Enkel
Reydon, Southwold, Suffolk, UK
With walls of glass and larch, and a soft palette of cloud-and-cotton neutrals, Enkel is an architectural diorama brought to life; a Miesian longhouse so refined, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a render. Set on five acres of subtle gardens near Southwold, this luxury Suffolk pavilion is the poster child for transitional design, evoking the feeling of being out among the moss and meadowlands even when sipping coconut water in the studio sauna.
Introduction
Discerning. Grown-up. Serene. Come here to live in the hush of the silent travel trend; think new-wave writers' retreat meets digital detox. Holistically crafted by Copenhagen studio Norm in the style of the prominent 20th-century architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Enkel is a filmic flat-roofed pavilion that sits atop a basalt podium on the hillocks and flatlands of the Suffolk coast. Beyond its glass box guise, the owners’ fondness for Danish design principles shows up in the form of renewable energy, a studio sauna, and spaces that have been kept to a meditative minimum. It’s the kind of residence that feels more like art installation than architecture.
Inside
This is a home of contrasts: old and new, geometric and organic, concrete and butter-soft. Think arterial hallways lined with linen, and modular sofas made for in-house film premieres. An examined home for an examined life, it could be Socrates’ own residence, with abstract oil-stick artworks, austere alcoves, and the cognac-coloured warmth of Børge Mogensen’s cult 1960s Spanish chairs. Interiors like this mark a grass-roots shift in human-centric design: not made to keep nature out, but to invite it in. In a show of affection for the great outdoors, ribbons of glass make grasslands part of the décor, allowing for the easy pour of light into its Om-inducing living spaces.
Outside
Forest bathers, welcome. Set on five subtle acres of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape (AONB), Enkel is a kind of nature school for the tech-head generation. A “good old days” tree swing and basketball hoop offer nostalgic reprise, while daybeds and meadows make for mindful hours in the sun and knee-height expeditions for crickets and honeybees. Further afield, there’s more leisurely, low-intensity pastimes that would be approved by the nervous system; curious ecosystems inhabited by Chinese water deer, rivers that inspired paintings hanging in the Tate, and the genteel township of Southwold with its seaside soul and London crowd.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three bedrooms in this luxury single-level pavilion; one with an en suite bathroom, and two with shared access to a family bathroom. There is a rainfall shower and WC in the studio.
View bedrooms - FeaturesSauna, fire pit, baby grand piano
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for five cars. The kitchen has a double oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer. The utility room (in the studio) contains a washing machine and tumble dryer. There is underfloor heating throughout. Please note that the gardens are not enclosed, so do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, Smart TV in the studio, Sonos speaker system, Pavoni coffee machine (and bean grinder), charcoal barbecue, a piano, table tennis, basketball hoop, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels, 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-friendlyElectric car charging point is available on prior request
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Southwold
Within touching distance of The Broads, with all of its toadstools and water voles, Southwold is a Victorian-Edwardian seaside town with eateries, artisanal markets, and scenes that inspired the writings of George Orwell.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury pavilion is located in Reydon near the historic seaside town of Southwold in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape (AONB).
- By Car Enkel is around ten minutes from Southwold, one hour from Norwich, two hours from Cambridge, and two-and-a-half hours from London.
- By Train Brampton Train Station is fifteen 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
“The long, modernist pavilion stands on the edge of a working farm, forming a striking transition between the glass-and-wood structure and the surrounding swaying meadows. It´s a curated home, close to nature.”
The house was designed by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn of Copenhagen-based Norm Architects in 2014. It is located two miles from the seaside town of Southwold, and is ideally located for visiting the Suffolk Coast National Landscape (AONB). There is a village shop nearby in Reydon and a farm shop up the road in Wangford, with plenty of pubs and restaurants within easy reach.
There are markets and boutiques in nearby Walberswick and Aldeburgh. The lost city of Dunwich – now a National Trust spot – is twenty minutes to the south. And Covehithe offers a long sandy beach, inland waters, and a ruined church. It is regularly cited as the most beautiful beach in Suffolk (but we would say in all of England.)
It’s truly warm, peaceful, and grown-up. The sense of calm descends on you as soon as you arrive. The studio has a sauna and a cinema-cum-library room, but the main house is a mature, creative space. We tend to say that this is the place to come to write a book, embark on a meditative retreat, or experience real serenity away from the city.
Think yoga, bike hire, wildlife walks, and anything that could be categorised as "digital detox." We intentionally kept the television in the studio, so that the curated interior of the main house feels truly serene and peaceful.
The Taverne Family
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 Eat
Two Magpies Bakery, Southwold
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 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 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.
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.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
The house was amazing, the perfect place to just be, come to write, paint or just to enjoy the landscape.
We absolutely loved staying at Enkel. It was perfectly peaceful and beautiful with everything we needed. The studio with the piano was great for me so that I could practice. Thank you for making our home from home idyllic. My father and I had the most wonderful week in this stunning property. I am so grateful for all that you did to make our stay comfortable and special.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which 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
25 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 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Luxury New Year Breaks > UK > Suffolk > Southwold > Enkel
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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.
