Hawk End Cottage

Our lovely thatched cottage dates from around 1560 and is one of the oldest houses in the village. We have lived here for eight years and have spent all that time renovating both house and gardens and adding a lovely garden room. This is still lots to do!

We have a spacious kitchen, recently refitted, with room to have breakfast and a separate utility room with a loo. There is a dining room next door, with a piano (slightly out of tune) and stairs to the bedrooms and bathroom. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower, but no bath. There are 3 bedrooms, two doubles and one that can be a single, twin or double.

The other half of the house has our renovated sitting room - lots of beams and interesting fireplace, that opens out to a light and airy garden room overlooking the work-in-progress back garden. This has a greenhouse and some veg beds and a chicken area with two chickens - Mavis and Rita - who we would ask you to feed in exchange for fresh eggs. The garden is secure, with ample room for dogs and children to play in. The front garden is now a real cottage garden, with hundreds of plants and lots of colour.

About the location

Elmswell is a large village, with good road and rail links. There is a railway station - the line runs at the back of our garden - with direct links to Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. We also have a limited bus service, which meanders around the villages.

The village is well-served with a large Co-op supermarket, a small convenience store, a brilliant butchers, hair dressers, 2 takeaways, a community cafe and 2 pubs. There are footpath walks straight from the house and plenty within a short drive.

Bury St Edmunds is 12 mins away by car and is a lovely town. There are many independent shops, a wide range of restaurants, theatres, cinemas, a museum and a fabulous cathedral surrounded by gardens. It is called the `jewel in the crown of Suffolk` and we love it. Further afield, there are places of interest in Ipswich, Lavenham and of course, Cambridge. The beach is a 40 min drive and it may be possible to have use of our beach hut during your stay.

Type of swap

  • Home Exchange

Conditions of exchange

  • Non smokers only
  • Pets welcome
  • Children welcome

Elmswell (HE39506)

Suffolk,   England

  • 3 bed   (sleeps 6) 1 bath

Preferred destinations

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
UK swaps where we can take our dog. Not London please. We are all sorted now for 2024!

Dates available

Open to offers

Swap duration: Open to offer

Meet the member

Adults: 2      Children: 0
Experienced Exchanger

Membership expiry date: 08 Jun 2024