Retreat East

Set within 35 acres of organic countryside in the heart of rural Suffolk, Retreat East is a secluded, luxurious haven that offers an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding day. Originally a 16th-century farmstead, the estate has been lovingly restored to combine rustic charm with contemporary elegance, creating a setting that feels both timeless and effortlessly stylish.

As you arrive along the tree-lined drive, you’re greeted by wide open skies, wildflower meadows, and the peaceful stillness of nature. The landscape shifts with the seasons-golden fields in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and the soft, muted tones of winter-all providing a stunning canvas for photography and celebration alike.

The heart of Retreat East is The Great Barn, an awe-inspiring space where centuries-old oak beams soar above polished floors and soft, ambient lighting. This versatile space is perfect for everything from ceremonies to dancing the night away. For those looking for an outdoor ceremony, the walled garden with its oak-framed pergola offers a romantic, intimate spot framed by climbing roses, herbs, and the gentle hum of bees.

Around the estate, beautifully designed barns and cottages offer luxurious accommodation for you and your guests. Each space is individually styled with warm, earthy tones, organic textures, and handcrafted furniture, creating a calm, comfortable place to unwind after the celebrations.

Whether you’re exchanging vows at sunset in the garden, sipping cocktails by the firepit, or gathering your loved ones for a long-table feast, Retreat East offers a setting where countryside beauty and luxury hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

At Retreat East, your wedding ceremony is set against the stunning backdrop of the Suffolk countryside, with two distinct and equally breathtaking spaces to choose from – The Farmhouse Garden and The Great Barn. Each offers its own unique charm, allowing you to shape a celebration that feels true to your vision and personal style.

The Farmhouse Garden

Nestled within the heart of the estate, The Farmhouse Garden is a romantic and serene outdoor space, perfect for al fresco ceremonies. Surrounded by fragrant herbs, wildflowers, and gently rustling trees, this walled garden feels intimate yet open, ideal for those dreaming of a countryside wedding in nature. At its centre stands a beautiful oak-framed pergola, a natural focal point for exchanging vows under Suffolk’s vast skies. During the spring and summer months, the garden bursts into colour, providing a lush, living backdrop that requires little decoration. It’s peaceful, private, and full of rustic charm – a picture-perfect spot for saying “I do.”

The Great Barn

For those looking for a dramatic and weather-proof option, The Great Barn offers an unforgettable indoor ceremony space. A masterclass in restored heritage architecture, the barn features soaring ceilings with exposed beams, grand double doors, and soft, ambient lighting that brings warmth and intimacy to the spacious interior. It can be styled to suit everything from classic elegance to modern minimalism, accommodating both small gatherings and larger ceremonies. Whatever your theme, The Great Barn provides a timeless, atmospheric setting that effortlessly impresses.

Together, these two spaces give couples the freedom to choose between open-air romance and barn-style grandeur – or even both.

When the vows are exchanged and it’s time to celebrate, The Great Barn at Retreat East offers the perfect space to host an unforgettable wedding reception. With its soaring ceilings, exposed timber beams, and grand double doors opening onto the surrounding countryside, The Great Barn is a breathtaking blend of rustic charm and refined elegance.

Capable of hosting up to 100 seated guests for your wedding breakfast and up to 120 for the evening reception, the barn offers both intimacy and scale, ideal for dining, speeches, and dancing the night away. Its neutral, natural palette provides a beautiful blank canvas to style as you wish, whether you envision wild greenery and twinkling fairy lights, elegant long tables dressed in linen and candles, or a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

As the sun sets, the barn transitions seamlessly from dinner to dance floor. There’s plenty of space for a live band or DJ, and the acoustics are perfect for creating an electric atmosphere as your evening celebrations unfold. Guests can spill out into the courtyard for drinks under the stars, gather around the firepit, or enjoy late-night bites served from a rustic outdoor bar or food truck.

With the accommodation just a short stroll away, your reception can continue well into the night, free from curfews or the need for transport. At Retreat East, your wedding isn’t just a day – it’s a full countryside experience, and The Great Barn is where the memories come to life.

One of the most special aspects of a wedding at Retreat East is the opportunity to turn your celebration into a full countryside escape. With luxurious on-site accommodation for up to 70 guests, you can extend the magic across an entire weekend, spending quality time with your closest friends and family in a setting that feels like your own private estate.

The accommodation at Retreat East is a collection of beautifully restored barns, bespoke shepherd’s huts, and eco-luxury suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the character and charm of the Suffolk countryside. Every space blends rustic features like exposed beams and reclaimed materials with modern touches, from plush king-size beds to underfloor heating and rainfall showers.

At the heart of it all is The Piggery, their romantic and secluded honeymoon suite. Designed with ultimate comfort and privacy in mind, The Piggery is the perfect post-wedding hideaway. This beautiful standalone barn features a spacious open-plan layout with a wood-burning stove, freestanding bath, super king bed, and large glass doors that open out onto your own private garden. It’s the ideal retreat to unwind after the celebrations and soak in those just-married moments.

Couples can choose to stay in The Farmhouse, a stunning, character-filled space ideal for bridal preparations, romantic moments, and a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. It offers generous living areas, elegant interiors, and views across the wildflower meadows – perfect for a quiet morning coffee or getting ready with your bridal party.

For your guests, the surrounding barns and cottages offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom options, all with private entrances, cosy living areas, and kitchens. The layout of the estate allows for community and privacy in equal measure, with spaces to gather around firepits, enjoy breakfast together, or unwind in the spa.

With accommodation just steps from the ceremony and reception spaces, your guests can relax, celebrate, and immerse themselves fully in the beauty of your wedding weekend at Retreat East.

At Retreat East, food and drink are at the heart of every celebration. Their culinary philosophy is simple: seasonal, sustainable, and sensational. Inspired by the surrounding landscape and crafted with ingredients from their own kitchen garden and trusted local producers, every dish served is a true taste of Suffolk.

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed sharing-style feast, a formal three-course dinner, or a rustic outdoor BBQ, their team will work with you to create a bespoke menu that reflects your tastes and complements the style of your day. They pride themselves on flexibility and creativity, offering everything from elegant canapés and artisan grazing tables to hearty, farm-to-table mains and decadent desserts.

Their head chef and kitchen team are passionate about using the best of what’s in season, meaning your wedding menu will be bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours – think heirloom tomatoes in the summer, slow-cooked Suffolk lamb in autumn, or rich, comforting dishes in winter. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are crafted with just as much flair, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable meal.

To accompany your feast, their carefully curated drinks selection features English wines, craft beers, and botanical cocktails inspired by the countryside. Toast your marriage with a glass of sparkling local fizz or treat guests to signature cocktails served from the rustic outdoor bar. And as the evening draws in, gather around the firepit with espresso martinis or mulled wine under the stars.

At Retreat East, dining isn’t just a part of your wedding – it’s an experience in itself.

At Retreat East, sustainability isn’t just a feature – it’s at the core of everything they do. From the way they’ve restored their historic buildings to the food they serve and the experiences they create, their commitment to the planet is woven into every detail of your wedding day.

Set on a 35-acre organic estate, Retreat East is a working farm designed with regenerative principles. Their wildflower meadows, orchards, and kitchen garden not only provide stunning scenery but also support biodiversity and nurture the land for generations to come. The estate is home to bees, birds, and other wildlife, creating a rich natural environment that flourishes without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Their accommodation and buildings have been sympathetically restored using reclaimed and sustainable materials, with energy-efficient systems and low-impact design. Heating is powered by a biomass boiler using locally sourced wood, and they work hard to reduce waste and single-use plastics across the site.

When it comes to your wedding, you can be confident that your celebration is kind to the planet. Their kitchen team creates seasonal menus using ingredients grown on-site or sourced from local, ethical producers. Florals can be arranged using garden-picked stems or dried flowers to minimise waste, and they can recommend local, eco-conscious suppliers who share their values.

Whether it’s composting kitchen scraps, encouraging guests to explore by bike or foot, or simply providing a space to connect with nature, Retreat East offers the chance to celebrate your love in a way that honours the earth.

While Retreat East offers everything you need for a magical wedding weekend, its location in the heart of rural Suffolk means you’re also surrounded by charming villages, heritage towns, and beautiful countryside that invite you to explore before or after the big day.

Just a short drive from the retreat, you’ll find the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, known for its stunning cathedral, medieval architecture, and vibrant independent shops and cafés. Stroll through the Abbey Gardens, visit the bustling twice-weekly market, or enjoy a pre-wedding dinner in one of the town’s excellent restaurants or wine bars.

For those who love the coast, Suffolk’s heritage coastline is within easy reach. The artistic town of Aldeburgh and the iconic Snape Maltings – with its galleries, shops, and concert hall – make for lovely day trips. Or head to Southwold for fish and chips on the pier, sandy beach walks, and a pint from the famous Adnams Brewery.

Closer to home, the surrounding countryside is rich with walking and cycling trails, nature reserves, and charming country pubs. The area is perfect for guests looking to make a weekend of it, with plenty of options for leisurely lunches, scenic drives, or relaxed explorations.

Whether your guests are arriving from near or far, they’ll find plenty to enjoy in Suffolk’s unspoiled landscapes and timeless villages. And for you, it’s the perfect setting to extend the celebrations, relax into newlywed life, and savour every moment of your countryside escape.

Retreat East is located just 90 minutes from London, 60 minutes from Cambridge, and 30 minutes from Colchester.