Freston Tower

The purpose and age of this six-storey Tudor tower that looks out over the River Orwell, have long been a matter of debate. Dendrochronology of selected timbers have suggested it was constructed in the late to 1570s, and one school of thought suggests that it may have been a lookout tower, an extravagant folly, or part of a pleasure garden. The most likely explanation is that it was simply a celebration of its owner’s wealth, perhaps built to coincide with Elizabeth I’s visit to Ipswich – just a short distance upriver – in August 1579.

Designed to be looked at and out of rather than lived in, Freston Tower has no fireplaces. Every opportunity is taken, however, to allow its occupants to enjoy the views outside – even the three-sided staircase has a window in each face, on every storey, and the roof is thought to have been conceived as an additional viewing platform.

After a succession of owners over the centuries, Freston Tower was bought in 1962 by a lady named Claire Hunt and her husband, who used it as a holiday home for sailing on the Orwell. In 1999 Mrs Hunt gave the tower to the Landmark Trust so that, in her words: “lots of people can enjoy a building where I have been very happy.”

Freston Tower is set in an undulating parkland of oaks, sweet chestnuts, cedar and beech trees. Inside, there is a single room on each floor with the sitting room at the top to take advantage of the unrivalled views. Two bedrooms accommodate up to four people, and dogs are welcome. .