Prior's Hill, Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Large Arts and Crafts house with lots of character set in a central, quiet, leafy part of Aldeburgh, just 5 minutes’ walk from High Street shops, pubs, restaurants, the sea, marshes, and tennis courts. Ideal for groups of friends and families.

Prior’s Hill was originally built in 1901 by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (local hero, first woman doctor to qualify in Britain) and has many quirky architectural features. It has a stunning drawing room with huge windows, large bay window seat, open fire and grand piano. This room has often been used by string quartets rehearsing, for singing Master classes or amateur dramatics play readings – and even an exhibition of Constable paintings in the first Aldeburgh Festival in 1948!

The large, airy dining room is made for sitting over long meals and dinner parties. The recently modernised, well-equipped kitchen has electric hob and ovens as well as a traditional gas Aga, island, farmhouse dresser and large American-style fridge. A snug study/TV room is there for those who want a bit of peace and quiet.

Prior's Hill has 6 bedrooms that comfortably sleep 12 (3 doubles, 3 twins). 2 bedrooms and a bathroom are on the ground floor offering easy access for elderly or partially disabled guests. Light streams in throughout the house through the many large and south-facing windows.

Facilities include WiFi throughout, a Sonos music system, 2 TVs, and a washing machine and dryer in a separate laundry room.

The house is set in an exceptionally large garden surrounded by tall Scots pines and lime trees, with a croquet pitch, sunken garden and kitchen garden. In winter there are views down to the Alde river and marshes. The south-facing terrace overlooking the sunken rose garden is a real suntrap - and a wonderful spot for eating outside. There are also 2 picnic benches by the lawn. There is off-street parking for about 4 cars.

Whether you come to Aldeburgh for the music, sailing, golf, painting, birdwatching, walking, cycling or one of its many Festivals – or just to breathe in invigorating North Sea air – Prior’s Hill offers a wonderful base. It is such a special house to stay in, you may never want to leave the grounds.