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Having only recently discovered the magic of the North Norfolk coast, we hadn’t yet made our way to Suffolk – its southerly neighbour.
Despite its popularity thanks to the pretty towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh (and, of course, the fact it’s home to Ed Sheeran), we hadn’t really considered a short break to Suffolk.
This all changed, however, when I came across photos of one of the most stunning properties I’d ever seen – The Boathouse, Suffolk.
Situated in idyllic Felixstowe Ferry, overlooking the ever-changing water, this stunningly restored Edwardian boathouse immediately took my breath away.
Easily the most unique and beautiful family accommodation in Suffolk, this towering boathouse not only had a beautiful interior – including a master suite that wouldn’t look out of place in some Nantucket holiday home – but watercolour views, too.
Within days, I’d immediately booked our stay at this piece of Suffolk heritage – already picturing our evenings on the porch as the sun slipped behind the River Deben.
We visited The Boathouse, Suffolk as a family of three, enjoying a sunshine-filled week of paddling, crabbing and fresh fish suppers. The boathouse, more than lived up to my expectations – delivering a trip that was nothing short of idyllic.
Below is everything you need to know about this most beautiful and quirky accommodation in Suffolk.
The Most Beautiful and Unique Accommodation in Suffolk
The Boathouse, Suffolk, is a family home and was once home to children’s author, Helen Oxenbury, before being inherited by her son and his young family.
After restoring it to an exceptional standard, the family decided the boathouse would be rented out as a holiday home – offering visitors the most heavenly of short stays.
Built during the Edwardian period, the boathouse would have (unsurprisingly) been a place where boats would have been once stored. A bit like a glorified beach hut, families could also leave their belongings here – deck chairs, buckets and the like – ahead of summer trips to the water.
Despite being adapted to be a house, the boathouse remains enormous. I’m not sure why I expected it to be relatively small, but it is, in reality, vast. Where row boats and fishing boats once hibernated, now stands a huge and light-filled space.
Featuring four bedrooms able to sleep eight very comfortably, the Boathouse, Suffolk, also has a beautiful kitchen and lounge, and porches out the front and back. There are also three bathrooms – including a wonderfully light and stylish ensuite found on the top floor – and there is parking for two cars.
At once practical and homely, rustic and luxurious, below is a deeper dive into why the Boathouse, Suffolk, is the most beautiful and unique accommodation in Suffolk.
What Makes the Boathouse the Most Unique and Quirky Accommodation in Suffolk?
1. The Views
What initially drew me to the Boathouse, Suffolk, were those views.
Overlooking the River Deben – just before its grand entrance into the English Channel – this piece of water is ever-changing. Filled with fishing boats, sailing boats, birds and the calls of fishermen, you could watch the water here all day.
The back porch of the boathouse overlooks the water – with sliding doors that open onto the boatyard. A little day bed is also tucked into the back porch and surrounded by windows. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise with a cup of tea.
In the winter, you can also watch the water from the warmth of the lounge, as the wood burner crackles and pops.
Each hour of the day offers a different scene.
From blue-toned mornings, to dramatic and fiery sunsets, the views offered here are out of this world. I genuinely don’t think you’ll find better anywhere else.
It’s these views alone that justify why this property is easily the most unique and quirky accommodation in Suffolk.
2. The Quirky and Eclectic Interior
While all eyes might be trained on the views, the Boathouse’s interiors are just as wonderful.
Lovingly restored, the boathouse is a blend of tradition and luxury.
When you walk into the accommodation, you enter a vast atrium – where the boats would have once been kept. Double height, this large space is filled with family antiques and trinkets, including model boats, taxidermy and sepia photos of the space throughout the decades.
Our son loved running up and down this area, and we played some great games of indoor boules.
Running alongside this vast space are the downstairs rooms – including a toilet, bathroom, a children’s bedroom (bunk beds) and two large double bedrooms (one of which has an en-suite). Each room is different, offering different light and character.
At the end of this vast space is a beautiful stained glass door that leads into the kitchen, lounge and the boathouse’s sanctuary – its porch. The kitchen has all mod-cons, while remaining stylish and in keeping with the building. In the lounge, a cosy reading nook leans against a large window, with boats seeming to sail directly under your nose.
Again, this space is wonderfully decorated and filled with fishing memorabilia, paintings and ceramics.
The porch is the undeniable highlight of the boathouse. Seeped in a golden light as the waves gently lap at the shore outside, it’s a haven from the chaos of the modern world.
To get upstairs, you climb the boathouse’s pièce de résistance – a wooden spiral staircase. Hand carved by the owner, this staircase is the perfect gateway to the boathouse’s magnificent master suite – which takes up the vast majority of the top floor.
Surrounded by windows overlooking the water, with an Edwardian fire burner at its centre, this room is breathtaking.
We walked in just as the breeze made its way through the room, the linen curtains billowing. Filled with sea air and sunshine, the room felt like a New England retreat; albeit with antique Delft tiles decorating the wood burner’s surround.
The en-suite was equally as lovely, fitted with white clapboard and a powerful shower.
The interiors of the boathouse are like nothing else. A unique blend of heritage, modern comforts and seafaring folklore, this space is idiosyncratic – in the very best of ways.
It’s definitely the most quirky accommodation in Suffolk.
3. Access to Crabbing and Paddling
If you’re looking for the best self-catering family accommodation in Suffolk, then once again, the boathouse comes top of the list.
In large part, this is simply down to its waterfront location.
Kids like nothing more than throwing stones into a body of water. Or crabbing and paddling. It’s these sort of activities that keep them occupied for hours – which is basically the parenting equivalent of winning the lottery.
Our son, aged three, spent the vast amount of the week out on the shingle beach next to the boathouse, throwing stones, crabbing and paddling for treasures. He was in utter heaven and needed nothing more to amuse him.
Crabbing in Felixstowe Ferry is very popular – especially at the small pier a short way from the boathouse. However, immediately outside the boathouse is also a ledge perfect for crabbing (once the tide comes in) – and we had it all to ourselves.
We were overwhelmed by the number of crabs we caught here (unlike at the likes of Padstow, where you compete with the holiday crowds) and spent hours catching and releasing, on repeat.
We also took our son paddling for treasures, with his net, every afternoon. Be warned, the tides do move quickly here so keep an eye out for your things and a firm hand on your kids. We lost a pair of Crocs to the fast incoming tide.
This spot, particularly outside of the school holidays, is wonderfully peaceful and meant we could crab, fish and paddle in relative peace – with just the odd fisherman passing by.
4. Great Places to Eat on Your Doorstep
Although diminutive in size, there is no lack of places to eat in Felixstowe Ferry.
Just a minute’s walk from the boathouse is the institution that is Winkles at the Ferry – the place to go for crab sandwiches or, if you fancy it, a full English. Our son loved their fish finger sandwiches.
Alternatively, on the other side of the track is the retro Ferry Cafe – done up like an American Diner. This is a great place for lunch and does a great fish and chips.
The fish shack, JamesHunt Fisheries, is also right next to the boathouse and is a fantastically authentic place. Pop along to get some potted crab, or lobster, for a slap up dinner (you can watch the fish come in, fresh off the boat, from your bed).
Lastly, and a stretch of the legs away (a three minute walk) is the Ferry Boat Inn – a popular pub. Originally built in the 15th century for the Ferry Master, this historic building became an inn in the 16th century – providing accommodation and food for local fishermen.
It’s a great place to head on a summer’s evening and I can highly recommend their fish pie.
5. Plenty to do in Felixstowe Ferry
The Boathouse, Suffolk, is perched on the water’s edge of the tiny fishing hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry – a short drive from Felixstowe proper (around a five minute drive away).
Overlooking the mouth of the River Deben, as it flows into English Channel, and across from Bawdsey (found on the other side of the river), this hamlet is a motley blend of fishing shacks, working boats, houseboats and a resident pub, fish shack and artist studio.
In many ways, it reminded me a little of Dungeness – that remote beach found in East Sussex (albeit with far better views)
The boathouse is found on the working shipyard, surrounded by hustle and bustle. It almost feels as though you are part of it all.
Each morning, fishermen stroll past whistling – their dogs’ following behind – before hopping in their boats. Across from the boathouse, a lovely artist sits weaving, while a stone’s throw away at the local fish hut, customers arrive to collect freshly caught dover sole and crab.
It’s a small, but vibrant little place – with access to a foot ferry that leads over to neighbouring Bawdsey (you can just call the ferry and charter it yourself).
There are some great walks from the boathouse, including up the river (heading towards beautiful Woodbridge). I took this walk one evening, walking past Felixstowe Ferry’s merry crew of houseboats, before stumbling across the incredible The Jam Box.
This is a trust box, filled with hand-made goodies, including varieties of jam, fresh veggies and fruit. We picked up a few jars of mouth-watering rhubarb and vanilla jam, alongside a jar of chilli jam, both of which are delicious.
Continue walking up here and you’ll walk alongside the river and Felixstowe Ferry’s golf course. Just remember to look back and take in the views of Felixstowe Ferry’s colourful homes and glass balconies.
6. Plenty to do in the Wider Area
Although we didn’t have much reason to leave Felixstowe Ferry, we did head out a few times to explore the wider area.
Firstly, the larger town of Felixstowe is just a five minute drive away – and a great place to spend the day.
With four miles of shingle and sand beach, stretching from Felixstowe Ferry to Landguard, Felixstowe is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day. Home to some of the UK’s most famous beach huts, we spent our time here walking the town’s famous promenade, playing on its sheltered beach (Felixstowe South) and exploring its newest addition: Beach Street.
A little like Shoreditch’s Box Park, this area uses colourful, old shipping containers to house independent stores, restaurants, cafes and galleries. We had a fantastic lunch at Patty Macs (burgers) and really enjoyed browsing the stores.
As is only right when visiting the seaside, we also spent plenty of time in the arcades – as our son furiously played on the penny games – and enjoyed Martello Park, a huge, seafront playground, which my little boy loved.
When I had a bit of time to myself, I explored the town a little more and came across some lovely independent stores. By far my favourite was Tea + Kate, which was the most unbelievably gorgeous shop and also the place where I spent far too much money. Opposite was also the lovely Green House Cafe, where we had a lovely lunch and coffee.
Lastly, be sure to check out the older parts of Felixstowe. Here you’ll not only find the Sea Front Gardens, but spectacular Victorian villas, built during Felixstowe’s heyday as a Victorian holiday town. I had a little wander up and down the roads here, photographing all the beautiful homes and was genuinely surprised by just how stunning it is.
Visit Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
As we have a three year old, we inevitably took the drive to nearby Jamie’s Farm.
The perfect place for a family day out, we had a great day here – even spotting the resident rescued polar bear on our way around. It was quite expensive to get in (adults pay £23 and over 2 year olds pay £20), but we managed to stay the entire day, which made us feel slightly better.
There is plenty to see and do at the Farm, and it includes an impressively eclectic array of animals – including zebras, crocodiles, arctic foxes and of course, a rescued polar bear. Moving through the beautiful acres that make up the farm – through fields and woodland – easily takes a few hours and after all this, there is still plenty left to do.
Our son was a big fan of the outdoor adventure playground and was thrilled that he got the chance to stroke some animals. We were also impressed by the food available there, including the great Barn Restaurant & Coffee House.
Visit Woodbridge
A short drive from Felixstowe Ferry is the wonderful Woodbridge – a town at the head of the River Deben.
We spent a morning exploring this great town, sampling its many book stores, coffee shops and independent outlets. There is also a lovely river walk, with plenty of places to stop for a coffee on the quayside. If you take this walk, you’ll also get the chance to see the town’s working Tide Mill – one of only two working tide mills in the country, producing stoneground wholemeal flour.
We’d also highly recommend the Blue Rabbit Cafe & Smallholding just outside of Woodbridge, in Shottisham. We had a lovely cup of tea here, while our son petted the resident rabbits.
7. Perfect All Year Round
Another reason why the boathouse is the best beautiful and unique accommodation in Suffolk, is quite simply because it’s a place that welcomes you, regardless of the elements.
Whatever the season, or weather, this quirky Suffolk accommodation – perched on the water’s edge – offers a place to retreat, gaze outwards and enjoy watching the weather sweep across the enormous skies.
The boathouse has two giant wood burners – one in the lounge and one in the master bedroom, which should keep you toasty in the winter. In fact, I’ve been dreaming of an autumnal trip there ever since we visited. Likewise, in the summer, simply fling open those doors and windows – and let the summer breeze flow through the house.
The area and its walks will no doubt look beautiful all year round and it offers guests something different with each visit.
Quirky Accommodation in Suffolk: The Verdict
The Boathouse, Suffolk, is an incredibly special place.
Not only are its views unparalleled, but the very nature of the accommodation – a creaking, Edwardian Boathouse – creates a sanctuary like nothing else.
Over the years we’ve been fortunate enough to visit luxury lodges, quaint holiday cottages, eclectic studios and grand hotels, but this place – this boathouse – is something else entirely.
It’s a place we will truly never forget.
Our week here – spent eating freshly caught fish, crabbing and watching as swallows dove over head – was unforgettable. It was also a place that our son, despite just being three, was completely entranced by (and still talks about).
If you’re researching short breaks in Suffolk, or searching for the most unique and beautiful accommodation in Suffolk, then please consider the Boathouse, Suffolk.
You will not regret your visit.
Prices for the Boathouse, Suffolk – a three night, mid-week stay in November comes in at £632, plus cleaning fee.