Let the kids and dogs let off steam on the lawn. Watch the ducks land on the (fenced-off) lake. Dine out on the decks in the Suffolk sunshine with steaks searing on the gas barbecues.
Spaces at Damselfly Lodges are easy to love. Meticulously restored, they come with stripped-back oak beams, wooden or flagstone floors, bright, breezy interiors and a neutral, cosy homeliness. Pile into the popcorn and catch Firestick TV. Stream Netflix over the 300mbps BT Infinity Wi-Fi.
Book into the professional-grade gym at the manned reception for the rubber free-weights, weight bench, elliptical trainer and exercise bike. Cleanse body and soul in the 80-degree Swedish sauna with essential oils and steam shocks. And make it a movie night in the cinema room with nine-foot screen, Netflix surround system and PS4.
There’s a modern fan oven and electric hob in each lodge, backed up by a handy dishwasher. But you might prefer your meals outdoors on the gas barbecue in the Suffolk sunshine. Or, better still, cooked by our pro chefs, so you can chill in the sauna or cinema. Choose a nice wine from Adnam’s.
Shop at the Co-op, Tesco or Waitrose and get your takeaways from Ninedeli (anything from Thai green curry to a seafood platter), Cinnamon Leiston (Indian), Mrs T’s (fish and chips) and Gun Hill Beach Kiosk for bacon and egg baps, bacon-and-Brie sandwiches and cakes.
Enjoy a roaring fire and a Sunday roast at The Low House in Laxfield, or slow-roasted Emmerdale-Farm featherblade of beef with Cheddar and leek potato cake at the Sibton White Horse. Or home-cooked pub fare served in the beer garden overlooking the bowling green at The White Horse Badingham.
Eat seasonal plates and pub classics at The Boarding House, including maple-cured bacon chops and steak-and-ale pie. Try chestnut Wellington or slow-braised pork belly at The Queen’s Head in Bramfield. Or push the boat out a little at Michelin-recommend spots Pea Porridge, The Unruly Pig and The Lighthouse.
Here among the wolds and wilds of deepest Suffolk, the only thing that might separate you from sleep is your own contented snoring. Damselfly Lodges sleep 36 in up to 19 bedrooms, with 18 bathrooms. Here’s your breakdown:
Napier (accessible) sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms, each with an en-suite, and an additional accessible bathroom. Nightingale accommodates 6 guests in 3 bedrooms, including 2 en-suite kingsize rooms and a twin room, with a main bathroom. Avocet (accessible) offers space for 6, featuring a kingsize room, a twin room, and an accessible kingsize room, all with en-suites. Swallow hosts 3 guests in 2 bedrooms, while Tawny provides accommodation for 3 in 2 bedrooms. Wagtail is ideal for 2 guests, and Dragonfly and Meadowview each accommodate 4 guests in 2 bedrooms with en-suites.
