Staycation spot: Five Acre Barn
My friend Emily from The Goal Getter was kindly invited to stay at Five Acre Barn a couple of weeks ago and she invited me along for the trip!
Five Acre Barn is a stunning, contemporary bed and breakfast in Aldringham, close to both Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.
Arriving at the B&B you instantly feel surrounded by nature as the barn is set in five acres of woodlands and budding gardens – a real getaway from urban living.
Owners David and Bruce were looking to escape to the countryside when they found the 19th century barn a couple of years ago. Since then the barn has been bought into the modern day with a new shingle-clad extension featuring five guest suites. David and Bruce worked with architects Blee Halligan and the transformation has earned the building a RIBA East Award, a RIBA National Award and nomination for the Stephen Lawrence Price.
The undulating roof reminded me of the nearby coastline, and the cedar shingles fit in with the woodland surrounds perfectly. Each room has been decorated in a modern yet cosy way, with a Scandinavian, hygge vibe. David and Bruce have really thought about every detail, from the polished, heated concrete floors, to the delicious smelling Bramley bath products.
Our stay
We stayed in the Garden Room – a single storey room accessible for wheelchair users – that had gorgeous views over the garden, a bathroom (also with views over the garden whilst you bathe, bliss!) and a separate shower room.
All of the five rooms have decks where you can sit out and enjoy the birds singing with a morning coffee, or with a glass of fizz in the evening. The other bedrooms have a mezzanine level where you can lie in bed and gaze up at Suffolk skies through the roof-light. Downstairs in each of these rooms is a lounge space with television and a bathroom.
Where to visit during your stay at Five Acre Barn
During our stay we went for a typical evening out in Aldeburgh – fish and chips on the seafront and a walk to ‘The Shell’ – before returning to the Barn for a restful nights sleep.
The next morning we headed for breakfast in Five Acre Barn’s open plan kitchen/dining/living space. Again this has been beautifully designed, with a long table for guests to chat over breakfast and a sofa for lounging in front of the fire. David and Bruce offer guests a fantastic breakfast choice including pastries, full English, Eggs Benedict, mushrooms on toast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or homemade granola.
I’m not a big breakfast eater (I know, I know, most important meal of the day), but Emily loved her Eggs Benedict. I was content with a peppermint tea and warm croissant – yum!
After leisurely packing our cases, it was time for the short trip home. A huge thanks to David and Bruce for making us feel so welcome. Five Acre Barn has the perfect blend of hotel-style luxury and homely B&B touches. If you’re looking for an autumn getaway on our gorgeous coastline I would highly recommend booking.
