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The Curious Oyster, Orford

(Ref. 1116978)

Orford, Suffolk Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Cot available
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • welcome (9)
  • curious (7)
  • no (7)
  • oyster (7)
  • orford (6)
  • castle (6)

13 Customer Reviews

  • "Great property, really would love to come back and stay at a some point in the future."

    Reviewed by Neil5.0Nov 2024

  • "Absolute gorgeous bolt hole, with lovely Scandi styling."

    The welcome gifts were much appreciated and got our holiday off to a great start. We loved it. We did leave a note as the taps in the kitchen and bathroom sinks did drip significantly and loudly (probably noticed more because of the silence!) and the hoover performance was a bit patchy but those are niggles really and easily fixed. It’s such a fabulous spot and we loved it. Pinneys seafood, Pump Bakery bread and cakes, great pub food in The Kings Head, coffee and cakes in the cafes, fine dining at the dog-friendly table in the Crown and Castle, river trips round the Ness - we did it all. Also day trips to Aldeburgh and Sutton Hoo plus a look round Orford Castle which is literally on the doorstep. The grounds were great for walking the dog - he loved all the new smells! Appreciated that so many places were dog- friendly, including the Curious Oyster. We’ll be back!

    Reviewed by Nikki5.0Sep 2024

  • "We had to leave a day early,as my wife slipped on the the loose gravel drive where it met the tarmac, due to the overspill of the gravel on the steep slope down to the road."

    We spent the day at Ipswich hospital as she has broken her ankle in 2 places. She is now waiting for surgery to have her ankle pinned. It was such a shame as the curious oyster was a lovely studio and was nicely equipped and was ideally placed for walking into the centre of Orford. It was very clean and tidy. The garden and garden furniture needs some attentio

    Reviewed by Chris5.0Jul 2024

  • "Beautiful secluded spot but still close enough to amenities!"

    Very comfortable and larger than expected garden.

    Reviewed by Rob5.0Jun 2024

  • "The Curious Oyster is perfect!"

    The owner has thoughtfully provided everything for your stay and the cottage is beautifully furnished with lots of attention to detail. The welcome goodies were top quality and much appreciated. The cottage is in a quiet peaceful location with a view of the castle and is very close to the centre of Orford which is a lovely town. I highly recommend this cottage as one of the best we have ever stayed in.

    Reviewed by Sandy5.0May 2024

  • "A wonderful stay at The Curious Oyster!"

    Such a fabulous property - stylish, comfortable, generous welcome gifts, all in a beautiful location. We have rented this house & The Dunns previously & highly recommend both.

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Nov 2023

  • "The accommodation is clean, modern and 'Scandi' influenced."

    The main living area is well appointed with good quality fittings and welcome items provided. The Oyster's location is excellent, adjacent to the castle, next stop the Crown & Castle, then the newspapers in the foyer of the Town Hall, the General Store (great bread and selection of cheeses, etc.), King's Head and the Jolly Sailor - three recommended dog-friendly hostelries and venues. Some other places are not dog friendly but we did use the tearooms on the riverside and the smoke house shop. Maintenance - the enclosed garden's grass had not been cut for some time so clearing up was made a little harder (perhaps its being re-wilded?) and the conifer type hedge up the driveway was also unkempt to the extent it brushes the car as you use the drive when you get as close as you can to the on-site bungalow. The Curious Oyster sign at the end of the drive is also unkempt as its partially covered in ivy so look out for The Dunns sign and you're there, it's the same driveway. Would we go back - certainly, good accommodation, well sited, clean and the people we met seemed friendly.

    Reviewed by Ralph4.7Nov 2023

  • "Lovely place to stay."

    Property very clean and a nice welcome pack provided which was a nice touch.

    Reviewed by Tim5.0Oct 2023

  • "The property was just as it looked in all the photos."

    It was easy to find and in a great place for exploring Orford itself, taking the boat over to Orford Ness (which I had booked in advance online to ensure we could go) and coastal walks. We didn't use our car for the first two days! The garden was a pleasant place to sit in the afternoon sunshine with a view of the Keep. The property itself was well laid out, contemporary in design, extremely well equipped especially in the kitchen area. The bed was very comfortable as well as the sofa. The TV was only able to show bbciplayer, prime and netflix as there is currently an issue with the freeview. We did also have only lukewarm water for the shower but the owner was helpful when I phoned her on the first day. The bath was fine, nice and long and relaxing. We had the best welcome pack we have ever had in a holiday cottage, thank you. We had breakfast at the bakery, a lunch at the Jolly Sailor (a bit chaotic garden table service!), an evening 'pub' food meal at the Kings Arms and a drink in the garden at the Crown and Castle. Would recommend the village stores too and we loved the honesty box newspaper hut near the village hall! A great choice all within walking distance. The property is set behind The Dunns which is owned by the same family. Would highly recommend staying at the Curious Oyster, you will not be disappointed.

    Reviewed by Judith4.7Apr 2023

  • "The Curious Oyster is the most exquisite holiday home in a beautiful location."

    Such care has been taken in making it gorgeously comfortable and stylish - soft colours and tones, the most comfy bed, a sun trap garden and everything you could possibly wish for. Orford village is a delight and so many wonderful places to visit right on your doorstep. We will certainly visit again. Thank you x

    Reviewed by Sarah5.0Mar 2023

  • "A real gem."

    Peaceful, clean, well equipped and the welcome pack is a surprise. As previous owners of a B and B and Self catering apartment we must say this is a testament to careful planning and excellent presentation. We would have no problem returning. Well done both of you.

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Mar 2023

  • "The property was very comfortable and relaxing, unfortunately we couldn't enjoy the garden because of the weather, so we need to come back again, we loved the welcome pack and the fresh flowers, that was a great touch, there was a good selection of teas and coffees, which we appreciated, the property was in a good location, walking distance from the local stores, Baker, butcher, pubs and restaurants, Orford is very attractive village to explore, we couldn't go in the castle because it was closed, this is another reason we need to come back, but we walked around the grounds, Orford is a short driving distance from other local attractions, highly recommended."

    Reviewed by John5.0Oct 2022

  • "Lovely cottage just right for two garden safe for small dogs and children lovely view of castle too."

    Jodie Pinney was so kind to let us leave Molly (our elderly cairn terrier ) at home for a short while. Plus a fabulous welcome basket and Oysterage voucher what a lovely surprise. Of course we spent it !

    Reviewed by Joanna4.1Jul 2022

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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

  • Single storey
  • One king-size bedroom with en-suite with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Open-plan living space with kitchen and sitting area
  • Central heating
  • Electric oven, grill and hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher
  • TV with FreeSat and Sky, WiFi
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot available
  • Off-road parking for minimum two cars
  • Private cottage gardens with patio furniture and barbecue
  • One well-behaved dog welcome
  • Shop 0.4 miles, pub 0.4 miles
  • Note: There is no microwave at the property so please bear this in mind when booking
  • Note: There is a step outside from the living space to the garden so please bear this in mind when booking
  • Note: This property only offers a Monday & Friday arrival
  • Note: Property is enquiry only so please get in touch if you would like to book

The property

The Curious Oyster is a hidden gem in the heart of the beautiful town of Orford in East Suffolk and offers a truly romantic getaway for couples looking for an intimate break.

Drive up to the property and take advantage of the convenient off-road parking before opening the gate to the private gardens, a delightful introduction to this hugely inviting property.

Double doors lead into the welcoming open-plan living space where there is a large sofa perfect for sinking into after a hard day of exploring.

Kick off your shoes and enjoy the feel of the soft and stylish rug underfoot while indulging in some telly or just enjoying each other’s company.

Step into the attractive kitchen which is fully equipped and the ideal space to test your culinary skills and when dinner is ready, serve up at the elegant table for two.

Here there are attractive patio doors opening onto a gorgeous cottage garden where there is a table and chairs so if the weather allows why not eat alfresco and enjoy the stunning views of the keep of Orford Castle or if you really want to make the most of any sunshine, then why not fire up the barbecue?

After the sun has set and darkness descends, make your way to the generous king-size bedroom which is light and airy and offers a truly calming ambience to its guests.

After a refreshing shower or relaxing bath, grab a coffee and head outside to plan the activities for the day.

There is so much to do both on the doorstep and a little further afield, it’ll be hard to pack it all in!

Orford is a lively fishing village with some popular shops and restaurants serving up some delicious local produce so the ideal place to stock up on all those essentials before heading out to explore the surrounding countryside which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Here you will find loads of beautiful walks rewarded with some captivating views as well as the Orford Ness National Nature Reserve.

Soak up some history with a visit to either Helmingham Hall and Gardens or Framlingham Castle; both are within a short drive or pick up your own piece of history at Yoxford Antiques Centre and Gardens.

Other local towns worth visiting in the area include Aldeburgh, Framlingham, Saxmundham and Thorpeness.

The Curious Oyster offers guests a welcome retreat.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

View on map

About the location

ORFORD

Snape Maltings 5 miles; Woodbridge 12 miles;

The attractive, unspoiled fishing village of Orford is situated on the bank of the River Alde and looked over by its magnificent 12th century castle built by Henry II. The village is home to a hotel and restaurant, two pubs, village store, bakers and wonderful fish restaurant and smokehouse. Orford is surrounded by farm land and forest in an area known as the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Centrally located, just 12 miles from Woodbridge to the south and Aldeburgh to the north, and just 5 miles from the famous Snape Maltings complex. The village of Orford is steeped in history. Henry II commissioned a castle to be built in the 12th century which is a must see when you visit the area. Owned and maintained by English Heritage you can enjoy this wonderful 'keep' and from the top there are breathtaking views for miles on a clear day.

Note: There is no microwave at the property so please bear this in mind when booking.
Note: There is a step outside from the living space to the garden so please bear this in mind when booking.
Note: This property only offers a Monday & Friday arrival
Note: Property is enquiry only so please get in touch if you would like to book

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas