Slowly does it about interiors

Nestled in the Deben Valley, Farmstead Lodges is a luxurious boutique bolthole that invites you to light the wood burner and wrap yourself in its comforting layers of hygge, and where long lazy breakfasts and al fresco baths under the stars are the order of the day.

Designed as a ‘back to nature’ retreat, the eight luxury self-catering lodges were opened in 2022 by Ali and Sian Kerr, who own the neighbouring wedding venue, Easton Grange. The idea behind the concept was to create an oasis of calm in the heart of Suffolk that quietly reflects the beauty of the surrounding countryside. They have been built by local craftsmen using sustainable materials, each one unique, but all sharing the same high quality finish and a feeling of sumptuous luxury, with textured linens, woollen blankets, sheepskin rugs and deep velvet sofas. Built on former farmland, the one and two-bedroom wooden lodges are carefully positioned for optimum privacy and come the spring, will be surrounded by wildflower meadows planted with ox-eye daisies, cornflowers, field poppies and red campion.

As soon as you step up to the porch, a feeling of calm envelops you. The lodges have been built from reclaimed scaffold boards giving them an authentic rustic charm, and the use of natural materials throughout is very soothing and restful. The main living area is open plan and the fully fitted kitchen is neatly divided off by a long work bench topped with a poured concrete work surface.

Shelves are stacked with a mix of handmade plates and bowls, gleaming glasses lined up next to a stack of terracotta pots and planters potted with a mix of herbs. A coffee machine from eco-friendly brand Grind sits alongside vintage finds such as a ceramic jelly mould, the Dualit toaster reflects an earthenware pot stuffed with cooking utensils, and copper saucepans hang above the stylish range cooker.

This wonderful mix of the old and the new has been cleverly executed by Suffolk interior designer Angie Ashby who worked with local furniture makers, upholsterers, and decorators to create the chic rustic look and feel of the lodges. The gorgeous velvet sofas are made by NJB Upholsterers, a father and son team based in Debenham, the wood burners are from The Fireplace in

Framlingham, and the lustrous sheepskins that adorn the beds are from Woolly Comforts who run their own flock near Eye. The vintage treasures that give each lodge its own unique twist have been lovingly sourced from local antique shops and markets, including Marlesford Mill, in da cottage, Gasworks Reclaim, The Boule-in and Swan House and Garden, and perfectly complement the organic designs of sustainable brands such as Soho Home, Made to Last and Fritz Fryer.

The wonderfully sensual bedrooms immediately transport you to the Swiss Alps, the beautiful bedlinen from luxury brand, Piglet in Bed, is topped with soft fur throws and organic blankets, and the soft lighting and thick hessian curtains all add to the après ski atmosphere. In the ensuite bathrooms, the showers are encased in corrugated steel, which gives a stylish nod to the agricultural heritage of the lodges, and in some of the bedrooms, huge copper tubs welcome you to sink down for a long soak and relax into a slower pace of living. Out on the deck, golden grasses shimmer in vintage galvanised planters and, tucked in the corner behind a floor length curtain, you discover another copper bath where you can opt to take a dip under the glorious Suffolk skies. Farmstead Lodges was originally set up as accommodation for wedding guests using Easton Grange, but Ali and Sian have decided that the lodges are far too special and can now be booked by anyone wishing to explore this idyllic corner of Suffolk.

Guests are treated to a welcome basket which includes a freshly baked sourdough loaf from Wakelyns Bakery, Bungay Butter, Havensfield Free Range Eggs, and a batch of homemade brownies, as well as the basics such as tea, coffee, milk and olive oil. If you plan to hunker down with tea and toast in front of the wood burner, a stack of logs will keep the home fires burning, but for those looking to stretch their legs in search of a decent pint and a Sunday roast, the Easton White Horse and Kettleburgh Chequers are both within walking distance. www.farmsteadlodges.co.uk

With the rise in popularity of the staycation, a weekend at Farmstead Lodges might be just the thing for an uncomplicated, restful and rejuvenating break - and the best thing: your four-legged friend can come too!

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