Guests say
The Gildhall, Higham, is a well-received cottage praised for its beautiful property, spacious yet cosy interiors, and well-equipped facilities. Guests appreciate the warm welcome, including a generous hamper, and enjoy the historical charm, despite some low beams. The enclosed garden and adjoining parkland are perfect for walks, and the location serves as a great base for exploring nearby villages.
Guests have described the cottage as very clean, indicating high standards of cleanliness.
The property is appreciated for its quiet, rural setting and proximity to local attractions, though the lack of shops and pubs within walking distance is noted.
Reviews highlight the property as warm, comfortable, and cosy, with a special mention of the warm kitchen and central heating.
The cottage is well-equipped and guests love cooking on the Aga. However, the mention of low beams and a steep staircase suggests some maintenance considerations for guests.
While guests are delighted with the welcome hamper, as gifts are not guaranteed for every stay, it is not possible to accurately score thoughtfulness based on the available reviews.
About this property
Although The Gildhall is several hundred years old, the picture-perfect thatched cottage has been updated to provide a warm and cosy place to stay with everything you could want in a home from home. The surrounding parkland and gorgeous mature gardens really set the scene for a wonderful peaceful break.
The Gildhall is a charming detached thatched cottage with a host of features and character to make it a very special place to stay. The cottage is timber framed with exposed beams, a winding staircase and the Aga in the kitchen gives a warm and cosy feel. The farmhouse kitchen is well equipped including a breakfast dining area in addition to the dining room with refectory table and seating for six guests. The sitting room has french windows leading out to an enclosed garden with furniture, allowing you to enjoy some alfresco dining. The Gildhall welcomes well-behaved dogs.
Three good sized bedrooms on the first floor, a double and two king-sized, all have quality linens, superb views and are accompanied by an en-suite shower room and a family bathroom. The floors are 'sloightly on the huh' as we say here in Suffolk - a bit on a slant here and there!
Outside you have access to fifteen acres of gorgeous parkland, as well as your own enclosed mature gardens, perfect for children and dogs to explore safely. There is driveway parking for at least three cars. All in all this very pretty and tastefully furnished historic cottage and gardens are a lovely find, and make a peaceful escape for family and friends.
Additional Information
Two well behaved dogs are welcome (small additional charge).
A cot and high chair are available on request (no linen is provided).
Access note: Due to the age and character of the property the stairs are quite steep, floors uneven upstairs and a few low beams.
Nearby points of interest
- Colchester Castle Museum
- East Anglian Railway Museum
- Ipswich Museum
- Colchester Zoo
- Bicester Village
- Christchurch Mansion
- Ipswich Transport Museum
- Kentwell Hall
- University of Essex
- West Mersea Beach
Reviews (8)
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JK, Essex
Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our stay over the weekend at the Gildhall. The house is beautiful. The location is fantastic. The Welcome pack was gratefully received! A fantastic place for our long weekend, and we would certainly visit again.
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Mr R
Fabulous comfortable thatched cottage, we enjoyed the cosy kitchen cooking on the aga. The Enclosed garden area worked well with our dogs, opening out to the adjoining Parkland, leading to footpaths enabling great walks from the door. By car, Dedham, Hadliegh Sudbury, and other beautiful surrounding villages were easily accessible to explore with a short car journey through the country lanes.
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Mrs W
Loved it! Very Clean, Warm A larger cottage, than I thought…The staff are extremely efficient, and kind. A real cottage. The owner also has alot of taste.. Thank you!