Asking For Roses

Right in the heart of Constable country, this romantic cottage is love at first sight. Once part of an 18th-century dairy, you'll find oodles of charm and history inside – original Suffolk white brick floor, high arched ceiling exposing all the ancient beams and pretty redbrick walls. It's as cosy as it looks, with a sumptuous sofa and a crackling fire to snuggle up in front of on wintery nights. The kitchen is small, but it has everything you need to rustle up a delicious meal using herbs from the garden or something sweet with the apples and pears from the orchard. Tuck into your fare on the enchanting, foliage-wrapped patio, while sunny days call for a picnic as you explore the gardens and picturesque countryside on your doorstep.

The walking and cycling in this area are great – your host provides bikes you can borrow, and this cottage is dog-friendly, so you can bring the pups along. Head down to the local pub for a pint (it's about fifteen minutes away on foot), or pedal to the tiny Medieval villages dotted around – our favourite is Lavenham, about six miles away. And with Ipswich and the Suffolk Coast less than an hour's drive, exploring the other postcard-worthy villages is a breeze.

Home truths:
*One baby is welcome – a cot and high chair can be provided on request, but you'll need to bring your own cot linen
*This is a single-storey home with a step-free shower – it may be a good option for those with limited mobility
*There are six other cottages on-site, with shared access to the gardens, orchards and barbecue area
*There is a washing machine and dryer on-site, but it's shared with the other cottages
*While cycling or walking is encouraged, you'll want a car to explore further afield – there's ample parking on-site
*The dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace