If you’re anything like me, escaping to the countryside for peace, nature, and incredible local food is always on the agenda. Tucked away near Aldeburgh, Five Acre Barn is the perfect spot for a getaway with sustainability at its heart. This boutique B&B offers eco-conscious luxury, with its timber-clad award-winning design and architecture blending seamlessly into the landscape and thoughtful touches like organic bedlinens, ethical loo paper and locally sourced breakfasts. The solar energy is powered by three Photo voltaic arrays that reduce their electricity use from the Grid. There’s also an air source heat pump that helps reduce the electricity consumption by a factor of four. All the rain from the buildings goes into an underground water tank to provide a water source for the garden.
The five beautifully designed rooms feature bespoke interiors made from reclaimed materials and natural fibres. Large glass doors open onto private terraces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living while allowing natural light to flood the space. Attention to detail extends to the furnishings, many of which are handcrafted by local artisans and owner David. Body products are sourced from ethical brands, ensuring a low environmental impact without compromising quality.
Once you’ve settled into this stylish hideaway, East Suffolk and the Suffolk coast offer many sustainable adventures. From art to coastal walks and local flavours, here are some tips for making the most of your stay while keeping it green.
The East Suffolk coast is an unspoilt paradise for nature lovers. Start with the Suffolk Coast Path, which takes you through rugged landscapes of heathlands, estuaries, and quiet beaches. For birdwatchers, RSPB Minsmere is a gem, home to species like avocets, bitterns, and marsh harriers. It’s also a fantastic spot for peaceful walks surrounded by diverse habitats. Looking for a quieter Suffolk spot? Dunwich Heath is ideal. This National Trust site offers beautiful views, vibrant heather fields (if you visit in late summer), and a scenic coastal trail. Don’t forget to stop by the on-site café for a slice of their homemade cake – you’ve earned it!
East Suffolk is brimming with creativity, so make time to visit the studios and galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Aldeburgh’s Thompson’s Gallery is a fantastic spot for browsing contemporary British art, while nearby Lettering Arts Trust at Snape Maltings celebrates the craft of lettering and typography with rotating exhibitions. Up the coast, in the village of Walberswick, discover the work of Caroline Wiseman Modern and Contemporary. The gallery offers exhibitions and workshops inspired by Suffolk coastal scenes.
The Milk Shed at Fen Farm Dairy, in the charming town of Bungay, is a must-visit for cheese lovers and foodies alike. Home to the award-winning Baron Bigod, crowned the UK’s best cheese in both 2023 and 2024 by Fine Food Digest’s Best Brands Survey, it’s a destination that celebrates artisan craftsmanship at its finest. The shop showcases a delicious selection of cheese, butter, and yoghurt, all made from the raw milk of the farm’s Montbéliarde herd of cows. You’ll also find locally made pastries, sourdough bread, and the unique offering of raw milk coffees (and raw milk you can self-serve from a machine) —a delightful way to enjoy the freshest produce the farm and surrounding area offers.
Artisan Chocolate and Irresistible Pastries No visit to East Suffolk is complete without indulging in some local treats. Tosier Chocolate is one to visit, just a short drive from Five Acre Barn – their ethically sourced, small-batch bars are exquisite and perfect for gifting (or enjoying yourself!). Another must-visit is Pump Street Bakery in Orford. Famous for its sourdough bread and rich, small-batch chocolate, this charming spot has a cult following, and with good reason. Treat yourself to their sourdough bread, doughnuts, and cinnamon rolls, and take away a bar of the bakery-inspired chocolate range—the Rye Crumb, Milk, and Sea Salt is to die for.
Suffolk’s slow pace is perfect for eco-friendly exploration. Five Acre Barn has a bike shed where bikes can be stored so why not hire a bike from Cycle Breaks and follow peaceful routes that crisscross through quaint Suffolk villages, rolling countryside, and the coastline? Prefer to be on the water? Aldeburgh and Orford offer paddle boarding and kayaking rentals to gently explore the estuaries. Both are excellent ways to spot wildlife, from seals to waterfowl, while minimising your environmental footprint.
The seaside town of Aldeburgh is known for its working fishermen’s huts, shingle beach, legendary fish and chips and fresh fish sold on the seafront. Lawson’s delicatessen on the High Street sells freshly made bagel sandwiches, cheeses, salamis, and bread from Pump Street bakery, perfect for a picnic on the beach. Try golf on Aldeburgh’s nine-hole course, or head to Thorpeness for something different. This charming village feels frozen in time, with its fairy-tale-like House in the Clouds and picturesque boating lake.
Five Acre Barn is a beacon of sustainable hospitality. Bruce and David have created a hidden gem with five architect-designed rooms that are airy, modern, and effortlessly chic. The surrounding garden is a mix of wildflower meadows, rushes, and tended greenery—ideal for relaxing with a book or a coffee. Breakfasts are made with local produce, reflecting the region’s bounty, and Bruce bakes a fresh cake daily; everything about the place feels thoughtfully considered.
East Suffolk offers a rare mix of expansive nature, creative energy, and unforgettable food. Whether you’re exploring the wild coast, discovering local artists, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of Five Acre Barn, this understated and unspoilt area of Suffolk will inspire and refresh you.
A Curated Lifestyle Magazine Focused on Art, Creativity, Fashion, Books, Interiors, Mindfulness, Travel & Sustainability.
