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"Friars Retreat is in an excellent location especially if you do not arrive by car - close to station, walks and Waitrose."
My husband also enjoyed watching some cricket on the field opposite. The cottage was very comfortable and although the road is busy it was quiet at night.
Reviewed by JenniferApr 2022
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"A lovely welcome from Shelagh and Rod which included a freshly baked cake!"
We had a very relaxing week at Friars Retreat. The house has so much character and charm but with no lack of modern and comfortable amenities.
Spotlessly clean, very well equipped and so important, very comfy beds.
It is in a fairly central place just a five minute walk from the town centre with bars, restaurants and cafes. Parking was very easy in the street at the side of the house and we didn’t have any difficulty. Lovely’s walk at the bottom of the lane through the woods and alongside the quay. Local theatre very nearby too.
Great base for exploring Suffolk. Would definitely visit again.
Your review makes it worth our while. thank you! Property Owner
Reviewed by VanessaMar 2022
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"Lovely homely accommodation."
Everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. Hope to return in the near future.
Thank you for your lovey review. We try our best which, is paying off! Property Owner
Reviewed by JohnMar 2022
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"Wonderfully break."
Hosts amazing
Highly recommend
Didn’t want to leave
Thank you, hope to see you again! Property Owner
Reviewed by JuliaFeb 2022
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"We really enjoyed our stay at Friar's retreat."
The cottage was very well appointed with everything we could possibly want. It is ideally located in the older part of Sudbury with an excellent pub, The Angel, just a few doors down for a great evening meal, and other shops/ eateries close by. We didn't mind the road noise (both of us are used to it) and the combination of secondary glazing and a blackout blind made for a very cosy night's sleep. One thing to note is that the stairs are very steep given this is a lovely old wonky cottage. We managed but if you have poor mobility you may struggle.
A good honest review, thank you! Property Owner
Reviewed by SarahJan 2022
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"We were looking for a cosy week for new year with tweens and this was just the ticket."
Right in the heart of the lovely town of Sudbury. Pubs and shops on our doorstep so we could all be independent. Amazing walks from the house. The house was amazing, well equipped and thought out. Olde worlde but without the drawbacks. Fantastic curved TV with Netflix and WiFi meant the kids were better off than being at home. Beds comfy although I like a really soft bed and the main bed was medium to soft. Bath was gorgeous and towels and linen good quality. Oven spotless. Thank you for a relaxing week. PS you must visit The Codfather for fish n chips as it was the best I’ve ever tasted and the kids agreed! Also do burgers and pasta.
Thank you so much for a first class review, it warms our hearts!! Property Owner
Reviewed by HilaryDec 2021
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"Best self catering cottage we have stayed in."
Spotlessly clean. It's everything you could wish for.
It's central for everything. Lovely comfortable beds.
The homemade cakes waiting for you on your arrival are a lovely touch.
Could definitely recommend and would stay there again.
A truly lovely review, makes it all worth while! Thank you!! Property Owner
Reviewed by MariaNov 2021
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"Friars Retreat is a lovely cottage, well equipped and comfortable."
We were able to park close by whenever we needed to, even though we used the car most days. Shelagh,the owner was very kind and welcomed us with a delicious home baked cake. We had a lovely stay in Suffolk with lovely weather. Unfortunately on our last day my wife tripped over a raised paving stone in Sudbury and fell on her knee hurting it quite badly. Shelagh was very sympathetic and gave her some crutches which were a great help on the journey home.
Reviewed by DavidSep 2021
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"Would have preferred to know that this cottage is on a busy main road & is noisy (sleeping with the window open was not an option)."
Also, having a large non-stick skillet & a cheese grater in the house would have been perfect.
This is a town house and in my comments I do draw attention to it being on a busy street. There is secondary glazing which the guest didn't closed properly. We have cooling tower fans but understand not every one likes them. The house is c1650 and we have done the best we can to bring it into a modern world Property Owner
Reviewed by CarolineAug 2021
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"The house is very well equipped and cleverly designed to make the best use of its space."
It was also absolutely immaculate!
It is in a great location for the town centre and its amenities.
Parking can be a bit of an issue at times
Reviewed by CaitlinJul 2021
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"Very well equipped and modernised traditional town house in convenient location; helpful property owner"
Reviewed by KarenJul 2021
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"Great base for visiting Suffolk's lovely villages and walking in the countryside."
Close to restautants, pubs and supermarket. Los of places to choose from. Parking and noise were not a problem.
Reviewed by NicholasMay 2021
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"A delightful cosy cottage making an excellent base to explore the surrounding area."
Location was great and lots of parking nearby in Quay lane. Arrived to find a homemade Victoria sponge.
Reviewed by RuthApr 2021
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"Fabulous property in the heart of Sudbury."
Walking distance to the shops, restaurants and market. Parking in Quay Lane was no problem. The cottage itself was cozy, warm (excellent heating system was really responsive and efficient) and nicely furnished. Bed was comfortable, and despite the cottage being on the road, there was little in the way of noise. Owners were lovely, too. They mention in the details that the stairs are steep, and they are - but there are handrails both sides, so as long as you take your time it's fine. All in all, highly recommended as the perfect place to explore the lovely towns and villages of Suffolk and North Essex.
Reviewed by MartinOct 2020
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"Parking could be a problem,we were lucky all week."
Other than that we had a good week
Reviewed by JuliaAug 2020
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"This place is a little gem."
The cottage is beautiful, and is full of period features. It made for an extremely comfortable base to explore Suffolk.
We appreciated the cake on arrival! Also the helpfulness of the owners to any issues or questions we had.
The cottage is in an excellent position in Sudbury, which is a pretty, market town with lovely cafes and shops. We visited many interesting places, such as Lavenham , Colchester , Bury St Edmunds, and Clacton-on-Sea.
We are looking forward to returning .
Reviewed by AnnetteAug 2020
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"Excellent modernised, well equipped and cosy period cottage."
Well placed in Sudbury to walk into the town centre for shops, cafes and markets, as well as easy access to the local countryside and the rest of Suffolk. For most of our week's winter stay we left the car parked in the nearby street, walked and use the buses, coming back to the cottage for an evening meal, a great home from home!
Reviewed by DavidJan 2020
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"This was a return visit."
The cottage is well equipped and the owners are very helpful.
Reviewed by YvonneDec 2019
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"The owner went to great lengths to make the cottage very festive and beautiful (including home-made mince pies!"
) for extra family members - from NZ, London and Suffolk - to meet for Xmas. Wonderful, cosy cottage.
Reviewed by KathrynDec 2019
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"We enjoyed this cottage very much."
Perfect location in a small village with places to walk to to eat, or a short drive to other villages.
Reviewed by PeterNov 2019
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"Cottage was beautifully renovated to blend old world charm with modern home comforts."
Ideally located a short walk from lovely Sudbury where there’s plenty going on, including Gainsborough’s House, Quay Theatre and local market. Open countryside via disused railway track at end of lane; alternatively Waitrose easily reached too!
Owners were welcoming (cake!) and helpful.
Would love to live there :)
Reviewed by DianaOct 2019
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"Friars Retreat is a beautiful quaint cottage but equipped with everything you would need for a warm and comfortable stay."
It is set in a very handy position close to shops but also to lovely river walks and interesting places to visit. We enjoyed our week very much, Shelagh the owner made us very welcome making sure we had all we needed and the cake she made for us was delicious .Thank you Shelagh.
Reviewed by LesleyOct 2019
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"Lovely cottage, 5 mins walk to town centre, which has various shops, restaurants and bars."
Cottage was well equipped and comfortable, however is on the corner of a main road and traffic can be loud at times. we found parking easily down the side road near the cricket pitch. Would return if visiting that area again, we enjoyed it very much.
Reviewed by TraceySep 2019
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"We found some problems with parking at times but our bus pass helped out with that ."
The cottage had the best beds ever in a sykes holiday stay
Reviewed by DorisSep 2019
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"This was my second stay at Friars Retreat and like before, I had such a relaxing time."
The cottage is so well equipped and cosy and is centrally located to all amenities in the town. I extended my stay from 1 to 2 weeks and that process was very straightforward.
Reviewed by SallyJul 2019
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"Well equipped quaint character cottage, with lovely personal touches on arrival."
Great communication.
Location can’t be beaten for a stay in Sudbury, both for access to town and to the river.
Definitely recommend Friars Retreat!
Reviewed by AmandaJul 2019
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"A very well equipped cottage, very cosy."
Double glazing in bedroom was very effective.
Reviewed by GedJun 2019
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"Excellent and central location."
Reviewed by KerryJun 2019
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"Well-appointed, comfortable cottage near the centre of Sudbury."
The bathroom is a lovely large room.
New secondary glazing has reduced the traffic noise levels in the front bedroom.
Reviewed by YvonneMay 2019
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"Brilliant retreat right in the centre of town."
Accessible to beautiful walks along the river and surrounding countryside. Central for shops and market. Accommodation very comfortable. little added extras which were much appreciated. Warm and cosy. Just loved our wee break x
Reviewed by LindsayMay 2019
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"Good base in Sudbury for exploring the county."
Small theater, town facilities, eating places and river walks within a short walk. A warm, comfortable house with nearby on street parking available at all times. Enjoyed a welcoming home made cake. Owner has thought of everything needed for a week's stay. Would stay again.
Reviewed by AlthesMar 2019
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"Friars Retreat is an extremely cosy cottage which oozes charm."
It is situated locally, therefore it is very easy to access local amenities. The cottage itself is very well equipped and deceivingly spacious.
I had the most relaxing stay here and would definitely love to return again. The cake and milk were much appreciated. Thank you so much.
Reviewed by SallyMar 2019
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"Main bedroom is very noisy with fast traffic driving by both late at night and then the early morning traffic rush."
Difficult to sleep.
Reviewed by KevinMar 2019
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"The owner was exceptionally kind and attentive to our needs,contacting us whilst on her own holiday abroad to make sure that everything was to our satisfaction."
I would highly recommend this property for comfort and convenience.
Reviewed by JacquelineFeb 2019
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"Whilst we did enjoy our stay it would have been helpful to know that the stairs were very steep, the upstairs floors uneven with a step into the twin bedroom."
Whilst we understand this is part of the character it was a little difficult for my elderly Mum. However it was warm and cosy and the cake was a welcome surprise!
Reviewed by JudyFeb 2019
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"The location is excellent being just a three minute walk from the centre."
The sympathetic transformation of a 1650 cottage into a modern 21st century residence has been achieved remarkably well. Thank you.
Reviewed by MalcolmOct 2018
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"Our family of two adults and two children had a lovely stay at the cosy and comfortable Friars Retreat in the charming market town of Sudbury, suffolk."
We were welcomed by fresh flowers and a beautiful Victoria sponge. Really pleased by the standard of the furnishings and finish of the cottage. Parking is plentiful and available on street around the corner. As National Trust members the cottage is well situated for visiting many of the properties in the county. Highlights include Lavenham, Ickworth and Bury St Edmunds.
Reviewed by JonathanAug 2018