1 Bedroom (Sleeps 2) Barn in Colchester

So Peaceful

Undoubtedly a tranquil, peaceful and beautiful location.

Chilling

Amazing place to stay for a chilled out weekend. Lovely setting. Nick and Cath the owners are lovely friendly people. Thank you for cake Cath. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. A get away place to recharge the batteries.

Cosy retreat

Great rural location, very peaceful and quiet, with lovely walks and places to explore. Pubs and eateries are close by within a couple of miles. The cottage is really comfortable and cosy, and had everything we needed. We would definitely recommend and look forward to visiting again!

Perfect place

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.

Amazing retreat

A fantastic place and location - secluded, with everything (including internal fire) you could need in the cottage. Highly recommend

Perfect and tranquuil

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.

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.

Peace and quiet

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!

Souters Cottage

Amazing cottage in countryside. Very comfortable with all the home comforts u need. Good location for numerous attractions for both adults and children. Pubs and eateries within a few miles. A definite recommendation to stay here.

An idyllic, rural retreat with beautiful peaceful surroundings

The location is ideally placed for exploring the Dedham Vale/Stour valley along the south suffolk/north Essex borders and historical towns such as Bury St edmunds and Colchester just a few miles down the road. The accommodation is cosy and comfortable, airy and light, with an optional wood burning stove and an outdoor pizza oven with logs and kindling supplied free for the first use, then charged for thereafter at a reasonable rate. Kitchen is well stocked offering more than some self catering accommodations provide, in short lots of extras. The owners also providea complimentary home made cake and sometimes milk and/or eggs. There is also underfloor heating which is easily controlled with thermostats and a boiler room adjacent to the dwelling. You have access to large gardens, garden furniture in a sublimely peaceful setting. You very rarely hear distant traffic, so a great getaway for peace and quiet. Great for encouraging kids to be in nature too.

Living the dream at Souters and Gribbles

This is our second time staying at Souters and Gribbles Higham and it was just as amazing as our first... Peaceful, homely and teaming with Wildlife. We were welcomed by a wonderful homemade cake and beautiful fresh-cut country flowers. Our 2 boys stayed in Gribbles ( the shepherds hut) and we stayed in Souters. Our boys were delighted that they had their own holiday home along side ours. It gave us peace and gave them their own space too. Both have very comfortable beds. Souters and Gribbles have easy access to the A12 to visit both Essex and Suffolk for day trips, but you can truly relax in the knowledge that once you return you do so to total peace in the outdoor space and inside. The outdoors offers a huge garden with an awesome pizza oven and BBQ. We really enjoyed the private river walk though the coppiced woodland out to the meadows. Can’t wait to return. Love the place.

We had two wonderful weeks in this lovely property. Very rural but at the same time convenient for sightseeing in the immediate area and beyond via nearby dual carriageway. The cottage was comfortable and homely with everything we needed, and our hosts were great. Highly recommended.

Lovely cottage in tranquil setting

What a wonderful place to stay! The cottage was immaculate and very well-equipped for self-catering and there was a delicious cake on arrival. The main room inside with a kitchen area, dining table and plenty of informal seating was excellent. Outside there is a lovely patio area with table and chairs, plus sun loungers for enjoying the sunshine, and the birdsong. There is a lawned area too surrounded by wildflowers and grasses. It was a great base for visiting Dedham Vale. We parked the car at Dedham and walked along the River Stour to Flatford Mill. Beautiful! We enjoyed a visit to Lavenham, the Guildhall there and a walk round the town. We highly recommend this cottage - one of best we have stayed in.

Perfect, quiet, haven

Immaculate. Peaceful, beautiful touches like fresh flowers and a lovely home made cake. Wonderful for bird watching. Highly recommended

Extremely dog-friendly, relaxing cottage in a wonderful location

We stayed at Souters with our two dogs over Easter weekend and had a lovely time. The cottage has everything you could need and there is plenty of outside space for the dogs. Our friends joined us and stayed in the shepherd's hut, which they loved. There is lots to do in the area and an abundance of dog-friendly pubs to visit. We are looking forward to a return trip.

Perfect 5* Break

We had a beautiful 5 day break in this secluded featured cottage. Nick and Cath have created the perfect country retreat. The cottage was fully equipped and had everything you needed. Nice little touch of a pint of milk, flowers and a homemade cake which was very delicious on arrival. Very friendly and prompt answering any queries pry to our arrival. Beautiful country walks. The only negative was leaving this place, we will definitely be back. Thank you Nick and Cath.

Mrs

Excellent warm comfortable and very clean cottage. Well equipped. In a quiet country lane. There was a delicious homemade cake to welcome us.

Loved it

My first holiday after retiring from Herts Police had a big tick list. Rural. Quiet. Log burner. Near Constable country (obvs) and easy access to villages shops and history. This place has it all. Perfect. Pitch dark skies. Morning birdsong. A field for the dog to run about. Nothing to dislike at all. Thank you so much. Highly recommended

Beautiful, tranquil haven for those looking for peace and quiet.

We had a lovely relaxing stay over New Year, Fun for the adults being able to cook outside in the pizza oven and for the children with games and toys and a Woods to explore, sadly not cold enough to light the log burner. We will definitely be making a return visit

Amazing Weekend Away

We stayed for the weekend with our two dogs. It's so quiet and peaceful and there is no light pollution whatsoever so we made good use of the clear sky at night. We were absolutely charmed, the house is a little gem. It's clean and cozy, with everything you might possibly need provided and ready to use. And the welcome homemade cake was just so good! A massive thank you to the hosts. We'll definitely be returning

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!

Wonderful Cabin in the Woods

This is our fourth autumn returning to Souter, which says a lot. It is perfect for peace and quiet, getting away from the bustle of life and just enjoying the wonders of Suffolk as the colours change. The accommodation is tasteful, clean, very comfortable and has everything you'll need including a new bed and cooker. The owners are attentive and helpful without being overbearing. There are so many local walks, loved by the dog in the woodlands, river side and at the coast. Can't recommend it enough

Beautiful Cottage in Perfect Surroundings

Before even arriving at Souters Barn, I experienced friendly and helpful responses to my booking and they even allowed us to check in slightly earlier. The cottage itself was well equipped and very comfortable with lots of lovely finishing touches. The living space was large and homely and the fire was an added bonus for the cooler evenings. Cath and Nick left us a home baked cake, some eggs and milk which we were delighted with and quickly made a cuppa to accompany it. The location is great. Surrounded by woodlands and a nice walk to Dedham Vale through some fields. WE had the best weekend and would definitely return in the future

Excellent Accommodation

We loved every minute at the old barn. Would definitely come back and spend longer next time

A Wonderful Nature Filled Retreat

amazingly peaceful location.. down a private track. so the only traffic are the neighbours. No light pollution at night so the stars are very clear and bright and if you sit quietly you may hear the little owl. The log burner really helped with that back to nature feel although this cottage is far from basic. Everything you need is provided and a power shower you don't want to get out of. You have a field and a woods to walk the dogs in, wonderful for a reactive dog like mine. Its perfectly placed to visit Hadleigh and Stoke by Nayland and is a walker's paradise. This far exceeded my expectations and will be a lovely memory for a very long time. So glad we found this place

Magical Place

We booked Souters as a weekend base for visiting family in the area. The cottage was spotlessly clean, comfortable and very well appointed, with everything we needed and more. Between spells of heavy rain we were able to enjoy the beautiful garden. Cath & Nick were gracious hosts and we will return

Lovely cosy weekend away

We stayed here with my parents the first weekend of September. The place has everything you could need! Lovely touch with the welcome cake, eggs, salad dressing and flowers we would 100% return! Great fun with the pizza oven. Thank you!!

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

Great Place to Visit

We had an amazing time even though it was raining most of the time, thus we ended up staying in the cozy cottage :). However, managed to take a walk in the forest and do some BBQ :). Our 3 years old son loved every second of the stay. There are nice farms around the area, we have managed to go to one where we ended up buying very delicious fruits and vegetables. We definitely come back!!! :) Many thanks to Nick and Cath Marno for the lovely cake and lovely cottage!

August weekend

We had a great stay in the barn with our two dogs. We were made to feel very welcome in the property and it was perfect. It has everything you need for a weekend away, in a great location near Dedham. We will be back!

A most enjoyable stay!

Quiet location and had everything I needed for my stay. A delicious cake and half a dozen fresh eggs awaited my arrival, which was most welcome as my granddaughters were staying in Gribbles for the weekend. They loved the shepherd's hut! Cath and Nick were welcoming and most helpful but never intrusive. It is perfectly situated for Dedham Vale which I had intended to explore with my dog but the extremely hot weather prevented us going out during the day and instead we set off for our walks very early in the morning. Beautiful surrounding countryside.

What a Gem, totally recommended

I am fortunate enough to have just stayed in Souters Barn for three nights and cannot recommend it enough. This place is a gem that ticks every box and more. I feel particularly lucky to have got it due to a cancellation and will definitely be booking to use again. Nick and Cath are the perfect hosts who give a warm welcome.The accomodation and setting is fantastic. It felt more like a home than a holiday let with an incredible attention to detail and thoughtful touches.Tea,coffee,milk,eggs and cooking condiments are there in place for guests to use plus a home baked caked to eat and fresh flowers in rooms on arrival. The living area is spacious,comfortable and airy and even has a piano.The bedroom is very comfortable and stayed cool even in tremendously hot weather. The whole place has been decorated with such good taste that it immediately feels both perfect and familiar. The setting is idyllic with wildlife a plenty to see,birdsong to hear and stunning walks to make. The outside area has a garden with flowers, hedge and willow fence that enhance the natural beauty of the place and not intrude on it. There is a gate to the washing line and utility area. The patio has a pizza oven and barbeque to use with free fuel to use. An ideal place to sit with a cup of tea and watch rabbits eating their breakfast. Souters offers privacy, peace, romance and tranquility but also much comfort and joy. It gave me a chance to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, be inspired and feel restored. There is much to explore in the local area and Suffolk is beautiful. This holiday will stay with me for a long time. I would like to return with my paints and easel,stay for longer and maybe experience a different time of year with the wood burner lit and rain lashing outside.. or I can imagine Christmas with family and friends using Gribbles too. Well done Nick and Cath, you should feel very proud of what you have achieved here and thank you for my stay. I will be booking to return soon.

pet friendly holiday accommodation

A Warm welcome and delicious cake awaits. Very comfortable self catering accommodation.Set in the Dedham vale ( Constable country).The shepherds hut is also cozy. The owners secure field is close by for exercising your dogs. We would highly recommend it. Very quite and peaceful. Already planning our return visit.

We loved it!

We stayed for four days during half term ... two adults in Souters Barn and two kids (8 & 10 yrs) in the Shepherd's Hut. Both the Barn and the Hut are beautifully sited, very comfortable (the only exception being the thickness of the sofa bed mattress) and have every facility you could wish for. There are lots of things to do - woodland walks, beach, zoo, and places to eat - within walking distance or via easy car journeys. The kids particularly loved Hollow Trees Farm which offered a whole day experience with lots of opportunities to touch lambs, calves and other animals, climbing frames and other fun activities, as well as large farm shop. Nick and Cath were delightful hosts. Thank you Nick for telling us all about your beautiful barn (we love old buildings) and you Cath for your yummy lemon cake. We thoroughly recommend Souters and would love to come again.

A Blissful second visit

Having spent a long weekend at Souters in 2017 we were in no doubt that we would return for a longer visit this year. We (my partner, myself and our two rather energetic dogs) have just spent a full week at Souters and it proved to be a wonderful experience. On arrival we were greeted by the largest lemon drizzle cake I've ever seen - provided by Cath, the Queen Of Cakes, one of the hosts. There were, of course, fresh flowers in every room and thoughtfully provided tea bags and milk. Marvellous! We spent the week visiting relatives, exploring nearby villages and enjoying the surrounding countryside. The accomodation is very comfortable and exceptionally well appointed - the heated shower room and bedroom floors a particularly nice touch. We were woken every morning by bird song and almost every evening the sunset was accompanied by the song of a nearby nightingale. Without doubt one of the most relaxing holidays my partner and I have had in a long time. Gill and I extend our thanks to Nick and Cath for an unforgettable week

A lovely hideaway

A wonderful place to stay. Great location and wonderful accommodation. Clean, warm and fully equipped. The pizza oven was an added bonus!

Excellent- don't go anywhere else!

Hidden down a quite little lane, is a wooded driveway that opens into a clearing with a view. Here you will find the most amazing barn conversion and shepherds hut. With luxury in abundance, your stay here will be memorable. I stayed in the shepherds hut and loved it. Very warm and snug with my own en-suite shower room and kettle for coffee in the morning and peace. Oh the peace! Just Tawny owls and the odd sheep in the distance, other than that, nothing. We were having a large family get together in a nearby village. My parents were staying in the barn next door, but across the lawn from my little hut. There the kitchen was well equipped and laid out, the underfloor heating kept it toasty, but we had to have the log burner on one evening as it was quite nippy, and well, it just added to the atmosphere! Although i did not meet Cath or Nick, they maintained a discreet distance, as ideal hosts should do, leaving freshly baked cakes, milk and many other thoughtful items to make this a very special place. If ever back in this area, I would not hesitate in coming back, I have rarely found somewhere quite so wonderful. Thank you Cath and Nick for making it possible.

Sylvan solitude

We stayed two nights at this beautifully converted, ancient little barn, with its wealth of exposed timbers, wood-burning stove and overall cosy feel. Our daughter stayed in the nearby shepherd's hut and joined us for meals and general lying about. For those who yearn to get away from it all this cottage could not be better positioned, situated as it is in a tiny valley surrounded by mature broad leaf trees, completely set back from a narrow country lane and seemingly insulated from the world and all its problems, with nothing to hear but the sounds of nature. The cottage is fully and comprehensively equipped with with everything that a discerning guest could possibly need - even down to pepper and salt. The bedroom has adequate storage space and the double bed is comfortable, although a little too firm for my personal liking. Our host and hostess were friendly and welcoming and we much appreciated the fresh flowers and homemade cake that awaited our arrival. All in all this is a delightful retreat and one that we wouldn't hesitate to revisit if ever again in the vicinity,

We love a cabin in the woods

Warm, peaceful, comfortable, well furnished, great owners, doggy friendly and gorgeous surroundings. If you want to escape small scale amongst the autumn colours and woodland Souters is ideal. The fresh eggs and the home made cake is an added bonus

Just wonderful

Souters and Gribbles make for the perfect short break: a tranquil location, cosy cottage and delightful shepherd’s hut, a charming setting and every home comfort you could need - even a home-made cake and flowers on arrival. We loved our stay (as did Stanley the dog) and will definitely be back.

The most beautiful retreat

Settled into a tranquil wood in the picturesque hamlet of Highham, this is the perfect place for a relaxing break for a couple - kids can be accommodated in the Shepherds Hut. Everything has been thought of by the owners, including the homemade cake left for our arrival. Wifi reception was good, mobile reception patchy - bliss. We were blessed with gorgeous weather and wiled away hours reading in lounging chairs on the lush lawn. We will return

Beautiful surroundings perfect for the pooch

Delightful place, perfect for complete privacy and loads of space for the dog to run around. All your self-catering needs taken care of, plenty of space inside the delightful cottage and if you get a chance, make the most of the pizza oven and bbq. Close to beautiful villages and amenities, well stocked farm shop close by too. Cannot wait to come back in the spring.

Outstanding accommodation

Myself and a friend stayed at Souters and Gribbles for a week in July. We were given a really warm welcome by Cath, who had also prepared an orange and chocolate marble cake for our arrival, which was delicious. The barn is a very comfortable and well equipped accommodation and when coupled with Gribbles made ideal accommodation not only for us both but we were also able to invite a guest to stay on the sofa bed for a night in Souters. This really is 5 star accommodation situated in a stunning setting. Perfect for the get away from it all relaxed break, but also surrounded by some wonderful sights and daytrips, of which Flatford Mill is a must. Our thanks to both Cath and Nick for a memorable stay and we look forward to a return visit next year.

Countrysidefamily and dog paradise

Beautiful setting amidst countryside. Peaceful, well equipped and very comfortable. Lovely hosts, friendly and welcoming. Perfect for our family of 4 plus two dogs. Enjoyed using pizza oven and off lead dogs walks and den building in the woods. Looking forward to visiting again in different seasons. Thank you, thank you, thank you xXx

We'll be back

A fantastic property in a fantastic location. What more could you want? How about a freshly baked cake provided on arrival and fresh flowers in every room - you get that too! Also it proved to be just about the most dog friendly accomodation we've encountered in the past couple of years. There is access to a large field for the dogs to run in (an acre or so) just five minutes walk away. The location is very much off the beaten track but, thanks to the directions provided, was quite easy to find. Nick and Cath were wonderful hosts and we look forward to seeing them again. We've already made a booking for 2018!

Perfect

Lovely property in a wonderful location. Very spacious converted barn with a large garden, surrounded by woodland. Hosts were very welcoming - cake and fresh flowers provided. Clean and well equipped, the property provided us with a perfect and private retreat. Hope to return.

Perfect hideaway

We had a wonderful time at Souters having fun exploring the area on what has been a really hot weekend. The dogs enjoyed their walks, keeping cool in the river at Dedham and in the sea at Old Felixstowe. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and the Cottage is a lovely and relaxing haven to come back to. We loved watching the wildlife while we barbecued in the garden and made the most of the sun loungers for some shady relaxation when the temperatures rose. We hope to be back to try out the wood burner next time! Cath and Nick are very hospital - their gift of homemade cake and fresh eggs was much appreciated.

A fantastic and relaxing break

This is a real gem of place to stay. Nick and Cath were both really welcoming and have created a beautiful place to spend some time away. The property is well equipped and even comes with it's own external pizza oven! It was so nice to just sit in the peaceful garden with just the sound of birdsong in the trees that surround the property. We will definitely be back and would thoroughly recommend travellers to visit this wonderful oasis.

Couldn't be better

Ticked all our boxes. Private and quiet in a perfect woodland setting and a very clean, cosy and comfortable old barn conversion. Close to lots of walks and Suffolk attractions. Friendly and helpful hosts. Thanks Nick and Cath and we will certainly be back if we get back to the UK. (Great shower too)! John and Dianne from Oz

Lovely peaceful spot, cosy bolthole

Souter's barn is well stocked, well organised, with a welcoming bright and open living space. Gorgeous suntrap terrace surrounded by singing birds. The sort of place you leave thinking 'I wonder if they'll sell it to us'.

A comfortable home

The exceptional hospitality provided by the owners only added to the enjoyment of our short stay in Souters Barn. A very comfortable seating area is alongside a kitchen which had absolutely everything we needed and there are chairs and a table outside to sit and enjoy the surrounding woodland. We took our dog and found it ideal for walking her as well as having a designated field close by. With so much to do and find out in the surrounding countryside, this is an ideal holiday home for those who enjoy peace and quiet, mixed with comfort.

Woodland Wonder

The stay was perfect! The owners such genuine people. The two buildings were perfect for our family break. Adults and children did not want to leave!

Absolute gem of a place.

Needed to get away from it all and switch off for a while, this is the most perfect place to relax and unwind. Perfect for walks, and local dog friendly pubs. Nick & Cath perfect host, very welcoming, the lemon drizzle cake was yummy!! Everything you could need in the cottage a home from home. Really looking forward to going back again very soon.

Absolute gem of a place

Needed to get away from it all and switch off for a while, this is the most perfect place to relax and unwind. Perfect for walks, and local dog friendly pubs. Nick & Cath perfect host, very welcoming, the lemon drizzle cake was yummy!! Everything you could need in the cottage a home from home. Really looking forward to going back again very soon.

Woodland Wonder!

The stay was perfect. The owners are such genuine people. The two buildings were perfect for our family break. Adults and children did not want to leave!

Fabulous

Second visit here and it won't be the last. Everything is perfect for a very cosy and comfortable stay. Wonderful surroundings too.

Beautiful and Secluded

This cottage really does have everything I could imagine needing or wanting. Bright and airy but also warm and inviting, and oh so cosy with the woodburner. Surrounded by woodland, this is the perfect, tranquil place for a break.

Peaceful, quiet and well located

A lovely place to stay, in a tranquil location which is off the beaten track but easy to get to and near other great facilities.

A relaxing hideaway!

This was our second stay at Souters and once again we had a wonderful time. The most well equipped self catering accommodation we have stayed in, everything we could possibly need. Nick and Cath are both amazing hosts - Cath's cake is amazing! We had friends visit on New Years Eve and they stayed in the shepherds hut which they loved. On both visits we have made use of the outdoor pizza oven even in the freezing cold! Its such a lovely touch. If you want a home from home, lovely walks, nice pubs and beautiful surroundings this place is for you. See you again soon!

Peaceful, quiet and well located

A lovely place to stay, in a tranquil location which is off the beaten track but very easy to get to and near other great facilities.