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The Bull Pen

(Ref. 1004887)

Stoke Ash near Eye, Suffolk Show on map

4.5

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • comfortable (15)
  • quiet (15)
  • stay (14)
  • pen (12)
  • bull (12)
  • all (12)

47 Customer Reviews

  • "Everything was as expected."

    The Bull Pen is like the Tardis - deceptively large interior. Just two minor points. A second bedside lamp would be useful, if one likes to read in bed. Some sort of shower curtain to reduce splash over the floor - but not a major problem. An upgrade of some of the pans would be nice. Otherwise we enjoyed a comfortable and enjoyable stay. A good base for exploring Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.

    Reviewed by Michael3.8Sep 2024

  • "Would benefit a barrier between shower and toilet"

    Reviewed by Stephen4.7Aug 2024

  • "We had to buy bottled water because of the quality of the tap water."

    The scale in the kettle was terrible. We had to buy fly papers because of the amount of flies indoors. There was hardly any kitchen roll left so had to buy this too. The bed made a noise nearly every time you turned over. There was no visitors book (which is unusual). Eventually we enjoyed our week, but I'm afraid we won't be back !

    Reviewed by Martin3.1Aug 2024

  • "An excellent week."

    Perfect for winding down in peace and quiet with good privacy. Good access to roads for touring and seaside towns. The Bull Pen offers all of the necessary features for a comfortable stay. It is usual to list good and bad points but in this case no negatives spring to mind.

    Reviewed by Peter4.7Jul 2024

  • "This was our second visit to this site which probably tells you all."

    Very responsive owner. Comfortable with all amenities. Very happy to recommend the Bull Pen

    Reviewed by Michael5.0Jul 2024

  • "Shower could use a screen/curtain to stop flooding the toilet area."

    . the bed was uncomfortable .. having said that the view was lovely and wildlife very active...

    Reviewed by Angela2.8Jun 2024

  • "A secluded comfortable stay within easy reach of many local places of interest."

    Spacious bathroom and comfortable bed. Kitchen a little small with under counter fridge making storage of perishable food a little restricted. Some items within kitchen inventory perhaps need replacing. If you are seeking a quiet getaway surrounded by nature this is the ideal retreat.

    Reviewed by George4.7Jun 2024

  • "Adequate clean accommodation that could do with some updating (No USB) sockets."

    Peaceful location within a working farm with plenty of opportunities to get close to the abundant wildlife Easy access to most of the areas attractions .

    Reviewed by Ken4.1Jun 2024

  • "Warm and comfortable."

    Reviewed by Margaret5.0Feb 2024

  • "The Bull Pen was quiet relaxing and comfortable."

    The owner and the manager Lisa were so kind we would deffinately book again.

    Reviewed by Carol5.0Feb 2024

  • "Great week in a very quiet and peaceful setting."

    Short journey to Lakenheath to watch the planes and lots of lost in time villages to explore.

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Jan 2024

  • "Place is lovely for a nice little break away"

    Reviewed by Christopher5.0Jan 2024

  • "Bull Pen was very comfortable and had everything we needed."

    The rooms were more spacious than we expected.

    Reviewed by Mary5.0Oct 2023

  • "Great place to stay nice and quiet."

    Recommend if you like peace and quiet. Lovely surroundings just field's. Love it

    Reviewed by Fred5.0Sep 2023

  • "Everything we needed, praise must go to manager Lisa who's friendly and helpful manner makes her a real asset to the owner."

    Just some improvements- rear garden really needs some TLC; grass needs cutting and fence could do with attention. Also toilet roll holder in bathroom needs to be refitted as awkward without one. Bedding and towels scrupulously clean, kitchen had all equipment needed. Peaceful location.

    Reviewed by David4.1Sep 2023

  • "Lovely cottage clean comfortable and well equipped."

    Ideally situated to explore suffolk and norfolk, manager Lisa friendly and helpful thoroughly enjoyed my week highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Richard5.0Aug 2023

  • "This is a very comfortable, well appointed and delightful property we found it as advertised a home from home, five stars, ***** The only downside we found was one of the bedside lights didn’t work."

    We would have preferred a larger bed. It was a very quiet peaceful place. There was lots of wildlife; birds & mammals. The house was a wonderful, well appointed and just the right place for us. The information provided on the locality, county and region was comprehensive. The Wi-Fi worked.and all the other services We found the A140 a busy road during the day. We recommend the four horseshoes as the best food for miles around. Thank you and we’ll revisit this or another Sykes property later this next twelve months.

    Reviewed by Fred5.0Jul 2023

  • "Convenient location and easy to get to local attractions."

    The owners made sure we were happy with everything and were readily available. We were pleased to find there was good wifi even though not this was not listed.

    Reviewed by John4.4Jul 2023

  • "Drain in shower was completely blocked with hair I had to clean and unlock it."

    Mould in the shower area needs upgrading. The rest of the inside was very pleasant and tidy I would stay again providing the bathroom is cleaned up.

    Reviewed by Lee3.8May 2023

  • "We loved our stay at The Bull Pen."

    The cottage was warm, clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. It was a great base for exploring the area, whether driving or walking. We would recommend walking to The Black Horse at Thorndon for lunch, and The White Horse out on the main road was good, too. Some of our favourite places were a pleasant drive away - Minsmere, Walberswick and Dunwich. All in all, a very enjoyable week.

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Apr 2023

  • "Lovely accommodation - could not fault it."

    Reviewed by Martyn5.0Mar 2023

  • "A lovely warm cosy and comfortable cottage."

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. Set in beautiful countryside.

    Reviewed by Theresa4.7Mar 2023

  • "We had an amazing experience, peaceful and tranquil!"

    Looking forward to our next visit!

    Reviewed by Benzion4.7Jan 2023

  • "Wonderful relaxing break"

    Reviewed by Sally5.0Dec 2022

  • "The Bull Pen was very quiet warm and cosy and nicely situated for exploring East Anglia."

    Reviewed by Alan5.0Oct 2022

  • "Beautiful property, would highly recommend, will certainly be booking again"

    Reviewed by Greg5.0Sep 2022

  • "Pleasant accommodation, pretty much as described."

    A bit disappointed with the surroundings, not really a working farm, all pretty dismal. The outside could do with a good clean and tidy up. All in all a nice stay but could be better.

    Reviewed by Rod4.1Jul 2022

  • "3rd time at The Bull Pen, love every minute, clean, tidy, totally relaxing."

    Reviewed by Peter5.0May 2022

  • "A wonderfully relaxing holiday,the cottage is the perfect getaway ,sitting in ..."

    A wonderfully relaxing holiday,the cottage is the perfect getaway ,sitting in the garden with birdsong watching them ,far enough off the beaten track but still close enough for local amenities one word perfect

    Reviewed by Roger5.0Apr 2022

  • "The Bull Pen is a very comfortable cottage in a very peaceful location."

    Reviewed by Stuart5.0Aug 2021

  • "The site manager Lisa was very friendly and helpful advising on local places to visit, we enjoyed a chat with her every morning."

    We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Bull Pen, in a very quiet, relaxing environment. The accommodation is basic but clean and cosy and had everything we needed. Very well situated for travelling between Norfolk and Suffolk quite easily. We had excellent meals at The White Horse Inn and Turkuaz in Diss Lovely walks in nearby Thornham Walks, with a beautiful pub The Four Horsehoes serving excellent Aspalls cider. Nearby town of Eye is very pretty for a wander around as was Dedham where John Constable painted The Hay Wain. Beautiful pink painted thatched cottages everywhere. Also visited Southwold and Aldeburgh, both beautiful little seaside resorts, like a step back in time ,very peaceful and not an amusement arcade to be seen. All in all a really lovely holiday and we chose the hottest week of the year so far too.

    Reviewed by Denise4.7Jul 2021

  • "We had a very nice quiet time at the bull pen."

    The owners were very nice and even allowed us to bring another dog which we had not booked for originally. the pubs around all served great food the black horse is dog friendly which is good. We found that this is a great place for exploring as its central and there are things to do which ever way you go out. So all in all a great Hoilday and place to stay.

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Jul 2021

  • "It was a very good place to stay"

    Reviewed by Derek3.8Jun 2021

  • "Surroundings were awful and depressing."

    Barns falling down the garden was overgrown with weeds growing under door of French doors. The garden chairs and table more for the size of a child. Not that u could sit out due to length of grass. The double bed very small and lumpy which led to my husband sleeping on setter some nights. The bathroom requires renovation and deeper cleaning. This is the second cottage we have booked with you that has been disappointing so maybe time to look at other sites from now on. Maybe you could discuss these points with the owner and also get your inspector up to speed.

    Reviewed by Donald2.8May 2021

  • "Second time here, quiet and relaxing time again, hopefully look forward to staying next year."

    Reviewed by Peter4.4May 2021

  • "We had a short break here."

    The place is comfortable and warm and a lovely base to explore Suffolk . We found it quite expensive for a short break but it was our choice to stay. Would like it to feel a little more 'special'.

    Reviewed by Lisa5.0May 2021

  • "The Bullpen is fine but the road to it is dreadful."

    Pot holes along most of it. Ideal for walkers quite far from facilities.

    Reviewed by Maurice2.5Apr 2021

  • "If you like peace and quiet and being surrounded by countryside, countryside walks on your doorstep then this is an ideal spot."

    Lots of eateries within a short car drive if required.

    Reviewed by Peter4.7Oct 2020

  • "My Wife and I really liked staying in the Bull Pen at Hill Farm."

    Most importantly the Mattress and pillows made for a very comfortable nights sleep. All of the rooms were very clean, tidy and comfortable. The central heating system kept the Lounge, Bedroom and on-suite Bathroom at a good Temperature. the Kitchen was also fine with plenty of space to work in. All of the above made for a very enjoyable stay and we would both visit again at some time in the future. No complaints. Brian Roberts

    Reviewed by Brian5.0Oct 2020

  • "Clean, tidy although, all the basics with no frills That said, it was comfortable, lovely and quiet and all we required/expected and certainty value for money."

    No complaints.

    Reviewed by John4.1Sep 2020

  • "Accommodation was generally tired and dated."

    Needs refreshing. Poor lighting. Poor cooking and food prep equipment.

    Reviewed by David1.9Jul 2020

  • "We found a little bit of heaven,so relaxing and quiet yet not to far to local ..."

    We found a little bit of heaven,so relaxing and quiet yet not to far to local amenities the cottage was well laid out clean and we have no complaints at all

    Reviewed by Roger5.0Jul 2020

  • "Cosy place, would benefit with adding a dog rubber catch mat for dog bowls, as the floor was slippy with water on it from dogs drinking bowls."

    Carving knife, extra oven dish, for roast vegs, we felt the place would only benefit one dog and not two, due to size of garden area, only fit for a small terrior size dog. Would benefit by moving side fence around side of cottage to give extra room, but overall we really enjoyed the place, lovely and quite.

    Reviewed by Christine3.8Dec 2019

  • "There is no way door combination could work had to contact owner no cleaning ..."

    There is no way door combination could work had to contact owner no cleaning materials ie toilet cleaner washing up cloths liquid vacume did not pick up no salt pepper pots milk jug the only dog walks were on a lead which was not made clear to us with a few minor alterations this could be a very nice place to stay

    Reviewed by Peter3.4Nov 2019

  • "An excellent holiday let."

    Well situated for most of East Anglia. Perfect for one or two adults (plus pets). Friendly owner, approachable but not pushy. Good facilities. Close to nearby pubs and walks. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Glenn5.0Oct 2019

  • "The cottage was perfect size for two people and was extremely quiet ."

    It had everything we needed. During the week we experienced a power cut and the water went off , neither of these issues was the fault of the owners but nevertheless they notified us immediately, with apology and had services dealing with the issue immediately. The little fenced area was ideal for our two border terriers and as they and us enjoy a walk we made use of the walking routes to the nearby villages( especially Thorndon and the nice pub there where we had lunch one day and evening meal another . Our only criticism of the cottage was that the double bed was a very small double bed. The wet room shower was great powerful, hot and roomy ( would have liked to transfer that home) all in all a lovely quiet week and excellent value for money.

    Reviewed by Kaye5.0Sep 2019

  • "Very quiet farm , people were friendly and arrived to tea ,coffee milk and biscuits ."

    Reviewed by Wayne5.0Jun 2019

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • One double bedroom with en-suite shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining area
  • Gas central heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Private garden with patio and furniture
  • Off road parking for 2 cars
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Small shop 10 mins walk, pub 1 mile
  • Note: Babes-in-arms only.

The property

Eye 4 miles.

Hidden in the depths of the beautiful Suffolk countryside, just outside the village of Stoke Ash, is this detached, converted farm building which offers a rural retreat on a working arable and livestock farm.

Well-appointed throughout, this Stoke Ash cottage is ideal for those wanting a romantic escape, where you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.

The cottage offers ground-floor accommodation with a well-equipped kitchen allowing your to cook up delicious meals, a sitting room and a double bedroom with an en-suite wet room.

French doors from the sitting room lead out to a private, small garden area with patio and seating, which looks out to the lightly wooded area beyond, ideal for a chilled afternoon with a refreshing beverage.

The nearby market town of Eye offers a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs along with the popular market town of Diss which offers rail links, museums and golfing opportunities.

Within easy driving distance are the delights of the beautiful Suffolk coastline with Aldeburgh and Southwold both being nearby along with the RSPB site at Dunwich.

Or you could spend a day exploring the city of Norwich, which is just a short drive away.

A wonderful Stoke Ash cottage to be enjoyed at any time of the year.

The Bothy & The Bull Pen

Eye 4 miles. A pair of wonderfully converted farm buildings, resting within the Suffolk countryside, on the outskirts of the town of Eye. Tucked away on a 160-acre piece of land, The Bothy and the The Bull Pen have been designed to offer a peaceful friends and family gathering to this part of beautiful East Anglia. Each cottage offers a warm welcome and are well-equipped for a weeklong break with loved ones. Look forward to spending time within the spacious sitting room or prepare a delicious home-cooked meal within the kitchen areas, each housing all the necessities to fulfil your culinary needs. To the outside, each cottage benefits from a private garden area, where you will be able to gather during the summer months to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining or soak up the sun with a refreshing beverage in hand. If you feel like cooking one evening, venture to the small town of Eye, where you are certain to find a selection of shops, pubs and eateries to suit all tastes and requirements. To keep you busy whilst staying here, a short drive will bring you to the breathtaking Suffolk coastline, where you can soak up the sun at the beaches of Kessingland and Aldeburgh, whilst Dunwich houses a RSPB site for wildlife watching. Alternatively, spend an afternoon at the city of Norwich where you will be delighted to find further amenities and attractions including the Norman castle and the 11th century cathedral. The Bothy and Bull Pen are a superb base for a relaxing holiday with family and friends.

View on map

About the location

EYE

Diss 5 miles; Stowmarket 16 miles.

The small town of Eye is considered by its inhabitants to be more like a village. It has a number of shops, pubs and restaurants, and monthly cinema nights are held at the community centre. Just 5 miles away is the market town of Diss, in the beautiful Waveney Valley. The town has some excellent examples of Georgian and Edwardian buildings, as well as an award-winning museum, the public park, the mere (lake) and shops and restaurants. The Market operates every Friday and coincides with a local antiques and collectables auction. Speciality markets, flea markets and farmers' markets are also held regularly. The town of Stowmarket has an 18 hole golf course, Suffolk's only open air museum, and a variety of shops and pubs. Explore the Suffolk Coast, or visit Thetford Forest (with its Go Ape high wire experience). Other attractions in the area include the wonderful Steam Museum and Gardens at Bressingham and the zoo at Banham.

Note: Babes-in-arms only.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas