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The Farmhouse @ Retreat East

The Farmhouse @ Retreat East

Hemingstone, Suffolk

4

8

4

Where wellies meet wine and bonfires replace boardrooms, the Farmhouse at Retreat East is the perfect place to get away from it all.

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  • Overview
  • Gallery
  • Features
  • Availability
  • Owner
  • Location
  • Reviews

Overview

Hidden in the hills of the Suffolk countryside is Retreat East, a triumphant regeneration of a former dairy farm and the cosy four-bedroom farmhouse is its heart and soul. This charming retreat is like a time machine, taking you back to the 16th century with its beautiful timber-framed architecture and oodles of character.

The...
farmhouse is surrounded by its own lush gardens, offering a private space for you and your friends or family. Inside, there are three spacious double bedrooms and a snug twin room, making it perfect for up to eight guests. The rooms are decked out with comfy furnishings, ensuring you have a good night's sleep after your adventures.

And speaking of adventures, the farm and the nearby areas are full of exciting things to explore! Enjoy farm-to-table menus at The Great Barn and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care at the luxurious spa. For the more energetic souls, the fully equipped gym and complimentary mountain bikes beckon, inviting you to explore the scenic surroundings.

At Curious Retreats, we believe in offering not just a luxurious escape but a responsible one. The Farmhouse at Retreat East shares this ethos and has ingrained sustainable practices into their core. Everything, from cleaning products to composting, from local sourcing to laundry, is done with the utmost care for our planet. So, you can relax and unwind, knowing that your escape is not just luxurious but also responsible.

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Features

The Farmhouse isn't just a wonderful place to kick back and unwind with family and friends; it also provides you with full access to the fantastic facilities offered by Retreat East.

The Great Barn, a central hub, is a delightful blend of sophistication and charm, with its exposed beams and cheerful atmosphere. Here, visitors can relax with a drink from the bar, sample the fine cuisine and settle in for a cosy night in front of the roaring fire. 

The spa area provides a haven for relaxation, featuring a sauna, steam room, ice bucket experience, rainfall showers, outdoor... hot tub and three indulgent treatment rooms, ensuring guests leave feeling rejuvenated. The use of the spa is complimentary (excluding treatments) but please remember to secure your spot by pre-booking. And if you thought the luxury was only reserved for us humans, you would be mistaken! There is a doggy spa station where you can treat your pooch to a warm shower after a muddy country walk.

For the outdoor types, you can borrow complimentary mountain bikes or try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, yoga and nature walks. The on-site kitchen garden is a must-visit, especially in spring, showcasing the lush, vibrant produce used in the restaurant. 

Staff members at Retreat East are friendly and accommodating, are always ready to offer suggestions for nearby activities, scenic walks, and dining options. The check-in and check-out process is a breeze in the The Farmshop, which is packed full og local produce including Pump Street Chocolate, Pooches dog treats for your furry friends and even their very own sweet shop!

  • Rooms

    Ground Floor

    Entrance
    Guests enter the Farmhouse through the main door into a quaint lobby with stairs leading up to the first floor.

    Sitting Room 1
    A cosy room with sumptuous sofas, perfect for snuggling up with a good book.

    Sitting Room 2
    Another comfy living space with a roaring wood burner and TV, perfect for movie night.

    Dining Room
    Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a traditional farmhouse table and bench-style seating.

    Kitchen
    A great open-plan space with French doors leading out to the patio. The kitchen has everything you need, from a patriotic SMEG fridge/freezer to a GRIND coffee machine for those who need kickstarting in the morning!

    First Floor

    Bedroom 1
    A lovely bedroom with a super king size bed, armchair, bedside tables, dressing table and chest of drawers.

    Family Bathroom
    Full of rustic charm, the family bathroom has a large bath and vanity.

    Bedroom 2
    Full of character with exposed beams, this bedroom has a super king size bed, bedside table and chest of drawers.

    Ensuite
    Leading off bedroom 2 is a convenient ensuite with a shower and vanity.

    WC
    A handy WC accessed from the central landing serves bedroom 1 and 2.

    Bedroom 3
    Gorgeous in green with two single beds, chest of drawers and a hanging rail.

    Family Bathroom
    Serving bedroom 3 and 4, the family size bathroom has a large bath, WC and vanity.

    Bedroom 4
    Last but certainly not least, bedroom 4 is a vision in blue with a super king size bed, bedside tables, armchair and hanging rail.
  • Garden

    The Farmhouse features a charming walled garden at the front and a spacious rustic backyard. The backyard includes a decked area and a wooded section for children to play, along with vast lawns ideal for relaxation or exploration.
  • Parking

    During the summer no cars are allowed on the site, please park your vehicles in the complimentary car park on the entrance to Retreat East. Guests are welcome to drop off their luggage prior to parking their car in the car park. During the months of October - February guests are allowed to park their cars on-site.
  • House Rules

    Guests can check in from 3pm, however, you’re more than welcome to arrive earlier to drop off your luggage and relax in The Great Barn, use the spa facilities or start exploring. Check out is by 11am or a later checkout can be arranged for an additional fee. We ask that you leave your room by this time, but please enjoy the surroundings all day.

    Pets are welcome at the Farmhouse, please ensure that they are well-behaved, kept on a lead and any accidents are cleaned or reported to the team. There is a charge of £45 for one dog and £65 for two dogs. This includes a dog bed, dog bowl, treats and shampoo. Please select the correct options during the booking process.

    Please note this property has a Security Deposit of £350.
  • Floorplan

    Floorplan
  • Amenities

    Bath Towels Provided
    BBQ Available On Request
    Complimentary Bicycle Hire
    Complimentary Toiletries
    Concierge Services Available
    Country Walks
    Countryside
    Countryside Views
    Cycling
    Deck / Patio
    EV Car Charger
    Family Fun
    Farmhouse
    Fenced Garden
    Free Wifi
    Fridge / Freezer
    Garden Views
    GRIND Coffee Machine
    Gym And Fitness Equipment
    Health/Beauty Spa
    Hot Tub
    Kettle
    Microwave
    New To Curious
    Off-Road Parking
    Outdoor Dining
    Oven & Hob
    Over Two Floors
    Pet Friendly
    Private Entrance
    Rural
    Rural Escape
    Sauna
    Shooting
    Television
    Toaster
    Washing Machine
    Welcome Pack
    Wood-Burning Stove
  • Experiences

    Discover new horizons at Retreat East, where experiences are crafted for the curious! Whether it's pursuing a long-held dream, reigniting an old passion, or embracing unexpected challenges, our offerings are designed to pique your interest. Here's a sneak peek into the diverse experiences awaiting you—a taste of what Retreat East has to offer.

    Retreat Cycles
    Head out and explore the local area on two wheels. Enjoy a gentle cycle through the surrounding countryside and explore local villages community stores and cafes. Retreat Cycles can be booked in advance and added to your booking or at reception during your stay.
    Bicycle hire is complimentary, and subject to availability

    Clay Pigeon Shooting
    Fully immerse yourself in country life with a clay pigeon shooting experience.
    Located just a couple of minutes' walk from The Great Barn, the Suffolk countryside offers the perfect backdrop for this truly British sport. Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned professional, our instructors are on hand to show you the ropes and ensure you're safely and comfortably enjoying your experience.

    Yoga
    Unwind and centre yourself with a group yoga session. Your yoga session will help to focus your body and mind and bring you into a state of calm and relaxation. It's the perfect addition to your stay and works perfectly with our range of spa treatments.

    Nordic Walking
    Nordic Walking is a whole body, aerobic exercise suitable for all, at any level, irrespective of age or physical fitness, using and toning 90% of the skeletal muscles. Its low impact and helps improve posture, heart health and mobility.

    Personal Training
    Start the day right with your tailored personal fitness class in our on-site gym.
    After providing us with your fitness capabilities and an idea of the workouts you're used to, our Personal Trainers will get to work on a bespoke fitness plan for you. They will work you through step by step in the gym to help you reach your fitness goals. This is available for beginners through to gym pros, our Personal Trainers will tailor a plan to fit your individual needs.

Availability

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Message from the Owner

Dominic Richards, a Londoner residing in Spitalfields, found solace in the Suffolk countryside two decades ago. His serene retreat became popular amongst his city friends seeking respite from urban chaos. When he stumbled upon a dilapidated dairy farm nearby, he envisioned transforming it into a rejuvenating haven for weary urbanites. Armed with knowledge from The Prince of Wales' Institute of Architecture and inspired by organic practices witnessed at Highgrove, Dominic embarked on a mission to restore the farm harmoniously with nature. Teaming up with his friend Peter Ede, they faced challenges from planning to reconstruction, unwavering in their belief that Retreat East could offer genuine sanctuary in a bustling world. Their vision materialised, and Retreat East now stands as a testament to their dedication. The retreat not only provides tranquillity but also generates local employment, aligning with Dominic's commitment to preserving the farm's historical significance. Retreat East has gained rapid acclaim, attracting diverse visitors, including Hollywood stars, and has become a symbol of refuge. As they continue to expand, Dominic and his team look forward to cultivating a community of like-minded individuals embracing a contemporary version of the "Good Life."

The Location

The Farmhouse at Retreat East is tucked away in the heart of the mid-Suffolk countryside. If the urge to explore strikes you, just a stone's throw away lies the charming village of Hemingstone, dedicated to the delightful arts of fruit farming and jam making, and Coddenham, a delightful chocolate box village. For those James Bond enthusiasts, why not stroll past Shrubland Hall, a historic site where Thunderball was filmed.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Take a leisurely drive north-west, and you'll find yourself in the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, where history meets charm in the most delightful...
way. Or, if the salty sea air beckons, a 40-minute scenic drive lands you in Aldeburgh, a friendly seaside town offering the freshest catches of the day and lazy beachside strolls.

Perhaps you're in the mood for a taste of the past? Nearby market towns like Woodbridge invite exploration, boasting intriguing sites like the Sutton Hoo burial ground, a National Trust gem that takes you on a fascinating journey through time.

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