_Stay in Landmark Trust properties in Suffolk

You're coming to Suffolk and you're looking for something out of the ordinary. Then it's a Landmark Trust property you're after.

This special charity rescues important historic buildings that would otherwise be lost and restores them carefully and sensitively into extraordinary places for you to have a fabulous self-catering break.

To stay with the Landmark Trust is to escape modern life and spend your time walking, cooking, playing cards, laying fires, painting, reading, watching the stars, writing, entertaining and simply thinking. Think precious time spent with friends and family.

Landmark Trust properties have comfortable furniture, well-equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms and good quality bath and bed linen. All beds are made up ready for your arrival with sheets, blankets and duvets. Most have at least one open fire or stove. None have televisions, radios or telephones. Some have mobile phone coverage and WiFi.

The Ancient House, Clare

Standing on a church green in the pretty Suffolk market town of Clare in Suffolk's Wool Towns, the Ancient House is just as its name suggests: a higgledy-piggledy timber-framed building that bears the date 1473, and exudes history and careful craftsmanship from every nook and cranny.

The house is celebrated locally for its elaborate raised plaster decoration, or ‘pargeting’; a distinctive form of vernacular decoration in East Anglia.

Now in the care of the Landmark Trust and let out for self-catering holidays, it sleeps two and welcomes up to two dogs.

Staying in the The Ancient House is a tiny time capsule into a 15th century world where time pauses as you discover finely carved timber at every turn.

Cavendish Hall, Cavendish

Deep in Suffolk's unspoilt countryside that inspired Gainsborough and Constable alike sits Cavendish Hall: a Regency house with an artistic past.

Set on the outskirts of one of Suffolk's prettiest villages, in its own 30 acre estate, Cavendish Hall is now in the care of the Landmark Trust and is let for self catering holidays.

It is an elegant home for all the family, with space for 12 in six beautiful bedrooms. There is a coach house, a pretty terraced garden, and woodland. There is level access throughout the ground floor, accessible kitchen and ground floor bedroom and bathroom available for those who are less mobile.

The unspoilt village of Cavendish is a short walk away, and Clare is just a few miles further, with its ancient church, ruined priory and excellent independent and antique shops.

Freston Tower, near Ipswich

Set in old and undulating parkland, Freston Tower was built in 1579 as an eye-catcher and is certainly a striking place to stay today. Restored and now let for self-catering holidays through the Landmark Trust, Freston Tower is a six-storey Tudor folly that sleeps four people and looks out over the River Orwell.

There is a single room on each of its six floors with the sitting room at the top to take advantage of the unrivalled views.

Martello Tower, Aldeburgh

Standing between the River Alde and the sea, Martello Tower was originally built to keep Napoleon out. Now in the care of the Landmark Trust and let for self-catering holidays, the tower has become part of the landscape, sitting somewhere between the mainland and the sea.

It is a homely shelter sleeping four, offering comfortable accommodation just steps from the shore. There is no better place to eat your fish and chips than on the roof, with the sound of the sea and a glass of the local brew in your hand.

While you're here, visit a quirky village inspired by Peter Pan.

Plan your stay on the Suffolk Coast

New Inn, Peasenhall

Overlooking a pretty Suffolk village green, this medieval building was once an inn, welcoming guests since 1478. Now in the care of the Landmark Trust and a spacious self-catering property for eight, it still retains its original open hall, where travellers would gather to drink, eat and warm themselves at the central hearth.

Today it offers the same warm and extended welcome for those that stay here. The medieval hall has underfloor heating and a woodstove, making this space a fantastic place both to dine and relax, much like it was many centuries ago.

When planning your meals, make a call at Emmett's Smokehouse and Fine Foods shop.

Purton Green, Stansfield

Arriving at this thatched and timbered building on foot, the centuries fall away. The house stands surrounded by fields, with unchanging Suffolk countryside in all directions. Inside its late medieval walls survives a hall from 1250 – a great rarity.

Now in the care of the Landmark Trust and let for self-catering holidays, guests can stay in warm and comfort while enjoying the history and beautiful countryside.

A great location to explore Gainsborough and Constable.