Just over two hours from London, you’ll find the lovely village of Lavenham in Suffolk. This idyllic spot boasts over 340 listed buildings, including the gorgeous De Vere House, which you may recognise from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Believe me, after just a short walk around this magical place, it will come as no surprise that film producers chose Lavenham to represent the village of Godric’s Hollow in the penultimate film (with a little help from CGI, of course).
De Vere House, known by Potterheads as Harry Potter’s birthplace, is now available on Airbnb—and you can stay from £120 a night.
The history of the house, in its own right, dates back to the 1300s, when it was built as a hunting lodge for the super-rich De Vere family. Legend has it that Henry VII has stayed at the house—and there are plenty of spooky ghost stories, too. Inside, it’s full of gorgeous beamed ceilings, medieval paintings, suits of armour and cosy four-poster beds.
There are two rooms available to rent, and, whichever you choose, you’ll also have access to the house’s courtyard garden, as well as a private sitting room with an open fire (marshmallows and chestnuts for toasting included)! Oh and you mustn’t leave without tasting the B&B’s enchanting full English breakfast in the morning.
Elsewhere in the village you’ll find a huge, decorative church which stands at 141ft tall, and a chocolate box high street lined with brightly coloured buildings. It’s a truly spellbinding spot.
For more information and to book, you’ll find Room 1 here and Room 2 here.