De Vere House is a Grade 1 listed Medieval Hunting Lodge conveniently situated in the centre of historic Lavenham. It was built by the De Vere family who were Earls of Oxford and also very influential in the entire village and surrounding area. The house is heavily beamed with wall paintings and great character. There is a private courtyard for the exclusive use of guests, private entrance and sitting room with an open fire. There are two four-poster, en-suite bedrooms available both with TV and refreshment facilities. Breakfast is taken in the dining room which is the oldest part of the house. Harry Potter fans will know that Lavenham appeared as Godrics Hollow in one of the films and De Vere House is often referred to as the birthplace of Harry Potter. The central location of De Vere House makes it ideal for a weekend away just for relaxing or visiting historic villages.
What makes a stay at De Vere House unique?
Bed and Breakfast accommodation has been offered at De Vere House for over twenty years. It has received five star Gold Awards from the Tourist Board and is regularly reviewed in top magazines and websites. The house was built by the De Vere family around 1425-85 and was the hunting lodge for the main hall which sadly has now gone. Inside there are numerous beams, floorboards and antique furniture including armour, swords, and helmets. A full English breakfast using quality local produce is a highlight of any stay. Guests frequently comment on the friendly atmosphere and helpful advice on what to do and where to go when staying at this property and the wide variety of events happening in the village. Many people are drawn by the Harry Potter connections of the village and this house and relish its celebrity status.
Tell us more about the rooms and facilities at De Vere House?
There are two four-poster en-suite bedrooms available. They are decorated in traditional English country house style with antique furniture and the emphasis on comfort. Both have tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryers, quality toiletries and mineral water. Fluffy towels and dressing gowns are provided. There is Wifi access and a good mobile signal. Guests are greeted by the owner and provided with refreshments, usually homemade cakes, biscuits and tea, coffee or hot chocolate. In the colder days the fire is lit and crumpets, marshmallows and chestnuts are provided for toasting in front of the fire. Guests have their own key for their private front door and may come and go as they please. There is a small courtyard garden with table and chairs for guest use. The private sitting room has details of places to visit, the local newspaper, magazines, reading books and a large comfortable knole sofa with two leather armchairs.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the Lavenham area?
Lavenham has many places of historic interest. The Medieval Guildhall, The Little Hall former home of the Gayer Anderson Egyptologists, Ss Peter and Paul church built by the De Vere and Spring family. There are several art galleries, an award-winning spa at the Swan Hotel which has the famous 'Airman's Bar' containing signatures of American and British airmen from WWII who were based locally during the war. In the market town of Sudbury, there is Gainsborough's house with original paintings. Further afield there is Roman Colchester with its medieval castle. Bury St Edmunds is 20 minutes away and has a variety of exciting activities. There is also a popular theatre, cinema, concert hall and Arc shopping centre. Past Bury is the home of English racing at Newmarket. The National Stud is homed here and well worth a visit. Cambridge, famous for its colleges and punting on the river, is just under an hour away. Lavenham is one of the Suffolk Wool Villages which prospered because of the wool trade in Elizabethan times. Long Melford is known for its antique shops, Long Melford Hall and the ever-popular Kentwell Hall where visitors enter realistic medieval experiences.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
De Vere House offers a full English breakfast sourced from local ingredients and suppliers. The local Lavenham Butchers, bakery, Heeks deli, and HollowTrees Farm Shop in nearby Semer. Breakfast is served between 8.30 and 11.00.
There are a variety of excellent eateries in the village. The Great House is an award-winning French Restaurant offering refined cuisine. The Swan Hotel and Spa has the main restaurant, bistro and bar all provide good quality food prepared by prize-winning chefs. The Greyhound Pub offers a good selection of tapas. Number 10 wine bar is across the road from De Vere House and has excellent food with good vegetarian and vegan options. The owners stock the wines from their own vineyard in South Africa. The Cock Horse pub is a gastropub with lively decor and friendly vibe. There are local tea rooms both at the Guildhall, plus Lavenham Blue and The Crooked House. Memsaab is the Indian restaurant usually packed every night of the week because of its delicious food.
