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High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city

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The Bull Pen: easy parking, tranquil meadowland view and good WiFi (70mb/s)
Open plan living area.
Dinning table in the open plan living area.
Single oven with induction hob and microwave.
Seating for 6 with Smart TV and LED flame effect electric fire.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 699 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Cambridge, ENG
  • University of Cambridge
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Cambridge Corn Exchange
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Addenbrooke's Hospital
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Cambridge (CBG)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city

Located 8 miles west of Cambridge, in the Cambridgeshire village of Bourn, The Bull Pen is a high quality build designed to keep a feel for its history and location. It is a comfortable and peaceful place with open space indoors and outside for friends and families to enjoy. All the rooms look across traditional pasture with mature oak and ash trees, hedgerow and then arable fields beyond. It is ideal for a holiday combining 'time in' the city and 'time-out' of the city! Traveling into Cambridge is easy; there is a Park&Ride bus station just 10 minutes drive away.

The main kitchen/dinning/living area - Open plan with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vaulted ceiling with steel beams. The new kitchen is well equipped and has a large oven/grill, electric hob, microwave and fridge. There is a comfortable dining area and lounge area for up to 6 adults with Smart TV. For warmer days there are French Doors leading to a patio and a garden snug area to enjoy the outdoor space and BBQ. And for cooler winter days, The Bull Pen is cosy with constant thermostatic underfloor heating and large triple glazed windows so you can still enjoy the view of grass, trees and big sky.

Snug room with Smart TV and sofa - This room is also where the laundry facilities are: washing machine, tumble dryer and drying area.
The Snug room has a double sofa bed and blackout curtains so could also be used as an additional bedroom for one extra guest to sleep and would be sharing the shower room with guests in bedroom 3 (extra bedding cost per stay £40).
The snug room is also suitable for a travel cot ( extra cost per stay £10).

Bedroom 1 (first floor) with ensuite: a spiral staircase leads to the master bedroom with a kingsize bed with large velux windows to watch the night sky. There is also a Smart TV and an en-suite bathroom (with shower in bath) N.B this room is similar to a mezzanine, there is no door between the hall and bedroom but it is private.
A single folding bed suitable for a child can be added in this room on request (extra charge per stay £40)

Bedroom 2 (ground floor) with ensuite wet room- super kingsize double bed/or twin 3ft single beds (adjustable electric & massage), vaulted ceiling with fan and en-suite wet room. French Doors open to a patio area. This room is also suitable to anyone needing easy access with no steps and has wide doors through to the main living area.

Bedroom 3 - (ground floor) also a twin or double; two single beds will link/zip together to make a king size double. A compact room but with a very comfortable bed, and has an ensuite shower room and a private adjoining Snug room with sofa & Smart T.V.

Special features:
Ground floor bedrooms with no steps, low thresholds.
Quiet with lovely views and big sky, good walking routes.
Three lovely places to eat in the village; Country restaurant/bar , quality Indian food
and Cafe for brunch/lunch, and also a butchers with farm shop
Wifi throughout building - ( fibre broadband - download speed 70 Mbps)
Easy access – 2 parking spaces (plus overflow for 3+ cars), no steps and low thresholds (2 low steps onto patio area only)

Outdoor space:
Terrace with bistro table and 6 chairs
Garden snug with large corner sofa (+ fire pit or heat lamp available on request)
BBQ and large dining table with 6 chairs
3 seater garden swing

Families with young children - We are a working arable farm with occasional machinery working in the adjacent farm yard and also some cattle in the meadow. We welcome all family members, but for safety reasons, The Bull Pen is ideal for families with older children (7+) or babes in arms. If you have a young family and are unfamiliar with farm safety, please call me to discuss your needs and to check suitability for a safe & enjoyable stay.

Available on request for the little ones:
Bed rail for one of the single beds
Travel cot (£10 per stay) fits in well in Snug room next to bedroom 3 or in bedroom 1.
Single folding bed+bedding (£20 per stay). to fit in to bedroom 1
High chair&plastic dining set (free)
Stair gate for bottom of spiral staircase (free)

Property manager

Sally and Nick Charter

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Welcome,but caution needed as next to working farm
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
Families with young children are very welcome but for safety we request that children are kept under adult supervision at all times. Thank you, Sally

Important information

You need to know

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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cambridge

Located in Cambridge, this holiday home is in a rural area. Wimpole Estate and Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Cambridgeshire Golf Club and Girton Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, or check out an event or a game at Fenner's. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking/biking trails in the area.
Map
Cambridge, ENG

What's nearby

  • University of Cambridge - 15 min drive - 15.0 km
  • The River Cam - 15 min drive - 16.0 km
  • Cambridge Corn Exchange - 17 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Addenbrooke's Hospital - 20 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Imperial War Museum Duxford - 21 min drive - 28.4 km

Getting around

  • Royston Station - 17 min drive
  • Cambridge (CBG) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Courtyard Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Monkfield Arms - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Chequers Public House - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cambourne Sports and Social Club - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is High quality barn conversion near Cambridge to enjoy countryside & city located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Arrington Village Gardens, Wimpole Estate, and Croydon Village Hall. University of Cambridge and Orwell Clunch Pit are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 127 out of 128 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 128 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 128 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 128 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 128 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had a fantastic weekend with friends. Perfect property for a break near Cambridge. Location was close to Cambridge, close to supermarket and pub. Hosts were very helpful in providing information on things to do in the area and were very accommodating. Would happily go back
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Had a lovely stay with family for a post Christmas and birthday get together.Accommodation was amazing with everything we needed.Highly recommend, thanks Sally
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Couldn’t of been more perfect for my Sisters Hen Do

I made my booking with Sally and Nick quite far in advance as it was for my Sisters hen do and they were so helpful from start to finish. Sally gave me ALL the recommendations, local walks, spa’s, restaurants, bars, transport, clear details of the accommodation, I knew I’d booked the right place from the first message because she was so detailed and thorough, I even made a comment to family that I’d write them a glowing review already without even staying! Sally even went out of her way to put an order in for some milk to take some of the hen do stress off of me, and nothing else was needed, the place was fully stocked with tea bags, coffee pods etc when we arrived. The accommodation itself was stunning, 6 of us stayed and there was so much space we didn’t feel on top of one another at all, it was so clean, plenty of towels, bathroom products, cleaning products (even some stain remover which saved my jacket!), a beautiful view and ample parking. Sally checked in a couple of times during our stay and made the whole process and stay so relaxed. I couldn’t recommend highly enough and whilst we were there even spoke about booking again in the future! Thank you Sally & Nick
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect base

The Bull pen is perfectly located for exploring the Cambridge area especially IWM Duxford. The building itself is fitted out above and beyond what you would expect. This was completed by the incredible welcome and support of Sally. Never head any farm noise....honest.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mrs

Our stay at the Bullpen was exceptional. The facilities were comprehensive, the accommodation outstandingly clean and comfortable. Quite honestly the reality is better than the photos! the outlook was rural but Cambridge was in easy reach. ~It was great to know our hosts were nearby but their presence was certainly not intrusive at any time. We would certainly stay again - Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for family stay in Cambridgeshire

You won’t find a better place to stay if you’re looking to stay in the Cambridgeshire countryside. The Bullpen is beautifully located on the owners’ farm. The property is spacious, immaculately maintained, and very well equipped. Sally was very helpful in making our stay a wonderful one and was very responsive to our questions. The location is convenient for getting to Cambridge, and having a supermarket 5 minutes away was very convenient. A wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous place to stay

A spacious, comfortable, well-equipped cottage with high end appliances and everything we could possibly need to make our stay easy and comfortable. Communicating with Sally was easy and she responded quickly. All in all, a great experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marion C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy comfortable stay

We were very fortunate to come across The Bull Pen and really loved all the attention to detail and the help we were given. Thank you so… much. We will stay again, if at all possible!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent, beautiful holiday home

The weekend started with a lovely warm welcome from Sally the owner. Sally had earlier provided really useful information about the local eating places. We had a family gathering with members from across the country. The Barn is cosy, comfortable, clean, everything was as described online. We had a fantastic weekend. One to enjoy.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Philip R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional property

We had an excellent stay in Bourn at the bullpen and would highly recommend. The property itself is well thought out and very comfortable, the location is incredible, loved waking up to the bull/cows nearby. Five stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tracy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need to have a break and all your home comforts

This is our 2nd time staying at the Bull Pen, something we've not done before. It felt wonderfully familiar and yet we had new places to explore. The farm shop has some excellent choices for eating 'at home'. Sally goes out of her way to make you feel welcome, but equally leaves you free to enjoy the space. Recommend for friend and family stays.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carlos L., Madrid

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

La propiedad mejor equipada que hemos visitado nunca. Ideal para familias.

Buena ubicación para organizar desde allí visitas a la zona de Cambridgeshire y más (estuvimos también en Oxford, Silverstone…) Fuimos una familia de 5: casa amplia, muy bien equipada, con todos los detalles imaginables. Zona muy tranquila. La atención por parte de Sally fue estupenda. Muy recomendable.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely stunning

We had a wonderful stay in this magnificent barn which was furnished and equipped to an outstanding level. We have stayed in many properties over the years and this is up there as one of the best we have stayed in. We had a very relaxing stay and enjoyed a fabulous meal at one of the local restaurants that was a short walk away which was a bonus. The property is in a great location with easy access in to Cambridge itself via the park and ride a short drive away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

vicki priest

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cambridge comfort

A great property close enough to Cambridge but in lovely countryside. All comforts catered for ,lovely considerate hosts. would certainly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Trent M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Break

Lovely break away with friends, the property was beautiful and was the perfect choice for a brief 3 day getaway. Cambridge was easily accessible but the property also gave us the feeling of been out of the city and in beautiful country surroundings with a lovely village just down the road as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amelia A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for family catch up

Lovely property and fantastic hosts. The property was spacious and suitable for our family catch up with wonderful views of the fields and cows. The kitchen was well equipped and there was a very cosy feel to the whole property. Will definitely be staying in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb property with a friendly owner

We spent great 5 days here in a peaceful location, which we used as a base to explore nearby Cambridge, St Neots and Grantchester. The property was spotless, with all the furnishings and fittings done out to a high standard. We made full use of the bbq, the patio furniture and the full size table tennis table, as well as Netflix in the evening. Sally was a very hospitable host, nothing was too much trouble. Watching the cows grazing in the nearby field whilst enjoying a morning coffee on the patio was a bonus. Would definitely recommend and stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike and Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home in rural setting.

Waking up to the bull and cows was a wonderful experience and Sally was an amazing host
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adele O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing minibreak

An extremely roomy and well equipped property in a delightful rural location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing homestay

We had such a lovely weekend. The house couldn't be more beautiful and is so well kitted out. The location is lovely and Sally couldn't have been more welcoming. The house felt really luxurious and was in such a relaxing and peaceful setting. My mother-in-law has limited mobility and this was just perfect for her. I cant recommend this place enough. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Colin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic weekend break

This is a great house in a beautiful setting. I have never found a property as well equipped as the Bull Pen and Sally was so helpful both before and during the stay. The bedrooms were all very comfortable and having three en-suite bathrooms was an added bonus with six of us plus two babies in the property. Would love to come back again, perhaps even with some sunshine!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely host and first class accommodation

as above
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tracy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great retreat, with plenty nearby

This property is set in the delightful village of Bourn, with an easy walk to the farm shop and the Willow Tree pub, both of which are worth a visit. The Bull Pen sits facing the field and a magnificent oak tree sits in full view. The sunset from the garden area entices you to use the outside space, which is as well equipped as the house - very cosy. The house is finished to a high standard and the kitchen has everything you need to cook at home if you choose to do so. Good beds and bed linen. All bathrooms are a good size and the hot water never ran out. The bedroom on the first floor is accessed by a very tight spiral staircase that goes directly into the bedroom, so you can hear all movement via the hallway. This was fine for us, but maybe worth considering dependant on who you plan to share the house with. Sally is a fantastic host with just the right balance of being available and leaving you to enjoy your time there. Thoroughly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth, Sidmouth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Fabulous stay and perfectly suited for our visit. Quiet, beautifully clean and well furnished. Everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lynda F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

The property was just perfect, extremely clean and had everything we needed. Local Indian takeaway was fantastic.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sally and Nick Charter

Host profile image
Sally and Nick live on site in the farmhouse at Chapman's Farm. We have both always live in Cambridgeshire and know the area very well. We enjoy the outdoors and when we're not working, we like to run or cycle round the local footpaths and bridleways, or go scuba diving round the British coast.
The farm is an arable farm but we also, usually have a few cattle in the meadow near the farm to enjoy and to keep the meadow grass mown.

Why they chose this property

The Bull Pen was convert from an Old Bull Pen barn into holiday accommodation in 2016. The original building was built by Nick's great granddad 'Alex Charter' to shelter the farm bull. The barn's use has changed over the years from bull pen to piggery to chicken shed, and then when the farm no longer kept livestock, it became a store shed for tractors and tools. Now that the barn has been converted into a home, it is starting its next stage in the history of The Bull Pen. Hopefully Great Granddad, who was part of the new era of steam engine tractors, would approve of the new enterprise ;)

What makes this property unique

The Bull Pen is a high quality model build with modern fixtures&fittings, good insulation and heating, and big triple glazed windows for light and the view. Designed to keep a feel for its history as a working farm building. Each of the 3 bedrooms leads off from the central main living area . A peaceful spot which provides an opportunity to explore the open countryside from the doorstep. The location is ideal to combine 'time in' the city (parking for the park&ride bus into Cambridge is 10 mins. away) and 'time-out' of the city!

Languages:

English