The village of Thorpeness in Suffolk is perhaps one of the most unusual villages in the United Kingdom. In fact it was voted 'Weirdest Village in England' by Bizarre magazine in 2003. It is unkind, perhaps, to use the word weird but unique Thorpeness certainly is. The village was originally a small fishing hamlet before all the surrounding land (including the village) was bought up in the early twentieth century by a Scottish Barrister, Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie. Much of the land was put to agricultural use but Thorpeness was built as a model seaside resort for the use of the friends and family of Ogilvie. The village has some notable features, including the Almshouses which were built in the 1920s to the design of W G Wilson. The water tower was deemed to be an eyesore, so the building was clad with wood, which was then painted to make it look like a house on top of a five story block. Since the introduction of mains water to the village, the tank was converted into a large games room with magnificent views of the area. The 'house in the clouds' is still popular with visitors to Thorpeness today. Another popular attraction, particularly at the time of the annual regatta, is the artificial lake or 'mere'. The building of the lake was inspired by the J M Barrie novel 'Peter Pan'. Barrie was a personal friend of the Ogilvie family.
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Places to Stay near Thorpeness
The Dolphin (0.08 miles)
Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club (0.34 miles)
The Hours Fly by Where Time Stood Still....... A genuine seaside 'hidden gem' near fashionable Aldeburgh, unique amongst holiday villages. Located adjacent to the Meare and gardens this hotel offers 30 large, well-decorated en-suite bedrooms, ... More | visit website
Swiss Cottage (1.58 miles)
Wentworth Hotel (1.74 miles)
White Lion Hotel (1.80 miles)
3 Star AA Hotel
Established in 1563, the White Lion Hotel was voted Highly Commended in the 2001 Hotel of the year awards. Enjoying a premier location on the sea front, the White Lion offers a ... More | visit website
Brudenell Hotel (2.33 miles)
This newly refurbished award winning hotel is located right on the beach in the delightful Edwardian town of Aldeburgh. The 44 spacious bedrooms enjoy sea, river or marshland views. Unrivalled views can also be enjoyed ... More | visit website
White Horse Hotel (2.56 miles)
This small, friendly hotel is in rural Leiston, close to the coast at Aldburgh and Sizewell. The rooms are en suite and main bar shows Sky Sports and Setanta channels. Every room ... More
Home From Home Guesthouse (2.60 miles)
A warm and friendly atmosphere. Home from Home is a newly opened refurbished guest-house, in a large Edwardian house, located in the popular town of Leiston, giving comfortable friendly accommodation. ... More
Eels Foot Inn (4.08 miles)
A traditional, family run, country pub selling Adnams ales and great food.Our accommodation is separate from the Inn and is located in a barn style building only built in October ... More
The Lion Inn (4.28 miles)
The Lion Inn offers its customers a friendly service featuring great real ales, a variety of popular draught beers, inexpensive wines and spirits and of course home cooked food. We ... More
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