Honeystone
Southwold, Suffolk, UK
Loafing in the purlieus of Suffolk is a south-facing home so ornate that even royal hearts would beat a little faster under its hipped-slate bonnet. Fantasy pokes a portal into the real world at Honeystone, a 17th-century estate – with a pool, modern gym, lavish spa, and high-spec home cinema – that totes the tune of Greek mythology into Southwold. The secret's out: this luxury historic manor by The Broads is where off-duty A-listers go to let loose.
Introduction
Built between 1806 and 1808 for Thomas Charles Scott, a high society gent whose artist granddaughter went on to marry a fruit dealer within the manor, Honeystone is a fully renovated masterpiece that’s been a summer house and cabinet hideaway for many a model and minister. These days, it's a thing of Rococoan dreams, with pastoral tapestries, hand-knotted rugs, a state-of-the-art home cinema, and a pool that could be lifted from Como. In a blend of 21st-century newfangledom and Georgian savoir-vivre, this is a place that glows gold under all-day sun, where off-kilter tradition trumps modernity.
Inside
A music entrepreneur and an interior designer walked into a paragon of Palladian virtue and the rest, they say, is history. What came next was a revival of philharmonic proportions; think empire garland chandeliers won at Sotheby’s, a bespoke Swedish fireplace, and the same palatial bathtubs you would find in Buckingham Palace’s bedchambers. As the young'uns set about their make-believe soirees, the grown-ups will gather around one of the earliest Imperial tables, putting the world to rights with coupes of Champagne. All this, wrapped on all sides by depictions of the gods and heroes of antiquity.
Outside
At the end of a mile-long driveway, past a 300-year-old oak tree and scallop fountain, Honeystone sits in noble seclusion close to the fine sands and eateries of coveted Southwold. With lashings of royal flavour, the grounds of this luxury historic manor were made for the footloose and fancy-free: think sun-drenched garden party meets Hollywood retreat. Spend dawn beetling with the dogs over five foliate acres, dipping under jasmine arches and old English roses. Then, after lunch on the lawn, lounge by the Lombardian pool in the gild of golden hour with nothing but jewel-toned negronis and salted olives to get to.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 18 guests
From £8,995 per week, £6,950 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are nine bedrooms split between the luxury manor and the cottage. There are seven bedrooms in the manor: five are en suites (two of which share access to a Jack-and-Jill bathroom), and two share access to a family shower room, each with hotel-grade water pressure, and a ground-floor WC. There are two bedrooms in the cottage, which share a shower room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), home cinema with Dolby Atmos sound system, sauna, steam room, and gym
- PetsThree well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available, but there are no stairgates.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample off-road parking for fourteen cars. The well-equipped kitchen includes a Lacanche range, a Miele double oven, double fridge-freezer, two wine fridges, and pantry with cold slab floor, and there is a separate utility/boot room. The garden is not enclosed, and neither the lake nor the pool are fenced, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children or dogs. There are external CCTV cameras which can be turned off on request.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including fresh pastries and local fruit jam, iPad, superfast broadband served by Starlink, Smart TVs with Netflix and Amazon Prime, Sonos speakers, Lutron lighting system, Weber gas barbecue, Le Chameau welly boots from sizes 6-11, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels and bathrobes, and logs and kindling to get you started.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.
- Eco-friendlyGround sourced heating, air source heat pumps, solar panels, filtered water throughout.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Southwold
Close to Britain´s largest protected wetland, Southwold takes its place on the Suffolk coast in a flurry of Victorian architecture and charming tearooms. Find delicatessens piled high with flaky pastries and doorstop sandwiches, and scenes you´ll recognise from David Copperfield.
Getting there
- On the Map The manor is set between Beccles and Southwold on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, about ten miles from the coast and on the boundary of The Broads, which is home to more than a quarter of Britain's rarest animals and plants.
- By Car The manor is around 40 minutes from Norwich, two hours from Cambridge, and two-and-a-half hours from London.
- By Train Brampton Train Station is ten minutes away by car. There are regular trains from London Liverpool Street via Ipswich with Greater Anglia Railways, with a journey time of two-and-a-half hours.
- By Air London Stansted and London Southend are both less than two hours away by car, and major London airports are less than three hours by car. Norwich Airport is less than one hour by car.
From the owner
“With four-metre-high ceilings, grand spaces of equally large proportions, and original decorative fireplaces in each room, Honeystone was love at first sight. Surrounded by natural beauty, every day here is like a year-long escape from the world: it´s hard to put into words how magical and soul-resetting the estate is.”
We acquired the manor in a state of disrepair. In a meticulous renovation and refurbishment, we reinstated every room to its former Georgian glory, sourcing the finest wall coverings, replacing every floorboard, re-wiring and plumbing throughout, and installing bathrooms by Catch Pole & Rye. We even installed a luxe Dolby Atmos cinema with the same technical specification as Leicester Square.
The manor has a fascinating history of its own. During the 2008 financial crisis, in what is now our dining room, the then Prime Minister held a critical cabinet meeting and made a decision that effectively saved the banking system from total collapse. The estate was also once owned by an A-list celebrity and photographer who hosted wild hedonistic parties, and many musicians, aristocrats, billionaires, ex-spies, and even one of the world’s first supermodels have stayed here. It’s Britain's best-kept secret for those who want to escape when the bustle of city living becomes too much.
Sitting poolside in the morning sun with freshly ground coffee, walking for miles and stopping to see the horses, taking a sundown sauna followed by a bath, and sipping bubbles in the living room are our favourite ways to spend time here. Now, we are so happy to share our home with you and wish you a wonderful and restful stay.
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Southwold with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Thorington Theatre, Southwold
At this unique amphitheatre set within the woodlands of Suffolk, you´ll discover a seasonal programme of world-class dramas, stand-up comedies, and musical performances, from The Odyssey to Doctor Dolittle.
To Eat
Two Magpies Bakery, Beccles
A favourite spot for a cup of coffee, this bakery makes incredible bread, cakes, and pastries, all perfect for a take-away treat. With frittatas and mushroom tarragon toasties on the menu, there´s a handful of dining space available inside, too.
To Eat
Sole Bay Fish Company
This casual (but legendary) waterside spot dates back more than 25 years and is a firm favourite with the locals. While it serves up some of the best lobster and chips in the country, you´ll also find oysters and fried cod tacos amongst their offering.
To Do
Southwold Flower Company
Plan a sweetly-scented day out with a difference at a flower arranging workshop, using the best of British blooms to create your own unique displays; from everlasting wreaths to delicate hand-tied bouquets.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Every detail has been considered at Honeystone, promising a comfortable and well-equipped stay. The expansive grounds allow for fun-filled afternoons before retiring to the beautifully designed living room to cosy up by the fire. I was completely blown away by the cinema room, you truly feel as if you have been transformed into your own private cinema. There is something for everyone at Honeystone, enjoy the pool after a gym workout, before finishing the day with a sauna and steam- just bliss!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Honeystone 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
Smart sleepovers
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202325 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 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024
Collections > Large Self-Catering Groups > UK > Suffolk > Southwold > Honeystone
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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.
