Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

This historic cottage is located in the very heart of Lavenham, acknowledged as one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the UK.

Information correct at time of writing. Lavenham is a tourist destination in itself and is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the UK. This historic village is lined with half-timbered buildings, traditional pubs and a variety of independent shops. A short drive from Blacksmith’s Cottage is the picturesque Suffolk coast. Aldeburgh and Southwold are two prominent beauty spots in this designated AONB. Aldeburgh holds annual arts festivals and musical heritage, while Southwold is the place to go for its beach huts and pier. Bordering with Essex is Long Melford, a unique and wonderful village. Known for having the longest High Street in England, just two and a half miles away, you can easily spend a day taking in this picturesque village. Or visit the National Trust property of Melford Hall, a fine example of a large Elizabethan house. Ickworth House, an Italianate Palace, is set within a large deer park, topped with a distinctive rotunda and also home to very special works of art, including paintings by Gainsborough, Titan and Velazquez. The market town of Sudbury is surrounded by beautiful water meadows and hills and situated on the River Stour, one of the artist John Constable’s favourite subjects. You can hire a River Stour Trust boat for one of the best ways to experience the river. Dedham is set next to the River Stour in the heart of Constable Country. The High Street is lined with beautiful Georgian-fronted houses, traditional pubs and a large Arts and Crafts Centre. The wealth of the medieval cloth industry resulted in the glorious church being built in the 15th century. The ancient market town of Hadleigh is surrounded by 246 listed buildings steeped in history, best explored on foot.