The History of The Cyder Farm – From Cherry Tree Farm to Today
A New Chapter for a Historic Suffolk Farm
The Cyder Farm in Ilketshall St Lawrence, Suffolk is a restored smallholding with orchards, cyder production, a day fishery, and a peaceful countryside campsite. Once known as Cherry Tree Farm, the land has been part of local Suffolk life for more than a century. Today, The Cyder Farm blends heritage, rural craftsmanship, and modern countryside tourism.
19th Century Origins of Cherry Tree Farm
Cherry Tree Farm dates back to the 1800s, making it one of the long-standing rural properties in north Suffolk.
The farmhouse is a classic Suffolk period building, likely named after the fruit trees that once grew on the land. For generations, it operated as a traditional family smallholding typical of the Waveney Valley.
The Coules Family and the Farm’s Creative Past
In the late 20th century, Cherry Tree Farm became the home of the Coules family.
Local artist Joan Mary Coules (J. Coules) worked from the farm and exhibited with the Beccles Society of Artists between 1977 and 1990. Her husband Henry Coules and their children looked after the orchard and grounds, keeping the farm active and rooted in Suffolk country life.
This era combined rural living with local creativity and cemented the farm’s place in the community.
Traditional Suffolk Cyder and Apple Juice Production
During the early 2000s, the farm entered a new phase under Jonathan Coules, who established Suffolk Apple Juice & Cider Place.
Using fruit from the old orchard, he produced:
- traditional Suffolk scrumpy
- single-variety apple juices
- cyder vinegar
- small-batch mead
All drinks were made on-site with local apples and traditional pressing equipment. A small farm shop sold the farm’s juices, ciders, honey, and jams. During this time, the property became known locally as “The Cider Place,” a nod to the region’s strong apple-growing history.
Decline of the Farm in the 2010s
By the 2010s, the orchard had become diseased, the buildings deteriorated, and the land became overgrown.
After Jonathan’s passing, the future of Cherry Tree Farm was uncertain, and many of the original cider-making tools lay unused.
The Cyder Farm Revival (2021–Present)
A turning point came in 2021, when Luke Andrews purchased the farm with a clear aim to restore the land and revive its cyder-making tradition.
He renamed it The Cyder Farm, choosing the historic spelling “cyder” to honour the craft Jonathan once practiced.
Farm Restoration
- The farmhouse and outbuildings were repaired and modernised while keeping their historic character.
- The old diseased orchard was removed and replaced with young apple trees, including classic Suffolk varieties.
- Livestock and poultry were reintroduced to return the farm to a working smallholding.
Lake Formation and Day Fishery
Luke created a single larger lake by joining the old pond and lake.
This is now the centre of The Cyder Farm’s Suffolk day fishery, where visitors can sit by the water and watch carp feeding on the surface.
Reviving Suffolk Cyder Production
Luke recovered the original presses and fermentation equipment used during Jonathan’s era.
After extensive restoration, apple pressing returned in 2024, marking the start of a new generation of traditional Cyder Farm cyder.
Opening of The Cyder Farm Campsite (2025)
In 2025, The Cyder Farm Campsite opened beside the lake, offering a relaxed countryside stay in north Suffolk.
The campsite provides:
- pitches for tents, small campers, and caravans
- access to the lake and day fishery
- a hot tub overlooking the water
- firepits, peaceful evenings, and clear night skies
The campsite appeals to visitors looking for a quiet Suffolk holiday, rural escape, or a base for exploring the Waveney Valley.
Seasonal events, including apple-pressing days and small craft workshops, are planned as part of the farm’s growing visitor experience.
The Cyder Farm Today
The Cyder Farm now blends:
- restored Suffolk orchard traditions
- revived cyder production
- lakeside fishing
- rural camping
- wildlife and smallholding life
What was once a declining farm has become a thriving countryside destination.
Under Luke’s stewardship, the farm honours the legacy of Cherry Tree Farm while creating a new future built on heritage, community, and sustainable rural tourism.