It is a very unusual to be able to find 3 Historic Cottages in a Nature Reserve and this one is Private, ideal for a Nature Reserve Retreat on the Suffolk Coast near Aldeburgh & Snape: Discover the Wild Beauty of Suffolk From Your Cottage Door
There’s something quietly magical about Rosehill House in Suffolk, a historic estate nestled in a tranquil private nature reserve where time slows and wildlife thrives. Home to three extraordinary cottages—Laundry Cottage, Cissy’s Cottage, and Queenie’s Cottage – Rosehill is a rare find for nature lovers, walkers, and anyone in need of a little peace. It is a very unusual to be able to find 3 Historic Cottages in a Nature Reserve and these ones have the advantage of being very close to the lovely unspoilt Suffolk Coast near Aldeburgh. The sea front is just a 10 minute drive away. and walkers can take the footpath to Snape Maltings and even round the lakes to Aldeburgh.
A Landscape With a Story
This special place once housed Plomesgate Mill, a windmill that vanished from the Suffolk skyline around 1766. In 1903, it was transformed by Frances Rivis, a passionate gardener and naturalist, who created magical gardens complete with a sunken orchid house, topiary, aviaries, and the majestic Weeping Beech that still graces the grounds.
Local nursery legends Fisk’s Clematis Nursery even named a clematis after her—a nod to her botanical passion.
When she passed in 1958, Frances Rivis bequeathed Rosehill to the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, asking that it remain a sanctuary for wildlife and peaceful enjoyment. That dream still flourishes today.
A Private Wildlife Haven
Rosehill’s reserve is a haven for red kites, deer, badgers, and foxes, with squirrels visiting daily—just as they did when Frances was here. The grounds burst with colour in spring, when daffodils, bluebells, and wild garlic bloom around ancient Cedars of lebanon, Scots Pine, Holm Oaks and Japanese Bitter Orange trees.
Trails wind through bracken, under tree canopies, and across meadows—perfect for a peaceful walk or a morning coffee with birdsong.
Walkers’ Paradise – Explore Suffolk on Foot
From your cottage door, a web of footpaths leads through breathtaking landscapes and to some of Suffolk’s most beautiful places.
- Farnham Church and the Bluebell Woods
One of the most enchanting local walks leads through Farnham’s famous bluebell woods, a floral spectacle in spring where the scent of bluebells mingles with wild garlic. The woods are open to the public every day of the year except Christmas Day, in a delightfully old-fashioned tradition.
The walk ends at Farnham Church, a peaceful medieval gem surrounded by sweeping fields and whispering trees.
Just over the fields (or a short drive away), Snape Maltings offers a perfect mix of art, culture, food, and nature. Set on the banks of the River Alde, it’s home to a world-class concert hall, galleries, independent shops, and cafés, all housed in beautifully restored Victorian buildings.
Don’t miss a riverside walk while you’re there—the views and wildlife are a treat.
For adventurous walkers, the historic Sailors’ Path takes you through Tunstall Forest and along the riverbanks to Aldeburgh, a beloved Suffolk coastal town. Famed for its shingle beach, seafood huts, galleries, and Britten heritage, Aldeburgh is the perfect destination for a day out by foot or bike.
For a wilder adventure, head to Orford and hop on the boat to Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, a haunting and windswept shingle spit rich in wartime history and rare wildlife. Managed by the National Trust, it’s one of the most atmospheric spots on the East Coast.
Closer to home, Tunstall Forest is a tranquil green expanse with easy trails for walkers and cyclists. Keep an eye out for nightjars, woodlarks, and deer—and bring a flask for a woodland picnic by one of the hidden lakes.
Historic Charm Meets Comfort: The Rosehill Cottages
The 3 Historic Cottages in a Nature Reserve are—Laundry Cottage, Cissy’s Cottage, and Queenie’s Cottage—were restored with love, care, and a deep respect for their history. Each one blends ancient features with warmth and comfort, earning them a place in The Sunday Times’ 100 Coolest Cottages in England.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A massive ancient four-poster bed, worthy of royalty
- Original iron cooking ranges, still functional and ideal for toasting chestnuts
- A magical 16th-century Breton bed hidden behind a carved wooden screen—complete with twinkling fairy lights that enchant children and grown-ups alike
The owners—avid antique collectors—have spent years furnishing the cottages with character pieces from their treasure hunts, creating spaces that feel both deeply historic and warmly personal.
And yes—dogs are welcome, with the reserve and surrounding trails offering plenty of exciting sniffs and off-lead fun.
Escape to Peace, Beauty, and Wild Suffolk
Whether you’re curling up beside a roaring fire, walking among the bluebells, or setting off for a day by the sea, Rosehill offers the kind of escape that refreshes the soul.
Explore more and book your stay at grove-cottages.co.uk.
Mark
