Tudor Barn - Lavenham, Suffolk, England

Unconventional, comfortable accommodation for the more adventurous - the huge aisled 16th century barn with roaring woodburner, gas heaters and large banquet area adjoins the cosy, under-floor heated cartlodge. There are three conventional bedrooms (one downstairs with own bathroom)and the barn sleeps up to 16 in a massive space (curtains can divide one end) - in comfortable, hand-made Suffolk oak beds (2 massive four-posters, 2 truckle doubles, 8 singles), moved where you want them.

The cartlodge has a huge, sunny, well-equipped kitchen, big lobby for muddy boots, upstairs TV sitting room and two smart bathrooms. Outside a hop, skip and a jump away is a posh new loo and power-shower block.

An enclosed herb garden with lawn, croquet and barbecue means children can be supervised without straying off. Further afield is a meadow to play ball games.

Friends, families, walkers, bird-watchers can get together in spacious, beautiful, ancient and environmentally-friendly working farm to paint, pond dip, hug trees, play tennis, walk, bike, explore nature, go slow, relax, feast and celebrate.

Outdoors bike (we have 20 bikes)or walk on planned circular routes, play tennis, croquet, barbecue, peacefully paint, explore our castle earthworks, visit the happy pigs, feed the bantams, try out pond dipping, tree hugging or other activities from our family activity pack, visit our modest museum.  Pet-friendly.

Inside the award-winning Grade II listed 16th century barn, crammed full of exposed oak beams, there is space to dance, play table tennis and table football, put on a play or re-enact Tudor times (dressing up box for children, and Tudor costumes for adults, Tudor tableware, games and even a murder mystery written for the barn).

Ideal for family self-catering, large group gatherings, birthday celebrations, civilised hen parties, wedding receptions, reunions - or just getting away, secluded and relatively remote but close to London, off the beaten track, to somewhere peaceful. For corporate away-days and team building stays we have cryptic clue bicycle treasure hunts around the local medieval villages, Go Ape in nearby Thetford Forest, canoe down the River Stour, weave willow baskets and ideas for other team bonding activities - and the barn doubles as a conference room for a meeting.

Our 'History, Archaeology & Natural History of Milden Hall' book (in draft at present!) summarises the interest of this much-loved home and small country estate, since Domesday and lived in by different family ancestors since 1485!  

Please visit http://www.thehall-milden.co.uk to find out more about the holiday cottage, amenities, surrounding area and places to visit in Suffolk.

Lavenham, Long Melford, Kersey - world-famous medieval wool towns, some guided tours. Beyond Constable Country (Dedham Vale, Flatford Mill), Bury St Edmunds with millennium cathedral tower. Kentwell Hall (Tudor/WWII recreations), castles (Framlingham, Orford, Hedingham), church trail, Sutton Hoo & numerous other National Trust properties. Go Ape in Thetford Forest - high wire adventure Farm shops, canoe hire on the River Stour, boat trips, boats to hire, walks, riding, golf courses, fishing, nature reserves, open gardens, museums, Anglo-Saxon village reconstruction.

Travel: Sudbury rail station 10 minutes, Colchester 25 minutes. Taxi or bus links - just ask us for details.

Good places to visit: Suffolk Coast (nature reserves, Orford castle, Sutton Hoo, coastal boat trips to see wildlife). Cambridge (inc Fitzwilliam Museum) National Trust properties Sutton Hoo on coast, Blickling & Felbrigg in Norfolk

Annual Events: Art exhibitions at The Wildlife Art Gallery, Gainsborough House and others throughout the year. Kentwell Hall Tudor and WWII re-creations mid June-mid July; open Apr-Sept. Open gardens - villages and schemes throughout the year. Chelsworth,Lavenham, Sudbury & Cornard - June. Lavenham Tourist Info Centre: 01787 248207

Good places to eat: The White Horse (organic, own microbrewery), Edwardstone. The Red Rose, Lindsey. The Bell, Kersey. The Angel and The Great House, Lavenham.

Local Sports: Leisure centre, golf, river canoeing, tennis, horse-riding, Go Ape hi-wire adventure, go-karting, clay pigeon shooting

Medieval & world famous, Lavenham was the fourteenth wealthiest town in England in Henry VIII's day. It is full of beautiful timber-framed buildings, enormous church, National Trust guildhall, winding lanes and shops to explore.

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