If you are looking for the ‘wow factor’, Farmstead Lodges, situated in deepest rural Suffolk, resides in a beautiful little village called Easton in the Deben Valley and will certainly please those seeking a stylish sanctuary.
Launched in summer 2022, it is the latest ‘lockdown’ project by husband-and-wife team Ali and Sian Kerr, owners of popular Suffolk wedding venue Easton Grange. The lodges have been created to connect guests with the countryside it is surrounded by, creating a sanctuary from everyday life. Although it may feel like you’re out in the countryside, there is plenty to do around the area from walking trails to dinner at the local village pub.
From fast Wi-Fi to all the mod cons you would expect from a fancy boutique hotel, The Farmstead welcomes guests into lodges bursting with modern amenities. To be honest, the cabins are so high spec, you may not want to venture anywhere at all during your stay.
The lodges
There are eight lodges at The Farmstead – all family and dog friendly. Made entirely out of reclaimed scaffold boards, the rustic walls are softened with a beautifully thought-out open plan interior – dressed in knitted throws, natural linen curtains, a leather headboard, and a sumptuous dark green velvet sofa.
The bathroom features poured concrete and corrugated iron strips and is accessorised with copper taps. When paired with so many contemporary yet authentic touches, it creates its own kind of extravagance, one guests can feel very relaxed and at ease in, especially with smooth radio playing in the background.
The beds are big and comfy, with bedding supplied from ‘Piglet in Bed’ – the stripped linen sheets and extra thick duvet and pillow set will hug you all night long. I guarantee you won’t want to get out of bed.
The private verandas are inviting at any time of year – look out onto wildflower meadows, where you can watch the Suffolk wildlife emerge from their natural surroundings.
The extra touches
Upon your arrival you will find a generous hamper of Suffolk goodies, including a locally-made sourdough, Baron Bigod cheese, local churned butter, olives, eggs, crisps and wine.
The kitchen has been handcrafted and includes a rangemaster – ideal for those who love to cook, a Grind coffee machine to keep you on the go, and all of the solid crockery comes from Soho House.
A supermarket stock up before your visit will ensure you’ve got everything you need for a self-catering set-up.
The star of the show is the fabulous copper bathtubs, the larger lodges have one in the master room – but all have an al fresco tub outside, ideal for star gazing with a glass of wine before retiring indoors to snuggle up by the log fire.
In the summer months take a stroll in your Farmstead dressing gown and relax with a sundowner in hand whilst enjoying those big Suffolk sunsets.
As part of their sustainability pledge The Farmstead uses lots of local suppliers too and it was a delight to use the Norfolk Living products in both the bathrooms and kitchen. Little details like the sumptuous robes to wrap up in after a bath or shower gave the lodge that special five-star hotel feel too.
To do
The Farmstead is near to the Suffolk coast and picturesque towns of Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Walberswick and Southwold. However, if you want to visit somewhere really special, take a trip to Covehithe, one of the locals best kept secrets!
Framlingham Castle’s fame extends well beyond Suffolk, thanks, in no small part, to local boy Ed Sheeran referencing it in his song ‘Castle on the Hill’. This recent history is just part of a rich and storied heritage, with a long and colourful past which makes a fascinating family day out in Suffolk.
This county was put on the map again recently, with the release of the popular Netflix film ‘The Dig’, directed by Simon Stone, based on the events of the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo starring Ralph Fiennes. You can visit the site which is part of the National Trust.
A little closer to home is Easton Park Farm, an ideal day out with the kids – offering daily pony rides, hug-a-bunny sessions and ‘meet and greets’ with a Suffolk Punch cart horse’s, not to mention all of the children’s play areas.
The local pub
If you’re not a fan of cooking, you can walk to the village pub from The Farmstead via wildflower walkway, which leads into the village. The Easton White Horse is a charming 16th century pub full of character with a welcoming bar and locally sourced menu. Run by experienced chef Vernon Blackmore and his team, this pub prides itself on championing local, from its meat to fresh seasonal produce.
On the menu you will find dishes such as Pinneys Seafood selection – sea trout gravadlax, lemon and dill fish cake, fish tempura, along with slow roast Dingley Dell pork belly, chorizo mash, greens, jus, apple sauce and desserts like rhubarb and custard brown sugar pavlova or Baron Bigod, Stokes tomato chutney.
Dog friendly staycations
Dogs will love it here almost as much as their owners. There are miles of country walks to discover, you will find a personalised trail left in your lodge by the Farmstead team.
Factbox
One bedroom lodges are available from £1,005 for a weekend in low season (Oct – April) and from £2,100 for a week in peak season (May to Sept). For reservations, visit:farmsteadlodges.co.uk.
