This charming 3 bed cottage dates back to the 16c. Grade 2 listed, Pond Cottage has been carefully renovated to provide a comfortable and well equipped holiday home that retains much of its' charm and character. There are stunning views over open countryside. The cottage is peacefully situated at the end of a small unmade road, but within walking distance of village amenities.
The living room is comfortably furnished with two sofas, a dining table and chairs for 4-6 people, television with 'free to view' channels, also a DVD and Video player and a plentiful supply of books, board games and videos, CD's and DVD's. WiFi is available free of charge. The kitchen is well equipped with double oven electric cooker and hob, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, slow cooker, mini food mixer, liquidiser, coffee grinder, iron and ironing board. The bathroom is on the ground floor and comprises bath with shower over and shower screen (not curtain), low level WC and wash hand basin. There is a small utility room with washing machine, but no tumble dryer. There is a linen line in the garden..
Upstairs 3 bedrooms lead off the landing, a large double with a 5' bed and two other bedrooms one having a full sized double bed and the other a 4' double. Each of the latter two rooms is fairly small and each is therefore listed as single. All bedrooms have hanging space and drawers for storage, plus bedside lights. The house is heated by night storage heaters. The house is let for a maximum of 4 people, but the bedrooms allow for some flexibility and could suit 2 couples, 3 single people or a family of 4. We do not accept bookings for more than 4 people.
The good sized garden has an unfenced pond, hence no children under 10. The garden table, chairs and barbecue are kept in a garden storage box to the left of the kitchen window. We have a local gardener who calls regularly to cut the grass. He tries always to do this on change over days, however, the weather and other commitments don't always make this possible. He would usually only be at the cottage for around an hour during the afternoon when the grass is more likely to be dry and this is usually around once every two weeks. There is good off road parking for 3 or 4 cars. Although this is a 'no smoking' property you are welcome to smoke in the garden.
A maximum of two well behaved dogs, minimum age 2 years are welcome, but we must ask you to take into consideration that the garden is not dog proof and so it's important that your pet isn't the sort to stray. We are unable to accommodate visiting cats. Your pet may also like to swim in the pond which could result in the need to dry him/her before coming back indoors. If this is likely to be the case we'd really appreciate it if you'd bring your own (pet) towels for the purpose.
There are 4 houses on the other side of the lane to Pond Cottage. Although they are on the other side of the lane, until the hedge around the perimeter has grown a little more, the garden is a slightly overlooked from their kitchen windows which are at the front. Currently the hedge is a little over 1.2 metre high. At the bottom of the garden you look out over open fields.
Check in time is from 17:00 hours and check out time is up until 13:00 hours. Please check with us to see if there can be flexibility.
There is a key safe outside the cottage and a new code will be set for you and communicated to you prior to your arrival. If you are going to arrive after dark please let us know and we will leave lights on for you. A nearby neighbour is also a key holder and her contact details will be provided for you to use in case of difficulty/query. A telephone number and email address will be provided in the event that you need to contact the owners direct.
Opportunities abound for days out in and around north Suffolk. Quite aside from the wonderful walks in rolling countryside there are many sites of historic or architectural interest, for example Grimes Graves, a neolithic mining site, Amongst places well worth a visit is Kentwell Hall at Long Melford (26 miles), where Tudor life is re-enacted for you, allowing you to become a part of a Tudor community for a day. The Museum of East Anglian Daily Life in nearby Stowmarket provides an insight into the old East Anglia and includes opportunities to experience steam power, see rare breed farm animals and traditional country crafts. English Heritage maintain and open to the public both Framlingham Castle (a 12th century fortress, once the home of Mary Tudor) and Orford Castle (one of England's most complete and unusual keeps), where you will be transported back in time with an informative audio tour. Visit the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary (3 flying displays daily from Easter to September) and Stonham Barns, a unique leisure and shopping venue with lots to interest all the family. For those visiting Ipswich it is worth taking a short diversion to Jimmy's Farm (of TV fame) at Wherstead, where animals are raised organically and where the shop sells locally grown food of all sorts. There is also a cafe. The English Whisky Company, winner of European Whisky of the Year 2015 is located just 24 miles away at Roudham in Norfolk. They do guided tours and have a shop and cafe. Their web site is worth a visit. Pleasurewood Hills, a family theme park, also makes a good day out for the family. Venturing a little further afield to Wroxham (42 miles) and you will be able to experience a day trip on the Norfolk Broads. Try a river cruise with Waveney River Tours from Oulton Broad (44 miles) or from Snape Maltings (29 miles). Giffords Hall Vinyard at Hartest is only a short drive, it does tours of the vinyard and also lunch. Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit and should be allocated a whole day as it is very large and has good reviews. For those interested in botanical gardens there is Helmingham Hall which has a renowned 16th century garden, deer park and tea rooms. The Cambridge University Botanic Gardens covers 40 acres, it is used for research, has greenhouses. Reviews indicate a broad diversity of plants of all year round interest (also good food at the on site cafe). For those interested in sailing their is Foxes Marina in Ipswich, which has a really good shop attached. A more complete range of tourist information, suggested themed walks, restaurant details and local information is available at the cottage.
Golf: Stowmarket Gold Club (5 miles) Stoke by Nayland (22 miles), Witnesham (15 miles), Sprowston Manor, Norfolk (40 miles), Colchester (32 miles), Woodbridge (44 miles), Bury St. Edmunds 17 miles. This is not a definitive list.
For those keen on fishing a visit to the Suffolk Waterpark is a must. Located only 14 miles from Pond Cottage it is a former quarry works. The fishery has been carefully developed,and the result is a magnificent site, offering some of the very best fishing in the area. They cater for anglers of all abilities, and offer professional teaching for absolute beginners of any age.
Although there is much to do in this area, you may, of course, just wish to crash out, let your hair down and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside around Pond Cottage. You could perhaps take a walk around and beyond the village playing field behind the Village Hall just a couple of hundred metres away. The village Sports and Social Club is next to the Village Hall and has a bar. There is a children's play area behind the Village Hall. A Chinese Takeaway is located just 5 minutes walk away. The bus service between Old Newton and Stowmarket is limited to twice a day. If you wish to get around for sightseeing then your own transport is needed. There is a great deal you can do by bicycle, but a car is preferable. Enterprise Car Hire at Bury St. Edmunds, at the time of writing, will deliver your car to the cottage and pick it up when you have finished with it.
