The Old Barn - Rural Suffolk gem with shared pool

Discover Suffolk rural life when you stay at The Old Barn, a refined threshing barn conversion nestled amongst the rolling countryside of the Brett Valley. Now a beautiful holiday home with elegant interiors, kids and grown-ups alike will adore the shared 9 metre heated outdoor pool during the summer months. The Old Barn sleeps up to seven peacefully within the extensive grounds of Dove House, an impressive 14th-century Suffolk Hall which has been a working farm for centuries. The barn boasts g The space The Old Barn sleeps up to eight peacefully within the extensive grounds of Dove House, an impressive 14th-century Suffolk Hall which has been a working farm for centuries. The barn boasts gorgeous views across pasture and fields, with an equestrian stud, lake and river and the Brett Valley beyond. The vaulted ceiling in the double height reception gives a warm welcome all year round, with its dining area for everyone to eat together. The space is filled with light and you can step out of the double rear doors and into the pool area to enjoy a swim and laze on the sun loungers. Escape to the cosy sitting room with its wood burner in a large inglenook fireplace to keep your toes toasty in the depths of winter. The traditional kitchen has a large range cooker, breakfasting table and double french doors onto a private walled courtyard garden, for pre dinner drinks or al fresco dining. And, if you need a break from cooking, consider bringing the restaurant to you with DineIndulge, available for a one-off celebration or fully catered break. Galleried landings are always impressive. And the Sun Room with stunning views across the fields makes it an even more special place to sit and relax. There are also four lovely first floor bedrooms, a family bathroom and a Jack and Jill shower room, accessed by bedrooms two and three. Elsewhere, you are free to explore and enjoy the grounds of Dove House and wander the paths. There’s a lot of wandering to get through. Potter around the fields, now home to thoroughbred mares and a small herd of pedigree Hereford cattle, along the picturesque river bank or head out on a public footpath away from the far end of the property. Situated in Ash Street, a quiet hamlet in the Brett Valley, The Old Barn is situated in the heart of the Wool Towns, and conveniently located to explore Suffolk’s two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Dedham Vale and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths. Both boast lots of walks to explore the varied countryside and coastline. Enjoy walks in Dedham Vale, and take in the scenic delights closely associated with a number of painters including Constable, Gainsborough and Munnings. Flatford Mill (11 miles) is a great starting point to explore more of the countryside associated with John Constable, whose romantic artwork revolutionised the genre of landscape painting. Here, you can you can enjoy a leisurely boat trip or walk the banks of the River Stour and afterwards visit the riverside tea rooms. Munnings worked from a studio in his garden at Dedham and the house and studio are now a museum dedicated to his work. Gainsborough was born in Sudbury (11 miles) and returned to the town to work as a portrait artist having been taught in London. The house in Sudbury is dedicated to his life and work. Setting out from Semer, Kersey (2 miles) is a pretty and most charming village with some fine architecture dating back to the period of wealth experienced through the wool trade. The villages of Hadleigh, Long Melford, Lavenham, Sudbury and Clare form the Wool Towns. Kersey Mill is packed with independent shops, eateries and amenities. Bury St Edmunds (19 miles) has a magnificent cathedral along with the ruins of an Abbey set within stunning gardens. The town also boasts the last working Regency theatre, The Theatre Royal which has a busy programme of events including tours behind the scenes. Expect lots of museums, stately homes and gardens. Highlights include the Gainsborough House museum and art gallery in Sudbury, The Beth Chatto Gardens, Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall. Just outside Bury St Edmunds is the Italianate Palace of Ickworth Park, with extensive grounds. All are within 40 minutes’ drive. For fresh, local, delicious produce, a three minute drive takes you to Hollow Trees Farm which comes highly recommended. The Farm offers a fantastic day out with an exciting Farm Trail, wonderful Farm Shop and Café and seasonal events. The Bildeston Crown (2 miles) has lovely food with local provenance. For foodies, a 15 minute drive to the medieval village of Lavenham is a must. Widely regarded as Suffolk's food capital, Lavenham offers excellent restaurants and local pubs, as well as a fantastic selection of interesting shops and galleries. The prestigious beautiful Blue Flag beaches at Felixstowe, Clacton, quieter Frinton and Walton on the Naze are all within 50 minutes' drive. The Suffolk coast line is an hour’s drive, with its pretty towns including Southwold and Aldeburgh and more rural spots such as Dunwich. The big skies and wide open spaces make for some magical views and lots of opportunities to see the wildlife. The RSPB reserve at Minsmere is worth a visiting and besides the opportunity to see lots of different birds you might have the chance to see otters and water voles. This holiday property is next to Stable Cottage, sleeping six guests in four bedrooms. The Old Barn and Stable Cottage can be booked separately or together to accommodate up to 14 guests. Please see our listing for Semer Barns if you are interested in this option. Guest access You will have the whole cottage which sits next to Old Stables which you share the wonderful outside pool Other things to note Exclusive use of the cottage during your holiday, and shared use of the pool *Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.