Special Southwold.

After a roller coaster of a year, we couldn’t think of a better way to reflect upon on our adventures than a few days by the sea. In fact, it coincided with our fourth wedding anniversary, which made it even more special. And, when you throw Christmas in to the mix too, it had all the ingredients for a lovely few days.

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We chose to visit nearby Southwold for four nights during the week leading up to Christmas. Our home for the week was Ferryway – a contemporary architect designed cedar-clad eco beach house.

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Nestled behind the dunes – a stones throw from the beach – it was the perfect location. As soon as the sun rose, we were on the beach making sandcastles. We were blessed with mild weather and nothing but beautiful blue skies for miles around. The fresh sea air was addictive. The perfect antidote to our crazy action packed work and home life.

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Our days were simple, we wandered along the beach, ate locally and relaxed in our beautiful surrounds. By night, Bobby and I enjoyed red wine – mesmerised by the flames dancing in the log burner.

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Nestled behind the dunes – a stones throw from the beach – it was the perfect location.


Just up the road, we found a warm welcome at the Sail Loft. We devoured breakfast, lunch and dinner (not all in the same day!). Stanley’s recommendation is definitely their olives.

For those who aren’t familiar with Southwold, it’s a village on the Suffolk coast – the county next to Norfolk, where we live. It really is picture postcard perfect. The centre of Southwold is compact enough to walk around and has a host of restaurants and pubs, as well as mouthwatering delis and bakeries. Our top tip is the Two Magpies Bakery. All independent too. The lighthouse and Victorian pier is also not to be missed.

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I can imagine this beautiful serene beach house would take on another feel in the summer – with families and friends playing and laughing long into the evening while the sun sets on the beach. A lovely mix of lapping waves and happy squeals of delight.

Via a ladder, you can climb up to the crow’s nest – a magical room with nothing but a comfy chair and a breathtaking view of the beach and sea, framed perfectly by a circular window. Perfect for people watching.

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It really is picture postcard perfect.


Ferryway really is as idyllic as it looks – a peaceful beachside location, a five minute wander from the artisan independent high street of Southwold and miles of countries walks.

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Thanks to Heritage Hideaways for making us feel so welcome. We’ll be back!

Words and images by Fiona.

You can stay at Ferryway with Heritage Hideaways.