Suffolk’s House in the Clouds is a unique holiday cottage, requiring visitors to ascend 67 stairs for entry. The top room offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastlines.
The peculiar house was established in 1923 when an unsightly water tower was added to the town. Playwright G. Stuart Ogilvie had the brilliant idea to transform part of the tower into a house, giving the illusion of a cottage nestled in the clouds.
G. Stuart Ogilvie didn’t stop there; he purchased all of Thorpeness, transforming it into a private fantasy holiday village for his family, featuring mock Jacobean houses and a boating lake.
The house, built for his friend Mrs Malcolm Mason, was initially named The Gazebo. However, Mrs Malcolm later renamed it The House in the Clouds, a name that has stuck to this day.
While Mrs Malcolm’s house always sat atop the water tower, the rest of the tower wasn’t converted into a residential building until the 1970s. This change occurred when the town connected to the main water supply, rendering the tower redundant.
The cottage’s location is ideal for exploring nearby attractions including the lost village of Dunwich, the Under the Pier Show at Southwold, and the Satis House Hotel, where Charles Dickens is believed to have penned parts of Great Expectations
Guests who have experienced a stay at the iconic House in the Clouds have been effusive in their praise on Airbnb, with one guest sharing: “An amazing stay! We hired this between 3 families for a 50th birthday weekend, and it didn’t disappoint! So much to do (so many stairs to climb! ) beautiful surroundings and a perfect venue.”
Another added: “This house is unique with lovely sociable spaces for a large group. We were a party of 12 with ages from fifteen to eighty-five! Lots of lovely walks, meals around the large table, and games in the evening. The perfect long weekend for a mixed group!”
A third guest said: “The house in the clouds is a comfortable, magical treat. A great getaway with your friends and family. Everything you need to have a wonderful break.”
Source: express.co.uk