The Gosbeck Rectory

Suffolk, United Kingdom [view map]

Style

Grand, gracious Georgian mansion

Setting

Lush Constable country

A stately Georgian mansion set in seductive Suffolk surrounds, The Gosbeck Rectory is a historic home from home. Its six acres of landscaped gardens provide all the sylvan tranquillity you could ever need.

Local restaurants

Any self-respecting Suffolk sea-foodie will know and love Pinney’s (+44 (0)1394 450277) on Quay Street. It's a family-run smokehouse that has been selling its own harvested oysters, smoked fish and shellfish since the 1960s. For hearty rustic fare, feast at the whimsically named Moon and Mushroom (+44 (0)1473 785320) on High Road in nearby Swilland, a place that pleases both Suffolk natives and far-flung wanderers with its locally-sourced, hunger–defying fare, cask ales served direct from the taproom and beautiful patio gardens.

Local bars

Soak up the marina view (and the real ale) with a trip to Isaacs (+44 (0)1473 259952) on the Wherry Quay in Ipswich. Formerly a vodka-focused drinking den, Isaacs is a relaxed wooden expanse on the waterfront, with a sprawling beer garden and unmatched seascapes. There’s also a classic pub menu for the peckish. Parking close by is a challenge, so be prepared to wander a little for the views.

Local cafes

Eat Englia (+44 (0)1728 685557) on The Street, Earl Soham, is a popular café and deli, dealing in delicious gourmet goodies from the local area. It's a good place for breakfast, brunch or light lunch, and offers outside seating in case you’re blessed with sunshine. To get a sense of the local (liquid) flavour, try the Earl Soham beer or Nethergate ale. For a post-ramble treat, head to Framlingham’s Dancing Goat (+44 (0)1728 621434) on Market Hill. It's a cosy little café with tables and chairs that spill out into the market square, perfect for people-watching. Team a slab of cake with a warming pot of tea, or try one of the legendary ploughman's sandwiches.

Worth getting out of bed for

The Gosbeck Great Wood is just a short walk from the hotel – according to local legend, its mysterious owner has never set foot it in, yet keeps it immaculately perfect. There are walking paths that criss-cross the countryside, and you are likely to share trails with fallow, roe and muntjac deer along the way.

Framlingham is a pretty little market town at the foot of Framlingham Castle, a beautiful 12th-century site that’s a destination in itself. Stop off at Leo’s Deli (0)1728 724059) on Market Hill for Italian-inspired, locally sourced picnic provisions, then feast to your heart’s content in Framlingham Mere.

Aldeburgh is a charming little seaside town just a 35 minute drive from Gosbeck, Stroll down to the dilapidated old huts on the pebbly beach and watch the fishermen go about their salty business; cleaning their morning catch and selling it to a receptive audience. Unsurprisingly, the town is famous for its fish and chips; enjoy this classic golden feast on the beach, with some real ale to wash it down. If you’re after something non-fried, Lawson’s Delicatessen (+44 (0)1728 454052) on the High Street has a seafood counter selling a glorious range of prepared seafood and other picnic-pantry edibles. The High Street is lined with lovely boutiques and galleries, perfect for lazy browsing.

History buffs will love Lavenham, Suffolk’s must-see mediaeval town, complete with more than 300 listed Tudor houses and a World War II air base. Non-historians will be appeased by arguably the best French restaurant this side of the channel: The Great House Restaurant and Hotel (+44 (0)1787 247431). Call ahead to book; on a sunny day or a balmy evening, request a table in the courtyard. The daily changing set menu is fantastic value.

You can walk outside the hotel doors and discover some of England’s most beautiful countryside in every direction. It doesn’t take an artist’s eye to admire the inspiration behind John Constable’s famous paintings, ‘Hay Wain’ and ‘Dedham Vale’. Having explored the area’s abundant natural beauty, go for a retail fix in Ipswich. Nicholas Street is dotted with label-laden boutiques, antique dens and elegant homeware shops. Nearby towns Southwold and Woodbridge boast a boutique called Chatterton’s, which stocks a dazzling array of cutting-edge labels.

Diary

May The Bildeston Beer and Music Festival does exactly what it says on the tin, with a celebration of local sounds and liquid flavours. August The Helmingham Festival of Classics and Sports Cars, held in the beautiful gardens of Helmingham Hall, is a heavenly experience for all automobile addicts.