Escape to the big skies and rolling landscape of Scole on the Suffolk/Norfolk border – the neighbouring counties share many characteristics and are home to a number of charming market towns, each of them surrounded by miles of fertile farmland. Diss, 3 miles away, has a thriving town centre and is known for the Mere, one of the deepest natural inland lakes in Britain. A 15-mile drive further into Norfolk will take you to historic Bungay in the heart of the Waveney Valley, where a weekly market takes place around the 17th-century Butter Cross building and monument. From here, it’s just a few steps to the Benedictine priory ruins behind magnificent St Mary’s church, while just across the road are the picturesque remains of Bungay Castle. One of the county’s premier seaside towns, elegant Southwold is 27 miles away and well worth a day trip – enjoy walks on the prom and pier, climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse, tour the famous Adnams Brewery and enjoy a fresh fish and chip supper. There’s more family fun to be had at Banham Zoological Gardens, 10 miles from your doorstep, or at the Bressingham Steam Museum, 5 miles away.
This deceptively spacious country cottage is in a rural spot on the outskirts of Scole and is perfect for a get-together with family or friends. Completely refurbished, it has stylish, spacious reception rooms and a host of traditional features including exposed wooden beams and low windows. The country styling begins in the entrance hall, where there’s space to store coats and boots. It continues in the sitting room where you can stretch out on two comfortable sofas, watch TV or snuggle up in front of the wood burner. The youngsters in your party will enjoy taking themselves off to the den where they’ll find beanbags, other seating, a selection of books and a large TV – let them log into your Netflix account and they’ll be quiet for hours! In contrast, the garden room is a peaceful retreat with gorgeous views and doors to an outdoor dining area. There’s space for everyone to catch up in the open-plan kitchen/diner, with room to seat eight around the table and all the essentials for a fuss-free stay. A shower room completes the ground floor layout. Stairs from the den lead upstairs, where there’s a lovely family bathroom with a roll-top, claw foot bath you can unwind in at the end of a busy day. There are also three restful bedrooms here – two have double beds and the other has twins – each complete with storage so you can unpack and really feel at home.
Outside, the pretty cottage-style front garden has a path to the drive, while at the back of the property, there’s a good-sized garden with a lawn, patio, outdoor furniture and a shed for bike storage.