"It was described as being as pretty as a postcard, it was even better. A wonderful stay, we loved it." John D, Dorset
Hadleigh 2.5 miles, Lavenham 8 miles, Long Melford 13 miles, Sudbury 10 miles
The property: Tudor, beamed and thatched with a large inglenook fireplace and log burning stove. You may have to duck your head under the odd beam but it is definitely worthwhile in order to holiday in this charming cottage.
Broad wooden oak floorboards upstairs with windows under the thatch. The staircase is relatively straight and you have a choice of 3 bedrooms: 2 upstairs: twin and double (with en suite w.c. and washbasin) and a ground floor double with sofabed (en suite shower room with w.c. and basin). The family bathroom is on the ground floor. Traditional well equipped kitchen, sitting room with large dining area, and further sitting room/bedroom with wel-stocked bookshelves for adults and children: this is a cottage in which to curl up with a book in front of the fire, or in the shade of a honeysuckly-covered arch.
The grounds: Steps lead across the charming cottage garden to the old oak front door and the porch. To the rear of the cottage is a large and very attractive sunny garden with several private seating areas each with lovely views either over the rooftops of Kersey or the surrounding countryside. There is an area of orchard as well as lawns and a small fishpond with water lillies.
Kersey is a quintessential medieval village. In the heart of the Suffolk countryside just a couple of miles from Hadleigh, Kersey is one of England's finest chocolate box villages with a stunning hilltop church at one end, and an ancient ford running through its centre. Walk gently up the road past The Bell and at the other end of this tiny village you will find Priory Holme which has the most perfect views you could wish for.
Surrounding Kersey are miles of quiet country lanes, ideal for walkers, cyclists and country lovers. Maps of local walks, guide books and other local information are available for guests.
Kersey is in the centre of the area known as the wool towns. Step back to the 15th century, Kersey was made famous and prosperous with the production of "Kersey cloth". Stroll around the village of Kersey and you will see large first floor windows on the early Tudor houses; these were created to provide as much light as possible for the weavers who worked in their own homes.
The ford, or 'the Splash' as the locals call it, is a tributary of the River Brett which flows through Hadleigh. It's a lovely spot in the summer and great for children who can paddle or feed the ducks. Do look out for the fox's tail hanging outside one of the cottages - this indicated the horse doctor's house in past centuries. If you continue up the hill, past the church, and then turn right you will also discover Kersey's well-stocked children's playground.
But pause, if you can, at St Mary's, one of the loveliest of the Suffolk "wool" town churches. Inside, don't miss the remnant of its painted medieval Rood Screen, which was displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum's 'Gothic' Exhibition.
The Kersey Bell is your local. Just 50 yards down the road, it is a great pub for a drink, a meal and a chat with the locals and staff, a really friendly lot. The Landlord has kindly allowed guests of Priory Holme to use the parking facilities during their stay but please do call to check availability or pop in for a drink or supper on arrival.
The cottage displays many examples of Kersey Pottery which until 2013 produced its distinctive and very attractive stoneware in the heart of the village.
