The Old River House

A Landmark Property This stunning Historic House dating back to 1490, it is the centrepiece for this charming tiny village, so full of Mediaeval buildings that it is often closed off for filming period dramas, the opportunity just to be able to stay in it is a wonderful experience. The space At the heart of the most picturesque Suffolk village of Kersey, just by the ford charmingly called The Splash by locals, is this fabulous house which is one of Suffolks iconic landmarks. ‘Ye Olde River House’ as its ancient plaque states was built in 1490 as the main house of this tiny village. Now, after years of restoration the owners are happy to invite you to enjoy this wonderful historic House. They are happy to take bookings on any day for 8, or 6 guests which may get a discount if not in high season - just call us to discuss or book. The Old River House This Historic Suffolk building is so much more than just a Character Cottage, it is steeped in the Medieval History of the tiny village that is sits in the centre of. There is one massive room where the new roof (just a few hundred years old) spans over the original building which looks like a small street of Medieval buildings, complete with jutting out first floors and mullioned windows: just amazing. There are two entrances to this lovely historic building, one via the ancient arched oak door of the tower into the beautiful brick floored and wood panelled hallway which leads to the dining room, kitchen and main staircase to the first floor, the other into the Georgian facade entrance where the spiral staircase is. The main hallway opens out on the left to a large dining room with windows on two sides, lovely beams, wood panelling and an oak floor. Ahead is the atrium like inner hallway with an open staircase to three bedrooms, two Super king and one twin and two bathrooms, beyond the staircase on the ground floor is the maltings floor. This room is almost like a courtyard with a ancient street inside it – which is how it was built and rebuilt over the ages. Here there are some useful laundry facilities and a table tennis table. To the right of the main hall is the large well equipped kitchen breakfast room, the wood-burning stove in the grand inglenook fireplace, features an oven and hotplate for additional cooking, there is also a conventional kitchen stove and hotplate. Throughout many of these ground floor rooms are beautiful brick, tile or flagstone paving and all rooms are rich in ancient beams. The breakfast room looks out over the inner Garden, with views down the valley, it leads via the front entrance hall into the spacious sitting room with its cosy wood-burning stove. The room also has lovely views onto the inner enclosed garden. The inner garden has 2 entrances into the house, one by the Kitchen and another into the other end of the house, where there is accommodation on the ground floor for a couple in a twin or Super king bed in what used to be the Bakery, this bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a bath and a separate shower. The bedroom used to be the old Bakery and one wall is made up of beautiful array of ancient Bake ovens and 'kettles'. The charming inner walled garden is enclosed and there is garden furniture available for guests to use. You can walk through the garden for lovely views down Kersey vale meadow. Throughout the whole house you are constantly impressed by the beautiful historic features of ancient brick floors, wood panelled rooms, inglenook fireplaces, wide elm floorboards and a sense of ancient grandeur. The owners have spent years painstakingly restoring this wonderful property, where important mediaeval wall paintings and wall decorations were uncovered and preserved. The owners are now offering “Ye Olde River House”, as the plaque on the tower proclaims, to guests who will thrill to be able to enjoy staying in such a unique place. The charming inner walled garden is enclosed and there is garden furniture and a bike available for guests to use. Past the garden is a short footpath on the owners land, from here you have lovely views down the meadow of Kersey vale. Throughout the whole house you are constantly impressed by the beautiful historic features of ancient brick floors, wood panelled rooms, inglenook fireplaces, wide elm floorboards and a sense of ancient grandeur. Bedrooms and bathrooms: If you book for 8 guests then there is a separate part of the building called The Bakery which has its own access from the Private garden - this ancient Bake room has lovely twin beds which can be made up as a Super king if requested, and an ensuite bathroom with a bath and separate shower If you book for 6 guests The Bakery is not included and you have the 2 large bathrooms in the main house, both have baths but not showers. One well behaved dog or cat can be booked in when you book online. The house is a complete home from home and facilities include modern central heating, refrigerator, hobs, oven and microwave, toaster, crockery & serving dishes, cutlery, many utensils, fire-extinguisher, lots of pots & pans, glasses & mugs, kettle, coffee maker, teapot, kitchen towels, oven gloves, olive oil, salt & pepper, sugar, herbs, tea, fresh and instant coffee, washing up liquid, cloths, general cleaning materials, etc. Bathroom: Soap, fluffy cotton towels, bathmats, shaver point, toilet brush, toilet roll. Bedroom: Cotton bed linen, wardrobe with coat hangers or chest of drawers, iron, ironing board, hairdryer. Living room: Your cottage has a number of woodburning stoves and a basket with firewood will be provided free you can buy more locally, there is a smart TV, books, games, magazines, local brochures, OS and other maps, folder with our special 'What To Do' insiders guide to the local area. A complimentary starter pack is provided on your arrival which includes essentials such as tea, coffee, sugar, milk, butter, olive oil, salt & pepper. Plus a starter pack for the wood burners of firelighters, and firewood, more is available locally. You will also receive a link to a webpage when you book with information about Arrival, contact numbers and our Local Information guide. Baby: Two cots and high chairs are available in the house (please bring babies bedding). Bikes: Please check with the owner that these are any available before you arrive to avoid disappointment A well behaved Dog or Cat is always welcome. Please never leave a dog alone in the cottage to fret and do damge... and also never on furniture or beds There is an enclosed garden and lovely countryside walks from the property Guest access You have access to all parts of the property except The Bakery annex, which are only available when 8 guests book. There is a locked off private room above the annex, but the owner do not use it when there are bookings. Other things to note Our tiny Village is a very special place and has a really lovely pub just on the other side of our ford, it is called The Bell Inn and does very good food. There are no parking restrictions and parking on the street should not be a problem