My favourite Airbnb: A lovingly restored 18th century manor in Suffolk

It’s not often that a photograph of a sink will stop me mid scroll, but the bright green panelled bathroom of Melton Hall did just that. At first I thought it was an inspirational interiors post from Architectural Digest, but after a minute’s worth of rabbit-holing, I ended up on the Airbnb listing for the property, and I was sold.

Maybe it was the checkerboard pool, the mention of 7.5 acres with a walled rose garden and wildflower meadow, the Mickey Mouse-themed children’s room, or the fact it’s a stone’s throw from the coast. Whatever the reason, the school holidays were coming up, and I decided it would be the perfect spot for a short-stay family staycation.

From the listing, my expectations were dangerously high – and Melton Hall did not disappoint. It is an immaculate combination of contemporary interiors respectfully worked to compliment period features. The pillared front door gives way to the light, airy entrance hall, which is decorated with modern art, framed by high arched ceilings. To the left sits the sophisticated living room, which feels more set up for adult time than family time. A white chaise longue is perched in front of large windows looking out onto a pristine garden. For TV viewing, you push a button and a television rises from its hiding place, concealing the renaissance painting that hangs on the wall behind it. It perfectly sums up the place: modernity meets heritage.

As soon as we began exploring the three floors, my children’s little voices excitedly started suggesting a game of hide and seek. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better place for it.

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Each room is consistently beautiful and restrained – zero fussiness, just tasteful details, floor-length curtains, curated art, and comfortable beds. The final stop on our initial house tour was undoubtedly my children’s favourite room, and my favourite design quirk… Press on a bookcase in the hallway to reveal a cosy movie room, complete with Monitor Audio Dolby Surround Sound and a deep sofa that could comfortably seat seven in a lazy, reclined position. During predictably British springtime rainy afternoons, we snuggled under a blanket and flicked through Netflix’s finest.