Found Tower
Bawdsey, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
For a unique escape like no other, whisk the party away to this exclusive, luxury self-catering Martello tower on the shores of the Suffolk coastline, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Settled on the Deben Peninsula and looking across to Bawdsey village, from the moment of arrival via the sandy track and ascending flight of steel stairs, Found Tower gives the fluttering butterfly feeling of boarding a private jet. Only here it’s not about the journey, it’s all about the destination.
Introduction
Found Tower was originally built to defend Napoleonic forces in the 1800s and, after a stylish renovation, now offers a unique self-catering retreat. An occasion house with a capital 'O', this imposing Martello tower in Bawdsey comprises almost a million bricks wrapped around one huge central brick shaft, inviting guests to kick back over three floors of contemporary living spaces. If you can tear yourself away from living like Royals at the tower, the coast path running below is perfect for a picturesque morning jog. As for afternoons, hire a Big Sky classic car for the day and enjoy old-fashioned jaunts along winding Suffolk coastal roads in your vintage Morgan.
Inside
Entering on the first floor, guests are welcomed into a circular snug area laid with rugs and stacked with firewood. From here, a spiral staircase sweeps up to the rooftop level, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360-degree views of the Suffolk coastline. Heading downstairs from the first floor, the modern-rustic design flows towards the tower’s sleeping quarters, comprising two sharply modish bathrooms and three sumptuous double bedrooms. Pipes of natural light flood through the fortress’s three-metre walls via angular drilled holes, whilst camera obscura project hazy outside views into the smaller bedrooms, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of elements
Outside
Found Tower’s roof terrace will rival any in the city when it comes to entertaining. Complete with panoramic views, guests will love to mellow out on the floor seating and bask in the warm sun during the day. At night, watch as an explosion of stars pinprick the sky, casting darkness over the rolling Suffolk countryside to the west and leaving twinkly reflections in the water meadows and lagoon to the east. As for the surrounds; situated in the small, rural hamlet of Bawdsey, Orford is 13 miles to the north while the riverside town of Woodbridge is a 20-minute drive - desirable holiday destinations for foodies and yachties respectively.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three ground floor bedrooms at the property; one with super-king size bed and two with king-size beds. Also on the ground floor are two family bathrooms with overhead showers, one separate WC.
View bedrooms - FeaturesGrand piano, firepit and rooftop terrace
- PetsThree well-behaved dogs are welcome. Other pets accepted on prior request.
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome, there is a travel cot and highchair available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for three cars, access to the tower is through farmland by way of a private track and may be unsuitable for some low slung vehicles. The kitchen has mod cons including an electric oven, hob, washing machine, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine. Please note, due to the large 360-degree glass windows, the top floor will be cooler in winter months. Please note some may find the stairs steep, please ensure children are supervised.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper with local produce, chocolates, bottle of Prosecco, two music systems, iPad, WiFi internet, linen, towels, logs and kindling for the fire.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Woodbridge
Rope and sails, seagulls and nets: this thriving market town located right on the river Deben in Suffolk is just the place for boating enthusiasts, not far from the sea and surrounded by miles of greenery.
Getting there
- On the Map This unique Martello tower house sits on the eastern edge of Bawdsey village on the Suffolk coast.
- By Car Found Tower is approximately two, to two and a half hours from London.
- By Train Woodbridge train station is just over ten miles away.
- By Air Stanstead airport is one and a half hours' drive away with car hire available.
From the owner
“The 360-degree views from the top floor are amazing at any point during the day; whether it be morning brightness, moving clouds, sun or moon shining through the round windows in the roof.”
Our exceptional Martello tower has been listed by English Heritage as a Scheduled Monument. It’s perhaps the finest survivor of over 100 Martello towers built around 1810 to fend off Napoleon's threat of invasion. They are found on the East and South coasts of England, from Jamaica to Sri Lanka in the British Empire, and were even copied by the U.S. from New York to Key West, Florida.
This almost indestructible building of 750,000 bricks, with a garrison of 15 soldiers, had one purpose: the three cannon on the open roof. Look for their pivots, and the circular ledges they rolled 360° around. But the risk of French invasion was just public hysteria. As Admiral Jervis quipped: "I do not say they cannot come – I only say they cannot come by sea". So the tower eventually fell into disuse. But from 2002 as a labour of love, a designer and architect team spent 8 years converting it, winning a RIBA Award on completion.
It's always been a dream to live high up in a windmill, which are all over East Anglia, but really too cramped for comfort. Someone suggested a lighthouse instead with the bonus of the sea, but they have even less space. Finally we 'discovered' this tower with both space and sea, and felt privileged to take it over. We've tried to convey the area’s rich history from Dark Age kings to modern secret weapons, in books and objects for you to enjoy.
Jonathan
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Woodbridge with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide endless hours of entertainment. From ancient heaths to shingle beaches and the quaint towns of Aldeburgh and Orford, there are over 155 square miles of landscapes to explore.
To Eat
The Sorrel Horse, Shottisham
A charming thatched pub in a great little village, the Sorrel House pub serves fantastic food. Sit outside during the warmer months and in the winter warm up by the fire. There are some wonderful walks nearby too for a post-meal stroll.
To Do
Honey & Harvey
A popular independent café and bakery on the charming main street of Woodbridge, Honey & Harvey specialise in delicious locally sourced brunches and hand selected coffee.
To See
Sutton Hoo
The museum on the beautiful 255 acre estate featured in the recent film The Dig. This ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king amid his treasured possessions is one of Britain´s greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Found Tower is a stunningly tasteful conversion in a superb location. Carting luggage up and down the stairs is an effort but was expected. Quiet peaceful location virtually on the seashore.
An extraordinary property in a unique location. Suffolk has become our favourite holiday destination - off the beaten track, with great coastal paths and wildlife, but not easy to find great places to stay.
The property was wonderful. It was booked as a treat for my 50th birthday and the whole family (and friends who visited us one day) loved it. We will remember this holiday for a very long time.
An amazing property and a really special stay. The location was fantastic - it would be amazing in the summer months. Really grateful it is dog-friendly, so amazing to experience this property and take the dog with us. We loved it, thank you.
Found Tower is spectacular. The upper floor is a superb place for relaxing and entertaining with a unique 360-degree outlook over the surrounding countryside and beach, while the lower floors are cosy and inviting. A bucket list homestay for sure!
We loved Found Tower! It´s a great space located right by the sea, it´s isolated and wonderfully unique. It was a nice touch to have games provided for the family, very comfortable beds and a lovely hamper full of goodies left by the owner. I would book this property again!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Found Tower and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Unusual places to stay beside the seaside
The Telegraph
August 2022The Best Holiday Homes in Suffolk
The Telegraph
August 2020Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Suffolk > Woodbridge > Found Tower
Related Collections
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
