The Freston Forge
Overview
Once the working heart of village life, The Smithy’s Cottage, The Farrier’s Shop and The Workshop now form a beautifully characterful trio of holiday retreats, each with its own story and a far gentler pace of life. Where sparks once flew and hard graft was the order of the day, you’ll now find log fires,... big tables, deep sofas and the simple pleasure of slowing down together.
Each property has been thoughtfully restored to honour its industrial past while ensuring modern comfort. Exposed beams, historic details and generous spaces sit alongside well-equipped kitchens, welcoming living areas and private outdoor spaces, making these homes ideal for family gatherings, group getaways or stays with friends. Whether you’re spreading out across sociable open-plan rooms or retreating to a quiet bedroom at the end of the day, these are spaces designed for easy, unhurried living.
Set in and around the charming village of Freston, the location ties the collection together. Riverside walks along the Orwell, the much-loved Freston Boot, Suffolk Food Hall and the wider Shotley Peninsula are all close by, with the coast within easy reach. Days can be as active or as relaxed as you like, followed by evenings that tend to stretch out a little longer than planned.
Features
The Freston Forge brings together three beautifully restored historic buildings; The Smithy’s Cottage, The Farrier’s Shop and The Workshop, each with its own personality, layout and story, but all sharing a common past and a wonderfully relaxed approach to modern stays.
The Smithy’s Cottage is the most intimate of the trio, a former 17th-century blacksmith’s cottage now perfectly suited to couples or small families. It offers two king-size ensuite bedrooms, a cosy sitting room with a wood-burning stove, a well-equipped kitchen and a light-filled garden room that opens onto a private garden. Calm, characterful and quietly charming, it’s ideal... for slower stays and easy countryside escapes.
The Farrier’s Shop is larger and more overtly sociable, designed for families or groups who enjoy spending time together. Sleeping up to six guests, it pairs historic scale with modern comforts, including two king-size ensuite bedrooms, a twin room, a generous open-plan living space with a log burner and large Smart TV, and a private garden. A standout feature is the original forge, now cleverly repurposed as a pizza oven, making evenings here as fun as they are relaxed.
The Workshop is the boldest and most flexible of the three, offering space, drama and a playful layout that works especially well for multi-generational stays. With generous open-plan living areas, characterful industrial details and cleverly designed sleeping arrangements, including loft-style spaces for children, it comfortably accommodates larger family groups who want room to spread out without losing that sense of togetherness.
Together, the three properties can be booked individually or in combination, offering a rare opportunity for friends or extended families to holiday close to one another while still enjoying their own space.
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Rooms
THE WORKSHOP
Hallway
A seriously cool space to welcome you! With original items from the old forge and beautiful exposed brick walls, this is a useful spot to store coats, bags and boots.
Kitchen / Dining / Living Room
This large, open plan space is the heart of the home. The living area has a large, comfy sofa, armchairs and a huge TV – great for movie night.
The grand dining table sits in the centre of the room and is great for special celebrations and casual meals.
The stunningly sleek kitchen is a chef’s dream and boasts two ovens, a hob, fridge/ freezer, dishwasher, wine fridge and Beko coffee machine.
Cloakroom
A convenient convenience with a WC and washbasin.
Garden Room
The two sets of large bifold doors, the garden room is a great spot to relax on the loungers, swing chairs or hammock and enjoy a morning cuppa.
Bedroom 1, Ensuite and Loft
Pretty in pink, bedroom 1 offers a king-sized bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only).
Bedroom 2, Ensuite and Loft
This calming room boasts a king-sized bed, bedside table, two chest of drawers and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only).
Bedroom 3, Ensuite and Loft
Bedroom 3 is a quirky room offering a king-sized bed, two chest of drawers, hanging space and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only) and an ensuite with shower, WC and wash basin.
THE FARRIER'S SHOP
Ground Floor
Living Room
A great space with a large, corner sofa, Smart TV, log-burner and foosball table.
Kitchen / Diner
The airy kitchen is well equipped with an oven & hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee machine all centred around the old forge which is now repurposed as a pizza oven.
Cloakroom
Located by the front door, there is a WC and wash basin and best of all, a little doggy shower to wash of muddy paws!
Bedroom 1 and Ensuite
The downstairs bedroom has a king size bed, bedside tables, TV and built in wardrobes. The full-sized ensuite has a bath, shower, WC and washbasin.
First Floor
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 2 has a king size bed, bedside tables, tow chest of drawers and a desk. The ensuite has a shower, WC and wash basin.
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 3 has two single beds, a bedside and clothes storage. Please note that due to a reduced headspace this room is more suited to children.
THE SMITHY'S COTTAGE
Ground Floor
Living Room
The cosy living room has a large sofa, two armchairs, sideboard, coffee table, Smart TV and a gorgeous inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove.
Kitchen
The bright kitchen has a range cooker with hob, fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster and kettle.
Dining Room
The sunny dining room has a dining table for four and doors that open onto the patio.
Utility Room
A handy space with fridge/ freezer and washing machine.
Cloakroom
Just off the utility room, the cloakroom has a WC and wash basin.
First Floor
Bedroom 1 and Ensuite
Bedroom 1 has a king-sized bed, bedside tables, and hanging space. The ensuite has a shower, WC, heated towel rail and wash basin.
Bedroom 2 and Ensuite
Bedroom 1 has a king-sized bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and hanging space. The ensuite has a shower, WC, heated towel rail and wash basin. -
Garden
Each property enjoys generous outdoor space, complete with private patios, lawns and comfortable seating for long, lazy afternoons. The Workshop even boasts its own wood-fired hot tub,perfect for sinking into as the sun goes down. -
Parking
There is off-road parking for up to 6 cars at The Freston Forge. -
House Rules
Check in: 4pm
Check out: 10am
No smoking is permitted at the property.
Please note that The Workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 adults and the loft spaces are for children only.
The Freston Forge is in a residential setting and therefore we kindly ask that there is no outside noise after 10pm, in order to maintain good neighbourly relations.
Please note this property has a non-refundable Damage Waiver fee included at the time of booking, with cover up to £500 -
Floorplan
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Amenities
Bath Towels ProvidedBBQCarbon Monoxide DetectorCoffee MachineComplimentary ToiletriesConcierge Services AvailableDedicated WorkspaceDining AreaDishwasherElectric Pizza OvenEssentialsFamily FunFree WifiFridge / FreezerGardenHair DryerHeat DetectorHeatingHighchair Available On RequestHot TubIron & BoardKettleLinens ProvidedMicrowaveNew To CuriousOff-Road ParkingOutdoor DiningOutdoor FurnitureOven & HobPet FriendlySatellite / CableSecurity CameraSmart TVSmoke DetectorsSummer Holiday StayTable FootballToasterTravel Cot Available On RequestWalk To PubWashing MachineWelcome PackWine CoolerWood-Burning Stove
Availability
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Message from the Owner
Adam and Laura would like to warmly welcome you to The Freston Forge.
We live only a few minutes away, and are always happy to help with any questions, big or small, whether it be about the property itself or the surrounding area. Have a wonderful time in Freston and thank you for staying with us.
The Location
Freston is a lovely village that beautifully combines the peace of the countryside with the charm of riverside living. With a fantastic local pub, breathtaking views, and plenty of activities, it’s an ideal spot for your next getaway.
Freston is home to the nationally celebrated Suffolk Food Hall, where you can indulge in the finest locally sourced produce. Whether you’re after a farm-fresh brunch, a spot of retail therapy in the home and garden store, or just a cuppa with a view, this award-winning spot has you covered. Fancy something more traditional? The Freston Boot, a cosy 17th-century... pub, offers fresh food, fun quiz nights, and even its own cinema!
Outdoor adventures can explore the beautiful countryside on foot or by bike, with guided paths criss-crossing the area. If you’re feeling daring, head to nearby Alton Water for a splash of fun. Whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or windsurfing, there’s plenty to keep water enthusiasts entertained. Alternatively, enjoy the beauty of the River Orwell from the shore and cap off your day at the iconic Butt and Oyster pub in Pin Mill.
Just down the road, the famous Jimmy’s Farm, a BBC star attraction, offers a fantastic day out for all ages. Meet the animals, explore the nature trails, or tuck into a farm-fresh lunch. For a unique twist, visit the Suffolk Ski Centre for ski and snowboard lessons—perfect for beginners or seasoned snow bunnies alike!
History buffs will love exploring the nearby Ipswich Transport Museum, packed with vintage vehicles, or the expansive views of the Port of Felixstowe, Landguard Fort, and Harwich from the Shotley Peninsula’s tip. And don’t miss the old-world charm of Woodbridge, just 25 minutes away, with its chic shops, and riverside cafes.
Fancy a day by the sea? Head to Felixstowe for a quintessential British seaside experience, complete with shingle beaches, colourful gardens, and a vibrant promenade. And if you’re up for a short drive, the coastal towns of Aldeburgh, Orford, and Thorpeness are just 40 minutes away—ideal for a picture-perfect day trip.
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