Last Updated on August 19, 2023

Suffolk has a well-earned reputation as a popular holiday destination. The county has a wide variety of opportunities for holidaymakers. One of the aspects of the tourist trade in Suffolk that has contributed to the success is that Suffolk business owners love to innovate. While Suffolk has plenty of very nice ‘standard’ holiday homes and hotels, it’s the businesses that really make a big effort to excel and do something special that do well.
When news reached us that the dog-friendly luxury holiday lodge business Woodfarm Barns had expanded we wanted to have a chat with owner Carl Scott to find out more. Carl hasn’t just added more capacity at his location near Stonham Aspal, he has taken to the water. With the launch of Woodfarm Barns sister brand ‘Woodfarm Barges’ Carl is now offering luxury historic barges to people who wish to visit the beautiful historic waterways of our county. These barges are far removed from the small narrowboats that travel the nations canals, these moored barges are roomy and have been developed with a keen eye for comfort and detail.
We asked Carl Scott of Woodfarm Barns what drove the expansion, why he chose boats, and what he believes makes his new holiday lets unique. Here’s what he told us:
‘The biggest challenge facing Woodfarm Barns, is always a lack of availability as we are often so full. I’ve been letting people down for a long time, saying that “I wish I could grow more cottages!”
Well, now I have. Kind of. I love boating so the natural expansion for me was to take my business onto the water! I have just bought two beautiful, Historic, Dutch Sailing Barges, moored on the River Deben at the Tidemill in Woodbridge, and on the Orwell at Pin Mill.
I have, rather naturally launched the brand as ‘Woodfarm Barges’ www.woodfarmbarges.com
Although my business isn’t local per se, as visitors travel from further afield, I am very pleased to be based in Suffolk. The tourism industry in Suffolk is something we should all be very proud of.’
About the barges:
Twee Gebroeders
Twee Gebroeders in Woodbridge was built in 1897 and sleeps 2-4. She offers the perfect romantic getaway, just minutes away from Woodbridge’s superb selection of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. She has a double cabin, as well as a twin, a luxurious shower room and cosy saloon with a cast iron range cooker and seating/ dining area. She is right by the Tidemill, so an iconic location, and is right next to the new Whisstocks development, which is nearing completion. Ideal for couples and a couple of kids
Find out more…

Onderneming
Onderneming at Pin Mill was built in 1899 and sleeps 6-8. She is cavernous! The ideal peaceful getaway with family and friends, she has two huge saloons, both with fully fitted kitchens and seating/ dining areas. The spacious sleeping accommodation is in 3 double bedrooms, as well as a doubles of-bed. She has 3 bathrooms, one of which is an en-suite wet room. All this just a stones throw from the famous Butt & Oyster pub and with fabulous walks along the river in either direction.
Find out more…

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