Arriving at Kesgrave Hall is like stepping into a period drama. The drive flows through woodland, where on this late February day snowdrops are scattered like white confetti and the first daffodils are peeking above fallen leaves. And then the hall appears in all its stately Georgian grandeur.
Embedded in 38 acres of pretty Suffolk countryside and with a stream that joins the River Fynn, this boutique hotel is not the kind of place you just happen upon. It is neither right by the coast nor in town but out on its rural lonesome in the dinky village of Kesgrave. Built in 1812 for William Cunliffe-Shawe, MP for Preston in Lancaster, who never actually lived there but gifted it to his son, Kesgrave Hall has more recently had a makeover courtesy of director Geraldine Milsom, whose sassy style shines at other hotels in the Milsoms group including Talbooth House & Spa and Milsoms in Dedham in Constable Country and The Pier at Harwich.
The design combines all the period flair of the property with modern comfort without missing a beat. Cue monochrome hues, tactile fluffy throws and blankets, airstream-style tables, sudden pops of bold colour and eye-catching contemporary art that includes a huge, neon-lit picture of a spacewoman as you enter the lobby.
Stylish rooms
This design is echoed in the 27 guest rooms, most of which are in the main hall. Here minimalism is brought to life with splashes of colour, luxe fabrics, oversized mirrors, unusual lighting, such as chandeliers enclosed in chiffon lampshades, and modern art. There might be a zebra-print sofa or a charcoal sketch of a farm animal – playfulness and individuality rule.
No matter which room you opt for some luxuries come as standard – king-size beds draped in ultra-soft white linen, inviting lie-ins, luscious Jo Loves toiletries and mini fridges with complimentary water and soft drinks. Upgrading to an executive room ramps up the comfort and design big-time, with centrepiece freestanding bathtubs and huge walk-in showers.
Families seeking extra space can opt for generously sized rooms in the courtyard and even bring along the dog. But the ultimate luxury – and one for special occasions or house parties – is The Gatehouse, a recently revamped, sleekly stylish house with four double bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, lounge and private terrace affording total independence.
Spa time
Kesgrave Hall upped its wellness game during Covid by adding a spa in the grounds in 2020. And it’s a good one, designed in low-rise Nordic style, with wood, glass and stone, with a crackling log fire in the relaxation area, a Finnish sauna and a large jetted hot tub in gardens rimmed by tall trees. Staff are warm and welcoming, offering me herbal tea, water from a copper vessel and a pastry as I arrive.
It’s all very intimate, but that is precisely what I look for in a spa, and my back, neck and shoulder massage with Claire – who has an intuitive, magic touch – leaves me feeling more relaxed than I have in months. I only have a couple of hours to spend at the spa, but I can imagine that in summer you could easily while away an entire day here, perhaps adding in Elemis treatments like pro-glow facials, hot stone massages or the signature head-to-toe (two hours of bliss).
Suffolk on a fancy plate
Come on a Saturday night, as I did, and Kesgrave Hall’s restaurant buzzes with life, with every table full and all the action happening in the open kitchen, with pans shaking and dishes flying out at speed. The atmosphere is chilled, as is the manner of ordering. Simply jot down what you would like on a slip of paper and hand it to your waiter or waitress.
The food has quite a reputation in these parts and rightly so. My starter of pan-seared scallops with chorizo, preserved lemon, toasted hazelnuts, crispy capers and watercress was a delicious prelude for a spot-on venison haunch with fondant potato, celeriac purée, braised Roscoff onion and glossy red wine jus. The steak I tried (Dedham Vale, dry-aged for at least 28 days) was perfectly cooked and flavourful. Desserts skipped from lemon curd cheesecake with meringue shards, raspberry sorbet and mint to toasted almond crème brûlée with poached rhubarb and candied stem ginger. All quite lovely. There are separate menus for kids and vegans.
Breakfast is served in the same place, and it is a generous spread. Besides cereals, fresh fruit, smoked salmon and hot options like Suffolk bacon, there were nice little touches that elevated it, such as fresh sourdough bread, ginger shots and speciality coffee. You can also order eggs (Florentine, Benedict, etc.) à la carte. Lunch and afternoon tea are served here later in the day.
Get outdoors
Kesgrave Hall is immersed in woods so make sure you bring wellies and waterproofs for an invigorating stomp on the trails that weave through the grounds. My daughter loved clambering up in the trees, listening for woodpeckers and spotting squirrels.
If you’re venturing out, there’s plenty to discover within a half-hour drive, including Ipswich Waterfront, the Dedham Vale with glorious walks along the River Stour and through the countryside Constable committed to Canvas, family-friendly Jimmy’s Farm and Snape Maltings with its Victorian buildings converted into shops, galleries and cafés.
The Details
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Hall Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2PU, England.
Tel: +44 (0)1473 333741
Website: www.milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall
Email: reception@kesgravehall.com
Kesgrave is on the outskirts of Ipswich. To reach the hotel by road from London, take junction 28 of the M25 onto the A12 and follow signs for Ipswich. At the junction of the A12/A14, follow signs to Felixstowe. Proceed over three roundabouts. At the fourth set of traffic lights turn left onto the A1214, then right into Hall Road after 600 yards and you will see the hotel on the left hand side. There’s plenty of parking and EV charging points available.
If you’re arriving by public transport, direct trains run between London Liverpool Street and Ipswich, taking 1hr 5min. From Ipswich, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride or a 35-minute bus ride (No. 66 to St Isidores).
Type of Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Hotel
Number of Rooms: 27 rooms (classic rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe family rooms, superior rooms, executive rooms). Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Price Band: Medium to high.
Insider Tip: Check the special offers page on the website for packages. Kesgrave Hall offers private dining and can host events from meetings to weddings for up to 300 in The Hanger.
Fact Box: Classic double rooms start at £209 including breakfast. Deluxe family rooms including breakfast start at £269. Dinner from the à la carte menu is from £45 per person for three courses. The house wine is from £27 a bottle. The children’s menu is from £22 per child for three courses. Spa pass £35 subject to treatment and a 55-minute full body massage costs £90.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Kerry Walker is an award-winning travel writer and guidebook author.
Photographs courtesy of Milsoms/Kesgrave Hall
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