Features

We believe we have made Souters welcoming and comfortable. The personal service, homely details, lovely features inside and out and the secluded location all go to make this a very special place to stay. We love adding new features, be they small touches or big garden projects, they all add to the uniqueness of Souters.

The restoration of Souters was completed in 2012 with most of the work being done by Nick. 
Souters is ideal for couples. There is a large sitting room with a high vaulted ceiling, a well equipped open plan kitchen, separate bedroom with a king size bed and a shower room with power shower. Other than the spiral staircase to a mezzanine platform area (for reading, meditating or simply daydreaming) all of Souters is on one level and so suitable for less mobile guests; although there are sloping paths and steps from the parking area to the front door.  There are two terraces so that you can enjoy the sun whatever the time of day. For the colder months, the property benefits from under floor heating. There is also a stylish modern wood burner which provides special warmth to a winter evening. A basket of logs (from the coppiced sweet chestnut woodland) and kindling is supplied, more fuel can be bought from Nick and Cath.

Another important feature is our personal service. From the initial enquiry right through to your arrival we can always be contacted and we are happy to answer any queries or provide more information. If you have any special requirements we will do our best to accommodate them. On arrival at Souters you will be greeted by either one of us, given a rundown of essentials and then left to enjoy your stay in private. However we can always be contacted if needed. Fresh flowers on the table, milk in the fridge and one of Cath's delicious homemade cakes await every guest.

Kitchen

LP gas cooker with grill, oven and four burners
Dishes, metal trays and ample utensils
Extractor hood
Dishwasher
Fridge with a small freezer compartment
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle

Living

Dining table and chairs 
Relaxed seating 
Wood burner
Flat screen tv and DVD player
Small DVD collection
Freeview television
Free Wifi and broadband
Books, cards and games
Maps and guides
Table top ironing board and iron
Vacuum cleaner
 

Shower Room

Power shower
WC
Wash hand basin
Heated towel rail

Bedroom

King size bed
Fitted wardrobe
Hair dryer
Bed linen and towels provided

Lockable Plant room/storage

Washing machine
Suspended clothes dryer
Charcoal storage
Sun lounger storage
Secure bicycle storage

Outside
Rotary clothes dryer
Barbeque
Log fired Pizza oven
Table, parasol and chairs on terrace
Parking for up to 3 cars, more by arrangement
Large informal garden

The interior of Souters is on one level. However, there are sloping paths and steps from the parking area and around the cottage and terrace. The private garden is surrounded by woods but is unfenced and so young children and dogs would need to be supervised. There is a barbecue, pizza oven and a seating area on the terrace. One basket of logs is supplied for use either in the woodburner or pizza oven; further fuel for sale can be found in the log store with firelighters, kindling and crates of logs with a price list and honesty box.

Well behaved dogs and their responsible owners are very welcome (2 dogs maximum). There is an additional charge, please enquire for details. An adjacent fenced field is accessible and suitable for letting dogs run loose.


We love living here and sharing this special place with others. We hope you choose to visit.

Guest Book

We ask visitors to leave an entry in the guest book in their native language. We also encourage Trip Advisor reviews and really appreciate the feedback.

January 2024

Thank you for a fabulous stay! We really enjoyed the peace and quiet and being surrounded by nature.  Look forward to coming back!  Thank you Nick and Cath
~ Lucy and Greg

January 2024

We had a nice and quiet stay at Souters!  What a lovely house!  And such a nice gesture to bake a cake for your guests!  Thank you.  And the flowers.  Thanks Cath and Nick
~ Peter and Melisand, Holland.  Dibbes and Plum

October 2023

Celebrating our 34th! wedding anniversary.  What a magical little haven we've found!  Souters is beautiful, with a lovely friendly atmosphere and surrounded by the most glorious countryside.  We only managed to fit in a stroll around Hadleigh and the woodland walk down to the ancient oak by the river, but both were delightful.  Cath and Nick - thank you for providing such a wonderful place!  P.S. We really enjoyed discovering more about John Bullock Souter and the other artists who have links to the area - those little wood engravings by Vivien Gribbles are gems!
~ Karen and David, Norfolk

October 2023

We've had a lovely stay here in Souters.  We enjoyed the woodland walks - and seeing the wildlife - rabbits, squirrels and pheasants and partridges.  We loved being here. 
~ Hilary and Richard

October 2023

LOVED it !  Such a warm welcome from Cath the moment we arrived and we were glad to be back in the lovely Suffolk countryside.  Our furry charges had a blast exploring the field and the woodland walks and we had yet another lovely lunch at The Dog at Grundisburgh . . . . and at The Marlborough, Dedham.  In the immortal words of Arnie:  we'll be back!
~ Em and Mark and our furry boys Tod and Abe, Dunstable

September 2023

This has been our 4th visit!  Its lovely to see little changes each time we have visited. We will  never  get tired of visiting Souters and the Suffolk/Essex countryside.  Thank you for the thoughtful touches.  We will return.
~ Julie and Martin, Leics

September 2023

What a fabulous week we have had here at Souters!  Weather was incredible, sun every day.  Spent many hours down by the river with a picnic and drinks.  What a restful spot.  Did lots of interesting walks; Hadleigh to Kersey, Polstead, East Bergholt to Flatford, Shotley Point circula from marina.  Had a day out at Aldeburgh (seaside resort) and even had a swim. It's a pretty place welll worth a visit.
Tried our hand at home made pizzas in the wood fired oven.  Great results and super tasty.  Also used the BBQ.  Souters is a truly great holiday home, full of charm and exceptionally well kitted out.  Definitely have to return.  Thanks to Nick and Cath, you're such great hosts.  This was just the break we needed.
~ Belinda and Dave, Harrogate

August 2023

Such a peaceful spot!  We have had a lovely stay.  Thank you for the cake and flowers.  Hope to be back soon.
~ Nicola and Andy, Lincolnshire

August 2023

Thank you Cath and Nick for again two wonderful weeks at Souters.  We loved to be back and see the fly catchers feeding their young in the nest under the roof, just like last year.  The cottage is so comfortable and we have enjoyed ourselves so much walking the public footpaths in the area.  We will visit again!
~ Claudia and Rick, The Netherlands

July 2023

Thank you for a wonderfully relaxing time in your lovely cosy cottage.  We wish we had longer here!!
~ Rachel and Mark, North Wales

June 2023

Thank you Nick and Cath.  Had a lovely holiday, very comfortable in your lovely little cottage.  We love the area.  Thank you for cake and flowers.
~ Bob, Brenda and Molly the dog, Troon, Ayrshire

June 2023

Came with boat based on River Orwell, had alternate days out on the river, did Sutton Hoo and the Long Shed at Woodbridge, replica anglo saxon full size historic vessel being built, visits to Dedham and Flatford, lovely weather, charming holiday venue, good walks for Jack the dog, friendly hosts and nice cake!  Thanks
~ Dave, Margaret and Jack Dog, S.W. Scotland

May 2023

Beautiful and idyllic setting. Couldn't believe how much bird life there is. Sat out regularly and heard nightingales.  Lovely comfortable cottage with everything you could need (and more).  Delicious lemon drizzle cake too.  Thank you both so very much.
~ Amanda and Kevin, Cornwall

April 2023

Thank you Cath and Nick for our first visit to Souters, the "welcome gifts" and flowers.  We seemed to melt seamlessly into the warm homely space you have created - we love all of the wood and your careful attention to detail, which makes this a very special place to stay.  The icing on Bob's birthday cake was hearing a nightingale singing for the first time and the first cuckoo of the summer today (27th April)  We hope to see you again.
~ Bob and Vee, Norfolk

April 2023

Had a lovely break.  Just what we needed.  Beautiful cottage, cosy and well equipped.  Thanks again.
~ Elaine and Ian, Upminster

March 2023

Thank you so much for a great week at Souters Cottage.  The delicious cake was much enjoyed!  We hope to visit again soon (and will remember to bring wellington boots).
~ Joanna and Bob

February 2023

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful Valley Farm with us over winter.  Souters is the cosiest, most tranquil place we have lived.
~ Maisie and Josh

October 2022

We wanted a peaceful break and we found one at Souters.  Lovely wee cottage, lovingly crafted by Nick who even doubled as balloon delivery man - thank you!  Cath so warm and welcoming, plus cake and flowers.  Not to mention a woodland walk right on your doorstep.  We return home refreshed.  Beautiful.
~ Jane and Alastair, Bath

October 2022

Very peaceful setting.  Thank you for your hospitality and the lovely cake!
~ Andy and Margaret, Norwich

October 2022

Our friends recommended Souters after making numerous visits themselves - Chris is the poet!  This place is exactly as they described and even better.  We also enjoyed the home made cake and certainly felt welcomed.
It looks as though we will have to join the queue for our next visit.  Thank you Cath and Nick.
~ Sue and Colin, Cambridge

September 2022

Third visit here, it was exactly what was needed after a few difficult months.  Totally relaxing and so comfortable.  Thank you for the lovely cake.  The jam wasnt bad either!  We will return.
~ Helen and Steve, Hertfordshire.

September 2022

Gorgeous place, just what the doctor ordered. Peaceful. Really enjoyed it, thank you for the lemon cake.  Thoroughly enjoyed that too!  Thank you so much Cath and Nick.  Will defo be back.
~ Thomas,  Jayne and Caspar, Oxford

September 2022

Just what we both needed!  A peaceful, beautiful place to relax and recharge.  Our GSD adored the woods walk down to the river.   Fantastic cottage, so clean and welcoming, loved the banana cake!  We will definitely be coming back and will highly recommend to everyone. Thank you Nick and Cath
~ Dan and Debbie, Berkshire.

September 2022

It's not just the thoughtfulness and comforts that make Souters such a lovely holiday retreat but also it's setting.  If all we were able to do was wrap up in a blanket and sit in the garden from dawn to dusk, we would still feel rested and restored.  The addition of the river walk has been really welcome.  Souters has such a lovely vibe and was just what we needed this week.  This is our third visit and it won't be our last! Thank you Nick and Cath for providing a wonderful holiday home and some tasty home made treats too.
~ Julie and Martin, Leicestershire

September 2022

Lovely cottage and setting - so peaceful! We have enjoyed our stay and walked miles!  Thank you both.
~ Sue and Richard, West Sussex

August 2022

It was hot and still.
Sitting, perched on a fallen tree
I waited.
Movement amongst the fern
fronds betrayed 
a frazzled deer, like me, seeking
refuge from the heat.
Later as the sun abated, I was 
surrounded by
a gang of marauding long tailed
tits, bouncing through
the coppiced woodland in their
pink and white finery.
Souters is a rare treat, thank
you yet again, Nick and Cath
~ Chris and Sandra, Cambridge

August 2022

Thank you for a wonderful stay at Souters.  The cottage is really perfect! We couldn't have been in a better place during these hot days (up to 34 C!) with the lovely, cool garden.  We have explored the area by bicycle, on foot, by kayak and swimming; its so beautiful up here!  Seen at Souters surroundings; A covey of 20 grey partridge (male, female, juvenile) and one pheasant! Nest of spotted flycatchers with 4 young under the roof edge, wren, robin, blue tit, long tailed tits, wood pigeon, quail with young, buuzzard, sparrow hawk, red kite, kestrel, green woodpecker, muntjac deer, roe deer, stoat, badger!!
~ Claudia and Rick, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

July 2022

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - again!  The most perfect place to stay during the heatwave - the cool, shady areas and dewy grass really helped (whilst enjoying Cath's delicious cake!).  Thank you both.  We very much hope to return next year.
~ Cherie and Grahame, Uxbridge

July 2022

The only joy in leaving is in the contemplation of returning.  Thank you.
~ Caroline and Michael

July 2022

"What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare,
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows ......."
Thank you Souters for a lovely restful ambience.
~ Paul and Emma, Nottingham

June 2022

Thank you for allowing us to share some time at this beautiful spot.  The cottage was perfect.  We thoroughly enjoyed taking the time to just sit and look and listen.  A delight to catch the flycatchers fledging and amazing to see the march harrier in flight.  Thank you both.
~ Sthiranaga and Sandra

June 2022

Wht do we keep coming back here?

The flycatcher perches impatiently on a dead twig.
It's head twists and turns following flights of passing insects.
It's eye briefly flick towards where I sit watching, not a threat.
Tolerant of humans it's gaze returns to it's mission,
There are hungry mouths to feed.
After several sojurns into the air a beak of tasty morsels is
conveyed to the nest in the cottage roof.

Souters never disappoints.
Thanks again Nick and Cath
~ Chris and Sandra, Cambridgeshire

May 2022

Really enjoyed our mini break at Souters just chilling out in the lovely "lodge" and wonderful countryside.
~ Joanne and Stephen, Essex 

April/May 2022

What a wonderful spot, so much to see and hear all provided by the natural world around the cottage.  The nightingales were glorious, loved the river walk and just sitting at the table.  Our one day out was to Fingringhoe nature reserve.  Cake delicious.  Thank you.
~ Linda and Keith, Eastbourne

April 2022

What a delightful place, fab location and soooooo tranquil!  Thanks for your hospitality. Loved hearing the nightingales too - what a treat!
~ Mike and Trace and Grace the dog.

April 2022

Such wonderful peace which we really needed. Wonderful chocolate cake and thank you for the milk/teabags etc.  How thoughtful.  Enjoyed the river walk very much.  Great place to chill out.  The jam and marmalade are delicious!
~ Jean and Mike, Kettering

April 2022

Thoroughly loved our stay, so beautiful to come back to.  Cake was lovely thank you.
~ Don and Rossina, Kent

February 2022

Beautiful cottage, perfect weekend bolthole for us and our dogs!  Thank you for the warm welcome, lovely flowers and delicious cake and milk in the fridge!  Wonderful area too! We will be recommending.
~ Andrea and Chris, Kent

October 2021

Thank you Cath and Nick for giving us the opportunity to stay at your wonderful location!  Truly beautiful English countryside.  Also thank you for the lovely cake - your considered hospitality made me very homesick for England.
~ Richard and Amanda, The Netherlands

October 2021

Warm, cosy cottage - yummy cake and sweet peas - whats not to like?! Sure we will be back.  Thank you.
~ Lynn and Richard, Devon

September 2021

Perhaps our 3rd or 4th time here, as always a wonderful, relaxing holiday, away from the maddening crowd!  Thank you for the yummy cake.
~ David, Gina and Bear

September 2021

Comfortable stay.  Enjoyed exploring the area.
~ Graham and Chris, Stroud

September 2021

Haiku to Souters

Lost in time it waits,
An ancient holding, long loved,
A rare enchantment.

Thanks to our hosts Nick and Cath, both creators and conservators.
~ Chris and Sandra, Cambridge

August 2021

"This is our third break at Souters – still finding brilliant places to visit – including Lavenham and Sutton Hoo this time. Thanks to Nick and Cath. Always such a joy to visit here, truly relaxing and lovely.”
~ Penny and Ged, Tyne and Wear

August 2021

Suffolk's secret gem.
Our cottage is at one with nature
Under it's living canopy
The ancient trees whisper, Go they say,
Explore, discover there's so much to see or
Rest and reflect, time stands still here.
Special places need special custodians, thank you
Cath and Nick
~ Chris and Sandra, Cambridge

July 2021

We have had a most wonderful and relaxing week at Souters - we'll definitely return!   Thank you for the delicious cake and welcoming flowers.
~ Grahame and Cherie, Uxbridge

July 2021

Had a great 5 nights at Souters.   As everyone has said before, lovely cottage, and very peaceful garden.  We had good days out to Sutton Hoo, Beth Chatto's garden and a great circular walk from Dedham to Flatford Mill and back.  Also we enjoyed The Crown at Stoke by Nayland for a pint and very good food.  Thank you for the delicious cake and lovely flowers, also the milk which was much appreciated.
~ Michael and Ann, Blackpool

July 2021

A truly relaxing stay in your lovely cottage.  The peace and quiet has been wonderful and the setting an oasis of green.  You are lucky to live in such a beautiful place.  Many thanks for the fresh flowers and cake in the cottage.
~ Sam and Martin, Southend-on-Sea

July 2021

Dear Cath and Nick, thank you so much for the cake and flowers! We have thoroughly enjoyed our week here at Souters and hope to return soon.   P.S. Fryn will be dreaming of rabbits, dragonflies and butterflies for weeks on end!
~ Carlo and Florence, London

June 2021

What a sweet cottage in beautiful surroundings.  We have so enjoyed the birdsong and forgoing our car for lovely walks through the wood and to Stratford and Dedham.  Thank you!
~ Dianne and Tym

June 2021

A thoroughly delightful place to stay.  Thank you.
~ Philip and Irene, Higham, Kent

June 2021

We have enjoyed a very comfortable peaceful week in this beautiful spot - listening to a different birdsong repertoire and watching a clutch of young thrushes leaving their nest.  We would definitely like to stay here again  and explore the area by bike.  Thank you for the cake and flowers and for making the cottage so comfortable.
~ Kate and Jonathan 

June 2021

A wonderful stay in a beautiful secluded location.  A pleasure to have a meet and greet with Cath, our host (thank you for our lovely cake).  Extra bonus to the cottage is the walk through the woods to the river and picnic table all to ourselves was sheer bliss.  Souters really is a fantastic find and would certainly love to return
~ Ken and Nikki

May/June 2021

Souter, maker of shoes, how long ago?  Did he sit in woods like these and see what we see today? An ampitheatre, an oasis, surrounds the cottage.  Tall pines and vibrant sycamore form a protecting wall against the weather.  In the clearing life flourishes.  Listen, there is the thrush and robin, familiar garden friends.  There on the elder sits another speckled visitor, the flycatcher, darting out and back with a beak brimming with flying insects. A rustling in the eaves alerts us to a nest.  The noisy chicks so insistent, the parents so diligent.  It's a great tit nest.  Look carefully, is it a young birds head looking out into a new world?  Without a moments hesitation it leaves the nest, pushing off into the unknown, leaving the less ambitious siblings behind.  One by one over the next few hours they all emerge to their new life.   The last and somewhat reluctant chick, flutters uncertainly and collides with a freshly trimmed hawthorn hedge.  It drops to the ground, shakes it's head and undaunted launches into the air with optomistic determination of youth to join its companions.
What is that commotion?  A jay has entered the arena.  A predator, a danger.  The alert sounds.  Blue tits and their allies mass to attack and harass the gaudily dressed intruder.  It tries to evade the belligerent and incensed parents but they are insistent and will not be denied.  The jay retreats for the time being but he will be back.  The cuckoo mocks his retreat in a strident call, the harbinger of summer.
A rustle, a glimpse of a tan fur, a shy deer melts into the undergrowth.  Night begins to fall and with it the birds join in a joyful chorus, led by the thrush and crowned by the prima donna, the nightingale, notes tumbling on top of each other, rising and falling in mellifluous melody.
As darkness deepens Brock appears, shuffling and huffing on his nightly perambulation.  He stops, sniffs, a tempting scent.  He sample the gift, peanuts.  Little does he realise his image has been captured by an infrared camera and will live on in the watcher's memory.
Maybe the Souter would have seen more but for us it was more than enough.  A magical week, a real tonic, thank you Nick and Cath
~ Chris and Sandra, Cambridge

May 2021

We really enjoyed our long-awaited stay!  What a lovely, homely place in such a peaceful location!  Many thanks.
~ Ute and Damien

May 2021

Thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful setting of your lovely cottage.  Its a great spot to explore the surroundings from.  Armed with waterproofs we walked across the footpaths to Dedham and through your wooded walk down to the river.  Loved listening to the birdsong and trying to identify the bird behind it!  Thank you for your hospitality Nick and Cath and the tasty homemade cake!
~ Bob and Shelley

May 2021

Many thanks for a lovely stay at your cottage.  Beautiful and peaceful with lots of birdsong - loved the nightingales.  Cake was delicious.
~ Viv and Paul

May 2021

We've really enjoyed our stay in this lovely cottage in a beautiful setting and surroundings.  Loved watching the birds and fantastic to be welcomed by a nightingale!  Thank you for sharing it and also the cake and eggs.  
~ Janet and Ian

May 2021

What an amazing place to stay.  We have five children at home, so this was a little piece of heaven for us.  Total peace and quiet!  Lovely walks and bike rides, we will return.  P.S. The ginger cake was delicious.
~ Lee, Joanne and Annie (woof!)

April 2021

Our first break for over a year, and how welcome!  Enjoyed Souters and surroundings very much, especially wildlife and bird song and river walks.  Thank you for the cake and eggs!
~ Heather and Michael

April 2021

Thank you for making us feel so welcome.  Such a beautiful place and a real home from home away from the rat race.  We shall be back soon.
~ Sharon and Rob (and Flossie)

April 2021

We've had a lovely relaxing time at this peaceful location.  Really enjoyed the very efficient wood burner!  Kitchen is very well equipped which we appreciated.
~ Angela and Norm

October 2020

Bird list - mainly via call/song only 25th to 27th October 2020 just around Souters Cottage, woodland and down to the river: 25 species: Pheasant, Wren, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Long-tailed Tit Dunnock, Buzzard, Jackdaw, Black-headed Gull, Chaffinch, Redwing, Coot, Woodpigeon, Mute Swan, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Kestrel, Grey Heron.
Our 17 year old has taken to identifying fungi with his phone app, an autumnal ocupation.  We found common earthbell, common inkcap, turkeytail, charcoal burner, birch polypore, fly agric, shaggy inkcap, parasol, false deathcap and more.
Thoroughly enjoyed the reading eyrie.
~ Alexis, Graham and Alex

October 2020

Thank you for the cake and flowers.  Lovely cake.  We also cleaned you out of jam!   Had a lovely time - loved the location and never having been to Suffolk before loved Constable Country.  We hope to be back soon to discover more of this beautiful county.
~ Linda and John

October 2020

Second visit to your beautiful cottage.  Thank you for the flowers, the yummy cake and the cleanliness.  Your hospitality is second to none.  Bear has certainly enjoyed the woodland and river walks!  At a time when the world seems in chaos, this week away has renewed our vitality and our determination to find somewhere rural to move to.
~ David, Gina and Bear

September 2020

A perfect place to unwind and relax (we certainly did).  A beautiful surrounding amongst the trees.  Lovely to sit on the patio and watch the sun go down.  Cath and Nick you have done a superb job.  Thank you for the cake and flowers, such a lovely thought.  Hopefully we will return at some point.
~ Trevor and Anthea

September 2020

Beautiful place to stay. Loved hearing the trees and watching the sunsets.  Perfect for my online retreat.
~ Caroline

September 2020

Wonderful villages to discover but Flatford Mill is a must.  Souters is a perfect location to rest.  Thank you for delicious cake and beautiful flowers. Have a happy life here!
~ Margaret and Bernie, Norfolk

August 2020

What a lovely tranquil location. Perfect spot for escaping the big city after lockdown.  Will be back to explore some more of the wonderful countryside. Many thanks
~ Helen and Andrew

July 2020

It is a wonderful place you have made! Thank you for the cake - I had not known what a lovely area it is.  It is perfect for solitary retreat - I will spread the word.  Thank you both.
~ Srikirti

February 2020

Lovely, cosy time here at Souters.  Really enjoyed our stay.  Some really lovely walks.  Would love to come back again!  Thank you.
~ Dan and Mel, Kent

January 2020

Wonderful cosy place to stay for a few days walking around Dedham and surrounding area.  definitely plan to return.
~ Andy

January 2020

The perfect place for our New Year trip.  Warm, cosy, clean and comfortable - you couldn't ask for more.  Wish we'd been able to spend more time exploring this lovely area. A real "home from home" - we'd love to come back.  Thank you for the flowers, milk, and delicious cake - a lovely welcome!  Happy New Year!
~ John and Judith, Cumbria

© Copyright 2024 Souters Holiday CottageWeb Design By Toolkit Websites