Title: Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens Cottage in Ipswich ![Private kitchen](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76070000/76067500/76067419/2bb26391.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76070000/76067500/76067419/be1353af.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76070000/76067500/76067419/b01dca62.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76070000/76067500/76067419/bfba2c9b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Living area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76070000/76067500/76067419/6f22a9fd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to the tranquil Calf Pens, nestled in 300 acres of beautiful grounds. Discover a charming rural retreat with a wood burner, exposed beams and classic décor. Take leisurely strolls around the landscaped lakes or explore delightful country walks that inspired John Constable. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4 ## Popular amenities ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire cottage to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens A large and wonderfully proportioned conversion of an old farm building off the beaten track set within the 300 acre grounds of Moat Hall. With high ceilings, wood burner, exposed beams, classic interior décor and antique furniture, the Calf Pens make 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. Ground Floor Entrance Hall – Connects the kitchen, dining & sitting area and access to the bedrooms. Kitchen Area – Galley style with sink, electric cooker & hob, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, kettle and toaster. Butlers serving hatch through to the dining area. Dining Area – Antique wooden table with six matching chairs. South-West facing French windows open out onto lawned garden. Sitting Area – Open plan connected to the dining area with large sofa and three arm chairs orientated around a log burner with club fender below an impressive gilt mirror. In a decreet closable corner cupboard is a 32” Smart TV. The Calving Bedroom – Twin beds, chest of drawers and cloths chair, and across the corridor from its en-suite shower room. En-suite Shower Room – walk-in power shower, hand basin and lavatory. The Master Bedroom – King-sized brass bed with antique bedside tables and generous wardrobe and en-suite to the bathroom. Ensuite Bathroom - Bath with handheld shower, hand basin and lavatory. Utility Room – With washing machine and tumble dryer. Outside Large South-West facing lawned garden surrounded by mature shrubs. Via mowed paths is quick and easy access to a boating lake which can be used by guests to relax and have fun with. Beyond are fields, walks and woodland for exploring. ## Property amenities ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Bathtub - Shower ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property) ## Similar properties ![Smart TV, fireplace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67590000/67582700/67582608/ba964b6c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Immaculate luxury retreat in pretty village with great pubs - Box Valley Cottage Colchester - Kitchen - Washer - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi 10 Exceptional 48 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=67582608&PinnedHotelID=67582608&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102360000/102351000/102350981/165a446b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Barn conversion with private pool - Yew Tree Barn Colchester - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=102350981&PinnedHotelID=102350981&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Smart TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83240000/83232300/83232250/0fea838a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### My Chester Luxury 3bedroom Home Colchester - Kitchen - Washer - Free WiFi - Outdoor space 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=83232250&PinnedHotelID=83232250&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76520000/76518200/76518116/0ccda7a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Adorable cottage with a log burner in heavenly village - Constable Lodge Colchester - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Outdoor space 9.4 Exceptional 18 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=76518116&PinnedHotelID=76518116&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74540000/74538900/74538890/1cacae86.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Extraordinary 15th century timber framed cottage in famous Medieval village - The Tryst Lavenham - Outdoor space 9.2 Wonderful 15 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=74538890&PinnedHotelID=74538890&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73780000/73770400/73770305/01fbc044.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kick off your shoes, stare into the fire and relax in rural bliss Edwardstone - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 10 Exceptional 2 reviews £402 includes taxes & fees 12 Oct - 13 Oct [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-12&endDate=2025-10-13&selected=73770305&PinnedHotelID=73770305&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, dishwasher, high chair](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73270000/73269300/73269219/74351059.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Maltings Lodge, Chelsworth Chelsworth - Kitchen - Washer - Outdoor space - Parking available 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-25&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=73269219&PinnedHotelID=73269219&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Lobby lounge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/980000/976300/976277/ee6f2cca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Salthouse Harbour Hotel Ipswich - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Restaurant - Breakfast available 9.4 Exceptional 773 reviews £151 includes taxes & fees 28 Oct - 29 Oct [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-28&endDate=2025-10-29&selected=976277&PinnedHotelID=976277&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Minimum check-in age - 18 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### Property is also known as 595058 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C52.01607%2C0.94545&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=4HiqGu_-4_phUPMqcp5ebHTIUUo=) Ipswich, Suffolk #### What's nearby - Flatford Mill - 19 min drive - 9.7 miles - Colchester Castle Park - 23 min drive - 14.7 miles - University of Essex - 23 min drive - 15.6 miles - Ipswich Waterfront - 24 min drive - 14.7 miles - Colchester Zoo - 25 min drive - 18.6 miles #### Getting around - Bures Station - 19 min drive - London (STN-Stansted) - 67 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪White Hart - ‬11 min drive - ‪Mill Street Cafe - ‬9 min drive - ‪Boathouse Restaurant - ‬14 min drive - ‪Marlborough Head - ‬14 min drive - ‪The Sun Inn - ‬14 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens? > Checkout is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens located? > Situated in Ipswich, this cottage is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Dedham Vale and within 6 miles (10 km) of Wolves Wood RSPB Reserve and Suffolk Distillery. Bridge Cottage and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Charming cottage in beautiful private countryside with a boating lake - The Calf Pens Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 9 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Beryl H. 22 May 2024 #### We loved Tge Calf Pens We can highly recommend The Calf Pens. Very peaceful and magnificent walks directly from the door. Property was very clean and comfortable and everything was to our taste. ##### Beryl H. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 17 Sept 2023 #### Autumn break with friends The approach and the parking area was slightly disappointing but it is a farmyard. The cottage , garden and the grounds are beautiful. Having the lake and a boat was a bonus This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 16 Aug 2023 #### A lovely 4 nights for 2 couples Beautiful location and surrounding area, we cycled everywhere and it was a very safe place to leave our bikes. Comfortable house with all amenities plus lovely to have a welcome basket of tea, coffee, butter, bread, wine etc. Garden wasn't actually as private as had been indicated however it had a lovely table and chairs to sit out on and a walk to a beautiful pond nearby. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 1 Aug 2023 #### A very comfortable home from home My party found The Calf Pens very comfortable, spacious, nicely furnished, and well-equipped. It has lovely grounds with outside seating and a very short walk to a lake. The owner was very friendly and helpful and provided a folder with lots of useful information. It's important to have a car but it is well situated for the shops and pubs/restaurants in Hadleigh and in striking distance of all the sights Suffolk has to offer. It's a short walk from the Queen's Head in Lower Layham with its friendly landlord and great food. We had a lovely stay and would recommend it. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 15 May 2024 #### The Calf Pens 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. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Carolynn H. 24 Aug 2024 #### Calf Pens 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. ##### Carolynn H. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 24 Aug 2022 #### Quiet, peaceful and relaxing break We had an amazing week and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Calf Pens. Honestly couldn’t fault facilities! Delightful cottage with comfortable beds, a well equipped kitchen, really comfortable living area, set in lovely grounds in a delightful area. We found it reassuring that Allison and Huge left a welcome letter and contact number and that we were able to contact them if we needed to. This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Anna S. 10 Apr 2022 #### Calf Pens Suffolk A beautiful, warm and well appointed home I would recommend to anybody especially for cyclists looking for quiet roads. ##### Anna S. ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Chester-Hotels-DoubleTree-By-Hilton-Hotel-And-Spa-Chester.h527788.Hotel-Information) > > [Limes Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ipswich-Hotels-Limes-Hotel.h23089109.Hotel-Information) > > [Hintlesham Hall Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ipswich-Hotels-Hintlesham-Hall-Hotel.h17802.Hotel-Information) > > [Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bolton-Hotels-Last-Drop-Village-Hotel-And-Spa.h9341.Hotel-Information) > > [Cave Hotel & Golf Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Faversham-Hotels-Cave-Hotel-Golf-Resort.h33410673.Hotel-Information) > > [ibis budget Manchester Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Manchester-Hotels-Ibis-Budget-Manchester-Airport.h75715089.Hotel-Information) > > [De Vere Cotswold Water Park](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cirencester-Hotels-De-Vere-Cotswold-Water-Park.h1770053.Hotel-Information) > > [Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cambridge-Hotels-Cambridge-Belfry.h1103020.Hotel-Information) > > [Best Western Ipswich Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ipswich-Hotels-Best-Western-Ipswich-Hotel-Spa.h4482202.Hotel-Information) > > [Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Chester-Hotels-Grosvenor-Pulford-Hotel-Spa.h790572.Hotel-Information) > > [Lakes Hotel and Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Windermere-Hotels-Lakes-Hotel-And-Spa.h901040.Hotel-Information) > > [Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hook-Hotels-Four-Seasons-Hotel-Hampshire.h986107.Hotel-Information) > > [Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Towcester-Hotels-Hilton-Garden-Inn-Silverstone.h48251404.Hotel-Information) > > [Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Manchester-Hotels-Park-Inn-By-Radisson-Manchester-City-Centre.h2601411.Hotel-Information) > > [Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Woodbridge-Hotels-Ufford-Park-Woodbridge-Hotel.h12685.Hotel-Information) > > [Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Norwich-Hotels-Dunston-Hall.h519081.Hotel-Information) > > [Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Leeds-Hotels-Oulton-Hall-Hotel.h15948.Hotel-Information) > > [The Park Royal Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Warrington-Hotels-The-Park-Royal.h24462.Hotel-Information) > > [Pine Lake Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Carnforth-Hotels-Pine-Lake-Resort.h1928661.Hotel-Information) > > [The Windermere Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Windermere-Hotels-The-Windermere-Hotel.h13431161.Hotel-Information) > > [Harbour Hotel Christchurch](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Hotels-The-Christchurch-Harbour-Hotel-And-Spa.h18097.Hotel-Information) > > [The Peacock Inn](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ipswich-Hotels-Chelsworth-Peacock-Inn.h29051828.Hotel-Information) > > [De Vere Tortworth Court](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bristol-Hotels-De-Vere-Tortworth-Court.h570412.Hotel-Information) > > [Redworth Hall Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Newton-Aycliffe-Hotels-Redworth-Hall-Hotel.h517266.Hotel-Information) > > [Royal Whitby](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Whitby-Hotels-The-Royal-Hotel.h57917040.Hotel-Information) > > [5* Detached Stone Cottage with a Private Indoor Pool (Not Shared)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ashbourne-Hotels-5-Detached-Stone-Cottage-With-A-Private-Indoor-Pool.h31752210.Hotel-Information) > > [DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham-Cotswolds](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheltenham-Hotels-Doubletree-By-Hilton-Cheltenham.h65899.Hotel-Information) > > [Best Western Claydon Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ipswich-Hotels-Best-Western-Claydon-Hotel.h384116.Hotel-Information) > > [Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bristol-Hotels-Hampton-By-Hilton-Bristol-Airport.h16543862.Hotel-Information) > > [De Vere Wokefield Estate](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Reading-Hotels-De-Vere-Wokefield-Estate.h1044123.Hotel-Information)