Saltmarsh - a house that sleeps 5 guests in 3 bedrooms

Our captivating coastal cottage is a proper come-in-kick-your-shoes-off-and-relax sort of place. Sleeping up to five guests, with a maximum of four adults, it’s bright, comfortable and refreshingly unfussy inside, with sociable spaces for lazy breakfasts, post-beach lounging and the sort of dinners that start sensibly and somehow end with another bottle opened. The wood burner is ready for cooler nights, while the raised terrace out front is the real scene-stealer: sunny, spacious and dangerously good at making you cancel your plans.

Saltmarsh is located right at Felixstowe Ferry. All big skies, bobbing boats and a pace that feels pleasantly unbothered. The river and beach are a short wander away, with paddleboards, kayaks and sailing for those feeling energetic. The little cluster around the Ferry punches well above its weight too, two brilliant cafés for lazy breakfasts and post-swim coffees, an ice cream hut, and fresh fish sold practically on your doorstep. There’s even a golf course tucked beside the coast if your idea of relaxing involves a driver and questionable optimism. And then there’s the foot ferry to Bawdsey, just metres away, hopping across the mouth of the Deben to quieter shores, Martello towers and endless walks along the coast.

Right by the water in Felixstowe Ferry, this coastal cottage keeps things simple in all the right ways. Classic seaside blue on the outside, a wide decked terrace out front, and a layout that works exactly as it should for time away by the coast.

Inside, the open-plan kitchen and dining space is bright, sociable and properly set up for staying in as much as going out. There’s a large table for long meals, a breakfast bar for quicker ones, and everything you need to cook without compromise. The sitting room follows on with a deep corner sofa and wood burning stove, ideal when the weather turns or the evening calls for staying put.

Sleeping is spread across three rooms: a king for stretching out, a twin that works for friends or family, and a snug single (suited to children only) that’s compact but well considered. Everything feels calm, unfussy and comfortable.

Step outside and the terrace does a lot of the heavy lifting. Elevated, spacious and perfectly placed for the sun, it’s spot-on for slow breakfasts, late lunches and something cold as the boats drift past. It’s very easy to lose track of time out here.

All just a short walk from the river, the beach and the laid-back rhythm that makes Felixstowe Ferry such a good place to switch off.