COURT BARN, SUFFOLK
USP Has a pool and a tennis court
What?
Reached via a bumpy farm track, Court Barn overlooks a heated swimming pool (available May to September), tennis court and barbecue area and provides plenty of space for six.
We love it because…
It’s a seriously impressive space with a double-height, beamed ceiling and mezzanine sleeping area in the rafters, plus two double bedrooms – including a four-poster – downstairs. The open-plan living space is divided into a huge rustic kitchen with exposed brick and two ovens, a long dining table, a big sofa opposite a large TV
and stacks of books. Alongside the swimming pool, which has a decent supply of inflatable doughnuts and unicorns to recline on, there’s also an all-weather tennis court. Don’t fancy cooking every night? Book a table at one of the pubs nearby, including The Crown in pretty Stoke-by-Nayland. Want a day out? Local activities include wine-tasting, hiking and cycling in Dedham
Vale and wild swimming and paddleboarding on the River Stour. If you want to extend the party, hire Rose Barn too, which is just opposite and sleeps four.
Don’t leave without…
A game of tennis. Super-hosts Claire and Nigel will happily lend racquets and balls, or even arrange a lesson with a pro if you want more than a knockaround. They can also sort out a private yoga session in the grounds with brilliant instructor Tish Corbett (@yoga_with_tish). Warning: you might get distracted when the owners’ dogs bound over to lick your face mid, er, downward dog.
BOOK IT
Book Court Barn for three nights from £604 – that’s around £100 per person based on six people sharing; Suffolkhideaways.co.uk