Shoemakers Cottage, Friston

The llisting and description from the owners is a self catering alternative to boutique hotel accomodation.

I would not list this accomodation as boutique. The outside was in need of a good sweep up - front and back. The toilet seats were missing a rubber pads so were uneven. The downstairs shower is very small indeed. The guest info book has seen better days and more up to date, newer literature is needed. The parking was dificult with a average family car and it was impossible not to do more than one manouvre to either get in or out. There was no visibility into the lane and we had to beep the horn to let other road users know we were there. The bedroom with two single beds (and rock hard mattresses - I like a firm mattress!!) is at the top of the stairs and acts as a corridor into the main bedroom/en suite. It has a makeshift wardrobe/hanging rail at the foot of one bed and really not adequate storage for clothes. The small window opposite both bed heads could not be reached (for the blind to be closed, or window opened for ventilation) and the morning sun was lovely but impossible to block out for a lay in. We all found the crockery in the corner low level cupboard difficult to navigate. Getting crockery/glasses in and out of there was awkward. The TV is also due an upgrade. We had a peaceful stay - and enjoyed sitting in the garden on the warmer days. However, we were disappointed that the pub was shut from the day after we arrived until after our departure - back luck, but surprising for the last week of August. We liked our first trip to Suffolk, but would not stay in this cottage again, due to the shortfalls mentioned above. Size and quality just not up to scratch.

Absolutely loved our stay.

The property is lovely, the garden is ideal for your 4 legged friends and there was plenty of goodies left by the hosts to make the stay comfortable. Friston is also a great location for exploring and is a lovely friendly village

A lovely cottage with many traditional features but full of modern needs such as a coffee maker and dishwasher.

Lovely garden with a good selection of garden furniture in the summer house. The only drawback was the steepness of the stairs so you have to be really careful if you are in your 80s! The lovely surprise was the welcome pack which included milk and eggs and a bottle of wine. Peaceful setting . Perfect .

Great place, fantastic garden, good facilities and amenities, very clean and comfy beds.

We absolutely loved our stay at Shoemakers.

We have stayed at many cottages over the years, but this was by far the best. Very clean and a wonderful welcome today full of goodies. Beautiful private garden to sit in with a good range of garden furniture. Unfortunately we weren’t able to do much walking due to the intense heat in the week we stayed (35 degrees most days) and having a dog. Luna, our Labrador loved the shady parts of the garden. We enjoyed watching the bats flying over in the evenings. Highly recommend Marlowe’s restaurant in Woodbridge - we went there twice. Our only criticism would be the beds were not very comfortable, but we know this is subjective and not everyone likes the same mattresses. It wouldn’t stop us returning though and we can’t wait to go back when the weather is cooler. Julie is a very helpful owner who has thought of everything you might need on holiday. A superbly equipped cottage, home from home. Thanks you, Julie.

A small cottage sympathetically restored to make a well appointed and extremely well equipped holiday home.

Only negative comment would be the extremely steep staircase which some would find difficult/dangerous. The garden is a really nice place to sit out, unfortunately the weather didn't play ball. Friston is a sleepy village with a great pub and good access to the coast.

A lovely, very well located cottage.

Very clean with a beautifully kept, enclosed garden. We loved the way the period features had been respected in the renovation. Will certainly stay again when in Suffolk.

The Shoemakers cottage is perfect.

Has everything you need and more. It immaculately clean and well maintained. The garden is enclosed but I feel that small or good jumpers will be able to get out along the back over into the graveyard (especially around the wicker fencing surrounding oil tank) There was a fox coming in that way. We managed to get some sunshine for a few hours up near the summer house. We also had fog, epic winds and some fat rain! I'd definitely return. One of the best I've stayed in with Sykes and the eggs and homemade jam were a lovely touch... thank you.

We have just spent a week in this characterful cottage.

There are many walks from the cottage which made it perfect for exercising our dog, with a pub that serves good food just down the lane. The cottage was clean, warm and welcoming. It is located a short distance from the coast and is ideal for visitng Snape and Aldeburgh. We are looking forward to returning to it.

Our stay at Shoemakers Cottage was the perfect break- a home away from home.

We had everything we needed for a warm and cosy stay during some pretty wet and cold February weather. A big thank you for the welcome treats, especially your delicious home made jam and free range eggs. Friston is a friendly village with lovely walks and a dog friendly pub serving good food just a short stroll from the house. The coast is a few minutes drive away. We thoroughly recommend this cottage and would love to visit again.

From walking into the cottage, it was beautiful.

We loved every minute. The cottage was central to a lot of lovely places we visited. The cottage itself was well maintained. It was very welcoming. Thank you for a lovely stay.

This was one of the best cottages we have stayed in.

The cottage was spotless. Everything had been thought of & was available in the cottage. Lovely secure garden for dogs. Set in BC a very quiet lane with walks on the doorstep. Lovely local pub within 10 minute walk also dog friendly.

Lovely , comfortable cottage which was well above our expectations , had everything you need for relaxing holiday, garden is well maintained and secure Only a short drive to fascinating seaside resort and there are local walks from the cottage , we definitely would recommend this cottage , and we hope to back next year.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Shoemakers Cottage.

It was a well equipped, comfortable cottage. The garden was secure for our dog and good parking for 2 cars. Friston is a lovely peaceful village only 10 min drive from Aldeburgh.

Absolutely perfect not a single complaint can't wait to book again

The bedroom layout for two couples was unsatisfactory, with one bedroom on the landing leading to the second bedroom.

If this had been clear when looking for a place we wouldn’t have booked. Having said that, everything else about the cottage and it’s facilities was excellent.

This was a very comfortable and well equipped cottage.

The location is very quiet. The lane the cottage is on is very narrow and accessing the driveway is slightly challenging. The garden was beautiful and very well tended. All in all a very relaxing location for a break in Suffolk.

We had a really lovely time in this cottage.

We loved the quiet and the privacy. The back garden was a delight and our Westies enjoyed the space and the freedom. It was safely enclosed! The cottage was very well equipped and it was a truly restful holiday with so much to see and do in the area! We will be back!

showers a little dated but everything else great

This is a very comfortable cottage with very good facilities.

The garden is lovely and well kept and has the added bonus of a garden room. Very near to the coast and all that it offers and pub within walking distance. Tesco in Swaffham which we found handy. It is worth mentioning that the bath has very high side and the sitting room only has seats for 3 people that we could see. Otherwise, a perfect country cottage.

Shoemaker's Cottage is lovely and a home from home.

It is well equipped and has everything you would need for a holiday. The enclosed garden is well maintained and my Houdini of a dog could not get out - thank you

Shoemakers is a really lovely cottage, great garden.

Really well equipped and comfortable cottage. Excellent location.Cannot find a fault at all. The stairs are typical of a Suffolk cottage and very steep but we had fabulous stay and would highly recommend.

One of the best properties we have stayed in in terms of cleanliness, comfort and having everything you may need to use in the kitchen.

Really lovely garden to sit in. Very peaceful place to stay. Would definitely recommend!

This was our third consecutive year staying at Shoemakers so that really says it all about the property.

It’s like a home from home for us and our spaniel. Perfectly equipped and presented plus a lovely dog friendly garden. Also, the owner, Julie, is always contactable if required. A very generous welcome pack awaits also! Situated in a lovely quiet, friendly village and so convenient for trips to the coast or inland. Definitely a 10/10 for us.

We had a lovely stay at Shoemakers Cottage in Friston.

The cottage was in a great location, only 10 min away from Aldeburgh and easy to access local towns and beaches. It was also very well appointed - of all the holiday cottages we have stayed at, it was the best equipped with cooking utensils, etc. We had a wonderful time and would definitely visit again.

Julie was a wonderful host.

The cottage was comfortable, warm and a treat to stay in. Everything you need is there and the garden was lovely as well. Thank you

The property was vary clean and lovely had all you needed for your stay with a good welcome pack, the only thing I would say is the stairs are very steep and slippery also very disappointing was the garden lovely but not secured for dogs our dog got out at the bottom so had to keep her on a lead

The cottage was very well equipted and had good facilities.

The stairs as advised were quite a challenge for someone with mobility issues. The central heating was fine but rather erratic in operation. William lees

The property was very clean, comfortable and well equipped, and a lovely dog safe garden.

A home from home. A nice welcome pack including free range eggs from the owners chickens and treats for our dogs. Great location for dog walks, lots of local footpaths, and a dog friendly pub in the village. I would recommend this property for anyone looking for a comfortable hassle free stay.

Well equipped and cosy and all instructions were clear One small point - no log pack provided even though it was October

We absolutely loved Shoemakers cottage, everything about it was lovely, loved the fireplace the bread oven, all the oldie worldly touches made the cottage like a step back in time.

. It had everything we needed very well equipped, the garden was lovely for the dog’s just like home from home. We had Sunday lunch at the Chequers pub & that was perfect, clean plates all round yum yum, we would definitely return..

Shoemakers Cottage is very comfortable and has all you need for a stay in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.

This was our fourth visit and from each year to the next we have been impressed by the high standard of maintenance and cleanliness. The back garden is a very peaceful place and we look forward to coming back next summer. Thank you.

A very thoughtful well presented property, excellently equipped.

What a lovely cottage, very comfortable and peaceful, excellent location,Very clean everything you would need,well kept garden.

Lovely cottage and garden.

Very well equipped and comfortable. Excellent location for the Suffolk coast.

Lovely cottage with everything we needed.

Car space was only exitable in one direction but not really a problem. Location very convenient for multiple attractions. Back garden fully enclosed and the dog loved it, so did we. Many local footpaths for dog walks. A happy holiday.

A really lovely cottage and garden.

Perfectly situated for the many local walks and access further afield by car to local towns and villages. We always hope for a dog secure garden and this certainly was. In addition it was a lovely garden to relax in, well cared for with proper garden furniture. It felt like being at home, thanks for a lovely holiday.

Beautiful cosy, very well equipped cottage in a lovely location, perfect base for exploring the Suffolk countryside.

The cottage had everything you could want and much more. Pretty enclosed garden, safe for us and our dogs. Stairs very steep but manageable. Lovely break away for 2 adults and 2 cocker spaniels :)

A lovely well equipped and very clean property in a peaceful location.

Well kept gardens to enjoy and only a short walk to the "Old Chequers" village pub, where we enjoyed excellent meals. When booking we were made aware of the 'steep' staircase in the property and this aspect does need to be highlighted but other than this we would highly recommend "Shoemakers" cottage.

Memory foam beds we find overheat us Would be useful if noted on cottage details.

Couch and chair in lounge uncomfortable this is usually the case at rental cottages. Upstairs shower screen should concertina but does not, limiting entry to Bath/shower. Welcome packs inconsistent,no milk or tea bags but rectified. Do owners every stay to discover any shortcomings , I think they rely on cleaners ! !.

Our second stay at Shoemakers.

A perfect cottage in a perfect location for exploring the beautiful Suffolk coast and countryside. New doors, windows and shower this year enhanced our stay. A large, secure garden was perfect for our dog. Everything we needed to make our stay comfortable was provided (including a lovely welcome pack for us and our dog). The owner is so kind and helped us with any queries we had. Hope to return again in the future. An ideal cottage for a couple (plus four legged friend!)

The cottage is beautiful and in a fabulous location to see so much, with walks from the doorstep too.

The weather was not our friend on our stay, so the wonderful log burner came into its own. The beds are comfortable and the house very well appointed with plenty of towels provided. The garden is well tended and large, it looked pretty on a dismal rainy week in Feb, so I imagine, would look beautiful in Summer. It is fully enclosed, perfect for dogs, there are also many lovely dog friendly pubs nearby.

Hi just one thing the cottage was lovely but there was only room to seat 3 x people which was fine for us two but if there were 4 people as stated could be for sleeping there wouldent be enough seating space in the lounge and the sofas were in need of replacement all in all a lovely cottage and we would book again

Delightful cottage.

Sensitively renovated. Stylish interior. Very well equipped. Lovely garden. Perfectly situated for surrounding visitor attractions.

Beautiful cosy cottage with everything you could need .

.. very clean and incredibly quiet . I took a dog and the garden was ideal . Perfectly located for Aldeburgh , Snape and Thorpeness to name but three lovely locations for a visit. Local pub is very friendly and worth a visit . I had contact with the owner who was very welcoming and helpful when I had a very minor query . I highly recommend and will return !!!

The cottage was extremely well-equipped - so many thoughtful touches - everything we could possibly want was provided.

The outdoor provision - summerhouse and furniture - was excellent for sitting out in fine weather. All instructions provided and well-organised.The only thing we needed and failed to find was how to get the DVD channel on the television. A very generous welcome pack and most helpful owner. Brilliant.

Beautiful cottage set in a quiet peaceful location but only 7 minute drive to the coast .

Decoration is delightful & everything provided .Large secluded rear garden with ample garden furniture and a summer house to sit in & watch the sun set . Double bed very comfortable . Perfect location , good pub nearby & lots of walks . Would thoroughly recommend & would definitely visit again .

Fabulous cottage!

Excellent extras and everything you could need! Thank you for a 5* stay! Great location! Local pub excellent too!

We had a lovely stay at the cottage.

Everything was perfect, there is everything you need there. Our dog loved the garden and as it’s enclosed we felt safe letting her out. The local pub is only a short walk which was handy. The cottage is perfect for Aldeburgh, Orford , Snape & Thorpeness. Very comfortable bed ! Would have no problem recommending this cottage as a great place to stay.Thank you

Really lovely cottage, well appointed and ideally placed to explore the Suffolk coast, and it’s pretty villages.

The cottage is really ideal for a couple or small family, as the second bedroom is a landing room. Lovely garden and we really enjoyed sitting in the garden room in the evenings, which isn’t really mentioned in the details.

the description of the two bedrooms is not clear.

we read it as two separate rooms but in fact you have to go through the landing 'room' to get to the other one. This means the landing 'room' is not very private.

We had a lovely time at Shoemakers Cottage.

The property was well equipped with high quality accessories, it was also very clean. The property, is in a lovely quiet village but a good location for tourist activities and lovely walks. I would not recommend for two separate couples as the bedrooms are interlinking, but ideal for single occupancy, two single people or a family with children. Great garden for the dogs as fully enclosed. Only disappointment was the local pub, but I understand it has recently changed hands. Hopefully, the cleanliness and quality of the food improves.

Lovely characterful cottage well equipped and spotless.

Lovely garden to sit in very private and peaceful,lovely walks from cottage and very well positioned for sightseeing. Only niggle was the second bed which was quite uncomfortable!

Great comfortable stay .

Very clean and well equipped Downside was .upstairs shower needed replacing (opinion of plumber) meaning having to walk through to downstairs one that is small. Would ask that steep stairs are mentioned on listing . We are in our 70s and luckily fit so they didn't cause us a problem . All in all a very enjoyable stay . Would highly recommend

Thank you for such a well fitted cottage it provided us with a comfortable place to stay in a lovely part of the country.

The cottage was in general as per the description on the web site, however there were a couple unexpected issues.

The stairs to the upper floor are very steep and a little slippery as they are painted and the car parking arrangements indicate indicate parking available for 2 cars, best bring small cars, our SUV filled most of the drive. Chase Lane is very narrow, many hedges, be aware of paint scratches to your car. Overall we (2 humans and 2 dogs) we had a good weeks holiday in the cottage. Many thanks to the owner. Chris and Alison.

Beautiful property very well equipped.

Lovely owner and welcome pack is a really lovely touch. Would definitely recommend this property.

Interesting cottage which is perfectly placed for exploring the areas of the Suffolk Coast.

Lovely friendly village. Vey clean and comfortable accommodation. Very well equipped throughout, especially the kitchen. Useful full-sized fridge freezer. Comfy beds, nice linen and towels. Fabulous log burner. Lovely secure and private garden. Lots of info provided of surrounding areas, plus books, board games and radios. Good communication with owner. Nice welcome pack for humans and their doggie companions. Perfect for couples or small families but note second bedroom is a landing bedroom which leads into the main bedroom. Downstairs shower room is quite small, but adequate. Study room very useful. We had a fabulous stay here and would not hesitate to rebook.

We had a lovely stay at the cottage recently.

It was lovely, comfortable and cosy and was equipped with everything we needed and more. The garden was large and enclosed so safe for our puppy. Location on a quiet lane was perfect for easy access to the coast. The owner was so helpful and responded to our questions quickly. We would not hesitate to return in the future.

Lovely cottage which we thoroughly enjoyed staying at.

Amazing cottage , very comfortable and well equipped .

Well located for visiting and exploring the Suffolk coast , great walks from the cottage and within a few minutes drive .

The cottage was very comfortable, we really appreciated the eggs, jam and dog treats, maps and books of walks.

Great cottage in a quiet & convenient location, we enjoyed our stay, thank you.

The cottage is a gem, a real home from home.

We'll equipped, characterful, cozy and in a lovey setting. Village pub the Old chequers well worth a visit. Good location for all the suffolk coastline beaches. The only thing we could fault is that there are only 3 comfy seats in the sitting room and when there are 4 adults it could be a minor problem, but we took a pouffee with us to rectify this. Also, one of the bedrooms is a landing bedroom but again we made it work and used the study downstairs as a dressing room. Wouldn't hesitate to book the cottage again when there is just two of us. All in all, we had a brilliant Xmas getaway, 4 friends and 2 dogs. The woodburner was fantastic after a bracing coastal walk. The welcome pack was also a lovely extra.

Excellent little cottage, very comfortable and homely with more than adequate facilities in a lovely location.

Very well equipped kitchen, the treats for humans (and dog!) were very welcome. We stayed mid-December in the coldest week of the year but the cottage was toasty. We enjoyed ourselves so much we asked to extend our stay, communication with owner was excellent when we enquired. Thank you for helping my wife's 50th birthday break be so special.

The cottage was superb.

Very comfortable, spotlessly clean and very quaint.