Toad Hall

About this property

Toad Hall offers a rare opportunity to stay in a 16th Century farmhouse. The Grade II listed property sits in two acres of private gardens in a wonderfully rural position on the outskirts of the village of Swilland, yet just a 2 hour drive from London and close to the ancient riverside market town of Woodbridge. Within a small radius are beautiful countryside walks, attractions like Sutton Hoo and Jamie's Farm, and the opportunity to fish on the River Debden and horse ride. The Suffolk Coast is only half an hour away by car, with visitors able to easily access Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Thorpeness. The holiday house can accommodate up to 10 people in five/six bedrooms (The house can sleep 10 in 5 bedrooms and the GF games room has a double sofa bed, making it ideal for families and groups of friends. But it is max 10 people plus perhaps an infant (to comply with fire regulations).

The owner responds quickly via email and will give you her mobile upon receipt of enquiry

Toad Hall doesn't just sound as if it could be from a favourite storybook, it looks perfect enough to be the work of a great writer's imagination as well. The Grade II Listed manor house dates back to the 16th Century and can comfortably sleep up to 10 people in five/six bedrooms (the sixth is the third reception/games room). The farmhouse is only a two hour drive from London and sits in a lovely rural position just outside the village of Swilland, close to the historic riverside Suffolk town of Woodbridge and an easy walk from the good food pub, the Moon and Mushroom. If you want somewhere spacious and private to relax with friends and family, then Toad Hall is ideal.

Woodbridge is a popular choice for Londoners as it feels a world away from the noise and bustle of the city yet is within a two-hour drive of the capital. It has a lovely feel with a friendly community, excellent amenities and annual events that celebrate the seasons and include sprint fayres, summer festivals, Halloween activities and Christmas markets. Woodbridge has a choice of good pubs, cafes and takeaways, as well as clothing, homeware and gift shops, a wholefood grocery and a bi-monthly farmers' market held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. There is a network of footpaths from the house and lots of villages with excellent pubs a short drive or some a walk away.

Suffolk has long-been a favourite holiday destination for the beauty of its countryside and coast, both of which are easily accessible from Toad Hall. There is no better way to start your holiday off on the right foot than with a walk through your surroundings, especially when the view is of one of the country's most significant archaeological sites: Sutton Hoo. Alternatively, you could stroll around Foxburrow Farm or Rendlesham Forest, the latter of which has excellent family-friendly bike trails. Toad Hall has two acres of gardens but if the kids need more space then take them to Kingston Field which has a playground, a football field and basketball court.

Cycling is a pleasure in Suffolk thanks not only to the lovely views but also the flatness of the landscape. It is possible to hire bikes in nearby Rendlesham, or why not swap your bike saddle for an equestrian one and arrange a pony trek with one of several local stables.

The famous seaside resort town of Aldeburgh is about a 30-minute drive from Toad Hall. Thorpeness and Felixstowe are around the same distance, giving visitors a choice of beaches for a day at the seaside. Other fun days out can include a visit to Jamie's Farm or Framlington Castle, perusing the displays at the Bentwaters Cold War Museum, go-karting, playing golf, or meeting the residents of Easton Farm Park.

Suffolk is the sort of place people visit not only year after year but generation after generation.

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Accommodation Comprises:

Toad Hall is a period property with many original features including visible timber frames and beams. Although the house was updated over the centuries, it is essential to note that its ceilings are lower and staircases steeper than in contemporary homes. These features add to the charm, but can take some taller visitors by surprise.

Downstairs:

Welcoming sitting room with comfortable sofas and armchairs where guests can settle back with a good book, watch a film, play a game or chat over a glass of wine. Exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove highlight the age of the property, while the paned glass window looks out into the garden.

Large farmhouse kitchen/diner with a double oven, hob and microwave as well as a big butler's sink and dishwasher to make light work of clearing away. The solid wood table, flagstone floors and exposed beams add to the kitchen's character, making it a place where guests naturally gravitate. A walk-in larder with a freezer provides plenty of space to store groceries, while a utility room with a washing machine keeps the laundry space private. There is also a boot room for towelling off wet dogs and leaving muddy coats and boots.

Bedroom with a double bed and proper storage.

Shower room with a walk-in power shower, WC and handbasin.

Games room with a table-tennis table, relaxed seating, a TV, books and dual aspect windows with garden views.

Additional sunny sitting room/study with TV, wicker furniture and desk where guests can work or make phone calls.

Upstairs:

There are four further bedrooms on the first floor: two doubles and two twin rooms. if required you can use the single blow up bed or double sofa bed in the games room so that some of the 10 people do not have to share beds. A cot is also available, so please let the owner know when booking if this will be required. Each room has a style of furnishing that suits the age and character of the house.

One of the double rooms has an ensuite shower room with a separate bath, WC and handbasin.

Family bathroom with a deep rolltop bath, WC and handbasin.

Outside: Toad Hall has two acres of grounds that range from gardens with mature plants to level lawn spaces for playing, a pond and a summer house. There is a paved area with garden furniture including a fabulous granite dining table seating 12 for relaxed outdoor dining, as well as lots of quiet places to escape with a book or for a snooze. There is ample off-street parking for several cars.

Additional Information: All utilities, logs, bed linen and wifi are included. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome with the owner's prior agreement. Smoking is not permitted except in the gardens. The owners can put you in touch with external caterers.