Notes from the host
Brook Farm Near Oasis Camel Park
Brook Farm is a stunning Grade II* listed Elizabethan Yeoman’s farmhouse built around 1540, with an adjoining Grade II listed barn, set in 2.3 acres of gardens and orchards, surrounded by rural land.
The main house, renovated in partnership with English Heritage, retains many of the original features.
Whilst the house is centuries old, we have created an interior which is an eclectic mix of contemporary, antique and vintage. Brook Farm is stylish yet homely, practical yet supremely comfortable.
The large lounge has beautiful seating including a 5-seater vintage Chesterfield, a wood burner to keep you cosy and a large flat screen tv for those slouchy movies nights. The beautifully designed sideboard is filled with a selection of games for those young and old(er).
There is a dining room with a huge dining table which seats 10. The vintage mismatched crockery has been chosen to be sustainable and add a little eclectic magic. There is also a wood burner and Sonos speakers to make your dinner party extra special.
The kitchen is a good sized farmhouse kitchen with a beautiful brick chimney enclosing a large range cooker. The kitchen is well-equipped with all mod cons such as dishwasher and microwave as well as essentials including sharp knives and a wide selection of herbs and spices. At the centre of the room is a table to seat six – perfect for tea and toast.
Beyond the kitchen is an extension which houses a utility room with washing machine, large fridge and small drinks fridge. There is also newly renovated wet room with large modern shower and brass fixtures.
At the rear of the extension is a heavy wooden door which leads outside to a large patio space overlooking the gardens, with an outside dining table and benches to seat 10 people and a large Webber bbq.
Upstairs there are four bedrooms with wooden floorboards and original beams. The master bedroom is large with windows on three sides, a stunning place to wake up in the morning - it has a queen bed and can house a double pull out bed to accommodate the additional guest. There are a further three bedrooms each with their own sumptuous style; the French room with a queen bed , the Deco room and the Emerald room both with double beds. All the bedrooms have memory foam mattresses, feather pillows and duvets, and pure French linen bedding.
At the end of the long beam filled landing there is a bathroom with a deep roll top bath - perfect for a long soak with a good book and a glass of wine. It has recently been renovated.
Please note that the first floor is accessed via a spiral staircase with no handrail. It is not ideal for people with mobility issues. If in doubt, please double check with Mel.
Across the courtyard from the farmhouse, the Grade II listed barn is split into four spaces, several of which still retain the straw and animal feeders from their agriculture days – they are an amazing delve into history as you can see original wattle and daub walls from the 16th century. One of the rooms contains six bikes of various sizes which you’re very welcome to borrow - perfect for exploring the local area.
The main unconverted room, our games room, in the barn features a Queen post roof, which is completely stunning. It’s a perfect hang out for kids of all ages with table tennis, darts, a pool table, a table football table and a chill out area with sofas and a music system.
Please note that this has not been converted and is still essentially a barn, so may be chilly in the winter
Mature gardens surround the house and barns, extending over 2.3 acres and comprising an orchard (with apples, pears, cherries, plums, blackberries and hazelnuts), a football pitch, a fire pit area and our very own pond with a pontoon, which you are able to swim in.
Overlooking the lake is a ten person hot tub. The hot tub is eco-friendly and wood fired - so entirely natural with no chemicals! A lovely way to watch the sun set and to relax no matter what time of year. Also the perfect place to see all of nature’s visitors who come and see us at Brook Farm which included hares, muntjac deer, rabbits, kingfishers, ducks, doves, woodpeckers and bats.
There is so much to do around Brook Farm. We have wonderful cycling on quiet roads through sleepy Suffolk villages - we have a selection of bikes for your use. South Elmham Minster which dates between 1091-1119, is a three-mile round trip from Brook Farm. We also have some wonderful footpaths around the Farm but please stick to the paths, close any gates, keep your dogs on a lead and leave no trace of having visited!
For trips slightly further afield, we have amazing sandy and shingle, dog-friendly beaches; Dunwich, Southwold and Walberswick where you can also go crabbing and have a pint in the local pubs - our favourite pubs and well-worth booking are; The Ship at Dunwich for a pint of Ghost Ship, The Sail Loft for lobster risotto and The Anchor at Walberswick for the best fish and chips - they even have their own boat so the fish is caught that day.
The Norfolk Broads is a short drive away - you can hire a boat and trundle up the broads for the day taking in the landscape.
There's a Maize Maze in Reydon and countless National Trust properties to visit.
We just love river swimming in the River Waveney, near Bungay is great fun too! If you are visiting Bungay, check out Earsham Street where there is an amazing deli (Earsham Street Deli), butcher's (The Forequarter), fishmonger's (Earsham Street Fish Company) and green grocer (Giddens and Thompson) as well as an array of fantastic vintage stores and restaurants/cafes. Halesworth and Harleston are also worth a visit for their vintage wares.
Please note that we do not permit Stag or Hen parties.
