Heritage & Style – Lavenham Priory, England

Blending rich history with contemporary style, Lavenham Priory is a fantastic base for exploring this gorgeous corner of England.

Escaping to the countryside needn’t involve extended journeys or sacrificing stylish accommodation. Just a short drive from London, Lavenham Priory dates back to the 1200s and yet mixes a rich sense of history with contemporary, stylish touches. It makes for the perfect destination when one wants to take a breakfrom hectic city life.

Originally belonging to an order of Benedictine monks, Lavenham Priory is one of the oldest buildings in the Suffolk village of Lavenham. The medieval half-timbered house boasts a historic herb garden, a water well, an underground culvert, and all sorts of historic and interesting nooks and crannies.

On the outside of the building, there are some fine examples of decorative pargeting, as well as beautiful carved barge boards on the gables. It is even rumoured that there is a secret underground passageway connecting the Priory to the nearby Swan Hotel, which was built during the Reformation in the 16th century.

To experience a sense of the building’s history first-hand, one can choose between a stay at Lavenham Priory’s luxury self-catering cottages or the additional Heritage Rooms for up to 15 guests in flexible accommodation.

Lavenham itself also offers so much for the discerning visitor. Described as the “finest medieval town in England” thanks to its lavish status during the time of King Henry VIII, the modern village is home to many nearby National Trust properties and the majestic Lavenham Church, not to mention the boutique shops, art galleries and antique warehouses. East Anglia’s beautiful beaches are just a short distance away, as is the gorgeous Suffolk countryside known as Constable Country. Dining options in Lavenham range from tearooms, gastro pubs, bistros, cafés and fine dining restaurants. The award-winning Great House restaurant and the vibrant and welcoming Number Ten restaurant are both just a short walk from Lavenham Priory. Meanwhile, the world-famous Swan Hotel and Spa is less than 100 metres away.

With so much on one’s doorstep, it is little wonder The Daily Telegraph noted: “It feels almost a privilege to stay in the most ancient house in a village full of such places!