The Coach House | A luxury pet friendly retreat for couples in the rural Suffolk / Essex borders

If you have a creative streak then the large bright rooms in The Coach House make this an inspiring place to be. The country landscapes around Belchamp Walter have attracted artists who live here, like Alice Scrutton, as well as inspiring world renowned John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. Within an hour and a half from London, The Coach House is a place to escape the hustle and bustle and find your feet again.

The Coach House is an airy cottage which sleeps up to four people. It is filled with original artwork, and set in the grounds of Belchamp Hall, a historic estate that has been in the same family since 1611, it is the perfect location for walks and cycling around Suffolk and Essex. Step inside this luxury coverted stable block, dating from the 18th century, and into an artist’s haven – a large, airy room that has the brightness of a studio. You can sit back on contemporary furniture and relax under its wooden beams.

Whip up a culinary masterpiece in the kitchen area with everything you need to cook up a feast. And while the pots bubble away, you can admire the walled garden and tennis courts outside. On the other side of the Coach House, you look out onto trees and get a glimpse of Belchamp Hall. The dining table seats six and, next to the dining area, there are two huge sofas where you can put your feet up and watch the fire in the woodburning stove, or relax with a glass of wine. There is a bookcase full of interesting books on art and travel and a TV.

Upstairs, there is a large double room with a luxurious, super kingsize bed, a cosy sofa and plenty of storage space. A further, smaller double room has got a standard-sized, antique sleigh bed, with a nook for hanging your clothing, a chest of drawers and bedside table. The third room is a very spacious bathroom with a bath, two basins, toilet and separate walk-in shower.

Outside, there is a tennis court for guests, as well as a large pond and walled garden, where a couple of peacocks can be seen showing off. Tennis racquets and balls are provided for you to enjoy a game, as are bikes and a barbecue. You can sit in private, in The Coach House’senclosed garden and enjoy your breakfast in the sunshine.

There are plenty of footpaths round and about the estate and beyond, with woodlands, Belchamp Brook and a lovely mill pond nearby. There’s also a pretty 14th century brick and flint church, with some fascinating medieval wall paintings, just across the road.

The country lanes are quiet and ideal for a cycling trip and The Coach House is just a few miles from Sudbury, Long Melford, Lavenham, Finchingfield and Castle Hedingham. There are plenty of farm shops and good quality pubs and restaurants nearby too.

Ready to pack your bags? Then click on the link below for more information, rates & availability.