Hylton Cottage, Lavenham

The space

The property can sleep up to two people in perfect comfort. Accommodation includes a cosy sitting room with a variety of books and local magazines, as well as a TV and free WiFi. A recently upgraded kitchen contains a fridge with a freezer compartment, dishwasher and an oven with a four ring induction hob catering for guests looking for a quiet night in with a home-cooked meal. There is also a dining table which can seat up to 4 guests or provide laptop-friendly work space if necessary. The kitchen is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, toaster, kettle and microwave for your convenience. There is a beautifully finished ground floor shower room and a first-floor king size bedroom with an en-suite cloakroom.

Outside, there is a fabulous private garden area which has been beautifully planted with a colourful variety of flowers and plants and is a real oasis, particularly in such a central village location. There is also a garden cabin providing a sheltered area of seating, ideal for a morning coffee or glass of wine in the evening. Parking is readily available on-street or in any of the village’s car parks (charges may apply at some times).

The village of Lavenham itself is one of England’s best preserved medieval wool towns and showcases some of the finest architecture of this style anywhere in the country. Timber framed houses line the picturesque network of streets with a lovely central market place. There are numerous excellent pubs and restaurants including the notable Swan Hotel and Great House restaurant. For those looking to explore on foot, there is a variety of stunning footpaths over the rolling hills and through open countryside, including the old railway line walk which connects with nearby Long Melford (another must-see with its variety of attractions including the National Trust Melford Hall). Lavenham also contains numerous independent boutiques and shops as well as tearooms and cafes; in addition, there is a particularly well stocked pharmacy/gift shop and the Weavers’ House Spa at the Swan. We are also lucky to have one of the finest Churches in the area, St Peter and St Paul’s which is well worth a visit and has an excellent second hand bookshop. The renowned Lavenham Farmers’ Market is held on the 4th Sunday of every month outside the Village Hall and on the adjoining field.

Hylton Cottage is likewise well placed to serve guests looking to explore a little further afield. The nearby market town of Sudbury operates a market on both Thursday and Saturday and contains a host of further attractions including Gainsborough’s House, a museum and gallery for the famous local artist, Thomas Gainsborough. The Water Meadows provide acres of picturesque grounds with miles of footpaths to explore. Coffee or lunch at The Mill Hotel is the prefect destination to re-charge following a morning’s walk.

The cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds offers plenty to discover including nearby Ickworth House, another National Trust venue, with stunning park-like grounds. In the town itself, the Abbey and Abbey Gardens are worth visiting, whilst the Theatre Royal and The Apex offer a varied programme of live music, drama, dance and comedy. The Greene King Brewery offers tours and tasting sessions, and there are also a number of nearby vineyards such as Wyken, Gifford Hall and Hawkswood. Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Cornhill and Buttermarket area, offering a variety of stalls with local produce, food and crafts; a Farmers’ Market is held on the second Sunday of every month on The Traverse.