There are times when you want to stop the world and get off; those never-ending emails, constant pinging of text messages; the demands of kids, work... For those times, a little hub of serenity awaits in the heart of the county – Retreat East.
The idea came from a weekend gathering. Architect owner Dominic Richards, a graduate of The Prince of Wales’ Institute of Architecture, invited a few friends from London to his Suffolk home. They raved about it and wanted to bring others. When Dominic saw a redundant 16th century dairy farm in the village of Hemingstone, he imagined it ‘reborn as a place of beauty, wellbeing and employment’.
Eager to get away from it all, my friend and I arrive early and decide to have lunch in the magnificent Great Barn, overlooking a pretty courtyard where magnolias are in bloom. On warm days you can eat alfresco or sneak an afternoon snooze on a sun lounger.
We enjoy a table near to one of the large windows with the afternoon sun flooding in. Soaking up the chilled atmosphere, we decide to cancel our gym session (what were we thinking?) and sink into one of the large sofas.
Our accommodation, The Burrow, is beautifully decorated in simple ‘country chic’ style. It's one of 28 shepherds' huts and barns, and a farmhouse that accommodates eight guests. From the rope twist light, little bunny salt and pepper shakers to pretty throws, time has been taken over the décor and it shows. There’s even a torch for walking around the site in the evening.
A farmhouse-style kitchen and lounge area with wood-fired burner ensures that if you really want to shut yourself off from the world for a day or two you can. The veranda is a nice touch for evening drinks or morning coffee, and a welcome pack champions Suffolk produce. Looking over the farmland, we exhale a collective 'aaah'...
There are various walks to enjoy in the area. If you forget walking boots, Barbour wellies are available, and there are complimentary bikes. Dogs are welcome and there’s a doggy spa station to clean up after muddy walks.
Customer service is exceptional; nothing is too much trouble. I'm not surprised to learn Retreat East was named one of the Sunday Times best places to stay last year.
There’s a small spa, so we have booked massages. Treatments using Elemental Herbology focus on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine – water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. I'm wood, drawn to new starts, growth and possibilities.
The heated beds, ambient music and professional touch of my therapist ensure that when the time is up it's far too soon. We also make use of the spacious sauna and steam rooms, and half an hour in the hot tub. Pre-booked complimentary slots ensure you have exclusive use.
The evening atmosphere in the Great Barn is relaxed. There's a family celebration, couples having an intimate dinner, friends catching up. The inventive seasonal menu has a good range of meat and vegetarian options using locally sourced produce, and fruit and veg from the organic kitchen garden.
Board games are on offer, so we sink into one of the sofas (it’s becoming a habit) and play Scrabble. It’s nice to see other guests taking advantage of the games instead of their phones. It really feels like you are a guest at an English country house gathering.
After a great sleep we enjoy breakfast from a menu that includes no waste smoothies and options from healthy to a hearty English breakfast.
It's impossible not to relax here. Retreat East has a Soho Farmhouse vibe but without the price tag or membership. It says take time to ‘eat, sleep and retreat'... and that’s just what we did.
For prices and availability retreateast.co.uk
