The Barns at Belle Grove

Why venture to Bali when paradise lies here? Seasoned travellers Jo and Nick have transported a slice of the Orient to their ‘nest’ in rural Suffolk. Within handsome oak barns they’ve laid out their treasures, from a romantic gatehouse for two to an opulent barn; each has its idiosyncratic style and private walled garden. Enter the Coach House through a terracotta-tiled kitchen to stumble upon the first of many Indonesian delights: rich red sofas, rugs, massive fireplace.

Upstairs are carved doors and walls a deep blue; centre stage: a cushion-strewn four-poster. The vaulted bedroom is a rich red, with a carved bedhead and glamorous textiles, and the en suites are little gems – thick white towels and bathrobes, glittering tiles, vibrant walls.

Halesworth has brilliant butchers and grocers, there’s a pub 20 minutes by foot and the sparkling sea at Southwold – seven miles. You can even hire the owners’ beach hut for the day.