Secret Cottage, Southwold | Southwold | East Anglia

4.5★

3 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Seaside
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

30 Customer Review(s)

Adrienne
December 2024

“We stayed at Secret Cottage for Christmas week.”

Previous reviews highlighted uncomfortable bed and sofa, but my husband and I did not find this to be the case and we were perfectly happy. The cottage was warm and comfortable. Despite being so close to a pub, there was no noise at all, and a lovely hot shower. We hope to be back next year!

Previous reviews highlighted uncomfortable bed and sofa, but my husband and I did not find this to be the case and we were perfectly happy. The cottage was warm and comfortable. Despite being so close to a pub, there was no noise at all, and a lovely hot shower. We hope to be back next year!

- Adrienne, December 2024
Michael October 2024

“A very pleasant little cottage in a very convenient central location but marred by the incredibly uncomfortable settee which had hardly any back support and made sitting on in the evenings a rather unpleasant experience.”

Also the mattresses on the beds were rather lumpy although not as uncomfortable as the settee.

- Michael, October 2024
Janette September 2024

“The property was superbly situated, clean and very well equipped.”

Our main issue was that the beds and seating were most uncomfortable and as we had a few days of downpours it made this very apparent. A couple of small things to add 1. Towels - these were very off white - almost grey and dingy - I would recommend changing asap. 2. A neighbour left their very strong bright courtyard light on all night that made the thin roller blinds in the bedrooms ineffective. The solution could be to have a word with the neighbour or to invest in either black-out blinds or the addition of some lined curtains. 3. Toilet rolls - its a good job we brought some tissues! Leaving just enough for one visit to the loo in both toilets was not a positive and yes we left plenty. Other little bits:- Air freshener in toilet was empty. Blind cords kept breaking. We cleaned, hoovered and left the property as we found it.

- Janette, September 2024
Lorraine September 2024

“Secret Cottage was just perfect and had everything that I needed.”

The location was perfect too as just a few minutes walk from anything. A perfect bolthole :)

- Lorraine, September 2024
Roy August 2024

“Absolutely lovely, only spoiled by the petty mindiness of the courtyard owner.”

- Roy, August 2024
Rebecca August 2024

“Secret Cottage is perfectly located for the beach and exploring the shops and delights of Southwold.”

Lovely cottage, well equipped and comfortable, we had a great stay. We are used to having a little welcome pack or at a minimum milk in the fridge on arrival, which was not included. The shop was only a short walk away however. This would be a welcome touch next time/ for future guests.

- Rebecca, August 2024
Sarah August 2024

“The cottage is beautiful and very comfy.”

The location could not be better with the beach just steps from the door. The cottage had everything we needed for a very enjoyable stay. We would love to come back.

- Sarah, August 2024
Davey June 2024

“Great location for the town centre.”

The cottage was immaculately clean and well equipped. Thank you so much for the complimentary wine and chocolates. Milk in the fridge was particularly appreciated. A lovely short break.

- Davey, June 2024
Rachel May 2024

“The cottage was lovely and so nice it's tucked away from the main streets.”

Brilliant facilities and the showers was great. Well equipped kitchen and the L shape sofa give plenty of room when relaxing, We will definitely be back and have recommended to our family as well.

- Rachel, May 2024
G May 2024

“Property is in an ideal location, three minute walk to sea front, 5 minute walk to High Street shops, restaurants and cafes.”

We had no problem parking on street outside of the property. The Secret Cottage was quiet, clean, warm and well equipped. Fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, iron, microwave and modern multi oven. Can’t really fault it, other than the beds are firm, which if you like a firm bed is great. The light house is across the road, the pier is an eight minute walk away along the sea front. In mid May Southwold is peaceful, with lots of things to do, and great walks to Walberswick. The Secret Cottage is good value for money, and won’t disappoint. This was our first booking with Sykes Cottages, so a bit apprehensive, but now we are confident to book future getaways with them.

- G, May 2024
Janet, David + Andrew Apr 2024

“What a lovely cottage!”

Everything we needed for a great stay. Many thanks.

- Janet, David + Andrew, Apr 2024
Simon + Katie Mar 2024

“A lovely cottage that is well located and well equipped.”

We have had a lovely stay here.

- Simon + Katie, Mar 2024
Carol, Eric + Bramble Mar 2024

“A lovely weekend in Secret Cottage.”

Everything we needed, couldn't have asked for more. Beautiful, spotlessly clean, perfect! Thank you to everyone involved in making our stay possible.

- Carol, Eric + Bramble, Mar 2024
Sarah February 2024

“We thoroughly enjoyed our four night stay at Secret Cottage.”

The location of the cottage is perfect ….. close to the lovely golden beach and also to Southwold’s charming shops and restaurants. The cottage is appointed to a very high standard and is warm, welcoming and comfortable . This was our first visit to Southwold and did not disappoint. We would highly recommend Secret Cottage and hope to visit again soon . Thank you for a lovely stay.

- Sarah, February 2024
Mark, Sarah + Eleanor Wilkinson Feb 2024

“We have had a wonderful stay at Secret Cottage.”

The perfect base to explore Southwold and the surrounding areas. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, well appointed cottage. We would love to visit again.

- Mark, Sarah + Eleanor Wilkinson, Feb 2024
Clive & Di Stevens - Ipswich (come on the blues!) Jan 2024

“A lovely 'getaway' cottage to celebrate 30 years of marriage.”

. A lovely welcome pack & a warm cottage on a chilly day!

- Clive & Di Stevens - Ipswich (come on the blues!), Jan 2024
Julia, Scott Cleverly Jan 2024

“Lovely time by the Sea.”

We enjoyed Secret Cottage immensely! Great location and as always - perfect New Years celebration! Thank you for sharing your cottage!

- Julia, Scott Cleverly, Jan 2024
Gordon November 2023

“The Secret Cottage was perfect for our needs.”

Conviently close to the shops, restaurants and pubs of Southwold and a short stroll to the pier, beach and promenade. The property is cosy, well equipped and tastefully decorated throughout.

- Gordon, November 2023
Melanie October 2023

“A lovely cottage in a great setting right next to the lighthouse.”

All the little extras were very welcome after a long drive, including the wine! We will definitely be back!!

- Melanie, October 2023
Melanie, Andy - Poppy & Pickles Oct 2023

“Cosy cottage, great location, close to the beach.”

We call Southwold our 'happy place'.

- Melanie, Andy - Poppy & Pickles, Oct 2023
Tony, Carol + Alisa Oct 2023

“Thank you! Lovely comfortable and well equipped cottage.”

- Tony, Carol + Alisa, Oct 2023
Anonymous Sep 2023

“Great cottage, peaceful and close to the beach.”

Loved your theatre, twice in one week!! Fell in love with Southwold.

- Anonymous, Sep 2023
Anne July 2023

“Really enjoyable stay for 4 nights at Secret Cottage.”

Adequate acommodation for 2 people. Beds very comfortable. Very little cupboard space. Neighbours seem to be using the dustbin. They came over twice during my visit. Have left a note for owners. Best feature of the property is its proximity to the sea front. Also very near high street.

- Anne, July 2023
Phil June 2023

“We’ve had a great holiday in Southwold and already booked for the end of July in a different property and the following comments are nitpicking really.”

The property location is very good for the beach and all amenities, good pub a few yards away. We were lucky to find a solitary parking spot a short walk to the property ( don’t look for the black gate as a reference point the door is permanently open so can’t really be spotted from your car), but I can imagine that parking would be difficult in high season. The courtyard is strictly off limits other than to go to the bin or peg washing out which is a bit disappointing and felt a bit like you were trespassing as soon as you stepped out of the door. The property itself was ‘compact’

- Phil, June 2023
Jason June 2023

“The property was advertised that the courtyard which it was in was not part of the cottage and could only be used for access.”

Not clear as to whether or not you could use the courtyard to leave belongings outside and dry items of clothing during your stay. There was a lack of cereal bowls available and also the flooring in the kitchen area beneath a rug seemed to spring under foot like the floor joist beneath had rotten. If the floorboards do give way at some point whoever is using it at the time will have a nasty accident. The handrail on the stairs only had a top handrail and no mid rail this would be a potential issue to young children falling through the banister into the kitchen / lounge below.

- Jason, June 2023
Sara May 2023

“We had a lovely stay at the secret cottage.”

Perfect location. Really comfortable and clean. We would love to come back.

- Sara, May 2023
Kelly April 2023

“The Cottage was lovely and cosy.”

On arrival it was very clean and warm. It was in a great location the beach and shops were both within a few minutes walk. A great place to stay.

- Kelly, April 2023
Nicola February 2023

“We enjoyed our stay, it wasn’t that clear on the website about the count yard and I constantly worried about the dog making a mess and upsetting the neighbours.”

Very beautiful town and the cottage was lovely and very central

- Nicola, February 2023
Annonymous Feb 2023

“The Secret Cottage.”

... wow, what a hidden gem of a place to stay in Southwold. This cosy, comfortable, well-equipped cottage can be found in a courtyard off a road just off the seafront. It is just 200m from the pretty promenade and a superb sandy beach and just a short stroll to Southwold's award-winning pier. It is also just 20m from a popular well-run pub and an easy walk to the many attractions (plenty of coffee shops to choose from) on Southwold's main high street. The cottage's kitchen is well everything you might need to cook rather than go out to eat. The two bedrooms, a double and a single, are on the second floor accessed via a fairly steep staircase, which may be a consideration for some guests. We had a superb stay in February and loved Southwold being so quiet. We will be back.

- Annonymous, Feb 2023
Simon January 2023

“We stayed at the property in January 2023.”

It was cold outside but the cottage was lovely and cosy. For 2 adults and our small dog the property was ideal and had everything we needed. And its in a nice quiet location close to the Sole Bay pub, beach and lighthouse. We had a lovely stay.

- Simon, January 2023

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x single
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
First-floor cloakroom with basin and WC
Open-plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
Electric heating
Range style electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge with ice box, washer/dryer, dishwasher, toaster
TV, DVD player, WiFi
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Highchair available
Roadside parking for 1 car
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.3 miles, pub 0.1 miles, beach 0.1 miles
Note: The courtyard is owned by the neighbouring property, please do not store items here, in addition we ask that you refrain from smoking here
Note: If you wish to bring a dog it must be mentioned at the time of booking
Note: Check-in from 4pm, check-out by 10am

The property

Secret Cottage is a truly stunning cottage discreetly tucked away in the heart of Southwold. The property has undergone an extensive renovation to create this charming cottage for three, full of all of the stylish mod cons you would need. Entering into the open plan living area complete with real flame effect fire. This open place area is a fantastic space to enjoy cooking, eating and relaxing. Beyond the kitchen is a luxurious shower room. On the first floor you have two lovely bedrooms, both with built in storage, and an additional 1st floor WC. Ground Floor Whitewashed wooden flooring runs throughout the ground floor, which is filled with light from the stylish windows. Carpeted stairs lead up to the first floor. Please note that the stairs are partially open to one side. Open Plan Living/Kitchen/Dining Room This open plan room screams luxury, with calming grey and white tones, with striking decorative lighting. The kitchen is very much the heart of this room, with all of the mod cons you could ever need, including a range master style oven with five-ring induction hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge with icebox freezer. There is a table with three chairs for you to use to enjoy your culinary masterpieces. The large window allows light to flood into this room. Why not make use of the comfortable two-seater sofa and separate bucket arm chair and relax in front of the real flame effect fire, surrounded by stylish tiles and spotlights. There is a TV with DVD player to enjoy a relaxing evening in this cute cottage. Shower Room Ideally located on the ground floor, perfect to hop into after days enjoying Southwold’s sandy beach. This room features a large walk-in rainfall shower, heated towel rail, WC, and wash basin. First Floor Located up carpeted stairs, with two bedrooms and WC. Bedroom 1 This classy room has a metal frame king bed with decorative side lamps, there is also a gorgeous original fireplace in this room. There is built in storage for your belongings. WC Located off the landing area, this room has a wash basin and WC. Bedroom 2 Perfect for a child or adult to use with full size metal frame single bed, with chest of drawers, bedside table, and chic lamp. There is built in storage for your belongings. Outside The property is tucked away along Stradbroke Road and is just a moment’s away from the gorgeous sandy beach. Secret Cottage has right of way over the courtyard, however this is owned by the neighbouring property, so must be used for access only. Roadside parking is available along Stradbroke Road, or neighbouring roads.

Floorplans

Floorplan

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

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About the location

SOUTHWOLD

Lowestoft 13.4 miles; Ipswich 35.1 miles

Southwold is a seaside town situated along the East Suffolk coast within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and resting between Lowestoft and Ipswich. Southwold is known as the home of Adnams Brewery which was established in the town in 1872 and it also has its own lighthouse, a museum and a picturesque pier which has a selection of colourful beach huts and which plays host to the regular Southwold Model Yacht regatta. The town boasts a number of excellent restaurants and eateries with a particular nod to its seaside location so there is always plenty of seafood and fish on the menu. Southwold has some fantastic independent shops, boutiques, galleries and pubs which are great for a browse and to stock up on essentials for your holiday. Just outside Southwold there are a number of great attractions for the whole family including Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich Museum as well as scenic towns such as Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Leiston and Lowestoft to visit.

Note: The courtyard is owned by the neighbouring property, please do not store items here, in addition we ask that you refrain from smoking here.

This property offers the following short breaks:

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We stayed at Secret Cottage for Christmas week.”

“A very pleasant little cottage in a very convenient central location but marred by the incredibly uncomfortable settee which had hardly any back support and made sitting on in the evenings a rather unpleasant experience.”

“The property was superbly situated, clean and very well equipped.”

“Secret Cottage was just perfect and had everything that I needed.”

“Absolutely lovely, only spoiled by the petty mindiness of the courtyard owner.”

“Secret Cottage is perfectly located for the beach and exploring the shops and delights of Southwold.”

“The cottage is beautiful and very comfy.”

“Great location for the town centre.”

“The cottage was lovely and so nice it's tucked away from the main streets.”

“Property is in an ideal location, three minute walk to sea front, 5 minute walk to High Street shops, restaurants and cafes.”

“What a lovely cottage!”

“A lovely cottage that is well located and well equipped.”

“A lovely weekend in Secret Cottage.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our four night stay at Secret Cottage.”

“We have had a wonderful stay at Secret Cottage.”

“A lovely 'getaway' cottage to celebrate 30 years of marriage.”

“Lovely time by the Sea.”

“The Secret Cottage was perfect for our needs.”

“A lovely cottage in a great setting right next to the lighthouse.”

“Cosy cottage, great location, close to the beach.”

“Thank you! Lovely comfortable and well equipped cottage.”

“Great cottage, peaceful and close to the beach.”

“Really enjoyable stay for 4 nights at Secret Cottage.”

“We’ve had a great holiday in Southwold and already booked for the end of July in a different property and the following comments are nitpicking really.”

“The property was advertised that the courtyard which it was in was not part of the cottage and could only be used for access.”

“We had a lovely stay at the secret cottage.”

“The Cottage was lovely and cosy.”

“We enjoyed our stay, it wasn’t that clear on the website about the count yard and I constantly worried about the dog making a mess and upsetting the neighbours.”