Ickworth House near our Suffolk holiday cottages

Vines from Ickworth House planted at Woodfarm

Having visited Ickworth House last in October 2012 for the first time we found that they were selling off all the established grapevines in order to re-instate the vineyard to the way it would have been around the turn of the last century. It seemed a terrible shame that they were doing that as I don’t really see what harm a vineyard was doing to the look of the place!

The day came to go and dig up the vines we’d ordered and bring them back for planting around the gardens Woodfarm House and Barns, which are slightly smaller and possibly less grand than those of Ickworth.

Jillian & Charles of Ickworth Vineyards were very helpful and hopefully we’ve managed to keep them alive (the vines, not Jillian & Charles) and successfully planted. We now have vines around the entrances to the farmhouse, around the pergola and against the walls of some of the barns.

Hopefully we’ll find out next year when we hope to pick the grapes, take off our shoes and socks and produce some lovely bottles of red “Chateau Woodfarm”…
Mmmmm, not sure about the name!

dA misty morning at Ickworth House

e

The Vineyard

 f

Wrapping the root ball in newspaper for the journey

g

The collective noun for vines is a ‘Carfull’

h

Keeping them moist before we plant them

 i

Planting them all round the pergola

j

 

 

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

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all accommodation

Brilliant beaches! Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, with great beaches, all in easy reach of us.

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all accommodation

We don't just tolerate Dogs, we welcome them! We've built a strong reputation in this market, and we're proud of it!

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at the barns

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in.

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all accommodation

Free Doggy treats, Dog bowls, and Dog towels. Our furry friends even get Woodfarm branded poop bag holders!

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all accommodation

Visit England Gold Awards coming out of our ears, as well as their coveted ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

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all accommodation

Well in excess of 1,000 Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 25% of our guests come back!

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all accommodation

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation, just because you're worth it.

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all accommodation

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Two AONB's on our doorstep! Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

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on the barges

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

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