Boatmans

About this property

A true Suffolk gem - Boatmans enjoys a magical waterside position alongside the River Deben and is a gorgeous detached holiday cottage offering all the right ingredients for a romantic self-catering break at any time of the year. Surrounded by beautifully tranquil countryside for walking, a rowing boat for exploring the river, a log burner for cosy nights and a sun-trap patio (plus conservatory) for alfresco dining with views of the river, you will find it hard to choose a more perfect retreat for relaxing. Heaps of character in a simply stunning setting abundant with wildlife.

Boatmans is quite simply a magical holiday cottage sitting in an idyllic position on the banks of the River Deben in the pretty Suffolk village of Letheringham. Surrounded by a large beautiful riverside garden, this detached self-catering retreat offers a high degree of privacy and has a super-king bed and a single bedroom (with an additional pull out bed), making it perfect for couples and small families. Watersports enthusiasts can wile away the days exploring the miles of river on board a rowing boat, kayak or canoe (which are provided, or you are welcome to bring your own), whilst anglers can enjoy onsite fishing.

Pretty inside and out, this cosy cottage oozes traditional character with roses growing up the front door, beams on the ceilings, a wood burning stove for cosy nights, and a fabulous bathroom with roll-top bath for a long soak with a glass of wine at the end of the day. It also has a conservatory with table and chairs, allowing you to dine amongst the beauty of the natural setting when the weather is inclement, and not fine enough for an alfresco meal on the patio.

It is hard to imagine a more tranquil setting to escape away and recharge your batteries. With uninterrupted views of the river and woodland from most rooms and the garden, you will feel your stresses vanish away from the moment you unpack your suitcase. A haven for wildlife, the garden is visited by an abundance of feathered friends (some that fly in and others that swim!). A rowing boat, kayak and canoe are provided, allowing guests to explore the mile-long stretch of the River Deben directly from the private landing stage at the edge of the garden. It's a lovely way of spotting wildlife and a blissfully relaxing way of unwinding.

For those able to tear themselves away from the magical setting, the surrounding area offers lovely countryside walks directly from the cottage front door. There are also plenty of attractions within easy reach including rspb Minsmere (a gift card for the reserve or a day pass to the health club at Ufford Park are generously included in the owners welcome pack). With good access onto the A12 (just four miles away), Suffolk's glorious Heritage Coastline is within easy reach. Enjoy a day by the sea at Aldeburgh (less than half an hour), Dunwich or Southwold, or visit the pretty coastal village of Orford and nearby Snape Maltings for some retail therapy. The famous Suffolk wool towns of Lavenham and Long Melford are approximately an hour away, Ipswich with its marina is half an hour and the City of Norwich is an hour and a half drive.

Alternatively, just stay put and enjoy lazing by the river, leisurely country walks and long lazy lunches at a pub. Whether you visit in the warmer months when the garden and wildlife burst into life; or when the river setting becomes a winter wonderland with icicles glistening from the branches, Boatmans provides all the right ingredients for a relaxing and memorable holiday.

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Picture postcard pretty, Boatmans is a true Suffolk gem with lots of romantic classic charm throughout. Whilst it offers the convenience of a ground floor bedroom and bathroom for those with limited mobility, it is worth noting that there are a number of steps between living rooms. Most rooms offer lovely views of the river and surrounding woodland, allowing you to fully immerse yourself within the tranquility of the setting.

Accommodation comprises:

A pathway takes you via the patio into the cottage with a step up into the conservatory.

Ground floor

Conservatory with table and chairs for dining, sofa, armchair and bench. A lovely place to relax with your morning coffee or supper whilst looking out over the river. The conservatory has a radiator keeping it warm all year round and opens out onto the patio area with table and chairs - a peaceful sun-trap for alfresco dining when the weather is fine.

Country kitchen with painted wooden units, microwave, fridge/freezer, electric eye-level double oven, hob with extractor over and breakfast table which seats four. There is also a washing machine in the owner's outside wash room guests can use if required.

Off the kitchen is the single bedroom with an additional pull out bed.

Steps take you up into the sitting room with beams on the ceiling and comfy seating set around the brick fireplace with multi-fuel stove. A great place to relax in front of the flickering flames watching a film on the television (DVD and CD player provided for entertainment).

There is also a front porch where roses grow during the warmer months which provides access into the sitting room and space to store boots and coats.

Fabulous beamed bathroom with roll top bath for a long soak, large shower cubicle with power shower, WC, bidet and wash basin.

First floor

Spacious beamed bedroom with super-king size bed, television and DVD player. Wake up to fabulous uninterrupted views over the river and surrounding countryside.

Outside: Off-road parking is available on the driveway. The sunny patio provides the perfect place for alfresco dining, and there is a large garden (with lawn) leading to the river where you can relax. Shrubs and plants add to the charm and there are trees for shade in hot weather. The surrounding Suffolk countryside provides excellent opportunities for walkers. There is a shed where guests can store kayaks, canoes, bikes or fishing tackle.

Additional information: Seven night bookings normally taken. However, the owner will try to be flexible with changeover days, and offer short breaks between the months of November and March when three night minimum breaks are offered (outside of school/bank holidays). Sorry but no pets and no children under six due to the close waterside location. Prices include oil fired central heating, fire fuel (as well as charcoal if needed for the BBQ), WiFi, bed linen, electricity and towels. A generous welcome pack is provided which will include a gift card that can be used to gain entry into rspb Minsmere Reserve or used in the gift shop for rspb members, or a day pass allowing you access into the sauna, steam room, gym, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and running track at Ufford Park. Tea, coffee, milk, biscuits and a bottle of wine are included in the welcome pack.

Boatmans is the owner's much loved holiday home. Presented to a high standard throughout, with a great deal of care and attention taken to preserve the natural charm of the property, lots of thoughtful touches ensure a pleasurable and memorable stay.