The Corn Barn Kersey, Suffolk

A superb barn conversion in Kersey, one of Suffolk’s loveliest and most historic villages, is the perfect country retreat. Set on a family farm, the former threshing barn has been painstakingly renovated to create a splendid holiday home that sleeps six guests and their canine companions. With a wealth of original beams, this gorgeous property exudes character and charm and is beautifully furnished throughout. A short stroll along an adjacent footpath leads to the village.

The barn’s interior combines comfort and contemporary style against a spectacular backdrop of timber framed walls and vaulted ceiling. At the hub is an airy, open-plan space with a double-aspect wood burner dividing the comfortable sitting area from a large dining table and chairs. French doors open onto a beautiful garden and countryside views. A mezzanine floor above offers a cosy hideaway for games or reading, while the spacious contemporary kitchen with an impressive array of mod cons, has bifold doors opening onto the rear garden. There are two sleek bathrooms and three inviting bedrooms: two king-size and a twin. Both front and rear gardens have outdoor dining furniture.

Kersey owes its rich heritage of medieval cottages to the prosperous heyday of the Suffolk Wool Towns in the Middle Ages. Wander down its winding streets and see their large, first-floor windows, created to provide maximum light for weavers making the “Kersey cloth”. The dog-friendly village pub, which dates back to the 13th century, has a restaurant and beer garden. Have a paddle in the famous ford, known locally as the Splash—a tributary of the River Brett— and explore the fine parish church, with its wonderful views across the Brett Valley. Pretty Kersey Mill is within a mile, with a cafe, craft shops, galleries and lovely water gardens, where pets on leads are welcome.