Cool holiday cottages in Suffolk – in pictures From a traditional seaside escape and an old beamed cottage to an ultra-modern barn floating above the countryside, here are five lovely Suffolk pads Tweet The Balancing Barn, near Walberswick One of two properties in Suffolk run by Living Architecture, a social enterprise that builds architecturally interesting holiday homes around Britain, this one appears to dangle seesaw-like off a hillside … Photograph: Living Architecture The Balancing Barn, near Walberswick Sleeping eight and clad in silver tiles, the cantilevered building is not just about appearances: its rural location is great, and handy for Church Farm nature reserve. Book well ahead. • No phone, living-architecture.co.uk. From £1,600 a week Photograph: Living Architecture Martello Tower, Shingle Street This property at Shingle Street, a hamlet on the Alde estuary, was built during the Napoleonic wars but has been converted into a unique place to stay … Photograph: PR Martello Tower, Shingle Street It sleeps eight, with facilities that include a smart kitchen, open-plan lounge and a rooftop balcony. Unsurprisingly, given its history, it also has amazing views of the surrounding sea, beach and marshes. • 0845 163 8815, holidaycottagecompare.com. From £1,650 a week Photograph: PR Beech House Gite, Yoxford This prettily converted cottage for two mixes contemporary and vintage furniture and has lovely views on to a garden … Photograph: PR Beech House Gite, Yoxford It is well-placed for exploring Suffolk’s heritage coast and is also one for foodie couples: there are two good restaurants in the village – Mains and Satis House. • 01502 578278, heritagehideaways.com. From £350 a week Photograph: PR Edinburgh House, Aldeburgh Rumour has it that this bay-windowed townhouse was named after Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who used to sail into Aldeburgh and stay here … Photograph: PR Edinburgh House, Aldeburgh Now it’s more 1960s seaside showhome than 19th-century princely pad. Most rooms are decorated with retro-influenced contemporary furniture in a burst of love heart shades. • 01728 638962, bestofsuffolk.co.uk. From £1,130 a week, sleeps eight Photograph: PR The Old Monkey, Hadleigh This traditional beamed cottage for two is small in size but big on character. In the summer there’s a pretty garden to sit in … Photograph: PR The Old Monkey, Hadleigh … or book a romantic autumn break and spend your evenings sipping wine by the open fire. It’s in great walking territory and close to the south Suffolk cycle route (bikes are provided). • 01787 211115, grove-cottages.co.uk. From £363 a week Photograph: PR