Guests say
The Forge is a highly praised holiday cottage, celebrated for its cleanliness, comfort, and the warm hospitality of the hosts, Bev and Graham. Guests consistently commend the property's tasteful conversion, maintaining character while offering modern amenities. The tranquil location is ideal for exploring Suffolk, with the added charm of a beautiful garden and friendly chickens. Thoughtful touches, such as a welcome hamper, enhance the stay, though such gifts are subject to change and not guaranteed.
Reviewers unanimously mention the spotless condition of The Forge, highlighting its immaculate presentation and cleanliness throughout their stay.
The Forge is appreciated for its peaceful setting, convenient for exploring Suffolk and nearby historic towns. Its proximity to the coast and countryside makes it a favourable location.
Guests find The Forge very comfortable, with special mentions of underfloor heating and cosy furnishings. The property's layout and amenities contribute to a relaxing experience.
The Forge is well-equipped, though some guests noted the lack of an oven. However, the property compensates with other modern facilities and a well-maintained garden.
The hosts' thoughtfulness is frequently noted, with mentions of a welcome hamper and fresh eggs. While these gestures are highly appreciated, they are personalised touches and may vary.
About this property
Tucked away in the village of Old Newton near Stowmarket Suffolk is this romantic, single-storey, detached lodge, The Forge. A former Blacksmith workshop, this studio-style lodge is brimming with character, yet beautifully refurbished with contemporary facilities to suit a couple's countryside retreat making it an excellent base to sample the delights Suffolk has to offer. You'll find an off-road parking space on arrival, shared with the owner's driveway, to unpack and get settled in with ease. Step inside to find space for boots, coats, and a separate dressing room with storage space for your belongings. Housing your self-catering needs, rustle up basic meals in the kitchen with a combi microwave/oven, two-ring induction hob, and a fridge with an ice box. Savour a hearty breakfast in the main studio-style space with a table for two to plan the day's adventures. This thoughtfully appointed studio space has stylish furnishings, local wildlife photography, and the bonus of underfloor heating!
The centrepiece of the lodge is the old brick forge, now housing a woodburning stove for extra comfort while you snuggle up on the plush sofa to watch TV or read a good book. Set behind the sofa, you'll find a sumptuous king size bed with bedside lamps if you prefer to relax and read among the cushions. With vaulted ceilings and skylights, there's plenty of natural light filling the space as you get ready for the day; a contemporary shower room is just next door with a walk-in shower and heated towel rail. Take a short stroll into Old Newton, where you can pick up any essentials from the well-stocked convenience store and Post office, there is also a Chinese takeaway a minutes walk away, whilst the pretty village of Haughley (1.9 miles) has it own bakery, Indian restaurant and The Kings Arms pub and restaurant for traditional fare, the medieval castle overlooks the village, dating back to the 11th-century. Discover more local history at the market town of Stowmarket visit The Museum of East Anglian Life or take a romantic stroll along the Gipping Valley River Path. With easy access to the A14, continue onto the Medieval Town of Bury St Edmunds, home to an imposing 16th-century cathedral, a fascinating 11th-century abbey and the 12th-century Moyse’s Hall Museum, not forgetting the charming market & shops to peruse and restaurants and bars to complete your day. Further afield, you will find Newmarket, renowned for its horse racing, where you will find the National Horse Racing Museum and the 17th-century Newmarket Rowley Mile Course. Be sure to check out the wonderful village of Lavenham, with its timber framed buildings where you can visit the National Trust site of Lavenham Guildhall, also its many antique shops followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea at The Swan Hotel Lavenham. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle,the undulating landscape and quiet country lanes and picturesque trails of Suffolk make this perfect for cycling & walking, while seafarers can escape to Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB scattered with woodland and shingle and Sandy beaches within an hours drive away. For an unforgettable romantic holiday in Suffolk, book your stay at The Forge.
Stowmarket is a lovely Suffolk market town between Needham Market and Haughley. The town is the largest in Mid Suffolk and has many attractions, including the Museum of East Anglian Life and the nearby River Rat. There are pubs, cafes, restaurants and takeaways to choose from, as well as supermarkets and convenience stores. The picture-perfect village of Haughley, with its traditional thatched cottages, convenience store, pub, and takeaway, is easily accessible from the town.
Accommodation
Single-storey.
Studio-style layout with king-size bed, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove.
Shower room.
Kitchen.
Dressing room
Electric underfloor heating with woodburning stove.
microwave, induction hob, fridge with ice box.
TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 1 car.
Side garden with lawn, decking and furniture.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 0.4 miles, pub 1.8 miles.
Note: This property is located in the owner's garden.
Note: Bathrobes and slippers will be provided for guest use.
Please note this property can only accept Holiday Rental bookings.
Note: A Ninja Foodie is available on request
Nearby points of interest
- Greene King Brewery
- Ipswich Museum
- Christchurch Mansion
- Kentwell Hall
- St. Edmundsbury Cathedral
- Framlingham Castle
Reviews (39)
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Robert
Bev & Graham made us feel very at home . Super welcome goodies & fresh eggs laid by their chickens. ( The girls as I called them ) The Forge beautifully decorated with every thing one would need. Central for exploring & there was even Northern lights one evening. Thank you both The Forge very comfortable & we enjoyed our stay .
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Gary
It was certainly worth the 300 mile journey from Cumbria! It was a great base to explore an area we didn't know, and a lovely place to return to each evening. It was like a home from home and a boutique hotel all rolled into one. The attention to detail was second to none and the thoughtful extra touches were most appreciated. The welcome basket, including eggs from the owners' chickens amongst many other things, was the best we've had. The Forge is a real credit to you, Bev and Graham, and it was clear that you were rightly proud of it! We will certainly book again when we are in the area. Best wishes Tracey and Gary
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Eileen
Bev and Graham were great hosts but let us have our privacy. Although the property is in part of their garden it still felt separate and secluded. We would highly recommend and go back if in the area. Everything was immaculate and lots of attention to detail. Great value.