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Crossways Farm
UK England East Anglia Suffolk Stowmarket
01449 740 325 Brettenham Road Hitcham Suffolk IP77NT
Set in two-and-a-half acres of gardens and grounds in the village of Hitcham, bang in the middle of the bucolic Suffolk countryside, Crossways Farm is a Grade II-listed, 14th-century farmhouse that would be an enticing place to stay whoever was running it. But, as luck would have it, it's the home of Yalda Davis, who has turned part of this beautiful, old beamed building into as comfortable and welcoming a B&B as you could wish for, with two guest rooms in the far end of the west wing which she rents out on an exclusive-use basis.
There is a separate private entrance and staircase, a spacious bathroom and a private breakfast and sitting room with a wood-burning stove. The two bedrooms (one double, one twin/triple) are furnished with luxury mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows and duvets, Egyptian cotton bed linen, Freeview TVs and DVD players and and tea and coffee-making facilities – and whether you book one or both, the accommodation is reserved exclusively for you. Breakfast is delicious and locally-sourced, including eggs from Yalda's own chickens, and Yalda also serves you tea, coffee, homemade elderflower cordial and cake or biscuits on arrival. You can also purchase her delicious homemade cakes, biscuits, ice cream and other produce to take home, and environmentalists will be pleased to know that the property's power is in part provided by the solar panels that Yalda has recently installed at the back of the garden, hidden by trees.
Above all Crossways Farm is a great place to come with your family. In summer you can enjoy your own private area of the beautiful garden, complete with hammocks, table and chairs – and there's a swing and a den which children will love. There is a paddling pool for hot days, and a rowing boat for exploring the small lake in grounds (life jackets are available for little people), plus a slightly bumpy but full-size tennis court for matches between non-serious players (Yalda can provide racquets and balls). Yalda is also always happy to introduce the various animals who share the grounds with you – and to provide carrots to feed the goats and grain to feed the chickens and ducks. The kids can also join her in collecting the chickens’ eggs that you will have for your breakfast.
As for things to do, the medieval town of Lavenham is just a few miles away, and well worth a visit, although the area immediately around Crossways Farm is itself perfect for walking, with various circular walks accessible on foot from the house. The quiet country lanes of this part of Suffolk also provide plenty of opportunity for easy-going cycling, and Yalda has maps to help you explore, as well as child bikes, seats and helmets of various sizes to borrow. There are lots of pubs within easy cycling distance – not least the renowned if rather posh Bildeston Crown and the more accessible Swan Inn in Monks Eleigh. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, there are games to play and books to read and a microwave and cooking equipment for a stay-at-home dinner.
As Yalda says, Crossways Farm is more than a place to stay, it is a restorative place for all ages to relax in peaceful surroundings while enjoying the countryside and its wildlife. We're lucky she has decided it share it with us.
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Reviews
Rated ★★★★★ over 4 reviews
Beautiful place except for pig
Just perfect
Family-friendly holiday
First trip away with our baby
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