Thurstons Farm

Thurstons occupies an outstanding rural position, with views over the surrounding, gently undulating open countryside. It is situated just outside the small, village of Rendham, which is situated on the River Alde as it flows to Snape, Aldeburgh and then to the sea. Rendham has a popular public house, The White Horse, which has a reputation for good beer, a friendly welcome and relaxed dining in the old fashioned bar.
The original core of the timber framed farmhouse dates from circa 1520 and has fine quality moulded beams, carved doorways and wide oak floorboards. Extended in about 1580, a traditional Suffolk dairy and cheese store (now the kitchen wing) were added in the mid 17th century. It has been referred to by many names over the centuries, but has returned to what was probably its original name – “Thurstons” – after the eminent local family commemorated by a memorial in St Michael’s, Rendham. The property is still recorded on the Ordnance Survey map as White House Farm (its late 19th century name) The gardens surrounding the house are landscaped and planted with mainly indigenous species of flowers and grasses to encourage birds, butterflies and bees, and to link the gardens with the surrounding countryside. A vegetable garden and fruit cage are among the highlights of the working garden. Beyond this are the meadows, ponds and a 4 acre wood, including a small private nature reserve – all managed to encourage wildlife - from buzzards to wrens; large whites to speckled woods; poppies to primroses, and a few great crested newts too. There are a number of quiet public footpaths, and a bridleway nearby, with good access to National Cycle Route 1.
Thurstons also offers the most wonderful range of traditional outbuildings, including Thurstons’ Barn, which experts believe was originally built at the same time as the farmhouse. It was converted in 2001 to provide an excellent function room facility to the main house. With its stone threshing floor and huge oak timbers it has masses of character and a great acoustic for live music. It is a flexible entertaining space which successfully combines the old & new, and is available to hire for a wide range of social events. Attached to Thurstons’ Barn, in the restored eighteenth century stables, is one part of our Bed & Breakfast accommodation, offering two good size double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and its own front door.
Thurstons offers beautiful surroundings and a wonderful place to stay: a rural retreat with all the advantages of being well connected - but why not come stay with us and see for yourself?