Priory Grounds

An 11th-Century Priory Gets a Delightfully Modern Update

This stunning property was once home to a group of Benedictine monks, who founded a priory here in the 11th century. It felt into ruin in 1537, and the remains were turned into farm buildings.

In 2006, a fashion stylist and her art director husband discovered the rundown property and turned it into a contemporary holiday letting that makes the very best of its original features. Set in the Suffolk countryside, it's within walking distance of the historic village of Eye, and within easy reach of London by train.

There is an additional gallery living space on the site that sleeps two guests. The property also has a Benedictine Hall that can host parties and weddings for up to 150 guests. Please inquire for further details.

This beautiful designer-created cluster of buildings is set in ten acres of water meadows, near the Suffolk village of Eye. We love its open spaces flooded with natural light, vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams and skylights, poured concrete and oak floors, original brickwork, and large windows that open onto landscaped gardens.

Apparently we're not the only ones, as this holiday letting has been featured in quite a few fashion shoots. The large open-plan living area has a great mid-century feel, with vintage furniture, a wood-burning stove, large dining area and fully-equipped kitchen. There is one twin bedroom on the ground floor, a master bedroom on the first floor, with a balcony overlooking the garden, and a further double room next to it.  

The house has great eco sensibilities, using as many recycled materials as possible, ground source space and water heating as well as solar photovoltaics, earning it a rare A-grade EPC rating. There is also a swimming pond in the gardens.

The newest addition to the site  is a huge gallery living space with an eclectic mix of mid-century Scandinavian and one-off pieces, and art throughout that is all available for sale. The Gallery sleeps two, but space for two additional guests is available in the nearby shepherds hut (at extra cost).

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

There is underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, an LG TV, flat-screen Sony TV with DVD player, HiFi, integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and 4-ring electric hob/oven. A washing machine and dryer are available. 100% cotton bedlinen and towels are provided, as are bicycles and wellington boots.  

There is a vegetable garden which guests are welcome to use, and there is space in the grounds for private parking. There are two caravans in the gardens that can be used by guests, one of which has a double bed.  

There is also an event space for up to 150 guests.

AROUND  

The house is located on the edge of the historic village of Eye, which has a bakery, deli, butcher and cafés, as well as antique shops and a small castle. There is a market every Wednesday morning, and a small farmers market every Friday morning with fresh locally-caught fish and farm produce. There are several pubs and restaurants nearby, including The Fox and Goose at Fressingfield and The Swan Inn at Hoxne.   

Attractions within easy reach include Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum, the coast at Southwold and Walberswick, and Minsmere nature reserve. The cities of Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich are all about 30 minutes drive. For those who like to sail, the Norfolk Broads or the estuary of the River Deben are nearby.  

LOCATION  

Eye, Suffolk, England, UK. Nearest airport: London Stansted (1.5 hours by car). There is a railway station in nearby Diss, with links to London Liverpool Street every 30 minutes.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT  

England is beautiful all year round, but the weather is best from spring to autumn.