Guests say
Seadrift Cottage in Westleton, Suffolk, is a well-loved holiday destination with stunning views and proximity to the beach. Guests appreciate the comfortable furnishings, sociable layout, and well-equipped kitchen. The property's individual bathrooms for each bedroom add convenience, and the welcome gifts are a delightful touch. While some maintenance issues are noted, the overall experience is positive, with many guests expressing a desire to return.
The property is generally found to be clean and well-presented, with high-quality bedding and towels. However, some guests noted areas that could benefit from more thorough cleaning, such as skirting boards, corners, and shower grouting. One guest mentioned a filthy mattress, which impacts the score.
The location is highly praised for its beautiful views, proximity to the beach, and local amenities like pubs. The scenic marshes and ease of birdwatching contribute to the high score, with guests frequently mentioning the stunning surroundings.
Guests find the property cosy and comfortable, with a warm atmosphere and excellent bedding. Some guests, however, found the sofas and patio chairs less comfortable, and there were concerns about the slipperiness of the wooden patio.
The property is well-equipped, particularly the kitchen, and guests appreciate the en-suite bathrooms. However, there are comments about the lack of certain kitchen items, incompatible saucepans for the induction hob, and maintenance issues like peeling paint and a broken bath panel. The outdoor seating is also noted to be insufficient for the number of guests the property can accommodate.
Guests mention welcome gifts, which are appreciated, but it is important to note that such gestures are not guaranteed. The provision of items like foil for baking trays and coffee pods indicates a level of thoughtfulness towards guests' needs.
About this property
Westleton 2.7 miles. Resting in beautifully maintained gardens, Seadrift near Westleton in Suffolk, is spacious and well-presented, and is perfect for a large family or small gathering of family and friends. Boasting uninterrupted views of the sea, the property benefits from a light and airy open-plan living space helping to create a warm and welcoming ambience for its guests. The sitting area is extensive with ample seating, tasteful soft furnishings, a selection of books and games and a wonderful woodburning stove, all adding up to make a space that’s perfect for gathering together. The well-fitted kitchen has everything needed for creating delicious food for the whole family and the fantastic range cooker will keep even the most professional of chefs happy. When it’s dinner time, the good-sized dining area is all set up ready for long and enjoyable meals together, and there is also space to eat outside in the well-maintained gardens which overlook adjoining fields and give captivating views towards the sea. When it’s time for bed, make your way to any of the four stylish bedrooms, with two on the ground-floor; all are light and airy with the master benefiting from a Juliet balcony designed to maximise those all-important views. Seadrift enjoys a superb setting between Aldeburgh and Southwold, towns which are both well worth a visit. Close to the house are picturesque marshes where guests often see tantalising glimpses of bitterns and marsh harriers. If you like birdwatching, then RSPB Minsmere is well worth a visit as well as Dunwich Heath. Attractions for the whole family to enjoy include Framlingham Castle, Sutton Hoo, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, Go Ape Thetford and Easton Farm Park. For a holiday that promises amazing views, beautiful interiors and a wonderful location, Seadrift has it all.
Westleton is an idyllic village near the Suffolk coast, nestled between Southwold and Aldeburg and offers all the attributes you could hope for in a Suffolk village, with a village green complete with pond and ducks. The village is easily accessible from the local train station at Darsham approximately two miles away. The village has a store, a bookshop where you can also enjoy a tea or coffee whilst browsing, an old fashioned garage, as well as two pubs, The White Horse Inn and The Westleton Crown, one of Suffolk’s best traditional inns where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate held their first wedding anniversary. Every August, Westleton hosts the infamous Barrel Rolling Fair where contestants have to roll barrels down the Village Green using a pole, and the men have to roll the barrel back up the hill too. Barrels are supplied and all are welcome to join in! The local Emmerdale Farm Shop and Butchery as well as a tea shop is approximately a mile away. The area is a haven for nature lovers with Westleton Heath National Nature Reserve, Dunwich Forest, Dunwich Beach with its famous fish and chip shop located on the beach, and the rspb Minsmere, all close by. The town of Saxmundham, 6 miles away, is located on the River Fromus, in the heart of Suffolk’s Heritage Coast and is well serviced with independent shops, supermarkets and a train station, as well as art galleries, a weekly market and a farmers’ market.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor king-size with en-suite with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x ground-floor king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request), 1 x king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request) with en-suite with bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x king-size with en-suite with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove.
External utility
Oil-fired central heating and woodburning stove.
Rangemaster oven and grill with electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, coffee machine.
TV with FreeSat, iPod docking station, WiFi.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
A travel cot and highchair are available.
Ample off-road parking.
Enclosed gardens, patio area, patio furniture, barbecue.
One well-behaved dog welcome downstairs.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 2.7 miles, pub 0.1 miles.
Note: If you wish to bring a dog please inform us at time of booking.
Note: If you wish a travel cot and highchair to be available please request at time of booking.
Note: Sorry, no unaccompanied teenagers.
Note: This property cannot accept Sunday arrivals
Reviews (23)
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Tina
The size and layout of the house is excellent and suits us very well when we visit with adult children and their partners. Itâs a very social house, and we had a lovely time. Weâll be back again, Iâm sure. Nevertheless, we were worried to see the general maintenance is slipping and that itâs been a recurrent theme in the feedback this year: the oven door popped open when in use which canât be safe; the chain on the plug in the en-suite bathroom was broken last time we stayed and was there even less of it this time making it hard to remove; the roof of the wood burner fell into the logs although I think I managed to get it back onto its retaining tracks well enough; and the general decor as mentioned by others is in desperate need of touching up. The hallway ceiling looks a little ominous on arrival, and sets the tone - one then starts noticing other scuffs and scrapes. External paintwork is peeling and possibly rotting too. One last point whilst writing - Iâm not entirely sold on the idea that both having to be out by 10am AND requesting guest to strip beds into the sacks provided creates the right impression. We generally strip beds in order to be helpful but feeling obligated to do so is - somehow - emotionally different. We did manage to do it, but felt rushed as we left which is a negative way to leave an otherwise very restful few days.
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Brian
Was well equipped, super clean, brilliant location with fabulous views. The listing needs to make it clear that the utility is outside of the house in the garage. Also none of the ceiling lights worked in the lounge, we did ring the housekeeper to report this but didn't hear back.On balance would definitely book again
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Stephen
Upon arrival it was clear that the photos had been taken several years before. It is a very tired house that's in need of repair and a repaint. The entrance lobby has paint peeling on the ceiling following a leak from the shower above which was a shock to see. One toilet seat was broken and another one was very loose. Only one bedroom had a decent wardrobe. Two small cupboards on the landing were the only storage space for the two bedrooms upstairs. The BBQ that I was planning to use was old, filthy and not usable. The saucepans were not compatible with the induction hob, although the owner was very quick to replace them once she became aware of the problem. Views from the garden were stunning and being so close to the beach was such a treat. As a family we've had a tough year and I wanted to spoil everyone with a holiday in a beautiful house - unfortunately I was very disappointed.