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Friars Retreat

(Ref. 949578)

Sudbury, Suffolk Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

53 Customer Reviews

  • "Thank you for allowing to rent your stunning holiday let, it was more than I expected and the whole trip was great."

    Aiming to return later in the year, so will most likely book with yourselves again...

    Reviewed by Peter13.3Mar 2024

  • "The cottage was perfectly oldy worlds but with all the necessities and comforts for modern life."

    Very cosy and comfortable, and great communication from the owner. Parking was always easily available and access to the cottage was simple. Sudbury is a lovely little town with great amenities and choice of place to eat. Would 100% recommend a stay here

    Lovely review, thank you!!! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Rachael13.3Mar 2024

  • "A fabulous cottage with lots of character, it had everything we needed and more - perfect for our 2 week stay."

    The local area was very interesting, having free parking availaable just around the corner was a bonus. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We ihope to return in the future :-)

    Glad you all had a good time here in Sudbury. spending time with family.! Thank you for your lovely review. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Steve13.3Feb 2024

  • "Very nice experience on our 4 week stay."

    The owners were very kind and helpful in every way. We would happily return again.

    Reviewed by Iqbal13.3Dec 2023

  • "A lovely character property."

    Situated at the edge of Sudbury which is a charming small town on the Suffolk Essex border. Only downside is it was a small double bed. Hosts were very kind and caring and provided little touches

    Thank you for your feedback. The bed is 4ft 6" an average size for a double. If we had a larger size then one would have to climb over their partner, not so good with our older guests. We perfer to have a bedside table each too. I'm pleased you like the extra touches, thats important to us Property Owner

    Reviewed by Alison12.5Nov 2023

  • "A great property which made for a really comfortable stay."

    The house is quirky, old, cosy and homely. The location is excellent for touring and although no designated parking is available there were no issues parking just around the corner within a few yards. The only thing that wasn’t in the listing was that there is a dvd player. This would have been useful to know.

    We're so pleased you enjoyed our town house and area. Parking isnt too bad with over 100 spaces within a short walk.Looks like i'll need to buy more DVD's for the player! Property Owner

    Reviewed by W13.3Sep 2023

  • "First of all we wish to thank Rod and Shelagh for aiding us in locating the cottage."

    The cottage was just beautiful and had everything we needed to be comfortable. It is in a central location and there was so much to see. We would recommend visiting Lavenham and the Codfather served just the very best fish & chips. Thank you so much for a great stay. Judy & Dan

    Thank you for a lovely feedback. We also recommend Bury St Edmunds , Colchester Zoo and West Mersea for days out. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Dan13.3Sep 2023

  • "The cottage was most welcoming, in a perfect town location and the owner most accommodating."

    Would highly recommend this property

    Thank you for your very welcome comments. Come back and see us after the 6 week outside referb, it should look stunning! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Gillian13.3Mar 2023

  • "Another return visit to this lovely cottage."

    All decorated for Christmas and a delicious cake waiting for us.

    Thank you for another good feed back and see you soon! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Yvonne13.3Dec 2022

  • "Lovely house in a great location, was easy to park and just a short walk into the town."

    Thank you for your feedback. Hopfully see you again! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andy13.3Nov 2022

  • "Friar’s Retreat is a real home from home in the heart of the very attractive town of Sudbury."

    Only a few minutes walk away from the town centre, but also ideally placed for the many delightful walks through the water meadows or along the disused railway track towards Long Melford. The house is tastefully furnished in keeping with a historic building, the settees and beds are very comfortable and the kitchen is fully equipped for producing family meals. Yes, the stairs are steep and the floors a little uneven, as is to be expected in a timber framed property! We were grateful on arrival for the welcome tea, coffee and milk .. and not forgetting the delicious home made cakes! Thank you Shelagh and Rod for helping to make a memorable week.

    Your'e very welcome. We are so please to see you enjoyed the house and Sudbury. There is so much to do here even London to the coast...maybe next time? Thank you ! Property Owner

    Reviewed by John13.3Oct 2022

  • "Everything was fabulous."

    The cottage was really a townhouse with character. It was completely modern and updated yet cozy and comfortable. The location was great. Close enough to town center but quiet and a bit away. We'd go back but we live in the US and driving on the narrow English roads did not suit us well:)

    What an adventure you had, so pleased to have been part of it and that you enjoyed your stay here in the UK so much. Hope you come again!! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Melissa13.3Sep 2022

  • "Great cottage in a lovely village , had everything that we needed and some really nice welcome treats ."

    The area is great to visit , the local waking your was nice to do to put the village in context to the area and from there we did Lavensham and Colchester . We also did a day trip to London on the train which was really easy . Would defiantly recommend . Toast and The Secret garden were great places to eat. Kids loved it

    Thank you thats lovely to read . Hope you stay again to visit even more pretty villages and even the sea! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jonathan13.3Aug 2022

  • "We really enjoyed our stay at Friars Retreat in Sudbury."

    The cottage was well equipped, clean and perfect for our stay. The owners were very responsive and helpful. We would definitely return. The only wobble we had was it can be tricky to park nearby but the cottage was just lovely.

    Glad you enjoyed your stay amd thank you for the lovely letter and sweets! Just a shame you parked in Friars st and got a ticket which leave a bad tast especially as we have counted over 100 spaces with a little walk along Quay Lane and two free car parks at the end of the lane Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lia10.8Jul 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, a real home from home."

    Warm, welcoming and friendly owners.

    Thank you for a 100/% posive feedback. It means a lot to us and may help others looking for honest reviews. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sylvia13.3May 2022

  • "We enjoyed our stay at Friars Retreat in this lovely rural part of Suffolk."

    This historic cottage, which is located convieniently close to the centre of Sudbury, was well appointed with modern amenities . Despite its compact size the kitchen was particularly well equiped. Its folding table was a useful surface when preparing meals etc . The property has a spacious lounge/dining area and upstairs bathroom, although the wonky floor in the latter took some getting used too ! The property adjoins 2 fairly busy roads at the front and side and some road noise was apparent inside but this tailed off at night. The beds in the twin room at the back were not the most comfortable experienced in a Sykes cottage. There is no outside area to the cottage (the door opening straight onto the street pavement) but lovely water meadows and local recreational facilities were a short walk away. The local Angel pub was closed for refurbishment at the time of our visit but there seem to be other such facilities nearby.

    A typical town house.! Thank you for your review Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jim13.3May 2022

  • "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.

    Thank you. The secondry double glazing we had put in makes a huge difference especially as long as it's properly closed. The cricket season is busy with a bar at the pavillian, our guests are welcome to use and is reasonally price too!. We have chairs for guests to use if asked. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jennifer11.7Apr 2022

  • "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 Vanessa13.3Mar 2022

  • "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 John13.3Mar 2022

  • "Wonderfully break."

    Hosts amazing Highly recommend Didn’t want to leave

    Thank you, hope to see you again! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Julia13.3Feb 2022

  • "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 Sarah13.3Jan 2022

  • "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 Hilary13.3Dec 2021

  • "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 Maria13.3Nov 2021

  • "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 David6.7Sep 2021

  • "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 Caroline5.4Aug 2021

  • "Very well equipped and modernised traditional town house in convenient location; helpful property owner"

    Reviewed by Karen6.3Jul 2021

  • "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 Caitlin6.7Jul 2021

  • "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 Nicholas6.7May 2021

  • "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 Ruth16.0Apr 2021

  • "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 Martin16.0Oct 2020

  • "Parking could be a problem,we were lucky all week."

    Other than that we had a good week

    Reviewed by Julia16.0Aug 2020

  • "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 Annette15.0Aug 2020

  • "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 David16.0Jan 2020

  • "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 Kate16.0Dec 2019

  • "This was a return visit."

    The cottage is well equipped and the owners are very helpful.

    Reviewed by Yvonne16.0Dec 2019

  • "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 Peter16.0Nov 2019

  • "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 Diana16.0Oct 2019

  • "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 L16.0Oct 2019

  • "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 Tracey15.0Sep 2019

  • "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 Doris16.0Sep 2019

  • "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 Sally16.0Jul 2019

  • "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 Amanda16.0Jul 2019

  • "Excellent and central location."

    Reviewed by Kerry16.0Jun 2019

  • "A very well equipped cottage, very cosy."

    Double glazing in bedroom was very effective.

    Reviewed by Ged16.0Jun 2019

  • "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 Yvonne16.0May 2019

  • "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 Lindsay16.0May 2019

  • "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 Althes16.0Mar 2019

  • "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 Sally16.0Mar 2019

  • "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 Kevin14.0Mar 2019

  • "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 Jacqueline15.0Feb 2019

  • "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 Judy14.0Feb 2019

  • "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 Malcolm16.0Oct 2018

  • "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 Jonathan16.0Aug 2018

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite basin and WC, 1 x twin
  • Bathroom with bath, walk in shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining area and electric fire.
  • Gas central heating with electric fire
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, small freezer, TV, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Free parking on Quay Lane beside the cricket ground and there are free car parks at the end of the lane
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop and pub within a few minutes walk
  • Note: Key safe for the house, you will be given the combination for the lock code before arrival
  • Note: Due to it being an older property the stairs are steeper than usual.

The property

This pleasant cottage is located in the attractive market town of Sudbury, presenting lots a character and charm.

It is ideal for a small family or couples to kick back, relax and simply enjoy the features it has to offer.

Enter the contemporary kitchen, neatly presented with glossy beige units with charcoal grey worktops.

Here you can prepare a picnic for the day's outing, cook up a scrumptious meal or perhaps try your hand at baking.

Take some time to unwind in the sitting room, which is open-plan, making the most of the space, and comprising of a quaint dining area with wooden table and chairs.

The whole room boasts traditional charm and elegance, from the timber beams on the ceiling to the leaded light windows.

It features a delightful inglenook fireplace with electric stove.

On chillier evenings, turn on the fire and watch it glow as you snuggle up with a book or tune in to your favourite programmes on the smart flat screen TV.

Good use is made of the space in this room; the neutral wooden aspects and fresh white and lime plastered walls compliment the bursts of colour dotted amongst the furnishings.

After a lovely day out exploring the town centre, take a well-earned nap in one of the splendid bedrooms, both very light and airy, the double bedroom with lovely oak beams, not to mention the charming little feature fireplace.

Enjoy the various beautiful forms of architecture in Sudbury town, from the Victorian terraces to the Georgian manor houses and medieval timber framed halls.

Delight in an array of shops, cafes and pubs or stroll through The Croft lawns and feed the ducks down by the river and take a walk through the water meadows.

Colchester is also not too far away and great for wandering the grounds and inside the Castle.

The zoo is a fabulous day out.

There is lots of walking, kayaking and cycling in the Sudbury area.

Lavenham with it's fabulous Medieval beamed properties is also within easy reach.

A lovely property for a superb retreat to Suffolk.

View on map

About the location

SUDBURY

Colchester 15.5 miles; Dedham Vale 11.2 miles

This small market town in Suffolk boasts pretty half-timbered houses, characterful sloping roofs and is home to the famous painter Thomas Gainsborough. Take a stroll along Gainsborough Street and down a little alleyway where you will find Gainsborough House, his birthplace and where he resided for many of his younger years. In this modest, late-medieval brick house is a marvellous collection of some of his finest work to be admired. Resting in the Stour Valley in an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, the surrounding majestic countryside of Sudbury is what inspired most of his paintings. Stroll along the River Stour and soak up the tranquil atmosphere or meander through The Croft with its green lawns and pretty wildlife, a lovely spot to take the kids to feed the ducks. Enjoy the beautiful architecture in the area, Sudbury presents a combination of Victorian terrace houses, Georgian manor houses and medieval timber framed Halls. Belle Vue Park is a lovely spot for kicking back and watching the world go by and there is an array of shops in the town to delight in. This ancient market town is only fifteen miles from Colchester where you will discover Colchester Castle, an 11th century edifice and manicured grounds, Hollytrees Museum showcasing local history exhibits, Colchester Zoo and the stunning High Woods Country Park. Sudbury is also not too far from the coast so why not take a day trip and explore the 350 miles of stunning shoreline in Essex, it is one of the most diverse places of surprising, natural wild beauty. This is a delightful town and a spectacular location to base your family holiday.

PLEASE NOTE: Scaffolding is expected to be up on the property from 2nd August-13th September 2023

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas