Staycation spot: Retreat East

Late last month we had a mini staycation at Retreat East near Ipswich. I was looking on Airbnb for somewhere to take my partner for his birthday. He couldn’t get much time off work so we wanted to find somewhere close by for a one-night stay.

When I was searching I found Retreat East, a private members club with self-catering barns, in Hemingstone. I had first visited Retreat East when I worked for a magazine and the farm was being renovated. I remembered that the place was gorgeous – rural, peaceful and with luxurious accommodation.

The innovative idea behind Retreat East is to offer a membership, also known as a ‘FarmShare™’, which offers people the chance to own a second home, without the hassle. Members are entitled to ten nights (with the option to buy more) in the luxury accommodation, with the use of the gym, sauna, hot tub, bar and restaurant.

To get the word out about the facilities at Retreat East, the farm has put its rooms on Airbnb for everyone to try, with the option to buy a FarmShare™ after your stay.

We stayed in The Den, a one-bedroom self-catering lodge. The room was designed beautifully – very much my style (I now want to redecorate my house!). I would call it contemporary country.

The kitchen had everything you could need for your stay, including complimentary fresh bread, eggs, jam, butter, milk, orange juice, tea and coffee. We decided to dine in our lodge that evening, but you could also order meals to be left in your room for you to heat up later. During the weekends, the Great Barn on the site opens as a restaurant.

After eating we headed to the bar to play pool and sip Prosecco (well, we were celebrating after all!). We then went and relaxed in the hot tub under the stars.

I really can’t put into words how relaxing it was at Retreat East. It’s a very indulgent experience that is perfect for celebrations or a rejuvenating break from reality.

This was not a paid or gifted post.