Cliff Cottage, Iken Suffolk

An idyllic retreat on the Alde Estuary in Suffolk

Nestling in a secluded position with one of the finest views in East Anglia. A birdwatcher’s or sailor's paradise and a fantastic place for a holiday. Cliff Cottage sleeps up to seven and is available for rent by the week from Friday to Friday.

On the Ground Floor

An L shaped, open plan room focusing on, at one end, a mellow open fireplace with French doors opening onto a wide verandah with superb views.

Television and telephone

At the other end a designer conservatory/dining/kitchen with granite work surfaces and centred on a green electric Aga.

Dishwasher, a microwave, 2 ring electric hob, drinks fridge, ironing board, vacuum cleaner, CD player, radio

Utility room: Fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and dog sleeping area.

Heating: under-floor heating and night storage heaters.

Downstairs lavatory and basin.

External power shower.

Upstairs

Master double bedroom with fitted wardrobe, antique pine furniture, large en-suite bathroom. Airing cupboard.

Twin Bedroom Upstairs Twin-bed room with a third bed under the eaves, basin, fitted wardrobe.

Bedroom 3; a small double bedroom with a fitted wardrobe.

Family bathroom.

Secondary airing cupboard

The Inventory

Cooking equipment and cutlery, plates, glasses etc. for up to eight. Duvets and blankets.

Check list for you to bring; Duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, towels and drying up cloths.

The Position

Fully fitted Kitchen Cliff Cottage is to be found down a sandy lane in a secluded spot overlooking the Alde Estuary. It is one of the most magnificent positions in East Anglia. The estuary is part of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, with its amazing wildlife, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The cottage is within easy reach of Snape, Aldeburgh, Orford, Minsmere, Thorpness and Havergate Island. The nearest railway stations are at Wickham Market and Saxmundham.

"Cliff Cottage has the best views in Suffolk!"

Things to do

Bird Watching
At low tide, the River Alde is a haven for birds - indeed the estuary is frequented by a fantastic collection of wildfowl and waders; avocets, curlews, herons, widgeon and sheld duck can be seen regularly from the house. The garden also attracts the usual selection of small birds. The RSPB reserves of Minsmere and Havergate Island are within easy reach.

There are details of all the interesting local places to visit, a selection of games, puzzles and books and, if all else fails, there is a cinema in Aldeburgh!

Visit the RSPB website for more information about the River Alde.
Boating and Sailing
The estuary is tidal up to Snape and is navigable for large boats at high tide. Small boats or windsurfers can be launched from the foreshore immediately below the cottage at high tide. Larger boats should be launched at Aldeburgh or Orford.
Painting
The view from the this enchanting cottage is a stunning landscape painting: an inspiration for the artist within you. If you would rather admire others' work, there are galleries in Aldeburgh and Snape.
Walking & Cycling
The footpath below the house leads downstream to Iken's ancient thatched church of St. Botolph (founded in 647AD) and on to Orford. Another footpath behind the house leads upstream to the famous Snape Maltings and on to Aldeburgh. The area is ideal cycling country.

The Maltings comprise a cluster of craft, clothing, garden and antique shops, a coffee house, an excellent pub/restaurant and the quay, where Thames barges are often moored and boat trips are available. The village of Snape also has a good shop, a post office, two restaurants and three pubs.
Music
Snape Maltings was made famous by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears and is the home of the Aldeburgh Music Festival. The Concert Hall is world famous.

The birds produce their own dawn and dusk choruses.

There is alots to do at Cliff cottage

Prices

Cliff Cottage is let by the week from Friday to Friday. Prices for 2008 are on the Calendar above:

Electricity is charged at cost price and is checked at the beginning and end of each tenancy. A 25% deposit is asked for at the time of booking with the balance to be settled at least a month before the period of occupancy begins; detailed joining instructions and a map will be sent at this stage.

Payment for electricity and telephone calls is expected at the end of the holiday, when our caretaker will read the meter. Children and dogs are welcome - but dogs are only allowed in the utility room.

The bracken covered bank and the river pose obvious dangers. The owners cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, however caused.

Cliff Cottage: an idylic retreat on the Alde Estuary in Suffolk