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Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall

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A stone building with a tiled roof, outdoor seating with chairs and a table, a barbecue grill, and a wheelbarrow.
A cozy kitchen with a dining table set for breakfast, a sofa in the living area, and a television in the corner.
A stone building with a tiled roof, a metal gate, and a door with glass panels.
A kitchen with a dining table set for breakfast, a coffee machine, and a cat on the counter.
A cozy living room with a grey sofa, a dining table with chairs, a kitchen area with a stove, and a bookshelf.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Located near a museum, this 2-bedroom vacation home accommodates 4 guests with 2 bathrooms. It features a patio and deck for outdoor relaxation. Families can enjoy nearby fishing, hiking, and biking, while golf enthusiasts can access a golf course close by. The property is pet-friendly and near attractions like Larkwood Trout Fishery and Fuller's Mill Garden.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation

    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.

  • Beach equipment

    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Toys
  • Dryer
  • Patio
  • Onsite parking available
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Bury Saint Edmunds
  • Place, Larkwood Trout Fishery
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Fuller's Mill Garden
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cambridge (CBG)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1

1 Double Bed

2

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall

Orchard Cottage is a delightful retreat in the grounds of historic West Stow Hall. Tucked away in a very private location with beautiful views over fruit trees and paddocks, it is the perfect place for a peaceful holiday and an ideal base from which to explore Suffolk...if you can bear to leave!
Newly renovated in a sympathetic manner with traditional Suffolk flooring, exposed beams and distempered, the cottage has everything that makes a comfortable holiday home. The open plan kitchen / living area is fully equipped so Christmas dinner should be no problem! With its full length double doors it is cool on the hottest day whilst there is oil fired central heating for the depths of winter.
Please note that parking is a few minutes walk away and two sets of steps have to be navigated to reach the cottage.
Both bedrooms are light and airy and have their own en-suite shower rooms with powerful showers and plenty of built in storage space.
We hope guests find the cottage as pretty and relaxing as we do. It is lovely sitting on the terrace listening to nothing but bird song or studying the stars with only the call of the owls to break the silence. Though there is wifi and freesat TV the modern world can seem a million miles away.
Although the cottage is all on one level there is no parking next to it. Cars have to be left in front of the hall. There is lots of space so guests can have two or three cars if needed. However a walk of a few minutes across gravel paths and involving two sets of steps is needed to reach the cottage so Orchard may not be suited to anyone with mobility issues.
Larger groups of up to 10, could also be easily accommodated by booking Gardener's Cottage, which sleeps 6, as well.

Dogs are welcome, usually only one pet per booking, but please note that as the orchard is only fenced in by post and rail fencing and we are surrounded by fields occupied by mares and foals dogs must remain on leads at all times when in the grounds. It is possible for two dogs to stay but only after discussion before booking.
Unfortunately there is no safe enclosed space for dogs to roam freely outside of the cottage. There is a £25 cleaning fee payable when here for pets.
Check in time is 4pm though we try to allow guests to arrive earlier if possible. Check out is 10am.

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Similar properties

Property grounds
Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall
Bury St. Edmunds
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (74 reviews)
Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

No fireworks or Chinese lanterns permitted

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Pets

Pets allowed

Dogs have to be kept on a lead outside & £20 charg

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items

Turn off the lights

No need to lock up- just leave the keys on the table. Thanks

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

No fireworks or Chinese lanterns at any time because of the horses. Dogs have to be kept on a lead when in the grounds & £25 payable in cash when here

Important information

You need to know

Property # 10480147
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
Note from host: No fireworks or Chinese lanterns permitted
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Bury St Edmunds

Located in Bury St Edmunds, this holiday home is in a rural area. Lackford Lakes and Bradfield Woods reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Larkwood Trout Fishery and Fuller's Mill Garden. Travelling with kids? Consider CurveMotion, or check out an event or a game at Mildenhall Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
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Map
Bury Saint Edmunds

What's nearby

  • Larkwood Trout Fishery - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Fuller's Mill Garden - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • The Apex - 12 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Bury St Edmunds Abbey - 14 min drive - 12.6 km

Getting around

  • Bury St Edmunds Station - 12 min drive
  • Cambridge (CBG) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Rising Sun - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Slim Chickens - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Old Cannon Brewery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Bushel - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural retreat in the grounds of West Stow Hall located?

This family-friendly Bury St Edmunds holiday home is located in a rural location, within a 15-minute walk of Larkwood Trout Fishery, Fuller's Mill Garden and West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village. Lackford Lakes and Hawker Pool are also within 3 miles (5 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. 38 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful week long get away, the cottage was very cozy and relaxing. Eileen was very helpful with anything and everything and made us feel very welcomed.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Lovely property

Lovely property in a lovely location with a lovely and helpful host.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly as described on the tin . A quite rural retreat indeed . Very peaceful with lots of wildlife to view. Stayed with a friend, had a bedroom and shower room each. Lots of hot water and most kitchen utensils supplied. . . . .although could do with replacing a few items as had seen better days. Very central , Bury St Edmunds only 6 as a building miles away . Well worth a visit or 2 . Lovely Cathedral and beautiful gardens . Ickworth Estate also worth a visit, as well as Lavenham and Pakenham Water mill a short drive away . So much culture . We had a brilliant stay .
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely stay in a peaceful location

We really enjoyed our stay at Orchard Cottage. It was comfortable, cosy and a lovely place to spend a few days. Thank you to Eileen for the warm welcome and for all the helpful information you provided.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Holiday Home

Five stars all round.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family get together

A wonderful, peaceful property, well located to explore across the East Anglia.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Idyllic setting

Lovely property in an idyllic setting with lots of interesting places to visit nearby, all helped by a fortnight of glorious weather!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing stay in rural Suffolk

Accurately described, comfortable, good location. We chose Orchard Cottage for the last week of a long holiday to rest and relax with friends. It was perfect.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful!

We had a lovely time in this cozy and well-equipped cottage - lots to see and do in the surrounding area (National Trust membership really came into its own!), and lovely hosts who made us feel really welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fantastic holiday

Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Very welcoming Highly recommend. We enjoyed the cottage and surrounding area. We will be back.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
excellent
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Short early anniversary break 😊

Me and my partner had a lovely stay with our 11 month old pup (apologies for his barking at times) located in a great secluded corner of the farm with plenty of open space. Orchard cottage was perfect for a relaxing stay and loads of local walks to keep us busy 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Tranquil retreat in beautiful setting

We spent a wonderful few days in this simple but pleasant converted barn. The location in the orchard of Tudor West Stow Hall was lovely especially with the fruit trees in full bloom. Communication with proprietor Eileen was very pleasant and her welcoming brownies a real treat.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
If you want a quiet, peaceful break then this is the place to go. No noise just the sound of the different wildlife surrounding you. What a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Also a good base for travelling around the area site seeing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A lovely peaceful stay

We had a great stay in the cottage. Communication with Eileen was good before and during the stay. The cottage was comfortable and it was very well equipped for us. It was nice to have no one around us and our little boy lived seeing the horses everyday. It is convenient for Bury St Edmunds and the nearby green spaces.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a gorgeous place! Everything you could need for a break in beautiful grounds. And fully stocked with everything you could possibly need. Our two year old wants to move in permanently. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Blissful Break

If you love getting away from the hustle and bustle of life with complete peace and quiet this is the place for you, nestled among the wild life. There's beautiful woodland within a short walking distance and Bury St Edmonds a 10-15 minute drive away. We loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Magical

This is a magical place. The cottage is cosy, comfortable and well-equipped and the homemade brownies were very welcome. The orchard setting is a beautifully secluded retreat from city life and we would happily come back here again (for a third visit!)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect, very well equipped little cottage. Stands at the edge of an orchard, so peaceful. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you value peace and quiet that are almost tangible, plus a dark night sky to view more stars than in the city, make time to stay in one of the West Stow cottages. The gravel paths are difficult for large suitcases, so bring sports bags and backpacks, and enjoy well-equipped and comfortable accommodation. The visitors’ book reveals unanimous satisfaction and delight in the immediate surroundings as well as the many interesting places to visit. A unique treasure run by the owners who offer the warmest of welcomes.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A Privilege to Stay Here

Very comfortable and well equipped cottage in peaceful rural surroundings. Overlooking an orchard and in the grounds of a grand historic house with a beautiful garden, it was a privilege to spend time here. There were horses and foals in adjoining fields which provided additional interest.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect short stay

Tranquil location, very well equipped. We had a very pleasant three nights. Beautiful grounds and next to West Stow Hall. Nice, private seating area outside. Very close to Anglo-Saxon Village (though when we went in early May the riverside footpath was closed for safety/repairs - so just a five minute drive instead). No local shops or pubs in walking distance - stock up before you go - but Bury is a 10-15 drive.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Exceptional stay

We stayed in The Cottage and have enjoyed the comfort of the space and wonder of the grounds for the last 2 months. Eileen is the best host we've had, and we've stayed at VRBOs around the world. She made us feel welcome and helped us tremendously during our stay. I cannot recommend this property enough. If you have children or are traveling alone this space and environment is wonderful both short and long stays. We're grateful for our time and for Eileen.
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

West Stow Delight

From the beginning of our planning to stay in Suffolk, West Stow stood out! Communication with the host was seamless, warm, and helpful. The property was delightful, spotless, and peaceful with grazing mares and foals, deer sightings, and was surrounded by gardens and paddocks. It provided a central location for forays to the coast and surrounding villages. We will return.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2022
So glad you enjoyed your stay. It was a real pleasure having you here and getting to know you. Hope the rest of your trip was fun! Andy and Eileen
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A little bit of heaven.

Fully private, beautiful orchard location. Opened our eyes on the first morning to see 2 small deer grazing outside our window. Every thing we needed was provided although one rare hot night I thought a little fan might be an added extra. As a garden lover I particularly loved the Hall garden and of course the amazing Hall itself. We couldn'e have found a more lovely place.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Eileen Gilbert

Host profile image

We, Andy and Eileen Gilbert, are fairly new to Suffolk having only been here ten years. We saw the Hall and that was it! It is lovely to welcome guests who want to get to know the area or who come back year after year because they do know and love the countryside and the lovely villages of Suffolk.

Why they chose this property

Orchard cottage has a special charm. Originally an eighteen century dwelling, then a stables it is now a modern light filled, warm and comfortable home. Its particular situation, tucked away in a corner of the orchard and the lovely views make you feel like you are miles away from everything. It is just the perfect spot in which to unwind.

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English

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