Charming cottage on Suffolk/Essex border

A charming grade II listed thatched cottage located in the pretty semi-rural village of Foxearth on the Suffolk/Essex border provides an excellent base to explore both counties. The cottage is situated on a quiet private lane with parking for 2 cars and is surrounded by farmland with a network of footpaths near by. There's lots to do in the area with the medieval village of Lavenham and the historic town of Bury St Edmunds both close by. The beautiful Suffolk coast great for a day trip. Part of the cottage originally formed the end section of a small aisled hall in the 13th century with later additions from the 1600's to date. Whilst retaining its charm and character, it has been sensitively refurbished/restored in recent years to provide very attractive accommodation. One of the most recent additions an oak veranda on the side of the property which provides a very pleasant place to sit with a cup of tea or a glass of wine! You enter the cottage via the boot room, a great place to leave walking gear or family stuff etc. The dining room is next, a beamed room with a large table for socialising at or working from. The table is well protected so it's a good place for a spot of coloring too. French doors open onto the rear courtyard garden. There is also storage for coats under the stairs. Here you will also find a selection of board games, great fun for all, and DVDS for when the weather is inclement or when just sitting still is needed. The dining space flows into the sitting room at the front of the cottage. Comfortably furnished, it's bright and light with a large bay window overlooking the garden. There is a television with DVD player. A selection of reading books are available. The last room downstairs is the kitchen. A pretty room with double aspect windows, very much a cottage kitchen with gingham and butler's sink. All the mod cons too, including dishwasher. The fridge has a small freezer section, there isn't a separate freezer. The washing machine is in the outhouse, along with everything you need to do your wash. Don't stress about the washing up, dishwasher tabs and washing up liquid along with cloths and tea towels are provided. Tea and coffee supplies are on the side and on arrival there will be a welcome cake and a pinta. The stairs to the first floor are hidden behind a door, great fun for little ones who enjoy finding them! The stairs up to the first floor are in keeping with the age of the property and are steep, there is a handrail on one side. The handle on the door at the bottom of the stairs is too high for small people to reach. A stairgate is available and can be fitted at the top of the stairs. The bedrooms, all on the first floor, have comfortable beds to accommodate up to 5 people, with the addition of a cot (or two) if required. Cot linen is available, there is no additional charge for this. Both the master bed and the twin bed have large wardrobes, the single bedroom has an area to hang your clothes in. The smallest bedroom has a selection of toys and children's books in but equally, it's suitable for an adult too. In the bathroom, you will find a big pile of towels along with toiletries, shampoo and loo paper. The cottage has a Combi boiler so there is a plentiful supply of hot water for bath or shower. Outside, the walled garden is on three sides of the property, the main part being to the side. The grass took a bit of battering in the heat of summer, 2018 but is now recovering. Dine outside in the summer months using the table and chairs provided or sit under the veranda and while away an hour or two. Roses and poppies are pretty in the spring and summer. Allocated parking for two cars is at the front of the cottage. A Combi boiler runs the central heating and hot water. Broadband, 1mg. Minimum stay, 3 nights. And that's it. A space for a couple, friends or famiiles to enjoy. Use as a base to explore the beautiful Suffolk and Essex countryside and its sights. The cottage is comfortable, spotlessly clean and just waiting for you to arrive. We live in the ajoining property. I will welcome you to Foxearth on your arrival day and then leave you to enjoy your holiday. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have during your stay. Foxearth is a small semi-rural village on the Suffolk/Essex border. The nearest available facilities are in Long Melford, a few minutes to reach by car or a 30/40 walk away across the fields. Melford is an attractive, historical village with pubs, tea rooms, individual shops and two large country houses, Melford Hall and Kentwell, to explore. There are also two supermarkets. Sudbury, the nearest town, has all the usual services you would find in any town, banks and supermarkets, but here you will also find Gainsborough's House and Museum, the birthplace and home of the English painter, Thomas Gainsborough. The Sudbury water meadows, immortalized by both Gainsborough and John Constable in their paintings, are a hidden gem. The meadows are carefully maintained and have never been ploughed to grow arable crops or treated with chemical fertiliser and, as a result, wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals abound. The River Stour crisis crosses its way across the meadows and on the first Saturday in August each year, a rowing regatta takes place on the river. Cattle continue to graze on the meadows and can be seen taking a stroll across the fields and water. Not far from Foxearth is the neighboring village of Pentlow, where you will find the Pinkuah Arms, our 'local', about 25 minutes away on foot. It is always worth checking before you set out for a quick pint, like with many country pubs, it's the survival of the fittest. Foxearth also has its very own meadows nature reserve which is accessible from the cottage on foot. The reserve is home to many dragonfly and damsel fly and several threatened bird species reside there. A short drive away you will find Lavenham, one of the best preserved medieval villages in England. And the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, a pretty market town, is not far away. There is a public swimming pool in Sudbury and a Cineworld in Bury, useful options for families to enjoy or for when the weather is not great. A day trip into Cambridge is well worth making. You will need a car, there is no public transport available in Foxearth. Bring your bike(s), the cottage is close to the South Suffolk Cycle way. Bikes can be stored in the outhouse which can be locked if needed. If you are prepared to use foot power, you can walk into Melford or Sudbury. You can take a bus in Melford to Bury St Edmunds or Sudbury. Sudbury has a shuttle train station to Marks Tey where you can catch a train into London. Plenty of public footpaths near to the cottage. MOVING FORWARD IN 2020 Cleanliness has always been a top priority and it is now more important than ever. So what’s changed? - A minimum of 54 hours between guests - Removal of some soft furnishings eg throws and cushions, and items that are likely to be touched regularly by different people eg books, DVDs, children’s toys and board games also removed. The seat and back cushions on the sofa will remain as it can’t function without these. Covers will be washed between guests. - Sanitising station by the front door. Hand sanitiser will available outside before entering the cottage. Hand wash will be available in the cottage. - Appropriate cleaning products in the cottage - PPE will be worn when the cottage is cleaned - Pillows will washed and rotated. Or for that extra touch of home, bring your own - Curtains, particular attention to touch points, will be sprayed with disinfectant - On your arrival day I will greet you when you arrive but no longer accompany you into the property - If you are able, please keep the property well ventilated during occupation. On departure day I will ask you to leave the doors and windows open to thoroughly air the property. You can return the keys to me or leave them on the dining table. If you are going out for the day, please secure the property accordingly - If for any reason you need to be contacted after departure this will be done via Airbnb What will continue? - All bed linens, including mattress protectors and pillow protectors which will be laundered between guests, towels and tea towels all washed at 60 - All crockery, cutlery, saucepans, glassware etc will be put in the dishwasher - Thorough cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly eg door handles, light switches, remote controls, bannister, kettle etc. - Mattress turned between guests, hoovered and sprayed with disinfectant Anything else I think of I will do. Wishing you a safe and happy visit to Orchard Cottages. Lorna