Suffolk Self Catering cottage, Upper Lodge, Shotley, Chelmondiston, sleeps 6

This iconic holiday home, designed by local architects Andrew Hughes in collaboration with David Gibson Architects, is sympathetic to its context and reflects current concerns of sustainability. Primarily single storey, it’s wonderfully configured w

Upper Lodge is located on a quiet rural lane and has off road parking at the side for three cars. The informal garden, with ample space to kick a ball, wraps around three sides of the house with a long deck at the front for relaxing in the sun and a shed where bikes or sailing gear can be stored. Ground floor The front door opens into a long hallway with the living space and all bedrooms opening off; wooden stairs rise to the lookout.

A bank of cupboards conceal a washing machine and dryer as well as ample hanging and shelf space for storing clothing and footwear. Kitchen/Living/Dining Space Ideal for relaxing with family and friends, this wonderfully light open plan living space with wall of windows, has a well equipped kitchen at one end with refectory table, benches and chairs for meals at home, a sitting area in the centre and table football at the far end to keep guests of any age amused! Equipment includes a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, double oven, five ring gas hob with extractor hood, free standing microwave and iPod docking station. Double Bedroom Decorated in restful colours you’re sure to have a good night's sleep in the king size zip link bed, which can be set up as a twin on request, and there are bedside units and a chest of drawers.

Family Bathroom A large and modern bathroom conveniently located for bedrooms and the living area, with bath, corner shower, wash basin set in a vanity unity, WC, window and heated towel rail. Twin bedroom A spacious room with windows to the west, furnished with sturdy twin beds and a couple of storage units with a selection of books for younger guests and space for you to store your clothes. Master Bedroom This lovely sunny double aspect bedroom with windows facing south to the garden and west has a king size bed, with attractive matching units and bags of hanging and shelf space.

Ensuite shower room Cleverly concealed amid the cupboard doors, this chic shower room has a double shower, wash basin set into a vanity unit, WC, heated towel rail and window. Lookout Superbly designed with high windows looking north-west up the River Orwell and across towards the villages of Nacton and Levington to the other bank of the river. There is a wall of windows looking south and east over the fields where you may spot a Marsh Harrier and plenty of hares frolicking.

In the distance is the port of Felixstowe so you can watch the enormous container ships during the day or stargaze using the telescope provided at night. This is also the ideal place relax with a book in the supremely comfortable sofa or chair and for the kids to escape with TV and DVD player provided. Outside: Upper Lodge is perfectly designed so that you can enjoy the views to the east from the living area and the lookout on the top floor.

There's off road parking at the side for three cars and the informal garden wraps around two sides of the house with space to kick a ball or relax on the deck at the front where there's outdoor furniture and a BBQ provided for you to enjoy meals outside.