1 Quay Cottage
Overview
1 Quay Cottage, sitting right on the River Deben in Bawdsey, is our delightful upside-down home, which actually makes perfect sense once you're here!
This isn't some quirky design experiment gone wrong. The reverse layout means the bedrooms are downstairs where it's cool and quiet, and the living space upstairs where you get the... best views. There are three bedrooms on the ground floor, two of which have ensuites. Head upstairs and you will find the real showstopper, the open-plan living area with exposed beams, a wood burner, and triple aspect views
The outdoors are just as good as the in! The rear garden has an elevated terrace and raised sun deck, essentially several different spots to sit with a drink and feel slightly smug about your location choice. The foot ferry to Felixstowe runs right from your doorstep, you're a short walk from rare sandy beaches, and the market town of Woodbridge is only a short drive away.
Features
This waterside gem welcomes six lucky guests across three comfy bedrooms. The master bedroom treats you to quay views and an ensuite complete with both bath and shower, ideal for post-adventure soaks. Bedroom two provides a comfortable double with its own shower room, while the cleverly accessible bunk room offers dual entry points, through bedroom two for midnight chats, or straight from the garden for those sandy returns from the beach. The handy porch stores life's essentials, wet coats, muddy boots, and overstuffed beach bags.
Upstairs, the open-plan living space cleverly combines kitchen, dining and lounging areas, with the... dining area spilling out onto a sunny balcony that overlooks the garden, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks with a view.
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Rooms
Ground Floor
Master Bedroom and Ensuite
With views to the quay, the master bedroom has a double bed and wardrobe rail. The spacious ensuite has a bath, shower, WC and wash basin.
Bedroom 2 and Ensuite
Bedroom two is a welcoming space with a double bed and wardrobe rail. The ensuite has a shower, WC and wash basin.
Bedroom 3
Accessed via bedroom two or from the rear garden, bedroom 3 has a full-sized bunk bed that can sleep up to two guests. There is a handy sink area and small porch which is a useful spot for coats, boots or bags.
First Floor
Open Plan Living / Kitchen & Dining Area
This is where the magic happens. To the front of the space is the comfy living room with a large sofa, Smart TV and toasty wood burner. In the middle you will find a compact but well-equipped kitchen with an oven & hob, dishwasher, under-counter fridge/freezer, toaster kettle and Phillips Sublime L’Or Barista coffee machine. -
Garden
The garden situation is rather excellent. Out front, there's lawn with flower and shrub borders behind picket fencing. But the rear garden is where things get interesting! There is an enclosed rear garden with a paved area, stairs up to an elevated terrace with planted borders, then another set of steps to a raised sundeck with inset lighting because someone clearly thought this through. Finally, there's a sandy space beyond, perfect for little ones. -
Parking
There are two private parking spaces in front of the cottage. -
House Rules
Check in: 4pm
Check out: 10am
No smoking is permitted at the property.
A maximum of two small dogs are allowed at the property.
Please note this property has a non-refundable Damage Waiver fee included at the time of booking, with cover up to £250. -
Floorplan
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Amenities
Bath Towels ProvidedBBQ - Please Bring CharcoalBunk BedCarbon Monoxide DetectorCoastal RetreatCoffee MachineCoffee Pods ProvidedConcierge Services AvailableCountry WalksDining AreaDishwasherEssentialsFamily FunFire Logs IncludedFree WifiFridgeGardenHair DryerHeat DetectorHeatingHighchairKayakingKettleKitchenLinens ProvidedLocal Golf CoursesNew To CuriousOff Road Parking - 2 CarsOutdoor DiningOutdoor FurnitureOven & HobPet FriendlyPrivate EntranceRiver ViewsRural EscapeSailingSmart TVSmoke DetectorsSummer Holiday StayToasterTravel CotWalk To BeachWelcome PackWind SurfingWood-Burning Stove
Availability
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Message from the Owner
Hello, we’re Julia and Deyan, and we are delighted to welcome you to our holiday cottage on the beautiful Suffolk coastline. Along with our two children, we love beachcombing, hopping on the Bawdsey ferry for fish and chips, or simply curling up on the sofa in front of the wood burner. It’s a real pleasure to share our cottage with you, and we hope you’ll enjoy it and the stunning surroundings as much as we do.
Whether you are here for coastal walks, birdwatching, sailing, or simply unwinding by the water, we hope you find the cottage a comfortable and calming retreat. River Deben has its own quiet magic, from the gentle rhythm of the tide to the large Suffolk skies with spectacular sunsets over the river in evenings filled with the call of seabirds.
There’s so much to explore here: coastal walks, birdwatching, sailing, and the simple joy of discovering hidden corners of this unspoiled area. At the same time, we’ve prepared the cottage with care and plenty of creature comforts so you can relax, recharge, and feel at home.
Thank you for choosing to stay with us. We wish you a wonderful time here and hope you leave with fond memories of Bawdsey and the Suffolk coast.
The Location
Bawdsey is located well off the beaten track, right at the very tip of the Deben Peninsula. It's a place where rich in natural beauty making it one of our favourite Curious locations.
The property is located right on Bawdsey Quay, a quiet spot where you can watch the boats come and go, relax on the beach, or even try your hand at crabbing. It's also the departure point for the foot ferry to Felixstowe, offering a short journey across the River Deben. If history is you thing, delve into a pivotal piece of World War II at the... Bawdsey Radar Museum. Housed in the original Transmitter Block, the museum tells the story of the birth of radar and its crucial role in the Battle of Britain. Just a short drive from Bawdsey, Shingle Street is a unique and wonderfully wild stretch of coastline. Known for its vast shingle beach, interesting sea defences, and abundant birdlife, it's a perfect spot for a bracing walk, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the raw beauty of the Suffolk coast. You might even recognise it from the film, “Yesterday”. Bawdsey is surrounded by stunning coastal paths and country lanes, perfect for walking and cycling. The Alde-Ore Estuary, close to Bawdsey, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for a variety of wading birds, Brent geese, avocets, and other species that call this spot home.
While Bawdsey itself is a small village, there are delightful options for a bite to eat, focusing on fresh, local produce. For a traditional pub experience, venture to nearby villages like Alderton or Ramsholt. Here you'll find charming country pubs serving classic British fare, often with a focus on seasonal ingredients and local ales. A personal favourite is The Ramsholt Arms, offering stunning river views and excellent food. Alternatively, a short ferry ride across the River Deben to Felixstowe opens up a wider array of dining choices. Felixstowe boasts several welcoming pubs, such as The Ferry Boat Inn, which offers lovely views over the river. With such beautiful surroundings, grabbing some local produce from a farm shop or deli and enjoying a picnic on Bawdsey beach or by the Quay is always a wonderful option.
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