Guests say
Guests consistently praise The Calf Pens for its cleanliness, comfort, and tranquil location. The property offers well-equipped facilities, thoughtful touches, and is situated in a picturesque area ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. The welcoming hosts and proximity to local amenities further enhance the stay.
Reviewers unanimously mention the cleanliness of the property, describing it as clean and well-maintained, which indicates a high standard of hygiene.
The property is appreciated for its peaceful setting and proximity to local attractions, shops, and pubs. Its central yet quiet location is ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
Guests find the cottage comfortable, with special mentions of the well laid out space, comfortable furnishings, and the provision of books and games for entertainment.
The property is well-equipped with a kitchen, spacious living areas, and a garden. However, one review mentioned the garden's privacy was not as expected, slightly impacting the score.
The hosts' thoughtfulness is highlighted through the provision of local information, a welcome basket, and privacy. While gifts are mentioned, it is noted that such offerings are subject to change and not guaranteed.
About this property
Set within the 300-acre grounds of Moat Hall, The Calf Pens is a beautifully proportioned conversion of an old farm building, tucked away off the beaten track. With soaring ceilings, a wood-burning stove, exposed beams, and timeless décor complemented by antique furnishings, this distinctive home offers an inviting and comfortable rural escape. Perfectly positioned on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s surrounded by rolling countryside, landscaped lakes, and scenic walks that inspired the artist John Constable.
Curated over the ground floor, the Calf Pens is a beautifully appointed, traditionally styled, countryside hideaway with charming features such as exposed beams and antique furniture. The galley kitchen is equipped with everything you might need to cater at home, and meals can be shared in the neighbouring dining area. From here, french doors open out on the delightful lawned garden allowing the fresh country air to drift through on warm days. And for chillier evenings, ample seating is set around a cosy wood burning stove in the adjacent sitting room. A king-size brass bed is offered in the master bedroom, with twin single beds hosted in bedroom two. The beds are dressed with good quality fine white linens to ensure a good night's sleep is had by all. These rooms each benefit from there own en-suite shower facilities.
Outside, there is a large south-west facing garden with outdoor dining furniture for enjoying meals al fresco. The garden is bordered by idyllic surroundings, including grazing ponies, and guests can enjoy access to the tranquil boating lake. Pack a picnic and a let time pass you by as you watch dragonflies dive across the surface as the sound of birdsong fills the air.
The Calf Pens makes a distinctive and extremely comfortable rural getaway tucked away on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are delightful country walks and landscaped lakes to help you lose yourself in the beautiful rolling countryside that inspired John Constable.
Additional Information:
Sorry, no pets.
Infants welcome, however no equipment is provided.
Nearby points of interest
- Colchester Castle Museum
- Ipswich Museum
- Christchurch Mansion
- East Anglian Railway Museum
- Ipswich Transport Museum
- Kentwell Hall
- Colchester Zoo
- Bicester Village
- University of Essex
Reviews (7)
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Guest
We had a really wonderful stay at The Calf Pens. There was so much attention to detail that we wanted for nothing. It was clean, comfortable, extremely well laid out and had plenty of books and board games to entertain us. The owners had carefully and thoughtfully put together interesting places to visit and provided information for local pubs/restaurants. All these touches enabled us to have a relaxing stay.We loved our evening strolls around the adjoining farmland and lakes, just beyond the garden. We were lucky to see so many bats and dragonflies, plus many varieties of birds in the woods and farmland; listen out for the barking deer too! There was an array of butterflies on the buddleas in the garden with a large lawn to sit outside, or play games, or just sit, unwind and watch the sun go down.The let was tranquil and slightly off the beaten track - just what weâd been looking for, but it was close enough to Hadleigh for shopping. It was also well situated for visiting the many tourist attractions that are all over Suffolk/Essex - far too many to visit in just one week.The owners were very friendly but made every effort to ensure we had our privacy.We were so happy with our stay that we are already making plans for our return.
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Mr C
What a lovely cottage! It was comfortable and clean. The hosts were very helpful and accessible which made everything go smoothly. The location was central but quiet and having horses near was an added bonus. The local pub, The Queens Head, was delightful and the publican Steve made us feel like locals.
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Mrs A
The Calf Pens were a real pleasure for us to stay in-between moving house. It provided us with everything we needed to function; a well equipped kitchen, lovely bedlinen and towels. The rooms are well proportioned and the open plan living/dining room lovely and spacious. The owners have thoughtfully used genuine antiques, paintings and artifacts within the accommodation, making The Calf Pens feel very special and in keeping with the tranquil, understated gardens which surround the property. A perfect place to unwind and enjoy Suffolk.