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Sustainable Property
Sustonica, the first global sustainability standard for holiday lets.
Our aim is to create lasting holiday memories and we intend to do so both responsibly and sustainably.
To deliver on this we've set out a number of environmental and social pledges which help to focus our efforts;
you can read more about them in our Impact Report.
This is why we've partnered with Sustonica, the first global certification for holiday lets,
to support our owners to be more sustainable.
The Sustonica certification focuses on four key areas: energy conservation, water conservation,
waste reduction and promoting inclusiveness. They are on a mission to become the most widely
recognised sustainability standard for holiday rentals and a catalyst to reduce emissions of holiday
lets and influence guests to reduce their own household consumption too.
Properties that display the Sustonica badge have successfully passed the criteria,
which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards,
and their owner has made a commitment to look after our planet as well as you.
"A great little cottage with everything you'd possibly need in a home from home stay."
Lovely little courtyard and comfy beds. Close to the town for a wander and central to finding villages and towns in the area.
Reviewed by Shirley4.7★Sep 2024
"What a fantastic cottage, great location, very clean."
The little touches made it, like milk in the fridge, prosecco, chocolates on arrival. The courtyard at the back was idea for the dog and the bench at the front was a lovely sun trap in the afternoon.
We would highly recommend Smugglers Rest and will defiantly be returning.
Reviewed by Brett5.0★Sep 2024
"This place is a fantastic find."
I found parking nearby and as I was on with my dog this made carrying things easier. There’s everything you need and more. Perfect spot with a dog as this end of the beach you can take your dog on. We loved our stay here it was perfect!
Reviewed by Rachael5.0★Aug 2024
"A lovely little cottage in an excellent location just off the end of the High Street."
The relatively small interior has been thoughtfully appointed to maximise space and it is very comfortable. Great to have the rear courtyard, but we also made great use of the little bench to the front of the property which is a fabulous afternoon sun-trap. We found a car parking spot just 100m further down Park Road, which was handy. One small issue we had was that the shower waste in the middle of the wet-room floor appeared to be clogged up because water was not draining away as quickly as one would expect, and if water was then allowed to gather around the toilet it seeped underneath the base of the toilet and dripped through the ceiling above the bottom of the stairs - we only had this happen to us the first time we used the shower, we subsequently controlled the flow of water from the shower to prevent too much water pooling on the floor. I reported this on departure to the housekeeping/cleaning company who said they would attend to the issue, so hopefully this has now been sorted. This did not detract from a fabulous week in a beautiful coastal town. Whilst dogs are not allowed on the stretch of beach directly in front of the town 1st May - 30th Sept, the stretch beyond the Scallop sculpture all the way to Thorpeness is dog-friendly - and very quiet! - so that our young labrador thoroughly enjoyed her first trip to the seaside, running along the beach and playing in the waves. The walk back to Aldeburgh past Thorpeness golf club and along the old railway is a lovely alternative route. We would definitely consider returning to this cottage.
Reviewed by Miles4.4★Jul 2024
"Smuggler's Rest is a very well equipped, cosy Aldeburgh retreat."
It's just a short walk away from the High Street shops, eateries and the beach.
The 2 things you need to be aware of are that the staircase is quite steep and handholds near the top are a little awkward and the bathroom is a wet room.
Neither of these things caused a real problem for us once my wife, who has slightly restricted mobility, worked out how to deal with the stairs.
Park Road is quite narrow and parking needs thought. We didn't have a problem with this and managed to find a space every day. There are some restrictions (by single yellow lines) between 9.00 and 18.00 but there are spaces around the corner and towards the Martello Tower.
If and when we return to Aldeburgh, I will check to see if there is availability here first.
Reviewed by Geoff4.1★Jun 2024
"A perfect little cottage ideally situated with just a short stroll to seafront, shops and coastal walks."
We appreciated the courtyard and the bench at the front as we had lovely weather. The bed is one of the comfiest we have slept in and we loved the shower. Please consider providing a rug to allow our dog to sit beside us on the settee as she usually would. Thank you for a lovely holiday home.
Reviewed by Kate4.7★May 2024
"Lovely cottage very cosy, my only complaint was you couldn’t turn the heating off so very warm at times."
My fault for not contacting the office. Would definitely recommend this cottage and great location. We will be returning
Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Mar 2024
"Thank you for our stay in Smugglers Rest."
It’s a comfortable cottage very close to the High Street and yet very little traffic noise. The sea front is only a short walk away too.
We enjoyed our Christmas here and appreciated the festive touches to our welcome. The cottage was well equipped to enable us to do everything we wanted except use the overflow fridge in the shed. The door to the shed was stuck but it wasn’t a show-stopper and so we didn’t call the number given for help.
With two of us being vegans, we appreciated the vegan soap & cleaning materials. These are not often considered in providing holiday accommodation.
Aldeburgh is an attractive town and a good base for exploring the environment of this part of Suffolk. We had two lovely forest walks during our stay - Captain’s Wood and Tunstall forest.
It was also a memorable first visit by me (Rob) to the place where Benjamin Britten was born, lived and died. As a boy chorister in Worcester Cathedral Choir, I sang a fair number of his compositions including a part in the War Requiem in Birmingham Town Hall in November 1964. I liked his choral music more than most of the other pieces I sang in the choir.
Please note that I do not recommend service providers. That explains low rating. I regard the question as pointless.
Dear Robert, thank you for your feedback and for booking Smugglers Rest for your Christmas break. And how very special with your experience as a chorister to spend time in the town where Britten spent most of his life!
We are sorry to hear about the shed door and are also in Aldeburgh for Christmas and New Year so could have sorted it for you - it can stick in damp weather and just needs a short knock at the top left to pop it open. We do hope you managed ok with the fridge/freezer inside the cottage.
Thanks too for noticing the vegan toiletries and cleaning products. Jeff is vegan too so he was keen we provide cruelty free items.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year and we hope you come back to Aldeburgh and Smughlers Rest.
All the best, Desiree
Property Owner
Reviewed by Robert5.0★Dec 2023
"This is a tiny property but so well proportioned that it feels snug and cosy."
It has everything you need. The courtyard with garden furniture is wonderful. The cottage is perfectly located for the beach and town.
Reviewed by Christopher5.0★Sep 2023
"We had a wonderful time staying at the Smugglers Rest."
Aldeburgh was beautiful and we had lots of fun enjoying the area.
Thank you.
AnonymousAug 2023
"A well appointed beautiful cottage that has everything you need."
Great location and the outside space is a real bonus. Parking nearby was always easy and the cottage location is great exploring Aldeburgh.
Reviewed by Chris5.0★Jul 2023
"There are no improvements to the property to justify a price increase since last year."
Energy cost increases are not relevant to a Summer stay.
If there are rules such as wearing cheap disposable slippers when going upstairs this should be made clear on the listing.
We have stayed here twice before and will not be returning.
Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry to hear you feel that way in comparison to all the previous, positive feedback from guests.
The owners request that guests wear the new slippers they provide for each booking to protect the new carpets and newly tiled wet room floor (which also now has underfloor heating to expediate its drying time and provide extra comfort during the colder months). The owners are also continually adding improvements to Smugglers Rest, with a new fridge and a living room sofa and armchair this year alone.
While we appreciate the heating is not always used during the summer months, the hot water, electrics, and water are all still key parts of enjoying a holiday let, even in the summer.
We are saddened to hear that you have decided not to return to Smugglers Rest again in the future and that the slippers and agreed rental affected your enjoyment of the property.
Kind Regards, Best of Suffolk.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Sandy3.8★Jul 2023
"On arrival we were greeted by this lovely cottage, once inside we found it very highly finished and really well layed out."
Very comfortable lovely bedrooms and bathroom facilities. Breakfast in the courtyard garden was a delight. A well fitted kitchen and a very comfortable lounge. Overall the cottage plus Aldeburgh was a real delight, a lovely break which we really enjoyed. Would come back again.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday at Smugglers Rest and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Michael5.0★Jul 2023
"The details as we read online are exactly as when we arrived."
A very pretty cottage with all the facilities as you would need. Lovely courtyard garden for breakfast in the morning. The town of Aldeburgh is just perfect, plenty of interesting shops plus eateries. The beach front walk is lovely. Well placed for visiting other areas. Overall a superb cottage with great accommodation, made for a great holiday.
Georgia & MitchJul 2023
"We've had a great week - the weather mixed but not a problem."
House is well equipped and comfortable, most importantly it is tasteful!
Aldeburgh is an excellent location, some fabulous shops, beach and delicious places to eat. It also makes for a good base and this year we went to Orford, amongst others such a beautiful village, well worth visiting.
Thank you for a great week.
Frances & StephenJul 2023
"Great location, attractive cottage which was comfortable, well equipped, tastefully decorated and a pleasant courtyard garden."
Thank you for taking the time to leave this kind review. It is always lovely to hear that our guests have enjoyed their holiday at Smugglers Rest, and even better to know that you had the weather to enjoy the courtyard garden!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Frances4.7★Jun 2023
"When we arrived 26/5/23 we found out the road was to be closed off from later that day through to 5/6/23."
Letter in cottage regarding the closure dated 27/4/23, If I had known I would have cancelled. The fridge in kitchen we filled up upon arrival, the next morning we rose and found, the goods inside were frozen solid, this was reported on Saturday, but nothing was done until Tuesday, the fridge was changed to another that had been in the outside shed which we were informed was now fully working properly. after a few hours we smelt a really strange smell , this was traced to the fridge it smelt like rotten gone off cheese, as a consequence we had to turn it off when we were in the cottage and turn it on when out or in bed. this was notified and was told something would be done, as a result of this and other matters namely non information of bathroom being a wet room where everything got soaked, cob webs above kitchen cabinets, no information on how to operate hob and oven, dirty and worn paintwork, grubby furniture in lounge, the garden was a tiny courtyard with overgrown plants and shrubs. this all together is why we decided to call it a day and we left at lunchtime Thursday 1/6/23 my wifes birthday!! the reason we left at lunchtime and not before was because my car was blocked in by the work going on in the road otherwise we were ready to go at 9.30..
Reviewed by Ian1.3★May 2023
"Smugglers Rest is a lovely little cottage very conveniently located for all Aldeburgh has to offer."
Pubs, restaurants, beach, dog walks etc all within easy walking distance. The cottage is suitably equipped for stays and the complimentary Prosecco is very welcome.
Reviewed by Ron5.0★May 2023
"Great cottage, with everything you could possibly need."
We thoroughly enjoyed staying there. It's close for dog walks and close to the town.
Reviewed by Nadia4.7★Mar 2023
"Found the stairs to be very steep, which presented difficulties for my wife."
Similarly, low back on sofas may look nice but don't offer enough support when you reach a certain age. Otherwise, the cottage was well presented and in a good location.
Reviewed by Stephen3.8★Mar 2023
"Very cosy, clean and comfortable cottage in an ideal location just off the High Street but close enough to all the facilities."
Very clean and well equipped. The biscuits, proseco and dig treats were a nice surprise and most appreciated. Thank you very much, Ian, Nary and Lucie.
Reviewed by Ian4.7★Mar 2023
"Lovely cottage in a fabulous central position in Aldeburgh."
Everything was catered for, and the extras (biscuits, wine and dog treats) were much appreciated. Bed was comfortable. Only negative was the sofa, could really do with a larger more comfortable one.
Thanks for a lovely stay.
This property is part of the Best of Suffolk collection.
Best of Suffolk is an award-winning, local holiday cottage lettings agency, bringing the experience of a boutique hotel to self-catering cottages in Suffolk.
Summary
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size 1 x single
Wet room with underfloor heating, basin and WC
Open-plan kitchen, dining area and sitting area
Gas heating with woodburning stove
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher
TV, DVD player, iPod docking station, WiFi
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot available
On-road parking for 1 car
Enclosed rear garden with furniture and barbecue
One well behaved dog welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.3 miles, pub 0.4 miles
Note: If you wish to bring a dog, it must be mentioned at the time of booking
The property
A white terraced cottage with a blue door, settled into the seaside town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk, within easy reach of local amenities and the beach, Smugglers Rest is ideal for a family of three.
Enter into an open-plan sitting area with wooden flooring and two sofas encouraging you to recline beside the woodburning stove as the designated chef cooks up a storm, presenting it at the central dining table, making this space a great social hub for all guests to enjoy.
The master bedroom has a built-in wardrobe and mirror and is decorated in calming creams and browns, whilst the single bedroom is perfect for a child, with a family bathroom within easy reach of both bedrooms.
If dining alfresco is a must for your holiday, you will be delighted to find a patio with seating and a barbecue.
Aldeburgh is a fantastic seaside town with a lot on offer, beginning with the eateries and independent shops, where you can try out local produce, stock up on essentials and enjoy a hot meal before heading out to the beach, where watersports, walk and wild swimming can be enjoyed.
Visit the local museum to learn more about the local area or enjoy the scenery at Snape path and Haven Nature Reserve.
A little further from the property, take a day trip to the quaint village of Orford where you can visit the wonderful Orford Castle and picnic in the grounds.
Make a family holiday to remember with a stay at Smugglers Rest.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.
View on map
Where you’ll be staying
ALDEBURGH
Thorpeness 2.1 miles; Saxmundham 7.2 miles.
The popular, vibrant seaside town of Aldeburgh is famous for its culture, traditional feel and one of the best fish and chip shops in the country! Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings are home to one of the world’s greatest music festivals and has been named as one of the top 50 places to live in Britain. Crag Path runs along the seafront dividing the beautiful pebbly beach from the unspoilt pastel-coloured seafront properties and the town. The beach is a popular place for groups and couples to enjoy the wonderful fish and chips throughout the summer months. The town is steeped in history and has become a wonderful town for shopping with a good mixture of independent and chain stores to enjoy. The town also offers a good selection of pubs and restaurants or why not buy some freshly caught fish from the huts on the seafront and cook up your own feast at home. For those wishing for a more action-packed holiday there is excellent walking, cycling, sailing and golf at Aldeburgh. Growing in popularity you will want to return to Aldeburgh again and again!
