Crown Cottage Hartest

This is Crown Cottage in Hartest. It's a two bedroom, one bathroom place that sleeps four. It's got a three star rating, which means it's comfortable and everything works, but it's not a luxury hotel.

The cottage is detached and Scandinavian style, which means it's light and modern inside, not old beams and low ceilings. It's right on the village green. The garden is enclosed.

The stairs are steep. That's the main thing to know. They're open-tread and go round in a bit of a spiral. Fine if you're steady on your feet.

You're right next to the pub, literally about 25 yards away. It's a 16th century place with a garden and its own micro-brewery ales. There's a butcher on the green too. The nearest proper supermarket is about five miles away in Bury St Edmunds or Sudbury.

Good walking from the door. The village is on a hill so you get nice views. For fishing, there are some lakes within five miles with carp and perch.

You're about a 30 minute drive from some good spots. Lavenham and Long Melford are close, they're those famous Tudor wool towns. Bury St Edmunds has the Abbey gardens and a market. The Suffolk coast, places like Southwold or Aldeburgh, is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

Facilities: it's got a wood burner, dishwasher, washing machine, WiFi, TV, and parking. Bedding and towels are included. You can bring up to two dogs.

Useful links if you're planning trips: National Trust East of England for places like Ickworth, and Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.