SNAPE 5miles (8km) ORFORD 12miles (17km) WOODBRIDGE 20miles (33km) SOUTHWOLD 24miles (39km)
An oasis of calm in the very heart of Aldeburgh on the Suffolk Coast, this stunning property hidden within its own sunny walled gardens has the look and finish of a world class private yacht combined with the spaciousness of a luxury beach house.
About the Property:
The Yacht House has all the style, comfort and symmetry of a luxury ocean going yacht but with a lot more space.
The Lounge Deck (ground floor) large areas of glass and large bi-fold doors to the deck; the sitting room fills with light even on the greyest day. The large log burning stove draws your eye towards the beautiful walled garden and the ornamental pool with its gently playing fountain, lit at night for a superbly romantic and relaxing feel.
Technology throughout the house is top of the range and there is both an Arcam iPod/iPhone system with Vita Audio sound system. There is lighting for every mood, from a romantic dinner party to an afternoon of reading in front of the log burning stove. Light streams in from the Velux windows in the roof and there are electrically operated blinds to every window to allow you to adjust the level of light required precisely. If the sun from the garden is too much there is a canopy above the bi-fold doors which can be used to shade diners on the decking or to reduce the light in the sitting room.
The sitting room is divided from the dining area and kitchen by beautiful low level ceder wood shelving, giving the area a feeling of warmth and depth, work surfaces are made of Ullswater Green Slate, stunning!
The house contains an eclectic selection of books with a bias towards the arts.
Both the large dining table and spacious galley kitchen are made for people who take pleasure in eating; the large dining table begs for a dinner party.
There is a separate study bedroom with en suite shower room which would work well if you were bringing an elderly relative or someone with limited mobility.
Mid decks: The first floor has a master bedroom suite with large and lovely en-suite bathroom and a small work area with desk and chair and door to your own private balcony overlooking the walled garden.
A slightly smaller double bedroom, again with en-suite shower room stands at the other end of the landing and next door is a bunk bedroom.
The top deck is reached by a beautiful wooden spiral staircase. It is wide and gentle and very comfortable to use. There is a twin bedroom and a single with a pull out bed, a bit more yacht-like up here; these are rooms to sleep in rather than to lounge in. There is another balcony and a good sized bathroom from which there are lovely views over the river. There are views of the sea from the landing and you can relax on the balcony which overlooks the garden.
The Grounds:
One of the most remarkable features of this delightful Aldeburgh property is its unassuming entrance. It is truly a hidden gem. On a narrow residential street between the High Street and the sea front stand two blue doors opening into a covered area, which can be used as a garage; it hardly hints at what lies beyond.
There is a small conservatory beyond which is the dining deck, ideal for al fresco dinner parties and a large grassed area and a small seating area with table, chairs and parasol; lots of perfumed planting and culinary herbs in the flower borders, and to the left a further decked area with ornamental pool with water feature and a further seating area. Once again the owners have thought of everything and there is subtle evening lighting to create just the right atmosphere for an outdoor dinner party.
Sleeps: One king, one double, four singles, one set of bunks and a sofa bed
There are beds for 10 but we would suggest that the single with pull out only works for two if they are children.
Parking: There is parking in the garage for one car but it is quite narrow so be careful if you have a big car, otherwise it is a great area for bike storage and sea side bits and pieces.
This property is ideal for those looking for absolute comfort and privacy in this vibrant seaside town. Children will love its top deck bedrooms and the portholes, their parents will adore the privacy and security of the garden (be aware, the ornamental pool is not fenced and is about 1 metre deep) the comfort and ease of the house.
Musicians will be overjoyed to know that there is an upright Steinway piano. Kept covered it can be made available to serious musicians and able amateurs by prior arrangement.
Under a hundred miles from London, Aldeburgh, on the Suffolk coast, has managed to incorporate the best of 21st century eating and dining with a seaside feel reminiscent of the 1950s. There is sailing and yachting on the estuary and two fine heathland golf courses within a mile. There are superb coastal and riverside walks where you can enjoy the site and song of rare and wonderful ground nesting birds. Couple all this with an international reputation for musical, theatrical and literary performance and art and you have the quiet seaside town of Aldeburgh.
Self-catering eating and drinking
Grocery deliveries are available and there is a great selection of catering options for your stay at The Yacht House, King Street. Just yards from Aldeburgh high street, you will find all the holiday food you need to stock up on - butchers, bakers, greengrocers, general stores galore. And of course there is no shortage of fish sheds dotted along the beach, selling freshly-caught seafood throughout the day.
Tip: If you can drag yourself out of bed, the best time to buy fish is early in the morning, just as the fishing boats get in.
Slightly further inland, down the A1094 just before you get to the A12, you will find Friday Street Farm Shop, a large range of excellent home-grown and locally-made produce, it is the perfect place to stock up on holiday food. Click here for website
The pretty little town of Orford is situated right on the rivers Alde and Ore, and well worth a visit whilst exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Pinney's of Orford have grown oysters at Butley Creek since the 1950s and their smoke house supplies mouth-watering freshly smoked fish every day. Click here for website. Or why not take a trip to Richardson's Smoke House in Orford and stock up on melt-in-the-mouth ham hock and smoked cheese? Click here for website.
Eating out
There is no shortage of good pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance of The Yacht House.
Cross Keys Pub, Aldeburgh 01728 452 637
Dating back to 1540 the pub is glowing with history and has great character. A large courtyard garden facing onto the sea front, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Adnams! The Cross Keys serve an extensive selection of fresh seafood, which is caught daily by the Aldeburgh fishermen.
The Mill Inn, Aldeburgh 01728-452563
The Mill Inn is another pub that stands directly opposite the beach front. With plenty of old world charm, its beams and leaded windows take you back to the days when this was once the haunt of local smugglers, who plied their trade the length of the Suffolk Coast. Meals are cooked using fresh, local ingredients, hand-selected by the Chef. The seafood dish of the day is chosen depending on the success of the Aldeburgh fisherman who land their catch on the beach opposite. What is more, if you fancy a hearty cooked breakfast The Mill Inn in the place to go.
White Lion, Aldeburgh 01728 452720
The White Lion Hotel enjoys fantastic views of the sea, and is a great place to enjoy a good meal. The menus are fresh and inspired, using produce sourced from the land and sea close to Aldeburgh. Fish and seafood are both specialities, as well as traditional favourites such as braised oxtail or devilled lambs kidneys.
The Brudenell , Aldeburgh 01728 452071
With its relaxed, informal dining room and patio heaters which allow you to eat al fresco after the sun has set, The Brudenell Hotel is a great place for a special holiday meal. Suffolk has the reputation of being the countrys richest producer of healthy, locally-grown organic food and the head chef plays homage to this with his firm ethos of using sustainably and ethically sourced local produce. Review of The Brudenell Restaurant.
Family Holidays
All hardware such as highchair and travel cot are supplied for your use at The Yacht House, Aldeburgh. The garden is generous and with the beach practically on your doorstep there is plenty of space to be explored by the kids.
Packing tips
Wellingtons and walking boots will be very useful so you can have a good old stomp along the coast without ruining your best shoes! Do remember beach towels, fishing nets, crabbing lines and sailing kit. Do think about bringing or hiring bikes as this is a wonderful place for cycling, whatever your age or ability
