The Gardener’s Cottage United Kingdom

The Gardener’s Cottage, in its stunning rural estate setting is the perfect holiday accommodation for those looking for a cosy country retreat, just a short drive from Suffolk’s celebrated heritage coast. This uniquely styled four bedroom cottage can sleep up to twelve guests – with a maximum of six adults across three double bedrooms, and a bunk room that can comfortably sleep up to six children. This former gardener’s cottage, built into the wall that surrounds the estates original flower and vegetable garden, retains original architectural design features such as gothic round-headed ogee mouldings and round-headed windows, and its elevated position means it overlooks woodland and hedgerows.
The Gardener’s Cottage is just as picturesque inside as it is out, with a cosy homely feel. Entering into the large family kitchen which is decorated in natural tones of stone and light clay, you’ll notice the vast skylight that floods the room with light, and bespoke cabinets and zinc-covered dining table add a unique look to the whole room. The kitchen features a large professional range cooker, butler sink and dishwasher, as well as Nespresso coffee machine for that much lauded morning cup of coffee!
Through to the living room and the first thing you’ll notice is its quirky design and plush cosy interior. This room features an unusual carved open fireplace, inspired by the ‘Green Man’ from Suffolk mythology.  Driftwood tables and natural stone flooring are offset beautifully by chunky dusky pink sofas and brightly patterned cushions and throws in a variety of luxurious shades and textures. This cosy living area features a hidden flat screen HD LED TV, and a selection of board games for your entertainment, as well as dimmable lighting and underfloor heating, to add extra ambience.
The Gardener’s Cottage is a ground floor property making it ideal for those with children or mobility issues – although this does mean it will be harder to decide which stunning bedroom to choose! There are 3 double bedrooms, two featuring an in-room freestanding roll top bath, and the third an en-suite shower room. All the rooms have king size hypnos beds and offer incredible woodland views. The spacious bunk room with en-suite offers a unique space for children or young adults to stay. Light and airy this room makes the most of the space with sturdy wooden bunks dressed in crisp white linen and plump cushions.
Outside guests can enjoy stunning views and some of the cleanest air in England. Just a short drive from all of the wonderful offerings of suffolk and its heritage coast, The Gardener’s Cottage is surrounded by acres of beautiful grounds, including lakes and woodland. All guests staying at properties on the estate have the opportunity to hire bicycles if they don’t wish to explore by foot, or rowing boats and paddle boards to take out on the serpentine lake. There’s a shared tennis court and outdoor pool for you to enjoy too before heading back to the private terrace for a barbecue and relaxing sundowner with family and friends.The Gardener’s Cottage is one of a small cluster of country houses, luxury farmhouses and cottages set within 5,000 acres of private grounds centred around
Sayer’s Mansion. While the grounds, lakes and tennis court are shared with the guests of the other homes, the Estate has been carefully designed so that your group will retain plenty of privacy.
The Estate is situated in a beautiful corner of East Anglia set just outside the Suffolk village of Yoxford and just a 10-minute car journey from popular Saxmundham, a market town which is just bursting with charm and boasts a variety of independent shops and excellent eateries. The closest coastal resorts of Aldeburgh and Southwold are both just a 20-minute car journey away, whether you choose to sample fish & chips in Aldeburgh or take a stroll along Southwold’s Pier, a fantastic day out is guaranteed. Southwold is home to the Adnam’s Brewery & Gin Distillery, one of the most modern breweries in the world, book a tour to discover just how they produce their beer or gin and enjoy a yummy sample at the end! The town of Framlingham, home to the 12th century Framlingham Castle, the internationally-known “Castle on the Hill”, is just a 20-minute drive away and is well worth a visit while in the areaActivities available on the Estate
*Please note that the below is just a guide, pricing and availability is subject to change.
Pashley BikingEnjoy exploring the 5,000 acre Estate on a complimentary Pashley bike. Please note that these are available on a first come first served basis.Cost: Complimentary
Rowing BoatsEnjoy a quintessentially English afternoon rowing across one of the Estate’s lakes by hiring a complimentary rowing boast. Please note that these are available on a first come first served basis and are season and weather dependent.Cost: Complimentary Paddle BoardingTry your hand at paddle boarding on one of the Estate’s lakes by hiring a complimentary paddle board. Please note that these are available on a first come first served basis and are season and weather dependent.Cost: Complimentary
Estate RangerEnjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the Estate’s parklands and woodlands, led by one of the specialist rangers. The walk begins at 8am, or earlier if preferred, when the dawn chorus is quietening so individual songbirds can be heard. This is when songbirds are most active and is a beautifully peaceful time of day to appreciate the Suffolk landscape and learn to identify birdsongs with the help of one of the expert Rangers. During the spring and early summer months the Estate is alive with birdsong. One for the early risers, guests are invited to listen to the cacophony of birdsong from 5 am, or as early as 4 am in the height of summer, that accompanies the sunrise.Cost: Ranger-led walks available from £50
ArcheryA social sport which is ideal for a team building event, party or group of friends and family, no previous experience or high fitness level necessary!Cost: From £360 for 6 guests minimum (1 hour)
Axe & Knife ThrowingCost: £60 per person, 6 guests minimum (1 hour)Clay-Pigeon ShootingWith assistance from a member of The Philip Thorrold Shooting Academy, whether you are a total novice, or a seasoned shot, Phillip and Ben are on hand to teach and ensure safety having taught shooters from all walks of life, young and old, male and female.Cost: 1-6 guests: £600; 7-12 guests: £1,300; 13-25: £1,800 (+30p per cartridge)
FishingCost: From £50 per rodSurvival SkillsLearn how to build a fire, how to build a shelter from foraged materials and learn to forage and cook in the wilderness – all with the comforting knowledge that you will be returning to your luxury holiday home.Cost: £360 (3 hours)
Scavenger HuntDivide the party into two teams and explore the house and surrounding grounds hunting down hidden gems with clues. You’ll need both smarts and speed to complete this scavenger hunt which is a favourite with families and children. Hurtle around the estate trying to find cryptic clues and solve puzzles and be the first to the prize.Cost: From £600
YogaCost: £45 per person, 4 guests minimum
PilatesCost: £45 per person, 4 guests minimum
Cushion MakingCreate up to two handmade feather cushions with guidance from an upholstery guru. Learn a variety of techniques from envelope cushions and piped cushions to pom pom designs.Cost: From £90 per person
Floral Design MasterclassCost: From £60 per person
Wine TastingCost: From £48 per person
Helicopter Pleasure FlightsTake to Suffolk skies and enjoy the view from an Airbus Helicopter H120. Take in Suffolk’s Heritage Coast from above, including Southwold, Sizewell Nuclear Power Station, Aldeburgh, Orford Ness, Hollesly Bay and the port of Felixstowe.Cost: 20 mins from £1,300
At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in theconcierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests!