The Secret Garden United Kingdom

Set on a stunning 5,000 acre estate in the heart of rural Suffolk is The Secret Garden. This stylishly beautiful property accommodates up to 16 guests, and offers total relaxation in tranquil surroundings. Formerly Victorian bothies for the estate’s gardeners, The Secret Garden has been transformed into the ultimate luxury retreat, featuring eight king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Three elegant glasshouses of neoclassical design within the estate’s original flower and vegetable garden house the kitchen, living, and games areas. Offering incredible views and plenty of light, this feature gives a thoroughly modern and unique look to the property.
The living area is spacious and beautifully furnished with deep comfy sofas and plump cushions – perfect for an evening snuggling up with the family to watch a movie on the giant screen, and as darkness falls the sloping glass of the roof will give the feeling of being under the stars. The exposed brickwork along with the modern style coffee tables, geometric prints and lighting fixtures give this entire space a contemporary feel. The games room is just next door, perfect for those of a competitive nature! Featuring a pool and table tennis table, table football and a selection of board games, as well as cosy sofas for those awaiting their turn, this room is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
The largest of the three glasshouses is where you’ll find the beautifully appointed kitchen. Featuring underfloor heating, a range cooker, wine fridges, and more sumptuous sofas to sink into, this room does not skimp on luxury! Incredibly light and spacious, the kitchen units are solid wood and offer plenty of food preparation space and storage, plus of course those incredible garden views which are the ideal backdrop to enjoying a relaxing glass of something while preparing a hearty meal.
Through the archway in the brickwork you’ll find the vaulted ceiling central dining hall, book-ended by French limestone fireplaces. The huge solid wooden dining table takes pride of place here, and the white walls, light stone floor and exposed beams give this room a fresh country cottage feel, the perfect place to sit and enjoy a meal with the whole family.
The eight bedrooms are all situated on the ground floor and have been decorated to the same incredibly high standard with walls and ceilings in shades of white or incredibly light neutral tones, with flooring in hardwood or natural stone. Touches of colour come in the form of gorgeous throws and cushions in shades of smokey grey and lemon, olive and teal, and furnishings are solid and contemporary offering plenty of storage space. Equally spacious and luxuriously decorated are the en-suite bathrooms, decorated in a palette of stone and shell, with roll top or sunken baths, ornately framed mirrors, and powerful showers.
Stepping outside of The Secret Garden you’ll discover your own private walled garden, featuring an acre of lush well-tended lawns, shrubs and fruit trees, which offers plenty of space to relax and dine alfresco. Or for the ultimate in holiday relaxation why not follow the pebbled path down to your own private covered hot tub and sauna! Beyond the garden walls you’ll find plenty of other gorgeous areas to explore. Guests of all the properties on the estate have access to bicycle, paddleboard, and rowing boat hire, as well as use of the tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. There’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy each other’s company, or to just take in the scenery with a good book.The Secret Garden 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!