The Granary Barn | One of the cutest holiday retreats we have found, tucked away in sunny Suffolk

We aren’t allowed to have favourites, but this retreat pulled our heartstrings. The Granary Barn is a gingerbread house-style getaway in rural Suffolk with bags of country charm making it a wonderful place to escape to with your partner. From the outside it looks like something straight out of Little Red Riding Hood – with wooden cladding and a peaked little roof. Situated just outside the village, down a country lane, it is sheltered in its own peaceful patch.

Inside, The Granary Barn is a country-style labour of love, and it shows. The ground floor has slate floor-tiles, with an open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen. A woodburning stove provides a romantic atmosphere and, coupled with the underfloor heating throughout, you can enjoy cosy nights in. Lay back and enjoy the exposed beams and hand-made iron wall lights, with a glass of wine by the fire.

A winding oak staircase leads to an open-plan first floor bedroom. We would love to wake up here. There is a massive feature wall of oak and glass covering the entire front gable, and a beautiful oak floor. The en-suite shower room has a sky-light, and luxury quadrant shower.

This cottage is situated on the same grounds as Woodfarm House so it makes the perfect break for up to nine guests to enjoy if you are hoping to take friends too. But The Granary Barn is a perfect private escape for two. Bikes are also available (including a very cool resident tandem called Daisy!) so you can make the most of the country lanes nearby, as well as hundreds of DVD’s, CD’s and books.

The main entrance is through a stable-door to the side and there is a private patio to this side of the Granary Barn, with table, chairs and a barbecue for great sunny afternoons or lazy evenings.

The Granary Barn is ‘dog-friendly’ with an enclosed garden. Owners leave a dog treat as well as a delicious local breakfast basket for their owners – with fresh baked bread among the treats. The barn has ample parking at the front and a large garden with native hedges surrounding.