Buffs Old Barn

11/06/2024

Buffs Old Barn has been overlooking empty fields this Spring. However there has been lots of survey activity, collecting data about all sorts, winter birds, nesting birds, bats, newts, badgers, deer (Woodside gives shelter to both Muntjac and Chinese water deer), soil type, ground water levels, tree species and the like all for the proposed energy projects here. Lots of project activity around Kenton Hill, Sizewell with probably some wildlife moving on from there.
One thing that we can depend on in Suffolk though is the variety of music for all tastes. There are so many, but at Easton Farm Park on the 5th 6th & 7th July it will host the Maverick festival once again. Born in 2008 it is the UK’s first and finest Americana music event for roots music from both sides of the Atlantic. Brilliant venues there, terrific line-up, and safe for the kids, great beer and food. What is not to like! https://maverickfestival.co.uk/the-festival/

18/02/2024

18/02/2024

What a changeable introduction to Spring here in Friston. However, the weather records tell me that you can expect rain for half (8 to 15 days) of the Month of February in Suffolk and a few days of snow. Rubber boots, an umbrella and mittens are recommended as you explore! The flowers are telling us that better things are on the way and oh my goodness the roadway to Buffs Old Barn does require those rubber boots if you plan to walk this way!!

04/02/2024

It is February again and we wanted the lovely couple who gave Anne & I the Robin nest box to see its location.
You know who you are and yes it is in there. We are hopeful that this residence has been inspected through the winter and will be used this year.
We had some lovely Suffolk sunsets recently, sorry I don't have the kit to do the colours justice, but the sky can be so lovely here. Jeannie & Anne XX

18/12/2023

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
it is just a week away from the winter holidays of Christmas and New Year for many of us and this is sending Seasons Greetings to all of our past guests who came to stay at Buffs Old Barn. You gave us well over a decade of fun, great friendships and happy memories.
The Buffs Old Barn cleaning team wish you a very happy time as we leave 2023 and good health and happy holidays for the coming year 2024. We, the cleaning team, are approaching Christmas this year chilling with our feet up and hope you have a lovely time and can get your feet up for a rest too!!
Kindest thoughts from Jeannie & Anne XX

30/09/2023

Our guests comments this week: “What can we say? We have had so many peaceful & comfortable holidays at Buffs Barn. We have always been welcomed by Jeannie & Anne.
We are so sorry to say goodbye but you deserve a break from all these people taking over your home. We wish you both lots of luck and happiness for the future. You will not be forgotten. Thank you.”
The Buffs Old Barn Cleaning Team thank all our guests and supporters for your friendship over the years. We wish you well and wish you many more great holidays to come. The cleaning team expect to enjoy reunions from time to time when we will update you with our pastimes on this page. xx

23/09/2023

Our guests comments following their two week vacation with us: “End of an era – third and sadly last time at this extraordinary place. Jeannie and Anne are amongst the nicest people you will ever meet. Our very best of wishes for your future.”

Our adventures this week have included a trip to Great Yarmouth Races Banham Zoo and Africa Alive to check up on the baby white rhino's progress. He has got bigger .... much bigger!!! LOL Also it was a must to not drive past Halesworth's florists and greengrocer for their chocolates to die for available at https://www.thehalesworthflorist.net/

16/09/2023

Take a walk on the Suffolk Coast Wildside -this week the Buffs Old Barn cleaning team took a trip to Felixstowe and returned to chill out by way of Waldringfield the only riverside settlement of any size between Felixstowe Ferry and Woodbridge. The most peaceful and picturesque way to spend an afternoon on the River Deben,
The riverside landscape remains rural, peaceful and wildlife-friendly and is much appreciated by both residents and ramblers, sailors, bird watchers and fisherman who all find joy in this beautiful spot.
We had to admit the Maybush Inn offers a superb experience for the body, as well as for the spirit and the soul!!

09/09/2023

Comments from our guests this week: "Once again we have had a wonderful stay here, and we have been so lucky with the weather. Thank you so much Jeannie and Anne for making us feel so welcome. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you both good luck, health and happiness for the future. We are just so sorry that we will not be able to visit again."

02/09/2023

Comments from our guests this week: "We have had a wonderful week in this idyllic location. Buffs Old Barn is an excellent accommodation with absolutely everything you could possibly need. Jeannie gave us a perfectly detailed introduction and made us feel immediately welcome. This is the perfect location to explore the wonderful Suffolk coast and all its varied wildlife. An excellent peaceful break in this glorious corner of Suffolk. Thank you Jeannie and Anne."

This evening the Buffs Old Barn cleaning team are supporting the Ukraine at:
https://brittenpearsarts.org/events/heroic-the-ukrainian-freedom-orchestra
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is an orchestra composed of Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainian members of other European orchestras. The 74 musicians, and Canadian conductor with Ukrainian ancestry state: “We are fighting on the cultural front for the freedom of Ukraine."

27/08/2023

Buffs Old Barn Cleaning Team Day Out 27/08/2023!!

26/08/2023

Comments from our guests this week: “Perfect retreat for our weeks stay. Quiet and peaceful location – mother nature at her best. Accommodation faultless. Jeannie and Anne fab hostesses – thank you for letting us share your homely corner of Suffolk. :-)“
To see more of "mother nature at her best" please find an interactive map available at: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/things-to-do/events
The Suffolk Coastline is close to London and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The charming seaside towns provide plenty of fun for all families and their pets, sweeping countryside makes a playground for cyclists, broadside villages and marshland are the perfect spots for nature lovers and bird watchers, whilst shoppers and foodies are bountifully served by historic market towns. Whether you want to play on the beach, enjoy water sports including sailing, sample quality local food or discover some of Britain's rarest wildlife, your journey starts here on the Suffolk Coast.

Guide to What’s On in & around Suffolk. There’s something for everyone here on the Suffolk Coast including; arts, music, culture, food & drink, theatre, outdoor

13/08/2023

Comments from our guests this week: “A wonderful peaceful setting in a beautiful conversion. Star gazing, eating, drinking, just being together. Seen some wonderful sights. Accommodation great for wheelchair after just a few modifications. Lovely hosts in Jeannie & Anne.”
This is a great weekend for star-gazing in Suffolk and best along the coast here where there is little light pollution. The Perseid meteor shower (originates from the constellation of Persues) will peak this weekend and has been active between July & August. Head to the beach and watch between midnight and the early hours of the morning.

29/07/2023

Comments from our guests this week: "What a lovely place to stay!Peaceful, well set out and accessible. We have had a wonderful time. Lots to see and do. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. We will be back!"
From the 24th July there will be 42 days celebrating summer at Snape Maltings. Join them for music dancing, walks & talks, art food and drink, workshops, free outdoor music and more.... have a summer to remember on the Suffolk Coast.
Aldeburgh Summer Festival information available at: https://brittenpearsarts.org/visit-us/snape-maltings and the award winning Aldeburgh Carnival is from Saturday 19th to Monday 21st August 2023 inclusive.
Carnival information available at: https://www.aldeburghcarnival.com/
Carnival fireworks video available at:
https://youtu.be/PjjzaGcyUJM and
RLNI at carnival available at:
https://youtu.be/vm6TH_qSKi4

Video of Aldeburgh available on https://youtu.be/Afru_zEa8Zg?list=TLGGJbBq5AwthYoyOTA3MjAyMw

22/07/2023

Comments from our guests this week: “We've had a fabulous week with lovely weather and explored all the places on our wishlist. Thoroughly enjoyed staying at the barn which is very comfortable indeed.” Our guests had a lovely time at Thorington theatre, near Southwold yesterday evening seeing Mikado and Alfie the dog could go with them too!! See: https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/events/mikado-21-july-2023
Thankfully it was a lovely evening though July has brought us more rain & rainbows & lush vegetation than we usually have on the Suffolk coast this time of year.

16/07/2023

Today Buffs Old Barn cleaning team took themselves off to Priors Oak Garden Wild life Open Day in Aldeburgh. It was warm & breezy & we enjoyed ourselves there in support of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the only organisation dedicated wholly to safeguarding Suffolk’s wildlife and countryside. https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves
So much to see at Priors Oak besides the many varieties of plants, trees & buddleia, donkey’s, sheep & tortoises and wheelchair friendly too.
See a selection of photos from the garden.

15/07/2023

Comments from our guests this week: “We’ve had a wonderful holiday. We have loved staying in the barn and the location is idyllic. Loved seeing the barn owl swooping across the field in the evenings and have also seen bats, buzzards, woodpeckers, rabbits and pheasants on the doorstep. We have explored the coast from Southwold to Aldeburgh and the river boat ride from Snape Maltings is highly recommended. We were lucky enough to see a marsh harrier, several spoonbills and two seals.”
River Trip from Snape Maltings Quay
Depart from the historic quay, where generations of Thames Barge skippers have plied their trade, hop aboard Sea Tradar and head out through the narrows down towards Iken.
The hour-long trip gives you the chance to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from the River Alde, abundant with wildlife that changes with the seasons and stunning views across the mudflats and the reeds.
Please note that the River Alde is tidal, and there for the times of the trips will vary from day to day. Use the Book Now button on the Snape Maltings website to see times.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, and £7 for children (14 years and under).
Sea Tradar can take up to 12 people per trip, and trips will last approximately 50min-1hr.
Tickets can be booked via online using the website on the boat itself.
Event name:
River Trip from Snape Maltings Quay
Price:
£10 for adults, £7 for children
Contact:
Email: [email protected], phone: 01728 687110
Address:
Snape Maltings Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP, IP17 1SP
Website:
snapemaltings.co.uk/whats-on/river-trip-from-snape-maltings-quay

08/07/2023

It is one of those sweltering hot days today when you wish for a bit more sea breeze to cool you down. Looking across the field from Buffs Old Barn it looks like the wheat is really turning colour now, so lets hope the weather man’s warning of moderate thunderstorm till midnight are just that. We do not want the corn flattened before it is ready to harvest. We had stair rods of rain recently and it knocks the flowers from their stems so thought I would add some pictures from around the Barn while they are looking good.

01/07/2023

Our guests comments this week: “Wow! What an absolutely perfect place, you have thought of everything. The location, peace and quiet was very much needed, beautiful barn and two beautiful ladies, thank you x”
The Suffolk coast was a hit with our guests this week and Woodbridge had a particular mention. The Tide Mill there is one of so few in the world now still produce flour on a regular basis and is among the first tide mills in the country, working on the same site for over 850 years! For opening times see:

Woodbridge Tide Mill A rare example of a tide mill that still produces flour Plan Your Visit See our Plan Your Visit page for turning times Private Groups: for a guided tour - get in touch

24/06/2023

Comments from our guests who stayed with us over two weeks: “We have had a wonderful time here at Buffs Old Barn - the weather couldn’t have been better. It is located in an idyllic setting - very peaceful. The barn itself has all that we could wish for & is very comfortable. Jeannie made us very welcome - she even took in a delivery on our day of arrival, as we had been delayed. We will miss this beautiful barn and location. So will the dogs Rosie & Skye.”

Suggestions for keeping your cool in this fabulous hot weather! :-)

Glorious river trips on the Alde, Orwell and Stour are always a treat. For more information see:

Suffolk is a coastal county, but most of us do not really get the opportunity to enjoy its estuaries and waterways as we could.

31/05/2023

Our guests comments this week: “It has been a privilege to stay at Buffs Barn over the years – always enhanced by your excellent hosting and very high standards. We will miss the Barn & you! A lot!. Keep in touch xx”
We were so pleased that the robin’s nesting in the flower pot here fledged all the babies yesterday. Our guests this time are great fans of Minsmere Nature Reserve, regularly enjoying the birds and so much more wildlife to see there. Visit:

Discover how a campaign against feathers in fashion sparked a global force to save nature with more than a million members

20/05/2023

From our Guest book this week: “We have had a wonderful holiday in your beautiful barn. Your hospitality is fantastic; the best we have ever received. Wishing you all the best for your future.”
From the SASES Spring Newsletter 2023 the future looks very legal!
Following the SASES judicial review hearing at the High Court on the 15 & 16 of November 2022, all six grounds upon which they were seeking judicial review, was deemed unfounded. SASES are seeking to appeal this decision and are waiting to hear from the Court of Appeal.
Fellow campaign group SEAS have also secured a judicial review on different grounds and their High Court hearing is now scheduled for 23 - 24 May 2023 at the Royal Courts of Justice.
See our photo from Buffs Old Barn taken today and how that same view will look in 25 years time if the substations are built provided to us by Scottish Power Renewables.
Watch this space for updates! 🔎

30/04/2023

From our Guest book this week: ”Delightful & relaxing time in the Barn. We have had a great time exploring the area. Thank you for your hospitality Jeannie & Anne. Best wishes for the future!”
It is a fabulous time of year Spring has definitely got her wedding dress on and responding to all that bird song. There is though a lonely Pied Wagtail here knocking itself out once again on the windows! Couldn't find a mate perhaps, but launches itself from the water butt feet or head first onto the windows. Been doing this for three weeks now. It happens every year but the cute little tapping of the past has turned into a full on 'hate that window' rage. Can anyone confirm is this a male or female bird please?

19/04/2023

From our Guest book this week: “Great stay! Great place! Thank you.”
We have enjoyed seeing a kettle’ of buzzards (some 15 birds) that were out wheeling and circling over the countryside this week. Though missing from my youthful memories the buzzard has been doing very well here over the last decade & is now found almost everywhere in the UK. See: Suffolk Wildlife Trust /wildlife-explorer/birds/birds-prey/buzzard for local information.
I have been delighted in the past to care for injured raptors & helping them back to health. The long-legged buzzard here recovered and was released, the lesser spotted eagle had been shot, had bumble foot and enjoyed a comfortable retirement. The Kestrel was abandoned when his young owner discovered girls & needed a long process to help him fend for himself.

01/04/2023

From our Guestbook this week: “Comfortable, homely accommodation and such a nice welcome when we arrived. Excellent information on the local area, in the cottage. What a privilege to have stayed here”.
I am watching the raindrops chasing down the window pane which motivated me to check on the weather for our Easter guests. Thankfully the days are now noticeably longer and warmer. Easter is a fantastic time to get outside & see the local wildlife & nature coming to life, it is good for the soul! For ideas about what you can do on our lovely coast visit:

Guide to What’s On in & around Suffolk. There’s something for everyone here on the Suffolk Coast including; arts, music, culture, food & drink, theatre, outdoor