Guests say
The Bull Pen in Manningtree receives glowing praise for its immaculate presentation, peaceful setting, and high-quality furnishings. Guests consistently highlight the spotlessly clean accommodation, comfortable beds, and well-equipped kitchen. The tranquil garden and private patio are much appreciated, as is the warm welcome from the hosts. Many mention thoughtful touches such as homemade scones and fresh flowers, though these cannot be guaranteed. The location is ideal for exploring both Essex and Suffolk, with plenty of countryside walks and attractions nearby. Minor suggestions include additional privacy for the main door and a grab bar for the bath.
Cleanliness is repeatedly described as outstanding, with numerous guests calling the property spotless, immaculate, and very well maintained.
The location is highly praised for its peacefulness, beautiful countryside surroundings, and convenient access to local towns, attractions, and walking routes. Only a minor mention of difficulty finding the property slightly tempers the score.
Guests consistently report a very comfortable stay, highlighting the quality of the bed, bedding, and overall furnishings. The peaceful environment and cosy log fire add to the comfort, with only a minor suggestion regarding bath accessibility.
Facilities are described as excellent, with a fully equipped kitchen, modern appliances, private garden, and thoughtful amenities. Maintenance is noted as being to a very high standard, with only rare minor issues promptly addressed by the owner.
Many guests mention thoughtful touches such as homemade scones, jam, cream, and fresh flowers on arrival, as well as helpful communication from the hosts. Please note, however, that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This luxurious barn conversion makes a great base for exploring Constable Country and the stunning scenery that was the artists inspiration.. 1 step to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: 32" Freeview Smart TV, DVD Player, Woodburner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Gas central heating (underfloor in bathroom), electricity, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and logs for wood burner included. External utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer (shared with owner). Welcome pack. Lawned garden with patio and BBQ. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: There is a fenced pond in the garden, 200 yards away.. The Bull Pen is a lovingly restored barn conversion in the delightful village of Lawford close to the Suffolk and Essex borders. Ideally placed to explore both counties whilst enjoying a luxurious base, comprising open plan living space and wood burner, with views across the surrounding fields from the patio area. This is a detached, single-storey conversion making it ideal for those less mobile. Situated in the grounds of the owner’s home, you are tucked away in a corner and will enjoy all day sunshine from its south facing aspect.
Close by you will find Dedham, set by the River Stour which is in the heart of Constable Country. The high street is lined with Georgian fronted houses, old inns, fine restaurants and superb architecture. The Stour Valley itself is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and perfect for walks and drinking in the landscape, famous for inspiring the artist John Constable. You can also hire a boat, visit the many art exhibitions or the impressive Dedham church, a 15th-century church that stands proud in the middle of the village.
Further north is Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain, where some of the most important events in British history have taken place. As you walk through the town there is 2000 years of history to discover, mixed with shops, restaurants and attractions. A short drive to the east you will find the quintessential British seaside towns of Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze. Beach 15 miles. Shop 1¼ miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
The laundry facilities are shared. The property is pinpointed on the map incorrectly, it is actually 600 yards south of the marker.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Nearby points of interest
- University of Essex
- Colchester Castle Museum
- Bicester Village
- Colchester Zoo
- Ipswich Museum
- Christchurch Mansion
- Ipswich Transport Museum
- East Anglian Railway Museum
- West Mersea Beach
Reviews (39)
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Confirmed Guest
The accommodation was first class . Everything you needed was carefully thought out down to luxurious bedding.The garden was so peaceful, just what we needed living surrounded by noise.If we get the chance in future we have no hesitation in a return visit.What we thought would be interesting is an album showing photos of before and after renovation .
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Confirmed Guest
Would definitely recommend the Bull Pen. We will not hesitate to book the property again.
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Alison Hardman
Spent 4 nights at the Bull Pen recently and loved every minute of it. The cottage itself was well appointed with everything you could need for your stay. The cottage has a well equipped kitchen area with all modern appliances including dishwasher, refrigerator with ice box, microwave, oven, and hob, toaster etc It is beautifully decorated and looked after, spotlessly clean. It has its own garden with table, chairs and umbrella and also two reclining sun loungers. There is parking for one vehicle. We arrived to find scones, jam and cream awaiting us which was a lovely touch and fresh garden flowers. There are places to visit locally, Denham village, Flatford Mill, Mistley, Manningtree and Colchester also seaside resorts of Walton on Naze, Frinton and Clacton within a short drive. We really enjoyed the peace and tranquillity offered by the Bull Pen and look forward to making another visit in the future.