A COSY LODGE IN THE HEART OF SUFFOLK COUNTRYSIDE Relax and unwind in this serene space. Stunning lake views and a comfortable, luxurious interior make Willow Lodge a peaceful and tranquil place to enjoy with family and friends. Willow is the newest addition to the lakeside lodges at Welhams Meadow, three-acres in the middle of our small family farm.
Willow Lodge is perfect for a long weekend escape or longer getaways to visit the beaches on the East Coast and other fascinating areas nearby. With a waterfront patio next to our young Willow tree, you can soak up the peaceful countryside while admiring the local wildlife (yes, a set of binoculars is available for your use throughout your stay!) This outdoor area is well-equipped with high-quality patio furniture, a parasol, and a barbecue in its own storage area, please bring your own charcoal.
The two double doors overlooking the lake lead into the main living space, where there is a reclining chair for kicking back, ideal for reading or simply soaking up the views. The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to make your self-catering stay as simple and comfortable as possible.
We designed the kitchen as a sociable space, with two bar stools overlooking the main cooking area, ideal for enjoying each other's company whilst preparing your favourite meals. There is an electric oven and a microwave so cooking is straightforward, plus a full-size dishwasher and fridge with a small integrated freezer.
The living room features two comfortable sofas for relaxing. There is a small selection of games and puzzles, plus a smart TV for entertainment. One sofa can turn into a double-size sofa bed and thanks to the black-out curtains, allows for a versatile space to accommodate more guests.
Willow Lodge has two bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and an en-suite shower room. The second bedroom features twin beds and its own shower room along the corridor. Both bedrooms have plenty of storage and we provide the option for the twin beds to be joined together, to create a super-king-sized bed for a couple.
We offer strong Wi-Fi as well as the ability for you to turn it off, if you want to disconnect altogether. There is a utility room which is ideal for muddy boots and has a washing machine and sink. Walk straight out of Willow Lodge onto lots of public footpaths perfect for long walks to explore this special part of the Suffolk countryside.
To respect our other guests, we ask that a maximum of two dogs stay in the lodge and sleep in the utility (and in their crates if you have them) and request they do not go on the beds please. The two lakes are stocked with fish, primarily carp, roach and perch, and you are more than welcome to fish there provided you have a fishing licence.
Each lodge has a fishing club permit for guests to use, issued by Gipping Valley Angling Club who oversee the fish management of the lakes. Please be advised that because the lakes are partially gated off, small children will need to be supervised.
Willow Lodge has two designated parking spaces plus additional ones for visitors. If you wish to go farther afield, this is a great base to visit the surrounding historical towns of Needham Market, Lavenham, and the mediaeval town of Bury St Edmunds. Framlingham Castle is also close, as are the attractive seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold. We provide a comprehensive welcome pack that includes recommendations for nearby attractions.
We provide a comprehensive welcome pack that includes recommendations for nearby attractions. Willow is our newest addition to the lakeside lodges at Welhams Meadow and has a more contemporary feel, than the other two Oak Lodge and Ash Lodge. Thanks to its construction using pine, it gives a warm and natural feel throughout the space.
Since we started welcoming guests to Welhams Meadow a few years ago, our family have been committed to giving you the best experience so you can make enjoyable lasting memories with your loved ones. We offer a self check-in experience using a secure lockbox for keys. Your host Georgie will share more details with you once you have booked your stay at Willow Lodge and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Welhams Meadow is a three acre site for you to enjoy, but please respect the privacy of the guests staying in the other two lodges. We want you to have the most peaceful stay at Welhams Meadow, so Superhost Georgie and her Mum Maggie are available via mobile and live 300 meters up the road if required.
Willow Lodge has two designated parking spaces plus additional ones for visitors. There are lots of public footpaths on the farm which are perfect for long walks. The village community-run pub the Punch Bowl is a short drive away or a 30-minute walk away from Welhams Meadow. We have a full list of local recommendations in our Welcome Pack.
Needham Market is full of character and less than a 10 minute drive away. Alder Carr Farm shop is ideal for a coffee and homemade cake, or a light lunch with a farm shop and a handful of small independent retail shops. Needham Lake is great and the Duck and Teapot cafe is very dog and family friendly. Lavenham is stunning historical landmark in the heart of Suffolk and famous for it's architecture as it's the most complete medieval town in England.
Bury St Edmunds is less than a 30 minutes drive away and has been recently voted a top destination to visit in the country by the Sunday Times! At Welhams Meadow you'll have many public footpaths on your doorstep, we provide some suggested walks in our Welcome packs. Other local pubs include the Bildeston Crown for a real treat or The Rampant Horse , both are a short drive away. Plus, there is Burnt House Vineyard a few miles from Welhams Meadow. It is easiest to drive to Welhams Meadow (IP14 2HF), as we are a short distance from the A14, A12 and M11.
Stowmarket station is the closest train station, there are taxis available but it does prove useful to have a car, because local amenities are 8-minutes away.
We have a travel cot available for you to request and there is secure storage on your patio to store bikes. The patio is fenced however dogs should be supervised when they are outside.
On departure day we request guests to leave the lodge by 10am. On arrival day we request you check in from 4pm onwards. However we may be flexible on this check in time if we have had the time available to get the lodge ready after the previous guests have left that morning.
