Guests say
The Guards Van offers a unique and charming stay in a peaceful countryside setting, surrounded by fields and picturesque villages. Guests consistently praise the quirky character, well-equipped accommodation, and the added bonus of access to a heated swimming pool and hot tub. The property is ideal for families, with plenty of space for children to play. Thoughtful touches such as tea, coffee, and cake on arrival are appreciated. Minor issues mentioned include some discomfort with seating and mattress, occasional water temperature fluctuations, and ladybugs, but overall, guests thoroughly enjoyed their stay and would recommend it.
Guests found the property cosy, comfortable, and well-maintained, with no significant cleanliness concerns raised. The only minor mention was the presence of ladybugs, which did not detract from the overall experience.
The location is described as beautiful, peaceful, and surrounded by fields, with easy access to local amenities and scenic drives to nearby towns and the coast. Guests appreciated the tranquil setting and proximity to attractions.
The accommodation is generally considered comfortable and cosy, though a few guests noted the main seating and mattress were not to their personal preference. Despite this, most guests reported good sleep and a pleasant stay.
Facilities such as the heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and children's play equipment were highly valued. The property is well-equipped, though there was a minor issue with shower water temperature.
Guests appreciated thoughtful touches like tea, coffee, and cake on arrival, though these are not guaranteed. The booking system for private pool use and attention to guest comfort were also noted.
About this property
Tucked away on the site of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway trackbed, enjoying panoramic views across rolling countryside.. 4 steps to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: Freeview TV
Kitchen: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, Patio Doors Leading To Sitting-Out Area
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Electric heaters, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair available on request. Welcome pack. Sitting-out area with garden furniture. Natural 1-acre grounds and children’s play area (shared with other properties on-site). Indoor glass house heated swimming pool (¾ mile, shared with owner and other properties on-site, 8.5m x 4.25m, depth 0.9m - 1.8m, open all year, private 1 hour use by arrangement with owner) with sauna. Hot tub (shared). Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: The swimming pool is unheated between 1st November - 28th March.. All properties: Electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Natural 1-acre grounds and children’s play area (shared with other properties on-site). Indoor glass house heated swimming pool (¾ mile, shared with owner and other properties on-site, 8.5m x 4.25m, depth 0.9m - 1.8m, open all year, private 1 hour use by arrangement with owner) with sauna. Hot tub (shared). No smoking. Please note: The swimming pool is unheated between 1st November- 28th March. . Tucked away on the site of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway track bed, close to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, these delightful and unique holiday properties are based on the railway theme: one a station building plus 5 converted railway carriages, enjoying panoramic views across rolling countryside.
The Station House (ref E5336) is a comfortable detached, three-bedroom station building, typical of the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. With one double and two twin bedrooms, it can house up to six adults.
Railway Carriage One (ref E5337) is a compact but airy carriage with a living room and kitchen area and sleeps four in comfort. There is a double bedroom and a second sleeping area with two short bunk beds suitable for children.
Railway Carriage Two (ref E5601) is a well-appointed and spacious carriage with two bedrooms, one double, one with two bunk beds, and a further sofa bed in the living area to sleep two. The open plan living area, and an adjoining kitchen, allows families or friends to spread out, relax and enjoy their holiday together.
The Guard’s Van (E5639) offers two comfortable bedrooms for four people, with a double and two single beds. It has a delightful living and dining room with comfortable, upholstered bench seats which retain the original feel of the carriage.
The Italian Carriage (UKC3492) offers accommodation for up to four people. At one end you will find a bunk room, sleeping two people and the other a double bed in the master room. In the centre of the carriage is an open plan seating and kitchen area. The carriage enjoys its own patio and seating area.
Wilby Halt (ref UKC712) is a quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages. Linked by a railway platform, the first carriage houses the living space including kitchen and comfortable living room. The second carriage is the sleeping carriage where you will find the double bedroom and further room with bunk bed and single bed. This really is a unique experience and perfect for families.
It is surrounded by country lanes and farmland, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy cycling, walking and just relaxing and getting away from it all. It is centrally located, so it is also a great destination for those who want to sample what Suffolk has to offer. The owner’s own swimming pool, ¾ mile away, is available (booking required) and is heated March to November. There is also a hot tub and sauna.
Local amenities can be found in the pretty village of Debenham only 4 miles away, which has some lovely shops, pubs and cafés, as well as a local supermarket and leisure centre. The beautiful village of Mendlesham, 1½ miles, has a pub, post office, local store and bakery. It is within a short walk of the Mid-Suffolk Railway Museum, with steam trains at weekends in summer. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 29 guests.
Free WiFi
There are 4 steps to the entrance of this property.
There is limited internet signal and/or mobile reception at the property.
The swimming Pool is heated during november to approximately 26 degrees.
The pool is about ¾ mile away from the properties.
Nearby points of interest
- Framlingham Castle
- Ipswich Museum
- Christchurch Mansion
- Banham Zoo
- Ipswich Transport Museum
Reviews (7)
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Confirmed Guest
The Guards Van was cozy and clean and well equipped for its size, and in a lovely rural location. The site itself was very quiet and well maintained, and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway over the road was nice to visit on Friday evening for the bar and on Sunday for an event.Contact with the manager Judy was easy via text and phone, both before and during the trip.Lots of interesting and varied places in easy reach by car, including Minsmere, Dunwich, Aldeburgh, Sutton Hoo, Rendlesham Forest, Snape Maltings, Woodbridge, Bawdsey, Stonham Barns, Thornham Walks, and Helmingham Hall.The owner's swimming pool was a very short drive away and was pre-bookable online for an hour every day for private swimming and sauna, and was next to The Cedars Pantry which was a great stop for a brew or cold drink as well as a small farm shop.We stayed during a heatwave which was a bit challenging in the van but a small fan was available and we had brought one of our own in anticipation of high temperatures. We also brought along some lightweight camping chairs to sit on the decking adjoining the van, which is where we spent our evenings enjoying the birdsong and watching the rabbits who also fed on the grassed area at the back - the baby ones were also lovely to watch from the kitchen area in the mornings. As well as wood pigeons, skylarks, blackbirds, and thrushes, we had regular visits from a pheasant and even a woodpecker in the big shady tree opposite the van.Overall a lovely and memorable holiday but it's best to come prepared for the limited facilities within walking distance - I'd recommend a "big shop" on the way to the site at one of the nearby towns, then relax and enjoy the gentle pace of quiet life in this lovely part of Suffolk.
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Confirmed Guest
A lovely stay in a quirky cottage.
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Confirmed Guest
Peaceful location and quirky accomodation with everything you needed. Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.