Extraordinary escapes on your doorstep
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a truly memorable break. Essex and Suffolk are home to some wonderfully unusual places to stay, from Hobbit-inspired hideaways and historic Martello towers to converted railway carriages and private island retreats. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a family adventure, or simply looking for somewhere a little different to recharge, these distinctive properties offer character, history and plenty of local charm. Here are ten quirky stays across the region that are sure to inspire your next escape.
Found Tower, Bawdsey, Suffolk (pictured above)
For a unique escape, whisk the party away to this exclusive, luxury self-catering Martello tower on the shores of the Suffolk coastline. Settled on the Deben Peninsula, and looking across to Bawdsey village, Found Tower was originally built to defend Napoleonic forces in the 1800s and, after a stylish renovation, is now a unique RIBA award-winning retreat. This imposing building comprises almost a million bricks wrapped around one huge central brick shaft, inviting guests to kick back over three floors of contemporary living spaces. A spiral staircase sweeps up to the rooftop level, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360-degree views of the Suffolk coastline. Heading downstairs from the first floor, the modern-rustic design flows towards the tower’s sleeping quarters, comprising two sharply modish bathrooms and three sumptuous double bedrooms. Find out more here.
Pod Hollow, West Stow, Suffolk
Influenced by The Hobbit, this subterranean home is built into the side of a grassy knoll with a round wooden door, circular windows and a wildflower meadow growing on its roof. In the cosy interior there’s a fireplace, two double bedrooms, a sitting room and a fully equipped kitchen with hob and oven. West Stow’s Anglo Saxon Village is practically on the doorstep as well as the beautiful Fullers Mill gardens, and it’s just four miles from Bury St Edmunds. Click here to visit their website.
Garden House, Osea Island, Essex
Located in a private retreat on Essex’s Blackwater Estuary, this is a truly memorable island getaway. Located in the central village of Osea, it’s a homely property with stylish decor throughout. Guests are never too far from all the island’s offerings, and the outdoor suntrap is a great place to while away the balmy days and evenings. From the tidal causeway approach when arriving, to the numerous activities, facilities and beauty spots that await, this is a waterside escape to be savoured. Guests staying in the property have access to a private beach, outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, and games room. There are a number of properties to choose from on Osea Island, find out more here.
Garden House, Osea Island
Ickworth Keeper’s Cottage, Suffolk
A charming Victorian cottage set on the 1800-acre Ickworth estate and surrounded by farmland. It’s well worth visiting the nearby Italianate Palace and strolling around the gardens beside the Rotunda, or you can hire a bike to cover more ground on the multi-use trail. Though it doesn’t quite have the same grandeur the National Trust owned cottage, once a dairy, it is still very comfortable and with four bedrooms it can accommodate eight guests. Find out more on the National Trust website.
A House for Essex, Wrabness, Essex
Designed by contemporary artist, writer and commentator Grayson Perry, alongside FAT Architecture, A House for Essex was inspired by the tradition of wayside and pilgrimage chapels and is filled by a number of works by Perry. A modern local landmark, it sleeps up to four guests with two bathrooms and overlooks the River Stour. The Essex Way runs through Wrabness making it ideal for walkers, and there is plenty to explore in nearby Manningtree and Dedham Vale. Find out more here.
Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
The film, The Dig, shone a spotlight on Edith Pretty, the landowner on whose pastures the Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered. Owned and managed by the National Trust, you can stay at Tranmer House, where Pretty lived, as it is now three attractive holiday apartments which blend modern convenience with Edwardian charm. You can explore the famous 7th century royal ship burial site and exhibition, climb the 17 metre viewing tower, or relax in the café. Visit nearby Woodbridge and see the Sutton Hoo Ship Project where a team are working together to build a full-size replica of the 90ft ship. Visit the National Trust website to find out more.
Built in 1934, The Tower was the recent winner of Maldon’s coveted Building Conservation Award. This three-storey imposing landmark sleeps up to six guests in stylish, elegant surroundings that are perfectly in keeping with the building’s history. There are plenty of luxurious touches to revel in, including soft floor lighting that adds a subtle glow to your evenings, and an opulent rainfall shower room. Discover the circular ‘Engineer’s Room’ study on the ground floor and make the most of the far-reaching views across the River Crouch from the open-plan living area and terrace – the ideal spot for a morning coffee or a sundowner. Click here to see more.
The Tower, Latchingdon
The Windmill, Cockfield nr Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
You can enjoy a break in a roundabout way here as there are no corners! It’s the last windmill built in Suffolk and while there are no sails to mark its previous existence there’s a striking, handcrafted ‘pod’ on top of the mill giving lovely views of the countryside around Cockfield and towards nearby Lavenham. There’s a luxury feel to the interiors so one to consider if you are looking for an adults-only boutique bolthole. Click here to visit the website and see more.
Freston Tower, Ipswich, Suffolk
A six storey Tudor folly that stands proud overlooking the River Orwell on the outskirts of Ipswich. With a single room on each floor, it’s the sitting room at the top of this Landmark Trust property that commands the best view over the estuary and undulating parkland. It sleeps four with one twin and one double bedroom and dogs are welcome. The Butt & Oyster is highly regarded for its seafood platter, and Suffolk Food Hall is nearby where you can find local produce, a restaurant, coffee shop, and a play area. Visit the Landmark Trust website to find out more.
The Carriage at High Barn Heritage, Greenstead Green, Essex
HBH is dedicated to restoring unloved and neglected railway carriages and this is their first project on the outskirts of Greenstead Green close to Halstead. You’ll find a Great Eastern Railways carriage and 20th century freight box set on rails and sleepers and furnished in vintage style. It can sleep up to four guests and there’s a wall mounted TV and DVD player so not everything here is from yesteryear. For the train enthusiast – nearby Colne Valley Railway will take you on a nostalgic steam train journey through the surrounding countryside. Click here to see more.
If you have aspirations to own and manage your own unique holiday hideaway or leisure business, check out the latest listings from our Water & Leisure team below. This specialist division of Fenn Wright focuses on the sale and valuation of waterside and leisure properties throughout the UK, with a reputation for their expertise in this niche sector of the market.
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