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16th century grade II* farmhouse with hot tub and wild swimming

Lakefront holiday home with water park and Hot tub

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Brook Farm is a grade II* listed farm with 2.3 acres
The wood fired hot tub overlooks the lake
Brook Farm dates back to 1540
Wild swimming?
The entrance hall

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10213 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Harleston, ENG
  • Place, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Oasis Camel Park
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Deco

1 Double Bed

Emerald

1 Double Bed

French

1 Queen Bed

Masterbedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet

Wetroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

16th century grade II* farmhouse with hot tub and wild swimming

Brook Farm is a stunning Grade II* listed Elizabethan Yeoman’s farmhouse built around 1540, with an adjoining Grade II listed barn, set in 2.3 acres of gardens and orchards, surrounded by rural land.

The main house, renovated in partnership with English Heritage, retains many of the original features.

Whilst the house is centuries old, we have created an interior which is an eclectic mix of contemporary, antique and vintage. Brook Farm is stylish yet homely, practical yet supremely comfortable.

The large lounge has beautiful seating including a 5-seater vintage Chesterfield, a wood burner to keep you cosy and a large flat screen tv for those slouchy movies nights. The beautifully designed sideboard is filled with a selection of games for those young and old(er).

There is a dining room with a huge dining table which seats 10. The vintage mismatched crockery has been chosen to be sustainable and add a little eclectic magic. There is also a wood burner and Sonos speakers to make your dinner party extra special.

The kitchen is a good sized farmhouse kitchen with a beautiful brick chimney enclosing a large range cooker. The kitchen is well-equipped with all mod cons such as dishwasher and microwave as well as essentials including sharp knives and a wide selection of herbs and spices. At the centre of the room is a table to seat six – perfect for tea and toast.


Beyond the kitchen is an extension which houses a utility room with washing machine, large fridge and small drinks fridge. There is also newly renovated wet room with large modern shower and brass fixtures.

At the rear of the extension is a heavy wooden door which leads outside to a large patio space overlooking the gardens, with an outside dining table and benches to seat 10 people and a large Webber bbq.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms with wooden floorboards and original beams. The master bedroom is large with windows on three sides, a stunning place to wake up in the morning - it has a queen bed and can house a double pull out bed to accommodate the additional guest. There are a further three bedrooms each with their own sumptuous style; the French room with a queen bed , the Deco room and the Emerald room both with double beds. All the bedrooms have memory foam mattresses, feather pillows and duvets, and pure French linen bedding.

At the end of the long beam filled landing there is a bathroom with a deep roll top bath - perfect for a long soak with a good book and a glass of wine. It has recently been renovated.

Across the courtyard from the farmhouse, the Grade II listed barn is split into four spaces, several of which still retain the straw and animal feeders from their agriculture days – they are an amazing delve into history as you can see original wattle and daub walls from the 16th century. One of the rooms contains six bikes of various sizes which you’re very welcome to borrow - perfect for exploring the local area.

The main unconverted room, our games room, in the barn features a Queen post roof, which is completely stunning. It’s a perfect hang out for kids of all ages with table tennis, darts, a pool table, a table football table and a chill out area with sofas and a music system.

Please note that this has not been converted and is still essentially a barn, so may be chilly in teh winter

Mature gardens surround the house and barns, extending over 2.3 acres and comprising an orchard (with apples, pears, cherries, plums, blackberries and hazelnuts), a football pitch, a fire pit area and our very own lake with a pontoon and which you are able to swim in.

Overlooking the lake is a ten person hot tub. The hot tub is eco-friendly and wood fired - so entirely natural with no chemicals! A lovely way to watch the sun set and to relax no matter what time of year. Also the perfect place to see all of nature’s visitors who come and see us at Brook Farm which included hares, muntjac deer, rabbits, kingfishers, ducks, doves, woodpeckers and bats.

There is so much to do around Brook Farm. We have wonderful cycling on quiet roads through sleepy Suffolk villages - we have a selection of bikes for your use. South Elmham Minster which dates between 1091-1119, is a three-mile round trip from Brook Farm. We also have some wonderful footpaths around the Farm but please stick to the paths, close any gates, keep your dogs on a lead and leave no trace of having visited!

For trips slightly further afield, we have amazing sandy and shingle, dog-friendly beaches; Dunwich, Southwold and Walberswick where you can also go crabbing and have a pint in the local pubs - our favourite pubs and well-worth booking are; The Ship at Dunwich for a pint of Ghost Ship, The Sail Loft for lobster risotto and The Anchor at Walberswick for the best fish and chips - they even have their own boat so the fish is caught that day.

The Norfolk Broads is a short drive away - you can hire a boat and trundle up the broads for the day taking in the landscape.

There's a Maize Maze in Reydon and countless National Trust properties to visit.

We just love river swimming in the River Waveney, near Bungay is great fun too! If you are visiting Bungay, check out Earsham Street where there is an amazing deli (Earsham Street Deli), butcher's (The Forequarter), fishmonger's (Earsham Street Fish Company) and green grocer (Giddens and Thompson) as well as an array of fantastic vintage stores and restaurants/cafes. Halesworth and Harleston are also worth a visit for their vintage wares.

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 4 pets total)
Please don't allow pets on the beds or sofas
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You must read and sign the Hot Tub instructions before use. Try to be eco-friendly as possible - recycle and keep energy use to as little as possible.
Post-Covid-19 lockdown, please carefully read Contract for guidance. Please note that the hot tub and games room are used 'at your own risk'

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Harleston

Located in Harleston, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Valley Farm Vineyards and Diss Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Norfolk Broads and Suffolk Coast and Heaths. Travelling with kids? Consider Oasis Camel Park and Henstead Exotic Gardens. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Harleston, ENG

What's nearby

  • Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 11 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Valley Farm Vineyards - 12 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum - 12 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Harleston Recreation Park - 14 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Oasis Camel Park - 15 min drive - 7.8 km

Getting around

  • Halesworth Station - 14 min drive
  • Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Cap - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Queens Head - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Grain Brewery - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪No. 5 Earsham Street - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Taste of Raj - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 16th century grade II* farmhouse with hot tub and wild swimming pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 4 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at 16th century grade II* farmhouse with hot tub and wild swimming?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Where is 16th century grade II* farmhouse with hot tub and wild swimming located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Valley Farm Vineyards, Oasis Camel Park, and Ocean Pit. Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum and Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Mel Massey

Host profile image
Mel and Simon are the proud new owners of Brook Farm. Mel is an interior designer who works mainly with private residential clients and has had various TV stints including BBC1's DIY SOS. Simon runs his own advertising agency. Brook Farm is their lucky and wonderful rural escape from the craziness of London where they have quality family time with their two teenage boys and mastiffs Bernie and Blu! Mel describes Brook Farm as the place to 'make everlasting memories'.

Why they chose this property

Brook Farm is Mel and Simon's second foray in to holiday rentals, their first in Puglia, Italy.

"We loved our trullo in Italy, but wanted to buy somewhere which was easily accessible and that we could visit throughout the year. Door to door Brook Farm is only two hours."

Brook Farm is a wonderful 16 century grade II* listed property with a grade II listed barn. As listed properties only make up about 2% of British housing stock and only 5.5% of those deemed listed are grade II* listed, Brook Farm is considered a 'particularly important buildings of more than special interest'.

"We completely fell in love with it, the moment we set eyes on it. Its original beams, some of which are adorned with centuries old writing, are over 400 years old and you can find wattle and daub in some of the rooms."

Brook Farm had been lovingly restored over seven years by its previous owner so is a wonderful blank canvas for Mel to work her interiors magic.

"My style inspiration is about as far away from English country cottage as you can possibly get but I wanted to respect the age and integrity of the house. Also in this age of conspicuous (over)consumption, I wanted to furnish the house as sustainably as possible."

From mismatched china sourced on Etsy and eBay Mcintosh Dunvegan dining chairs to a vintage pew and bronze horse's head sourced locally in Halesworth, Mel has created a space which is homely, eclectic and full of joy.

What makes this property unique

Mel and Simon know what makes a successful holiday rental. Life is so hectic that going on holiday can be another thing on the 'to-do list'. When you visit Brook Farm, you will arrive to a welcome pack with artisan beer made in a brewery less that two miles away or a glass of Prosecco - whatever you fancy. You will find other goodies in the welcome pack. The kitchen is well-stocked with everything you need - tea, coffee, herbs, spices, oils etc - she just asks that you replace them if you finish them.

You can relax immediately whether in the wood-fired hot tub, in the roll-top bath, on the velvet sofa in front of the fire or in the games room playing any of a number of games (pool, table tennis, table football, darts). The kids will be well-looked after with all the games above plus 5-aside football, basketball, a fire pit and a play house. There are also board games and Lego inside the house to entertain. Big family meals can be enjoyed around the 10 seater walnut dining table.

Young and old, Brook Farm is perfect for making those important family and friends memories.

Languages:

French, Italian