Try some minimalist chic in the Suffolk countryside

A minimalist-chic holiday cottage in the Suffolk countryside has been short listed for the Tourism in Suffolk 2008 awards. The Workshop at Lime Tree Farm (bestofsuffolk.co.uk/limetree.asp) has been nominated in the ‘Best Self-Catering’ category.

The Workshop is owned by Naomi and Alex Tarry and is particularly popular with city weekenders and honeymooners.

Sliding glass patio doors at The Workshop lead from the oak deck that overlooks a wild flower meadow into a large open plan living space, with a spherical steel fireplace that hangs from the ceiling and doesn’t touch the floor. The interior is furnished with design classics from Arne Jacobsen to Eero Saarinen. The wall of the enormous round shower in the spacious bathroom intersects with corners of the other rooms in the property to create curved white walls. Outside Jacobs sheep graze the one acre wild flower meadow and early risers may catch a glimpse of a large barn owl flying low close by.

Naomi says: “The Workshop has a magical quality to it – it’s a wonderful place to unwind and relax in a peaceful setting. Around half of our guests hardly leave The Workshop during their stay – it is a perfect spot to out and hibernate for a weekend break!”

Alex and Naomi Tarry run the Best of Suffolk holiday lettings agency (bestofsuffolk.co.uk) which specialises in stylish high quality properties. For more details about The Workshop at Lime Tree Farm visit bestofsuffolk.co.uk/limetree.asp.

The property was renovated from an empty shell by the owners in 2006 in conjunction with Pitman Tozer architects. Another Pitman Tozer design was short-listed for Channel 4’s Grand Design Awards this year.

The Tourism in Suffolk awards are organised by the East Anglian Daily Times and Evening Star and the winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony next month.