Old Drift House

Norfolk, Suffolk & East of England

In the village of Kersey, Suffolk

Idyllic ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage in the most picturesque village of Kersey with its village pottery and ancient ford together with resident ducks right by the pub. Tourist Board 5 star.

Dating back to the 15th century this Grade II detached cottage is steeped in character with a host of original features including exposed beams in every room, inglenook fireplaces, lead-light windows, bread oven, and old brick floors. Sensitively upgraded to modern standards, one can sense the life of a bygone era in a genuinely old house. The cottage garden is typically English, warm, secluded, quiet, and a haven of tranquillity for birds and humans alike. It is impossible not to relax here, and although the old well by the back door is still in working order, the old loo in the outhouse at the bottom of the garden is not.

Old as the cottage might be, the accommodation is modern. There are 4 large bedrooms (2 double, 2 twin connected if required) with linen and towels provided, three bathrooms, sitting room, dining room, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, laundry room, central heating, dishwasher, freezer, washing machine and dryer. A telephone and cot are available by arrangement. There is ample garden furniture, a barbeque and two terraces for informal summer dining. Indoor entertainment includes stereo, TV, freeplay, video, DVD and ipod player/charger. A garage provides car space or secure storage for bicycles.

Kersey is in Constable and Gainsborough country. One can stand at Flatford Mill at the very spot where Constable painted The Haywain and several of his other great paintings, and a superb collection of Gainsborough’s work can be seen in Sudbury in the house where he was born.

The Suffolk coast offers places too numerous to mention, but Aldburgh, Southwold and Felixstowe are worth exploring. Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge reveals an ancient Saxon burial site, Lavenham (Guildhall and antique shops), Long Melford (Kentwell Hall, Long Melford Hall and more antique shops), and Colchester (Roman remains, museum and zoo) are all well worth visiting.

The area around Kersey is a walkers’ paradise for those so inclined, with several country pubs within walking distance. The Kersey village pub is about 200 yards down the road, serves good food and is child friendly. There is a health and fitness centre within 1 mile. Old Drift House is a lovely home from which to explore all of this, or to just stay put and relax in quiet and splendid comfort.