local meals. Dont want to leave!!

Thursday, 1st of May, 2008, Joy & Family:
From the greeting complete with flowers and an amazing transformation inside the building to delight – to the lovely quiet setting and entertaining birds on the feeder, we really enjoyed our four nights. The Pump House worked for us!

Friday, 11th of April, 2008, Ann 21.3.8:
Inspired & inspirational, ecofriendly design. A great feeling of seclusion but everything you could possibly want close at hand. An absolute treasure

Monday, 28th of January, 2008, Andrew & Janice:
Lovely quirky cottage. Very cosy. Thoroughly enjoyed are weekend (my birthday) here. It is truly a haven for doggies with fantastic walks in all directions!! Lovely to have a whole meadow & stream for them to play in !!!

Friday, 25th of January, 2008, Carole:
Fantastic place to stay. All the information supplied was extremely helpful. The Welcome Basket is a lovely touch.

Friday, 25th of January, 2008, DeeDee & Gary:
We have enjoyed ourselves tremendously, walking the footpaths, watching the birds, listening to the quiet and getting to know the people. This is a lovely special place. We hope to return to this gem.

Friday, 11th of January, 2008, Fatima:
Fantastic three weeks at the Pump House, was made to feel very welcome, and everything was exactly what was needed. Great walks and beautiful countryside, will miss the calling of the owls at night!

Friday, 4th of January, 2008, Phil:
Loved it! A real haven. Very quiet and peaceful; a perfect break.

Monday, 29th of January, 2007, Steven & Wendy:
“Fantastic”. This place is perfect!! The view is stunning and inside, the warmth and comfort was just the right balance…we will return in the summer to see this place in all it’s glory…and many return visits to come over several years, no doubt! Thank you for a magical weekend.

Monday, 27th of November, 2006, Anna Josie:
We’ve had a fantastic week in The Pump House – it’s a playhouse for grown ups!! A relaxing and inspiring place to stay. Thank you.

Friday, 1st of September, 2006, Phillip:
The Pump House is funky and unexpected, a lovely quiet and peaceful location. Our favourite!

Monday, 21st of August, 2006, Michelle:
Marvellous. Wish we could keep it a secret!!

Monday, 3rd of July, 2006, Carol:
As always Mark, you seem to have found another perfect dwelling. Refreshing to see such an innovative refurbishment. Bliss to be able to walk out the door, across the fields, or just chill on the deck. This is a ‘gem’, I will be back.

Friday, 14th of April, 2006, Paul:
‘Paradise Found’ if you seek tranquillity, peace of mind and total relaxation, in the most perfect of settings. This is as good as it gets in ‘self catering’, next to nature. Nayland, Polstead and the river walk near Wissington are a ‘must’. Can’t wait to return.