Unique and Unusual Accommodation in Suffolk

Click the link below to filter through a range of places to stay in Suffolk.

Suffolk offers plenty of unique accommodation as its long & rich agricultural history has produced many interesting buildings that have been converted into B&B’s, self catering cottages or Hotels. Here we look at some options for an unusual stay in Suffolk.

West Stow Pods offer a number of options for glamping in the Suffolk woodland, including Megapods and Lodges. But what makes them truly unique- and worthy of any bookworm’s bucket list is Pod Hollow. Inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Pod Hollow is a circular, subterranean house, with all the classic features you would hope for, including a roaring fireplace with a comfy chair- perfect for curling up with a big heavy book.

Built in 1891 The Windmill Suffolk is the perfect adults only contemporary country hideaway. Located 7 miles from Bury St Edmunds, in easy reach of everything that Suffolk has to offer. Enjoy the uninterrupted panoramic view from the comfy warmth of the top floor living space and relax on the oversized handmade velvet sofas. In the small hours, head onto the external balcony to take-in the picturesque vistas. The Windmill sleeps 4 in 2 luxurious bedrooms. With your own secluded garden, ample private parking and secure private storage for bicycles The Windmill is set in over an acre of land so you can truly unwind in this hidden haven. Click on the link above to find out more about this luxury hideaway.

Happy Days Retro Vacations is a small tree lined trailer park offering a slice of vintage Americana in the Suffolk countryside. This award winning site has been listed amongst the Top 20 UK Glamping sites in The Times for the last 5 years. It is perfect for families, couples and exclusive hire for parties and is based just a mile outside the town of Saxmundham and 5 miles from the Suffolk Coast. As well as their own nine shiny retro American Airstream caravans, the site has space for visiting vintage caravans, campervans and tents. There is a kids play area in the garden and each trailer has a fire pit free of charge. The site has a toilet and shower block with family style shower rooms and hot water washing up sinks.

Boundary Farm has two shepherd huts which offer a glamping experience at its best, providing the chance to escape to the country and be at one with nature and the outdoors. One mile from Framlingham and set in a beautiful rural location overlooking meadows, you can unwind in the peaceful Suffolk countryside, enjoy the sounds of the natural world, see the stars and detox from the digital world. The two 16′ fully insulated Shepherd’s Huts crafted by local artisans are luxurious re-incarnations of the traditional mobile homes that shepherds of the past lived in whilst guarding their flocks yet still retaining their traditional style and charm but with modern comforts. They are an opportunity to ‘get away from it all’ whilst still enjoying some of the finer things in life – like a log fire, a luxurious double bed and a hot shower. ‘Thyme’ and ‘Sage’ each accommodate two people, have a kitchen area and an en-suite shower room with a proper flushing loo and are connected to mains electricity and water. Click the link above to find out more.

For a unique short stay for two, try Roosters B&B a converted loft which offers stylish, comfortable, self-contained accommodation in the historic village of Pakenham, just outside Bury St Edmunds. The well-appointed loft room has comfortable, modern, open-plan living space with an amazing and uninterrupted view of the stunning Suffolk countryside. A delicious DIY breakfast is included in your booking. This is freshly prepared and placed in Roosters just before your arrival. Please enjoy your breakfast at a time that is convenient for you – undisturbed in Roosters, in the garden where you can enjoy the morning sun or comfortably tucked up in bed, the choice is yours. The kitchen area has a sink, microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge. Cutlery, plates, mugs, glasses and microwave utensils are also included. Roosters has a no smoking policy and can accommodate two adults for a maximum stay of 2/3 nights.

Enjoy the countryside views and peace and quiet in this lovingly handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Peasenhall. A wonderful break for 2, the hut has its own private, secluded garden (including a hammock!), outside seating area with teak garden furniture, fire pit and barbeque for the warmer months and woodburner with a free supply of wood during the cooler months. It is also connected to mains water and electricity so you can enjoy all the comforts of modern day living. Your stay will include a generous welcome pack, including fresh eggs from the resident hens, a homemade cake and a bottle of wine or prosecco chilling in the fridge.

Some of our Boutique Hotels offer exceptional, individually styled accommodation, or you can check out the following non-hotel options –

Hare Lodge B&B is a uniquely styled ‘new England’ house set in the picturesque village of Peasenhall, a few miles from the Suffolk Coast. This house actually dates from the 16th Century but the facilities today are far from Medieval. There are 2 double bedrooms with king size beds, en suite shower rooms, and breakfast is provided by the owners chickens, so it couldn’t be more locally sourced!

The Landmark Trust is a building preservation charity, established to rescue historic and architecturally interesting buildings and their surroundings from neglect and, when restored, to give them new life by letting them as places to experience for holidays. They have several amazing properties in Suffolk, including this Martello Tower in Aldeburgh. Sleeping only 4 people, this intimate and historic space is actually the largest and most northerly of the chain of towers built to keep out Napoleon. Constructed in the shape of a quaterfoil for four heavy guns, nearly a million bricks were used in its construction. Here you will enjoy all the elements at close quarters, plus a clear view of the nearby lighthouse at Orford and all the facilities of Aldeburgh close by.

The Landmark Trust also own the magnificent Ancient House in Clare which is positioned next to the beautiful Church in the centre of this pretty town.

The elaborate pargeting bears the date ‘1473’, and is one of the most celebrated examples of this art in the country. There are other unique and unusual features to this property, which sleeps only 2 people, but gives you a chance to enjoy a slice of history in Clare.

A wonderfully unique stay can be found through Living Architecture, who provide contemporary rental accommodation designed by some of the most talented architects in the country for group and family holidays.

Their two properties in Suffolk are The Balancing Barn, Thorington, located on the edge of a serene nature reserve near the Suffolk Coast, and The Dune House, Thorpeness, which overlooks Thorpeness beach. The buildings are spectacular sights to behold and can accommodate large groups of up to 8-9 people.

For plane spotters everywhere The Willows Campsite Mildenhall is your dream come true! You can wake up and see a plane going overhead and feel as though you can reach out and touch it – well almost! Positioned at the end of the runway at RAF Mildenhall, and just 6 miles from RAF Lakenheath, this campsite has toilets, showers, electric hook ups, chemical disposal point and water taps, and is dog friendly!

For nature lovers we have unique and unusual offerings for you – they will provide a night to remember! If you’re tempted to try Glamping then look no further than Suffolk Glamping Co who have recently established a new luxury camping site in 25 acres of wild flower meadows, woodland and hedges dating back to Saxon times. The Safari Tent is set in the the middle of the site with ponds, reed beds and a large stream meandering through. The Tent is fully equipped to a luxury standard, and you’ll even have your own free range hens on call for the freshest of eggs!

Or for a range of glamping options, Alde Garden is a great choice, with options including Mongolian yurts, a roundhouse, a treehouse style cabin, a gypsy caravan, or a cosy cottage.