Tried and Tested Field Edge

Welcome to the latest edition of our highly commended Tried and Tested blog series. In this edition, our Marketing Manager Abi, her partner Adam and Roxy, the miniature Schnauzer, enjoyed a pre-Christmas getaway at the beautiful Field Edge in Tunstall, near Snape.

Ideal for couples or families, Field Edge, is a great choice for those wanting a relaxing, rural retreat. It’s in a great location, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, yet within easy reach of the Suffolk coast and its market towns, making it ideal for exploring all Suffolk has to offer.

Like always our Tried and Tested blog series sees members of the Best of Suffolk team try and test stylish places to stay with their friends and family. We showcase our experiences and provide recommendations on things to do and where to eat.

Read on to find out everything Abi, Adam and Roxy got up to during their Tried and Tested festive weekend away…

About Field Edge

Sleeping four, Field Edge is perfect for a countryside retreat. It’s a single-storey property and is ideal for those with mobility issues or young children.

As you enter the property, the large and bright hallway greets you, with the living area to one side and the bedrooms to the other.

The living area boasts a wood burner, perfect for getting cosy during those cooler evenings, a large corner sofa and a flat-screen TV. The double patio doors open into the garden, perfect for the warmer months.

The kitchen is well equipped and provides everything you need to cook up a storm, including a handy dishwasher, meaning you don’t need to spend your holiday washing up.

There are two bedrooms, a master bedroom, which houses a king-size bed, and a twin bedroom, both offering space to unpack and feel at home during your stay.

Outside you’ll find a fully enclosed courtyard garden, ideal for dogs and small children. The patio area, with table and chairs, is perfect for al fresco dining during the spring and summer.  And if you’re a keen cyclist, there is also a secure bike store.

About

Tunstall is a small village in the Suffolk countryside, close to Woodbridge, Rendlesham and Snape.

It offers an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside.

The charming village of Snape, located on the River Alde, is three miles away and homes a village store, three pubs and the famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall.  Snape Maltings hosts the annual Aldeburgh music festival, founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in 1948, and the yearly Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival.

Rendlesham Forest is approximately six miles away and is perfect for walkers, cyclists and four-legged friends to explore.

When staying in Tunstall, there’s plenty to see and do in the area, all within easy reach when travelling by car.

First Impressions

We arrived by two different modes of transport, myself and Roxy by car and Adam by train, who came into Saxmundham train station, which is only a short drive away.

As soon as we arrived at Field Edge, we were blown away by its location.  After a busy week, the views over the surrounding fields gave us a sense of peace, and we knew we’d be in for a relaxing weekend away.

After unpacking the car, we made a hot drink with the fresh milk from the generous welcome pack and discussed our plans for the weekend.  We browsed through the welcome file to ensure we were familiar with the property and how items worked, such as the dishwasher and TV.

The property was very tastefully decorated for Christmas, with a lovely Christmas tree, with lights and baubles in the living room.

Our First Night

For our first night, we decided to invite friends over and host a small, intimate dinner party.  Using the well equipped kitchen, we whipped up four meals and enjoyed an evening full of food, wine and good conversation. We made good use of the dishwasher, making sure that no one had to miss out on the evening washing up.

After dinner, we retreated to the comfy living room, lighting the log burner to add that extra level of cosiness, making us all nice and snug for the evening, especially Roxy, who loved curling up by it.

The Next Day

After feeling refreshed from a good night’s sleep, we made our breakfast and decided to head out with Roxy and explore Tunstall Forest. We opted for the Viking Trial, a popular route with cyclists and horse riders and one which we all enjoyed exploring.

As we’d worked up a bit of an appetite, we decided to stop at the dog-friendly , The Duck in Campsea Ashe for lunch. As it was Christmas we ordered some wonderful pigs in blankets for starters, then Adam tucked into one of the gourmet burgers.

After lunch, we retreated to Field Edge for a relaxing coffee in the living room and reflected on our great morning.

The Evening

Field Edge is so cosy that we once again decided to stay in and enjoy our stylish place to stay. Making full use of the kitchen to whip up our evening meal.

Afterwards, we were back in the kitchen making our homemade mulled wine before retreating to the living room to put on a festive film, Love Actually. Once again, with the log burner on.

Our Second Day

We opted to enjoy a festive morning on Sunday and headed to Red House Christmas Barn near Saxmundham. It’s a great place to purchase your Christmas trees, and we had a wonderful time browsing in the shop. They have an abundance of Christmas decorations in all colours and an array of Christmas displays to offer inspiration. We certainly left feeling very festive.

On our way back, we decided to enjoy the afternoon in Orford, a traditional fishing village offering something for everyone. There is plenty to explore, from walks, river cruises, three pubs, a bakery and a historic castle. We enjoyed a walk around the grounds of the castle before heading back to Tunstall.

Before retreating to Field Edge, we called in at our weekend local, The Green Man Inn in Tunstall, for a drink. Then, we headed back to enjoy another cosy night in our stylish place to stay.

Time To Say Goodbye

The following day, it was time to say goodbye to our lovely, rural weekend retreat. We left feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

If I had more time, I would…

…Visit Snape Maltings

Only three miles away and easily reachable by car is Snape Maltings. You could easily spend a day here, whether enjoying a walk or simply pottering around in the unique  shops and art galleries and enjoying a bite to eat in the pub or cafes. It’s always worth checking out what’s on at the concert hall too.

Visit Woodbridge

The riverside market town of Woodbridge is approximately ten miles away and is full of charm and character. The high street offers an array of independent and well-known retailers, cafes and restaurants. There’s a lovely walk around the river to be enjoyed by all, including your four-legged friend.

The Verdict

A stay at Field Edge is a must for anyone looking for a relaxing breakaway close to Suffolk’s top attractions.

It offers a great base to explore Suffolk’s coast, countryside and market towns and is perfect for retreating to in the evening.

The property is dog-friendly, with an enclosed courtyard garden. Roxy had a great time exploring outside and loved snuggling up next to the log burner in the evenings.

Whether a romantic breakaway or a getaway with family or friends, we’d undoubtedly return to Field Edge. Why not book your retreat to Field Edge and find our for yourself what a wonderful, countryside retreat it is. 

Image credits: Red House Christmas Barn