The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms
Once the working heart of village life, The Smithy's Cottage, The Farrier's Shop and The Workshop now form a beautifully characterful trio of holiday retreats, each with its own story and a far gentler pace of life. Where sparks once flew and hard graft was the order of the day, you'll now find log fires, big tables, deep sofas and the simple pleasure of slowing down together.
Each property has been thoughtfully restored to honour its industrial past while ensuring modern comfort. Exposed beams, historic details and generous spaces sit alongside well-equipped kitchens, welcoming living areas and private outdoor spaces, making these homes ideal for family gatherings, group getaways or stays with friends. Whether you're spreading out across sociable open-plan rooms or retreating to a quiet bedroom at the end of the day, these are spaces designed for easy, unhurried living.
Set in and around the charming village of Freston, the location ties the collection together. Riverside walks along the Orwell, the much-loved Freston Boot, Suffolk Food Hall and the wider Shotley Peninsula are all close by, with the coast within easy reach. Days can be as active or as relaxed as you like, followed by evenings that tend to stretch out a little longer than planned.
ACCOMODATION...
THE WORKSHOP
Hallway A seriously cool space to welcome you! With original items from the old forge and beautiful exposed brick walls, this is a useful spot to store coats, bags and boots.
Kitchen / Dining / Living Room This large, open plan space is the heart of the home. The living area has a large, comfy sofa, armchairs and a huge TV – great for movie night.
The grand dining table sits in the centre of the room and is great for special celebrations and casual meals.
The stunningly sleek kitchen is a chef’s dream and boasts two ovens, a hob, fridge/ freezer, dishwasher, wine fridge and Beko coffee machine.
Cloakroom A convenient convenience with a WC and washbasin.
Garden Room The two sets of large bifold doors, the garden room is a great spot to relax on the loungers, swing chairs or hammock and enjoy a morning cuppa.
Bedroom 1, Ensuite and Loft Pretty in pink, bedroom 1 offers a king-sized bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only).
Bedroom 2, Ensuite and Loft This calming room boasts a king-sized bed, bedside table, two chest of drawers and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only).
Bedroom 3, Ensuite and Loft Bedroom 3 is a quirky room offering a king-sized bed, two chest of drawers, hanging space and a TV. The gorgeous ensuite has a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin. Upstairs the loft space offers a sofa bed (please be advised this is suitable for children only) and an ensuite with shower, WC and wash basin.
THE FARRIER'S SHOP
Ground Floor
Living Room A great space with a large, corner sofa, Smart TV, log-burner and foosball table.
Kitchen / Diner The airy kitchen is well equipped with an oven & hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee machine all centred around the old forge which is now repurposed as a pizza oven.
Cloakroom Located by the front door, there is a WC and wash basin and best of all, a little doggy shower to wash of muddy paws!
Bedroom 1 and Ensuite The downstairs bedroom has a king size bed, bedside tables, TV and built in wardrobes. The full-sized ensuite has a bath, shower, WC and washbasin.
First Floor
Bedroom 2 Bedroom 2 has a king size bed, bedside tables, tow chest of drawers and a desk. The ensuite has a shower, WC and wash basin.
Bedroom 3 Bedroom 3 has two single beds, a bedside and clothes storage. Please note that due to a reduced headspace this room is more suited to children.
THE SMITHY'S COTTAGE
Ground Floor
Living Room The cosy living room has a large sofa, two armchairs, sideboard, coffee table, Smart TV and a gorgeous inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove.
Kitchen The bright kitchen has a range cooker with hob, fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster and kettle.
Dining Room The sunny dining room has a dining table for four and doors that open onto the patio.
Utility Room A handy space with fridge/ freezer and washing machine.
Cloakroom Just off the utility room, the cloakroom has a WC and wash basin.
First Floor
Bedroom 1 and Ensuite Bedroom 1 has a king-sized bed, bedside tables, and hanging space. The ensuite has a shower, WC, heated towel rail and wash basin.
Bedroom 2 and Ensuite Bedroom 1 has a king-sized bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and hanging space. The ensuite has a shower, WC, heated towel rail and wash basin.
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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
About the area
Ipswich
Ipswich is home to this cottage. Dance East and The Witchbottle Theatre are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Cardinal Park and Felixstowe Market. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Portman Road or Crown Pools.
Is The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms on 4 June 2026 start from AU$2,308, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Freston Forge - a house that sleeps 20 guests in 8 bedrooms located?
Situated in Ipswich, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Wherstead Park, Suffolk Leisure Park and Jimmy's Farm. Suffolk Coast and Heaths and Orwell Country Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).