Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area
About this house rental
Souters Holiday Cottage is a quiet and relaxing private place to stay. It is well placed to give access to many interesting areas, sites and actitivites. See our website for more detail: Souters is a small converted barn and suitable for couples. It has a large sitting room with a high vaulted ceiling, a well equipped open plan kitchen, separate double bedroom and a shower room with power shower. It is all on one level inside but has sloping paths and steps outside. Souters has underfloor heating throughout and also a stylish modern woodburner which makes for very cosy evenings in the colder months. Outside there are two terraces to be enjoyed during the summer and a large grassed area for play or relaxation. Fresh herbs can be found in the garden borders which guests are welcome to use. There are a wealth of public footpaths in the area which make for good and varied walking. Up to 2 well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note that the garden and woods immediately around Souters are unfenced but there is a securely fenced adjacent field where guests are welcome to run their dogs. We ask that dogs are not allowed on furniture but if this is impossible to police and your dogs are used to doing so at home please bring adequate rugs/covers as well as their beds. Please make clear at time of booking how many dogs you will be bringing with you. Souters Holiday Cottage is found in the grounds of Valley Farm Cottage, home to the owners. It is just off the track leading to their smallholding and fields, which stretch as far as the river Brett, a tributary of the River Stour. It is a great spot for bird watching and present through various times of the year are nightingales, kingfishers, hobbies, woodpeckers, owls, buzzards, sparrow hawks and numbers of other woodland, river and garden birds. There is wildlife in abundance too including deer, foxes, badgers, slow worms and grass snakes, stoats and a great number of rabbits. Guests are welcome to walk through the coppiced woods to the river and enjoy the peace. A new project of restoring wildlife habitat on the property has been underway for the past two years and already the benefits can be seen in the increase of wildlife, flora and fauna. We hope to develop this further.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Babergh District
House in Babergh District
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for pets
Includes essentialsGarden, Pets allowed, Kitchen / Kitchenette and more
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(66 Reviews)
5.0
Absolutely loved our time here. We went for a short break to get some well needed respite. The cottage is beautiful and homely. Everything is done to a high standard but has so much history and charm. The upstairs nook was perfect to chill with a book and a blanket - looking at the night sky. Souters cottage is large with all modern amenities. Cath and Nick have put so much thought into their guests enjoying their stay and it really shows. There are the basics of everything that you will need already provided, leaflets & brochures & contact details for loads of local things to try or explore. On arrival the cottage was warm and there was a scrumptious fresh baked cake on the table and fresh flowers. Fantastic hosts. The local area is beautiful and tranquil, the cottage is surrounded by small farms, fields of horses and walking trails. The scenery is very beautiful, very private and quiet. I would definitely recommend! I look forward to coming back in the spring/summer months to make use of the pizza oven and private garden.
5.0
Souters is a lovely house, very quiet (remote), very well equipped, everything was there, underfloor heating was great and a nice fireplace to make it homely...we will come again!
5.0
We absolutely loved Souters and everything about it exceeded our high expectations!
Cath was a delightful host who made us feel so welcome and the cottage is a quiet, beautifully appointed hideaway which felt like a home from home.
The area is outstanding with the walk down to the river through the woods a particular favourite.
We really can’t wait to return and recharge our batteries when the opportunity arises.
Thank you for a splendid holiday!
5.0
Good size cottage for us and the 2 dogs. Plenty of walks for us and the dogs. We go back at some point.
5.0
We loved our weekend stay - a tranquil location perfect to unwind. A lovely lemon drizzle cake on arrival was an unexpected surprise! Lots of wildlife and lovely walks with our dog. Highly recommended.
5.0
My husband and I loved this cabin so much and plan to return! It’s fully stocked and perfect for a couple of days of peace and quiet.
5.0
Beautiful cottage set in a wonderful and peaceful location. Caths' directions were spot on and we found it easily.
The cottage was so lovely clean and homely, we were met by Cath and shown around, our dog loved the woods walk and don to the river, stunning location and we also had gorgeous weather! There are somer lovely pubs locally too which are dog friendly which Cath told ud about.
There was even a yummy banana and chocolate chip cake on our arrival at the cottage. We will definitely be back!
5.0
A lovely spot in a beautiful area of Suffolk
5.0
Simply beautiful
Cath is lovely and friendly the cottage is gorgeous and has everything you need. We loved it and will be coming back again
5.0
The cottage was everything we wanted. Brilliant for the dogs. The secure field was excellent and our dogs loved it. Although the cottage garden said not a secure location for the dogs technically it isn’t but ours were perfectly safe off lead. Couldn’t fault it. Also just eats do deliveries there.
5.0
Exceptional- brilliant hosts even better cottage
The cottage was everything we wanted. Brilliant for the dogs. The secure field was excellent and our dogs loved it. Although the cottage garden said not a secure location for the dogs technically it isn’t but ours were perfectly safe off lead. Couldn’t fault it. Also just eats do deliveries there.
5.0
Absolute peace and tranquility!
We had a wonderful time staying at Souter's. Super charming and very private, perfect to forget about the world and one's worries. We enjoyed the tranquility and privacy of the place and we were blessed with amazing weather. We had two barbeque days and all was well provided by Cath and Nick.
Dear Cath, thank you so much for your great communication and the super tasty cake. Hopefully we can return soon.
5.0
Beautiful and peaceful retreat
This was our first time in the area and the cottage was the perfect base to explore from. Perfect for walks with our dog and visiting the beautiful villages around Dedham Vale. Cath was a wonderful host and we are looking forward to a return trip!
5.0
Beautiful place
Exactly as we were hoping for, complete peace and quiet. Excellent undisturbed quiet walks.
5.0
Christmas break
Souters is an idyllic retreat, lovely building, super cozy. The surrounding area is lovely and given better weather would have been great for walking. Even so I managed to spot an otter in the nearby river Stour. One slight criticism, due to the remote situation I feel a full size fridge/freezer is essential, especially in the warmer months.
5.0
Wonderful stay!
Enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Charming little barn out in the country. We had great fun making use of the pizza oven outside! Would highly recommend!
5.0
A lovely property in a beautiful secluded peaceful location.
We will definitely book again.
5.0
Souters Cottage Higham.
A lovely property in a beautiful secluded peaceful location.
We will definitely book again.
5.0
Souter, maker of shoes, how long ago?
Did he sit in woods like these and see what we see today? An amphitheatre, an oasis, surrounds the cottage. Tall Pines and vibrant Sycamore form a protecting wall against the weather. In the clearing life flourishes. Listen, there is the Thrush and Robin, familiar garden friends. There on the Elder sits another speckled visitor, the Flycatcher, darting out and back with a beak brimming with flying insects. A rustling in the eaves alerts us to a nest. The noisy chicks so insistent, the parents so diligent. It’s a great tit’s nest. Look carefully, is it a young birds head looking out into a new world? Without a moments hesitation it leaves the nest, pushing off into the unknown, leaving the less ambitious siblings behind. One by one over the next few hours they all emerge to their new life. The last and somewhat reluctant chick, flutters uncertainly and collides with a the freshly trimmed hawthorn hedge. It drops the the ground, shakes its head and undaunted launches into the air with the optimistic determination of youth to join its companions.
What is that commotion? A Jay has entered the arena. A predator, a danger. The alert sounds. Blue titis and their allies mass to attack and harass the gaudily dressed intruder. It tries to evade the belligerent and incensed parents but they are insistent and will not be denied. The Jay retreats for the time being but he will be back. The cuckoo mocks his retreat in a strident call, the harbinger of Summer.
A rustle, a glimpse of a tan fur, a shy deer melts into the undergrowth. Night begins to fall and with it the birds join in a joyful chorus, led by the thrush and crowned by the prima donna, the Nightingale, notes tumbling on top of each other, rising and falling in a mellifluous melody.
As darkness deepens Brock appears, shuffling and huffing on his nightly perambulation. He stops, sniffs, a tempting scent. He samples the gift, peanuts. Little does he realise his image has been captured by an infrared camera and will live on in the watcher’s memory.
Maybe the Souter would have seen more but for us its was more than enough. A magical week, a real tonic, many thanks to you Nick and Cath.
Chris and Sandra Robinson
5.0
Magical
Souter, maker of shoes, how long ago?
Did he sit in woods like these and see what we see today? An amphitheatre, an oasis, surrounds the cottage. Tall Pines and vibrant Sycamore form a protecting wall against the weather. In the clearing life flourishes. Listen, there is the Thrush and Robin, familiar garden friends. There on the Elder sits another speckled visitor, the Flycatcher, darting out and back with a beak brimming with flying insects. A rustling in the eaves alerts us to a nest. The noisy chicks so insistent, the parents so diligent. It’s a great tit’s nest. Look carefully, is it a young birds head looking out into a new world? Without a moments hesitation it leaves the nest, pushing off into the unknown, leaving the less ambitious siblings behind. One by one over the next few hours they all emerge to their new life. The last and somewhat reluctant chick, flutters uncertainly and collides with a the freshly trimmed hawthorn hedge. It drops the the ground, shakes its head and undaunted launches into the air with the optimistic determination of youth to join its companions.
What is that commotion? A Jay has entered the arena. A predator, a danger. The alert sounds. Blue titis and their allies mass to attack and harass the gaudily dressed intruder. It tries to evade the belligerent and incensed parents but they are insistent and will not be denied. The Jay retreats for the time being but he will be back. The cuckoo mocks his retreat in a strident call, the harbinger of Summer.
A rustle, a glimpse of a tan fur, a shy deer melts into the undergrowth. Night begins to fall and with it the birds join in a joyful chorus, led by the thrush and crowned by the prima donna, the Nightingale, notes tumbling on top of each other, rising and falling in a mellifluous melody.
As darkness deepens Brock appears, shuffling and huffing on his nightly perambulation. He stops, sniffs, a tempting scent. He samples the gift, peanuts. Little does he realise his image has been captured by an infrared camera and will live on in the watcher’s memory.
Maybe the Souter would have seen more but for us its was more than enough. A magical week, a real tonic, many thanks to you Nick and Cath.
Chris and Sandra Robinson
5.0
Chill out weekend.
We found the property perfect! It is ideally placed for exploring the surrounding area. We walked to Dedham following the network of footpaths through fields and woods along the river. The cottage had everything we needed and our hosts Cath & Nick made us feel very welcome. It is somewhere we plan to return to and we will definitely recommend to friends and family.
Bob & Shelley.
5.0
Lovely quiet cottage
Was a lovely cottage in a really peaceful and quiet location. Enjoyed walking in the woodland walk and down to Higham. Thanks for lovely stay :)
5.0
Just perfect
Top notch all round, thank you , a perfect break.
5.0
So Peaceful
Undoubtedly a tranquil, peaceful and beautiful location.
5.0
Amazing retreat
A fantastic place and location - secluded, with everything (including internal fire) you could need in the cottage.
Highly recommend
5.0
Perfect place for a peaceful break
We rented Souters so that we could spend New Year with family nearby. Our big regret was that we got to spend so little time in the cottage and exploring the local area so we’ll be back. It is a lovely converted barn set in peaceful woodland. It’s off the beaten track but only two miles from the A12 and from the beautiful village of Dedham, which has shops and restaurants. It has all the character you would expect of a barn conversion with all the comforts needed for a relaxing holiday including underfloor heating, comfy bed, well-equipped kitchen and wi-fi. The owners are very welcoming and provided flowers, milk and a delicious homemade cake on arrival. They really have thought of everything and we look forward to going again for longer next time.
5.0
Perfect and tranquil
Perfect stay and location for getting away from it all and relaxing with great company and a glass of wine.
The location and setting was idyllic.
5.0
Souters little bit of heaven
Excellent accommodation. Warm and cozy with everything you could want including tea and coffee making facilities. And a tasty cake waiting for us.It's down a small country road with woodland all around so it is very quiet and peaceful with the security of the owner nearby. Would definitely come again. Thankyou Cath for making us welcome.
5.0
Peace & Quiet perfection
The property and its location is absolutely adorable.
As two people who live and work in London staying at Souters Cottage was exactly what we needed - a week full of peace and quiet surrounded by beautiful countryside to take our dog on long walks in. You'll definitely need a car to get there, and will benefit from the many other picturesque towns and villages to visit nearby if so, but even if you don't want to do a lot of driving there's still plenty to see if you don't mind a good walk.
We would definitely recommend this to people who are looking to just get away from it all and spend some quality and quiet time together. I don't think we've felt so relaxed in a long, long time and the home-baked cake waiting for us on arrival was the perfect (delicious) surprise. If you're thinking of shutting yourself away for a while, you couldn't find a more welcoming and soothing place to stay.
We'll be back for sure!
5.0
An idyllic english rural experience
Accommodation well catered for in all respects, very comfortable in a beautiful setting amongst woodland. Very peaceful, little noise just the sounds of nature!
5.0
Relaxing peaceful stay
Booked this property a year in advance as it sounded so good. In fact it exceeded expectations and we had a delightful stay. Very rural but still convenient for road network. All the comforts of home and more. Lovely hosts and first class communications, thank you both very much.
5.0
Idyllic!
First impressions were that the cottage was clean, well-presented and cosy - and from that great start things only got better. The location was perfect for the two of us and our two dogs, whether we wanted to explore the many wonderful sights in the area, or be lazy and spend time in the garden and woods. The wildlife there is so inspiring to see. We're already planning a return journey!
5.0
quiet, cosy and comfortable
very well furnish with a lot "character"
5.0
Lovely Cottage
Souters is very well equipped, clean and comfortable. Very well situated for exploring Suffolk and Essex. A relaxing stay.
2.0
Lovely cottage in a quiet and peaceful location.
5.0
So good we didnt want to leave
This property as well as the owners are amazing. It is tucked away down a road with no light pollution so the view of the stars at night are beyond belief. The owners made us fresh bread and had flowers picked set upon the table. It really is one of those experiences that you really dread having to leave and wished we were able to call this place home. Thank you for everything!
5.0
Perfect tranquil cosy
I needed a quiet break and this was it ! So well thought out and everything catered for. Wanted for nothing. Close to local quaint towns and 30mins to beach. Ideal. Thanks so much.
5.0
SPECIAL!
I cannot imagine a better autumn/winter break than at Souters Cottage. My wife Jan and I had three nights there, but wished it was longer; one of those rare places that is difficult to leave. We loved the open-plan lounge area with a warming fire, logs and kindling readily available, supplied by Nick. If you're not into log fires, the property is intelligently heated, including underfloor heating ( lovely touch. The kitchen is brilliantly equipped if you want to row the boat out and entertain some guests over lunch or dinner, or just keep it simple. But really the magic of the place is its tranquil setting. Nothing to do, but do nothing - in style! If you do want some extra-curriculars, the surrounding area, so-called " Constable Country" is beguilingly beautiful and villages like Dedham and Flatford are great locations to while away time. On that subject, Hall Farm/Dedham is a great spot to pick up great local produce. We purchased a 14lb pork joint and cooked it on the external wood-fired oven at Souters - well worth the effort! The adjacent 10 acres of coppice-managed woodland is beautiful and a credit to Nick. An evening walk towards the western boundary to watch the sunset over the valley is highly recommended. Our border terrier Wax loved the entire experience - and he's the boss! We look forward to our return with much anticipation. A big thank you to the owners, Nick and Cath, who couldn't have been more hospitable in their inimitable understated way. They have achieved something very special in the Suffolk countryside and have been prepared to share it. THANKS! Ged and Jan Egan
5.0
Excellent accommodation
We loved every minute at the old barn. Would definitely come back and spend longer next time.
5.0
Perfect escape, lovely accommodation and owners.
Really lovely little house in a quiet rural location, perfect getaway to relax. The facilities are great and the owners have thought of everything. Would definitely go back and would also definitely recommend.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Babergh District?
The average price for a rental in Babergh District is $149 per night. This rental is $93 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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