Every relationship benefits from Romantic Breaks from time to time. Here’s our top five tips for getting the most out of them:
5 – Go somewhere new to both of you.
We all have memories of wonderful places we’ve been in the past. It’s only natural that we should what to share these places with our partner.
However it is just as important to take some of your Romantic Breaks in locations that are new to the both of you. That way you can make new memories together.
Experiencing new things and new places together is a wonderful way to build intimacy.
4 – Make time for just the two of you.
It’s more important than ever before that we switch off from the outside world and focus just on our partner for a while.
Smartphones and laptops mean that we are forever connected to almost everyone on the planet. Although that has it’s advantages, it also means that our relationships become more shallow. Reduced to only what can be shared in a Tweet or a text message.
When on one of our Romantic Breaks it is of the upmost importance that we switch off our devices, even if it’s just for one day, and give all our attention to our partner and our relationship.
3 – Live in the moment.
We seem to spend almost all of our time these days worrying and planning for the future or remembering the past.
However it is so vital to live in the moment.
If we don’t hold onto the moment then we end up never really living at all. We let life pass us by whilst we are ignoring it in favour of dreams of the past or future in our minds.
When better than one one of your Romantic Breaks than to practice living in the moment together?
Take the time to savour every moment you have with your partner, as you would with a meal in a fine restaurant.
Taste every moment. Then you’re really living.
2 – Make plenty of time to be physically intimate.
Talking to each other and sharing new experiences are both key to healthy long term relationships. However physical intimacy is vital too.
Make sure your use your Romantic Breaks to hold hands, hug and… well you know.
1 – Listen to each other.
In our modern society we seem to be great at talking but rubbish at listening.
One of the greatest gifts you can ever give your partner is listening to them. Really listening to them. Don’t just sit in silence whilst they talk, planning what you’re going to say next in your head. Actually process what they are trying to tell you. Engage with what they have just said when you answer them.
It’s only then that we can really get to know someone else. When we really get to know someone through listening, the intimacy that brings naturally flows into all the other areas of our relationship.
Whatever else you do on your Romantic Breaks. Take the time to really listen. So few do.
With so much incredible architecture, as well as the most stunning natural habitat, how about combining your holiday with a course in Photography in Suffolk with our latest ‘local business partner’?
As a great activity to help you relax and unwind in the Suffolk countryside, what better way than to take a course in Photography in Suffolk whilst you’re here?
We have teamed up with Suffolk photographer Roland Blunk, who operates regular courses, predominantly around our stunning coastline, and you can tap into them for just £85.
His courses are designed to build beginner level photographic skills, and whilst doing so, explore and photograph the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast. Roland has gained creative experience as a photographer and graphic designer, by having regularly lectured at Saint Martins School of Art (London), London College of Communication and Norwich School of Art. As well as having been commissioned by the BBC, the RSC, the Design Council, the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A!
We do try to ensure that we work with some interesting local ‘business partners’ to add value to your break with us and Roland certainly fits the bill. The great thing is, he can work with the most novice of novices, with as little equipment as a smart phone and teach them some great trade secrets and advice on composition and using light, as well as bringing out your creative side. All set in the most picturesque location our beautiful county has to offer.
Roland is very flexible and whilst he has course dates on Saturdays, if there are a few of you then it may be that you can arrange an alternative date to suit, so do get in touch with him directly to discuss and hopefully we’ll be seeing you for some photography in Suffolk some time soon.
If you’re not already booked in with us then here’s our booking calendar.
We are always looking for new businesses that our guests can tap into in order to enhance their holiday here.
Doodledales is a family run local pet shop which focuses on natural and holistic products for dogs and cats. And best of all they are literally just around the corner from us at Stonham Barns.
They pride themselves on having tried and tested products, including high meat content dry and wet foods as well as a good range of raw food for dogs and cats. They also have a focus on good customer service, offering advice as well as spending time with dogs fitting equipment and showing owners how to use it.
Jessy contacted me as she had served a number of our guests who just happened across the shop. It’s great to walk into the shop and be greeted with a smile. There is a quirky pick and mix area with jars of natural, additive-free treats which can be bought in as big or small quantities as required, great for those dogs with fussy tastes or allergic tendencies.
Some of the brands they stock include food from Eden, Simpsons, Barking Heads, Vince the Vet, Nutriment and Benyfit Natural, as well as accessories from Dog Games (including the highly recommended Perfect Fit harness) Ruffwear, Hurtta and Chuckit.
They also produce their own range of fleece doggy pyjamas and fleece toys so it’s well worth popping in during your next Woodfarm stay.
Jessy is also going to be trialling some of the pick and mix treats with our four-legged guests too, so if that goes down well, they’ll be a regular treat at our dog-friendly accommodation in Suffolk.
Why not check out and ‘Like’ their Facebook Page? Then you’ll know what they’re up to when you come and visit them.
Suffolk is a wonderful part of the world for romantic breaks.
Stunning countryside, beautiful beaches, lovely villages and historic towns. All of these make Suffolk a top destination for romantic breaks. Not to mention our comfy luxury holiday cottages!
We’ve had so many couples taking their first romantic breaks together here at Woodfarm Barns. As well as proposals, honeymoons and anniversaries. So we truly believe our holiday cottages are an ideal location for romance to blossom!
When you come for your romantic getaway here at Woodfarm Barns you’ll want to know of the best spots in the area for a day or and evening with your loved one.
Here are a few of the best:
Ipswich Waterfront.There’s nothing quite like relaxing with a loved one outside one of the many delightful bars and cafes on Ipswich’s newly developed waterfront.
Sitting sipping a cool drink on a hot summer’s evening, watching the sunset reflect on the calm waters, one can almost believe you’re in the south of France. Fabulous.
Southwold beach.
Whilst there are any number of great beaches along Suffolk’s coast, probably the best of them is to be found in Southwold. The historic town has much to offer. But for a romantic visit, their beaches take some beating.
The long stretches of sand make for the ideal walk on one of your romantic breaks.
Leave some footprints in the sand with your partner when you come to visit Suffolk.
Framlingham Castle.
As sung about recently by Ed Sheeran in his hit song ‘Castle On A Hill’ Framlingham Castle makes for a fantastic place to visit on a day out during one of your romantic breaks here in Suffolk.
Now some may say that the very fact Ed sung about it would be reason enough to make the castle romantic. But the stunning views and beautiful medieval architecture help too!
As well as the places listed above there are also many romantic country walks in the surrounding area. Or why not visit one of our many nature reserves?
You’ll see there’s no shortage of things to do on one of your romantic breaks here in Suffolk.
So are you looking to take that special someone on a Romantic Break in Suffolk? Our luxury holiday cottages are just the ticket! You can check our availability here.
Summer is just around the corner and we think we have the perfect tonic for frazzled grandparents ahead of their grandchildren duties over the holidays!
Our Suffolk Barns are relaxing already to so many of our retired guests, with many grandparents coming to take cover from the little ones back home. We’ve now made it even better for you! We’ve teamed up with our friends at our fab local deli to treat you to Afternoon Tea if you book a midweek break during April, May and June, for a stay in that period and enjoy the calm before the storm of summer!
If your summerinvolves looking after the grandchildren, getting carted off to the playground, smothered in face paint and having your lovely clean car filled up with sweet wrappers then we may have the solution to all your problems before grandparents’ duties kick in! We know you love it and it’s rewarding, but if you just wish there was a chance to steady the nerves before it happens then look no further!
So how about treating yourselves to a Spring Break in Suffolk before that mayhem?
Please have a good look at our Cottage Videos page to get a feel for what we are all about here and start imagining yourselves relaxing in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside.
Then imagine combining that with a fabulous FREE Afternoon Tea courtesy of us! We have seven Luxury Holiday Cottages to choose from, with your dogs if you have them and with the added bonus of your FREE afternoon tea, that’s why we think it’s the perfect grandparents’ tonic!
You won’t be woken up by anything other than yourself and maybe the dawn chorus, but definitely not by having your nostrils filled up with play-dough! Unless of course you like that! I’m sure we could find some for you!
You get more nights for your money with one of our Midweek Breaks and now with a FREE Afternoon Tea as well, it’s even better.
We’ve been working with the guys at the Deli at The Chilli Farm for years now and as it’s only round the corner you can pop over there any day you wish during your midweek Spring break and have a lovely authentic Suffolk Afternoon Tea on us!
You’ll be treated to handmade sandwiches from the menu, with bread baked locally, a choice of Suffolk meats, salmon, cheeses etc, scones made by the fair hands of the team at the Deli, with Suffolk jam and cream, all washed down with a delicious cup of tea or coffee, also made here in sunny Suffolk!
All you have to do to receive your FREE Afternoon Tea is book a four night midweek break during April, May or June, using the Voucher Code ‘GRANDPARENTS’ and we’ll give you a voucher to hand in at the Deli so you can tuck in to your Afternoon Tea whenever you wish. You don’t need to book.
Dogs are also welcome at the Deli so if you have four-legged friends then all well and good! This offer finishes at the start of July so grab your diary and look at our availability and prices!
Please note: We offer a £25 voucher for first time guests, but can’t also give you the FREE Afternoon Tea. You choose which one you would like.
This offer is for four night midweek breaks booked and taken during April, May and June 2017 and cannot be applied retrospectively. The Voucher Code must be on the booking form at the time of booking. There isn’t a cash alternative.
So then. Lucky Number Eight. Yup, eight years ago on May 9th, 2009, I became the proud (?) owner of a dilapidated old farmhouse and some run down old barns, set in two acres of the Suffolk countryside. None of it looked like it does now!
Lucky Number Eight wasn’t even on the radar! All that lay ahead was years of hard work building my Suffolk Holiday Cottage dream. Simples!
I won’t bore you with the gory details here but suffice it to say, I shed blood, sweat and tears, in various amounts and now have a thriving business, with a reputation and level of business I am absolutely over the moon with and very proud of.
And to celebrate I have decided to give away a FREE BREAK to mark our 8th Birthday!
The number 8 is regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. The pronunciation of their word for 8, ’Ba’, sounds similar to the word ‘Fa’, which means to make a fortune. It contains meanings of prosperity, success and high social status too, so all business people favour it very much. Every day’s a school day hey?!
Eight years of hard work and making customers happy have certainly started to pay off so I figured I’d make it Lucky Number Eight for someone and give away a FREE BREAK!
Please note we are not giving away a Bentley, just a FREE HOLIDAY!
All you have to do is to follow these 3 very simple steps;
1) Like our main Woodfarm Barns Facebook Page or Follow us on Twitter if you haven’t already
2) Share this Post/ Tweet on your timeline
3) Complete the form below to tell me in which country is the Lucky Number Eight considered a sign of wealth and fortune
It’s three very simple steps to be our Lucky Number Eight so please make sure you follow all three. You’d be amazed how some people don’t!
One Lucky Number Eight winner will be picked from the hat of all our correct entries on birthday on May 9th.
Terms & Conditions:
The prize is for a FOUR NIGHT MIDWEEK BREAK in The Granary Barn, between 31st October 2017 and 28th February 2018, subject to availability, excluding Christmas, New Year, Valentines, School and Bank Holidays so you have a full five months to take your FREE BREAK!
It’ll be for two adults and up to three dogs.
Please note that we cannot announce the winner first on Social Media, it has to be by email. If we do not hear back from you within 48 hours of notifying you that you have won, we will pick another correct Lucky Number Eight entrant and so on until someone responds. By entering you do consent to us announcing your name on Social Media once you have accepted your prize. We’d obviously really appreciate it if you could then shout it from the rooftops!
There is no cash alternative.
If all that doesn’t suit you or you are of the opinion that “no-one ever wins these” then feel free to not enter and gaze at your navel instead. We have given away many breaks over the last 8 years to some very happy people, but you’ll never be one of them.
The 2017 Business Rates reform is set to have a huge negative impact on many businesses, including us at Woodfarm. Here’s the facts surrounding ours.
The rationale behind this Blog Post is to share the impact on small businesses, including Woodfarm, for those interested in what the Government is planning, although as I write it seems as though they may be about to actually start listening to those of us who have pointed out factually how unfair it is.
When I started this business I personally purchased the derelict Woodfarm House and the crumbling Granary Barn set in two acres of the Suffolk countryside. I spent a year renovating Woodfarm House whilst trying to get funding and finance for the rest of my plans to build this holiday cottage development. When I finally managed to secure some money I was given no choice but to set up a separate limited company with which I was to borrow money for the conversion of The Granary Barn and the building of the other barns, so I operate Woodfarm House as a sole trader and Woodfarm Barns with my limited company. They are marketed as one entity though of course.
It is important that I tell you this as they are rated separately for business rates. As I understand it, business rates was always a tax on the size and value of the property. Unfortunately with the new reform the government are now seemingly taxing businesses on their turnover as well. This means we pay:
VAT on our sales as every penny guests pay is subject to us handing over the VAT element
Corporation Tax on our sales
And now a further Sales Tax via our business rates!
I fully accept that the more money we make, the more we should pay in taxes, but not with a new sales tax!
This is where the system falls apart firstly, but it also falls apart in the way in which it seems to have stuck pins in a map to decide who pays more, as there is no parity between similar businesses in the same area!
My current Rateable Values are £5,600 for Woodfarm House and £6,500 for Woodfarm Barns. This has always meant that we have had small business rates relief. However, my new rateable values are going up as follows – Woodfarm House is rising to £6,700 and Woodfarm Barns is rising to £16,000!!!! Where did that come from?!?!?!
My own two businesses are seeing a rise of 20% (steep in its right) and 162%!!!! So my own two businesses are poles apart yet they are next door to each other!
Now what I’ll tackle next is Sajid Javid MP who has accused those of us involved in the current furore of “half truths” and “distortion of the facts”. Well, let me clear that up with screenshots of my business rates valuations via screenshots from the VOA website!
This is going to cripple some small businesses, not to mention large businesses who are seeing monumental rises. It will not put us out of business but it’ll hurt as we will no longer receive any rates relief. I fought to build this business for years and have only just started reaping any rewards in the last couple of years. I don’t want any sympathy, I just want to pair fairly along with everyone else. The defence by the Government is that 75% of businesses are going to pay the same business rates that they were, or less! So why are 25% of us being hammered? Surely, they should just put everyone’s up 10 or 15% to claw lots of money in?
Am I being a bit thick here but is a system where 75% of those being taxed stay the same or decrease and 25% are facing 100, 200, 300 and in some cases, 400% increases fair? Surely when they came up with this someone must have tugged at Philip Hammond’s elbow and said “Err Phil……”
Why are they penalising those of us who are being successful at what we do with our properties when we already pay two other Sales Taxes? Surely the council tax for domestic properties will always be rated on the size of the property, not how hard you party in it?
As I write we are a shocking 30 days away from this kicking in and we still don’t have our bills so we don’t actually know what we are paying! A business couldn’t survive if it operated in this way! All we have is “estimates”. Here’s mine;
With screenshots from the VOA website I don’t think I’m distorting the truth am I Mr Javid? I think you’ll find they are the whole truths, not half.
I will personally be around £6,000 worse off. This may not sound a lot in the grand scheme of things but when it comes directly out of your pocket and you have worked hard to build what you have, trust me, it hurts! It hurts more because some others are paying less!
Unfortunately we are fighting for small businesses against a government with no commercial acumen. I have approached my MP, Dr Daniel Poulter, with whom I have a history of being let down by and he has stayed true to form. When I wrote asking him to get involved he simply replied giving me the address of my VOA and suggested I appeal!
Nearby Southwold are being severely hit and facing an average rise of 177%. Their MP, Therese Coffey is backing them. I have a friend who owns six holiday cottages and he is being faced with a similar increase to me and is also being supported by his MP, James Cartlidge. Interestingly just last week, Dr Poulter wrote to me to say he couldn’t do anything, yet in the same letter said he had written to the VOA a couple of weeks ago. Yet, he had already told me he couldn’t do anything. I have written back to him to ask why on earth, when I am taking him task over this, would he fail to tell me he had written to the VOA, when that’s what I’m asking him to do!?!?! Methinks there may be some skulduggery afoot there, which wouldn’t be the first time from an MP. I’m also now waiting for a reply from Jane Ellison MP, who is responsible for the VOA.
I was part of a discussion on this last week on BBC Radio Five Live and since then (not because of me, I’m sure!) things are hotting up and as I listen to that same radio station, there is much debate over this now and it looks like those in power are possibly waking up and admitting they may have got this a little wrong. The main issue of the debate was that it has been discovered that although we are all being told to appeal, the wording of the appeals process is such that any appeal will simply be ignored and we will have to pay! We’ll see what happens.
One of the most frustrating parts of this is the sheer amount of time I, and others like me, are having to spend on this matter, instead of doing what we do best. Working on our businesses! Personally this is taking time away from my businesses, which due to my efforts and those of the amazing team I have around me, now contributes around £1m to the local economy. To clarify, that is not to me but the economy as a whole due to the spend of my guests. If anyone would like to know how this is derived, do get in touch and I will explain it but it is far too weighty to include in this Blog Post.
I apologise for taking up so much of your time with this but if you are a small business owner yourself you’ll know what many of us are going through. There is so much more I could say. Feel free to get in touch with me if you are up against this too.
Thanks for landing on our little page to introduce you briefly to our Suffolk Holiday Cottages and Barges.
We have seven dog-friendly Suffolk Holiday Cottages on a 2 acre site in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Some of them have private Hot Tubs and they all have fully enclosed private gardens.
Six of them are Suffolk Barns, and we have one thatched 500 year old farmhouse; all perfect for a romantic break for two.
In addition to that we have two amazing restored Dutch barges on the Rivers of Suffolk, moored and ready for your floating holiday.
So if you fancy a truly unique experience then do have a good look at the Barge website and scroll through the videos and pics, as well as our Google Virtual Tour, allowing a good look around the inside of each of these beautiful vessels.
So, if you’re enquiring into a stay with us here’s some general info that answer many of the frequently asked questions.
Firstly, thank you so much for your enquiry into a stay at Woodfarm. Our approach is a little different. We’ve got hundreds of Five Star TripAdvisor, Facebook and Google reviews with people raving about us so you never know, we may just appeal to you too. As you read through the reviews you’ll see that there are lots of reasons people love our holiday cottages with hot tubs.
We have a great video to introduce you to our cottages. We also have one for each cottage so make sure you have a good look around on our Cottage Videospage. We have an overview for the Barges too.
If you haven’t stayed before, then subscribe to our VIP Rewards Group to receive a £25 Discount Voucher for your first stay. Just subscribe on our homepage.
Our VIP Rewards Group is where you’ll have access to exclusive offers, first news of cancellations etc., as well as our e-news about all things Suffolk. We don’t bombard you with rubbish and you can opt out at any time. This is a small, independent business, working hard to promote escapes from the norm in Suffolk, that’s all. We don’t ever pass your details to anyone else. If at any point you no longer wish to receive these lovely emails then feel free to unsubscribe.
Suffolk Breakfast Basket
Included within the price of every stay is a delicious, locally-sourced breakfast basket including eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, bread, butter, jam & marmalade and fruit for you to enjoy a proper Suffolk breakfast on your first morning!
We even leave a jar of cookies so you can enjoy a cuppa and a dunk on arrival!
Dog owners We accept up to three and we even leave a Bonio for each of them too. There is a small charge of £15 each in order for us to maintain our strict levels of luxury, quality & cleanliness.
Look at all this! All our cottages have cosy log fires, Flat-screen TV/ DVD/ CD/ iPod Docking stations and FREE Wifi. Bikes, DVDs, CDs, Books and Games are all here too and are all included. View the full list of what’s included.
Awards & Five Star reviews All of our cottages have the ‘Visit England’ Gold Award, reflecting the quality and luxury you can expect here, not to mention our TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistent outstanding reviews. We have hundreds of Five-Star reviews on TripAdvisor, Facebook and Google!
Planning your stay If you have decided to come and stay in our Suffolk Holiday Cottages and would like to start getting excited about your stay then we have tons of info on a website that we’ve developed just for you to plan your stay. ‘Where Do We?…‘ is your online guide to everything Suffolk so hopefully it’ll help.
Days Out We also have a blog series especially for our guests that pulls together some great Days Out, so you can find out how to spend a full day out in specific parts of the local area.
Payments We take a deposit of £100 per cottage at the time of booking, with the balance being payable one month before arrival (extended to two months for Christmas and New year bookings). If your stay is within a month of booking (or within 2 months if for Christmas or New Year) then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
Arrival & Departure We usually say from 3pm as we like to make sure your cottage or barn is ready and we do like to welcome you but we have key safes if you are likely to arrive much later. Departures are by 10.30am latest on the day of departure so we can prepare it for the next guests.
I do hope all that makes sense but if it doesn’t just shout! Similarly if you would like any date options, I’d be pleased to look at those for you or you can simply click on the Availability tab.
Thank you once again for your interest in our Suffolk Holiday Cottages and I’m more than happy to answer any further questions if it helps.
There’s a wealth of wonderful spots in our area that would make fantasy Suffolk Coastal Accommodation. Here’s some of the best places on the Suffolk Coast that many people would love to spend a dream break.
Here at Woodfarm Barns we pride our self on offering wonderful holiday cottages for your Suffolk Coastal accommodation getaway. Our Cottages offer a luxurious base for you to set out from as you explore the rich Suffolk Coastline.
However, here are some places on the Suffolk Coastline that would be candidates for fantasy escapes.
The Martello Towers
Built between 1804 and 1812 to defend Britain from invasion from Napoleon’s France, these imposing defensive towers would make exciting Suffolk Coastal Accommodation.
Many of them are now in private hands and some have even been changed into homes.
You would certainly feel safe and secure inside one of these! Those with more active imaginations could spend their holiday fighting off invading French battleships to their heart’s content. The very definition of a fantasy escape.
Saxtead Green Windmill
There has apparantly been a windmill on this spot in Saxtead since 1287! The current Saxtead Green Mill dates back to at least 1796 when the miller was Amos Webbe.
Just imagine all that has gone on in the world since the mill was first built.
So if, like us, you dream of fantasy Suffolk Coastal Accommodation with real historical precedence then look no further.
The windmill was repaired and restored in 2008 and is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays between 1 April and 30 September each year.
The Coastline itself!
What could be better than camping out on the beach itself? Sleeping inches from the sand, relaxing to the sound of the waves on the shore, falling asleep under the star and waking up to the beautiful sunrise? Surely the beach itself makes the ideal Suffolk Coastal Accommodation?
That’s some people’s dreams, but the stuff of nightmares for others.
Well if you’re into that kind of thing then great. But personally we’d rather stay in a luxury Holiday Cottage. If you’re planning a visit to Suffolk and looking for some real (nearby) Suffolk Coastal Accommodation, then you can check our availability here: We’re only half an hour away from all the wonderful Heritage Coast so you can explore the rest of our fabulous county too.
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