What’s The Granary like?
This former grain store has been lovingly renovated into a cosy countryside retreat for two. The detached one-bedroom cottage has a real welcoming feel and is far from small, with high beamed ceilings and generously-sized rooms. Owners, Gerald and Janet, live across from The Granary, on Moat Farm. The nearest large town is Diss, approximately 15 minutes away by car.
How dog-friendly is The Granary?
Good. As The Granary is all on one level, it’s easy for dogs to get around. A jar of treats is provided and there is also a private enclosed garden – but be aware there is a rather large pond and that is one of the boundaries. Fortunately, Ernie and Stan weren’t too interested in it but if your dog is a water baby, it’s definitely something to be aware of! Up to two medium-sized dogs are welcome to stay at a time. There is no additional charge.
Tell me more about The Granary
This spacious property is essentially split into two sections – the living/dining area with kitchen and the bedroom with en-suite shower room. The front door to The Granary is in the middle of the accommodation, and it was interesting to read online that it used to be two B&B rooms before it was transformed into a one-bed holiday cottage. The light and airy entrance hall has chunky pine doors and windows and flagstone flooring – handy if you visit during wet weather and are tidying up after wet little paws!
The open plan lounge/diner is located off to the left. It has laminate flooring throughout as well as a comfy sofa and armchairs arranged around a wood burning stove. The room, which is decorated in neutral tones, feels very homely, with lamps, rugs, fresh flowers and shabby chic-style furniture. A table for two and TV is located next to the galley-style kitchen, which has everything you need to cook up a feast. And a ‘laundry room’ with washing machine and extra wood for the fire is located in the yard behind The Granary, where you park your car.
On the opposite side of the building is the bedroom, which also has high ceilings with original beams and a rattan-style carpet. A huge superking bed dominates the room and is a real treat to sleep in, thanks to the luxurious bedding. There is also antique-style pine furniture, as well as a selection of books, robes and a retro DAB radio. An en-suite shower room is located off the bedroom and while the shower isn’t too powerful, the water is plentiful and hot. The blackout curtains throughout The Granary are also excellent.
What’s the food like at The Granary?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own, but the owners do leave a few items to get you started. When we visited, we were treated to some slices of homemade fruit cake as well as chocolates, tea, coffee and fresh milk. There is a small community shop in Thorndon and larger stores nearby in Eye but for supermarkets, your best bet is to drive to Diss which, at the time of our visit, had a Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi.
If you don’t fancy cooking, there are several options nearby for eating out. The Black Horse is around a 10-minute walk from The Granary and welcomes dogs in the bar area. It serves excellent pub grub and as well as a range of takeaway meals, such as curries and pizzas. Vegetarians and vegans will be thrilled to know The Walnut Tree – which only serves plant-based food – is just down the road in Thwaite, too. Dogs are allowed in the bar and garden.
Are there resident dogs at The Granary?
No, although you’ll probably bump into a few others out and about in the village.
Where are the best dog walks near The Granary?
Owners Gerald and Janet recommend a number of walks in and around Thorndon village. These are detailed on laminate sheets in The Granary and start right from the gate. One takes around 25 minutes and follows quiet, country roads while another is approximately four miles long. They can also direct you to the nearest ‘set-aside’, where you can let your dog off-lead in local meadows without worrying if you’re trespassing. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended all year round.
Thornham Walks, pictured above, is well worth visiting too – and just a short drive from The Granary. The 2,000-acre Thornham estate has been in the Henniker-Major family for more than two centuries and in recent years, they have opened parts of it up to the public. There are more than 12 miles of walks to enjoy – including a half-mile long paved trail – but dogs must be kept on leads. There is also a dog-friendly cafe. The estate is free to visit, but parking charges apply. At the time of our visit, it was £2 on weekdays and £3 at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
What Ernie and Stan loved about The Granary
Having some outdoor space to roam, lazing in front of the wood burner
What I loved about The Granary
The cosy vibe, the comfortable bed, the quiet location
How to book The Granary
Three-night breaks start from £237. For more information or to book, visit The Granary at Moat Farm website.
