Where are we based?
Our historic site is located in Ditchingham. We are on the former site of the All Hallows Community Convent. The Sisters of All Hallows kindly offered our community a long-term base set in several acres in the tranquil convent grounds. We first opened our doors to companions in 2011.
Our buildings
Our furniture showrooms are housed in 19th century Gothic red brick buildings. Here, you’ll find a maze of corridors, archways, windows and staircases worth a visit for the architecture alone.
Customers are welcome to wander the ground floor at their leisure. Many of the original features remain intact, including fireplaces, decorative scriptures.
We are currently undertaking several projects to refurbish and protect the legacy of the amazing buildings we call home.
Heritage Projects
Thanks to the National Heritage Lottery Fund we are currently renovating the 19th century refectory to preserve it’s incredible history and create a unique dining space for future guests. We’re celebrating with a series of heritage events to share the incredible history of this site with our guests. Learn more about our refectory project here.
We are also restoring 23 historic nun’s cells above our retail showroom into a Bed and Breakfast! The B&B will diversify our business and provide companions with a whole new set of skills in hospitality. The rooms will all be beautifully designed and renovated, giving guests a sense of life in the convent while they support people experiencing homelessness now and into the future. Learn more about the B&B here
Julie Eason, Emmaus customer.I love this place, the architecture, the gardens, the apples in the orchard, the children’s play area, the shopping, the workshop, the companions, the staff, all lovely.
Our grounds
There is a small courtyard garden, with customer seating and sunshades for hotter days. Even on clear winter days it’s a great spot to take a tea or coffee out from The Old Orchard Cafe.
The Orchard
The courtyard garden leads out into a lovely apple orchard. Drifts of snowdrops, followed by daffodils, fruit blossoms and a huge crop extend seasonal interest. There are lots of old English apple varieties which we press for juice every year and for the eager eyed a quince and medlar tree too.
Children's play area
In the orchard, we have a children’s play area to keep the kids entertained before or after your shop. Stepping stones, a wobble board, small adventure trail and family sized swig nest make it great fun for all ages.
Local to our site
With the Godric, Angles and Peddars Way all within a couple of miles we make for a great starting point or lovely diversion on many of the Waveney Valley walking and cycling routes. Outney Common is a couple of miles down the road so for the more adventurous why not combine us with a canoe trip down the beautiful river Waveney.
