The Farmstead Review: The Ultimate in Suffolk Serenity

There are times during the year when you just want to switch off and recharge your batteries a little and finding a retreat that allows you to do this isn’t always easy but we’ve just discovered somewhere that not only delivers unparalleled peace and relaxation but does so in style….

…Say hello to The Farmstead.

Here at The Coolector, we’ve always had a serious appreciation for a rural retreat, but we’re not talking about your grandad’s drafty barn conversion.

We’re talking about a proper, design-led escape, the kind that pairs rugged, back-to-nature aesthetics with the sort of high-spec luxury that makes you seriously consider never leaving.

The Farmstead, a stunning ‘back to nature’ enclave in the heart of the Suffolk countryside that has well and truly captured our attention.

This isn’t just another clutch of holiday cabins; it’s a meticulously curated vision from Ali and Sian Kerr, the creative minds behind the neighbouring (and highly sought-after) Easton Grange wedding venue. In 2023, they transformed a patch of former farmland into eight one- and two-bedroom lodges that are, frankly, a masterclass in rustic-modern design.

The philosophy here is one of authentic connection to the landscape. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the guiding principle of the entire build.

The lodges themselves are crafted from reclaimed scaffold boards and other salvaged materials, giving them an immediate sense of history and character. The land surrounding the cabins is being actively rewilded, a tangible commitment to giving back to the environment that inspired the project.

This is a true Suffolk enterprise, a project rooted in its locality. The Kerrs engaged Suffolk-based builders, and the interiors are the work of designer Angie Ashby-Hoare, who sourced from local furniture makers, upholsterers, and suppliers. She even scoured the county’s charity shops, auction houses, and antiques markets, peppering each lodge with unique vintage finds.

The result is a space that feels both rugged and refined. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, open-plan living room with a log burner, a bespoke, handmade kitchen, and a spacious en suite bedroom(s). But the real show-stopper, the detail that elevates this from a mere stay to an experience, is the private veranda. Each one comes equipped with a glorious outdoor bathtub—some in freestanding copper—letting you soak under the big Suffolk skies.

This is the kind of place where you can hunker down for a truly restorative and luxurious escape, a quintessential hideaway that perfectly balances high-end comfort with an honest, sustainable soul.

Brilliantly located in the heart of Suffolk – a stone’s throw from the region’s many beaches and from Suffolk mainstays such as Framlingham and Woodbridge. We had a short but magnificent stay at The Farmstead that allowed us to explore plenty of the county’s most mesmerising spots and we’ve always loved this part of the UK.

We thoroughly recommend visiting the town of Aldeburgh if you want a pebbly beach and a picture-perfect location to enjoy local shops, restaurants and bars and it really was perfect this time of year with quiet beaches but glorious sunshine to be enjoyed.

We spent a few hours here during our stay at The Farmstead and can safely say it was one of the most enjoyable and rejuvenating days out we’ve had in quite some time here at Coolector HQ! And, it’s fair to say, no Suffolk stay is complete without a visit to Framlingham Castle (the inspiration to the hit Ed Sheeran song, Castle On The Hill).

Closer to the lodge itself is an awesome pub by the name of The White Horse in Easton which can be accessed from the site via a glorious wildflower walk or just a minute or two by car.

It boasts an amazing menu heavily influenced by Malaysian and Thai cuisine (which we’re huge fans of) and also has an array of pub classics to boot. Win, win. Better still, those staying at The Farmstead will get a discount from their bill as well. What’s not to like?

This dog-friendly retreat truly is one-in-a-million and it’s clear to see how much care and attention has gone into every element of its design in order to make it a welcoming and relaxing place in which to relax and unwind on the Suffolk coast and we, quite frankly, couldn’t recommend it enough for those looking for a rustic yet luxurious break close to the coast.

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