The Pond Barn
Overview
Located at the heart of Branches Park which is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the famous Newmarket, The Pond Barn embodies an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. Here, the vibe is as calm as a lazy Sunday morning, inviting you to leave your worries at the door and embrace the cosy, carefree vibes...
of countryside living.
The barn sits almost atop a peaceful pond, and it's not just any pond; it's like a little piece of blue heaven. Unwind on the wraparound deck and take in the view – the pond on one side and the lush 1,500 acres of parkland designed by the legendary Capability Brown on the other. It's a green oasis perfect for exploration.
But the magic doesn't stop there. The Pond Barn comes with all the fun stuff – a wood-fired hot tub to soak in, fire pits to gather around with friends and family, and a cosy breeze house where you can chill, read, or party until the early hours! And if you're in the mood for some pampering, we've got a private treatment room for beauty treatments that'll make you feel like a million bucks.
Oh, and speaking of fun, there's more. Indulge yourself with a private chef experience, test your sharpshooting skills on the estate, or even try your hand at wood carving or willow sculpting. And did we mention that the Newmarket Racecourse is just around the corner for some high-octane horse racing action? It's all about making memories at The Pond Barn, where nature, luxury, and a friendly, relaxed vibe come together to create your perfect holiday retreat.
Features
This modern, yet charming, barn conversion comes with everything you need for a perfect country retreat, making you feel utterly and unashamedly spoilt from the get-go.
The barn opens to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. The cleverly designed kitchen is a sea of elegance and calm, while the large appliances are tucked away neatly in the adjoining pantry. Nothing has been left to chance here, you have all you need to self-cater with ease, including a large fridge/freezer, hob, an oven, a microwave, a kettle, dishwasher and large toaster. Meanwhile, the modern farm-style dining area provides the...
ideal place to wine and dine together.
For those cosy nights in, fire up the wood burner and sink into the seriously comfy sofas for a movie marathon. Or, if you're feeling fancy, head over to the dramatic bar area and concoct some elaborate cocktails – the night's all yours!
The Pond Barn’s bedroom game is strong! All five bedrooms are beautifully decorated in natural, earthy tones each with an exquisitely rustic en-suite bathroom and individual heating and air conditioning systems, ensuring maximum comfort for all guests. Two bedrooms are on the ground floor, each having French doors that open onto the deck overlooking the pond. The other three upstairs? Yep, you guessed it – stunning pond views for days.
If that wasn’t enough, the barn offers its own treatment room, which can be used for private massages, getting ready for an event with the girls or even a place for the gents to sneak off and watch the afternoon footie!
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Rooms
Ground Floor
Entrance
Guests enter the property into a small hallway with a handy coat rack and storage space under the stairs for boots and bags or even a furry friend.
Kitchen / Living / Dining Area
The stylish kitchen has all the mod-cons you desire and features a large central island for gathering around. The dining table, conveniently located close to the stunning bar, is perfect for lively dinner parties and easily seats 10 guests. The living area is cosy and comforting, the perfect spot for relaxing.
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 1 is located just off the living area and features a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and doors leading out to the deck.
Bedroom 2
Also located on the ground floor, bedroom 2 is accessed via its own separate entrance from the deck. It has a gorgeous king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and is the largest of all the bedrooms.
Treatment Room
We call this the treatment room, but really this room can be used for anything! Private massages? Getting ready for dinner with the girls? Or even watching the big match on the Smart TV, you decide!
First Floor
The staircase leads from the entry area up to a platform overlooking the pond and countryside. This is the perfect spot for a cup of tea, glass of wine or catching up with a good book.
The bridge leads to the three first-floor bedrooms.
Bedroom 3
A cosy room with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom.
Bedroom 4
Bedroom 4 is another sumptuous bedroom with large beanbag and en-suite bathroom. The bedroom can be accessed via the bridge, or via staircase leading directly outside.
Bedroom 5
Beautiful bedroom 5 has a king-size bed and gorgeous en-suite. It can be accessed via the staircase leading directly outside or by going through bedroom 4. -
Garden
Where do we start? The outdoor space at The Pond Barn is nothing short of captivating. Set in 1,500 acres of Capability Brown designed parklands, this idyllic retreat boasts perfect ponds, reflective lakes, and ancient oak woodlands, all free for you to explore at your leisure. The Pond Barn itself is perched almost directly above a crystal-clear blue pond, inviting you to enjoy an alfresco brunch on the wraparound deck. As the dusk settles, follow the winding gravel path that leads to the outdoor entertainment area, where charming festoon lights illuminate the bubbling hot tub and fire pits. Additionally, a spacious, heated breeze house ensures that you can enjoy this delightful space throughout the year. -
Parking
There is ample private parking on the estate. -
House Rules
Check in: 3pm
Check out: 10amPlease note that use of hot tub will incur a £250 surcharge. If you wish to use the hot tub, please select this option as part of the booking process.
There is currently construction taking place on a barn close to The Pond Barn. Work takes place on weekdays only.
Pets are welcome at the Pond Barn. The pond is not fenced so please supervise children and pets at all times.
Please note this property has a Security Deposit of £400. -
Floorplan
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Amenities
Air ConditioningBarn ConversionBath Towels ProvidedBBQ - Fuel ProvidedBird WatchingCarbon Monoxide DetectorCentral HeatingCoffee MachineComplimentary ToiletriesConcierge Services AvailableCountry WalksCountrysideCountryside ViewsCyclingDeck / PatioDedicated WorkspaceDining AreaDishwasherEssentialsFamily FunFire ExtinguisherFire Logs IncludedFire PitFirst Aid KitFishingFree WifiFridgeGardenGolf CourseHair DryerHighchairHorse RacingHot TubIron & BoardKettleKitchenLinens ProvidedNew To CuriousOff-Road ParkingOutdoor DiningOutdoor FurnitureOutdoor LightingOven & HobPet FriendlyPondPond ViewsPool Towels ProvidedPrivate EntranceRural EscapeShampooShootingSmart TVSmoke DetectorsSuffolk TownsToasterTravel CotWalk To PubWalk To TownWalk-in PantryWelcome PackWood-Burning Stove -
Experiences
The Pond Barn isn't just a destination; it's an immersive experience that offers guests the opportunity to learn a new skill, indulge in a lifelong passion or simply do something you never thought of doing before. Here, you're invited not just to escape but to embrace – to make connections that extend beyond Wi-Fi signals and, in the process, rediscover the joy in simple moments and authentic encounters.
Thanks to our Curious Concierge, we have the ability to coordinate an array of exhilarating experiences. To tantalise your taste buds, here is an inspiring selection of what we have to offer...
Fire, Fizz, and Feasts:
From bespoke hampers bursting with local flavours to hands-on cooking classes, discover the joy of creating and savouring. Craft your perfect cocktail while your private chef whips up a gastronomic delight in the kitchen or fires up the BBQ. Settle back and tuck in whilst being dazzled by a scorching display of fire dancing from one of our fearless team of performers.
Creative Workshops:
Engage in the ancient art of willow sculpture and fence weaving, letting your creativity intertwine with nature's raw beauty. Dive into the delicate world of botanical art or explore the beauty of preserved blooms in our dried flower crown workshop. Whittle away the hours on our wood carving course where you will learn how to transform a piece of wood using an axe and knife, into your own unique creation.
Beauty and Well-being:
Here, well-being is more than skin deep. Start your day with the grounding energy of yoga, followed by sensory walks and forest bathing. Let the harmonies of our sound baths guide you to inner peace and indulge in rejuvenating beauty treatments curated to enhance your natural glow.
Country Pursuits:
For the adventurous spirit within you, explore the art of charcoal making and the precision of axe and knife throwing, skilfully blending modern pursuits with ancient techniques. Feel the adrenaline rush of clay pigeon shooting, then embark on guided nature walks. And for the thrill of the race, the vibrant energy of Newmarket Racecourse beckons.
Availability
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Message from the Owner
We know what it means to find a little slice of this earth that you really treasure. Somewhere that makes its way into your heart and stays put forever. We know because Branches Park is still family owned and run, having been lovingly passed to us, Peter and Gemma, a husband and wife team. While we are the backbone of the Park, we have a wonderful and trusted team of housekeepers, willow weavers, gamekeepers and gardeners keeping everything in motion.
Fortunate to have called this patch of Suffolk countryside ours for so long, the mission now is to make it yours.
We’re doing that by breathing new life into the grounds and its buildings, working alongside a team of specialists with a shared goal to restore the parkland back to its former glory. With naturally regenerated and rewilded gardens, secluded woodlands and sympathetically restored farmhouses, our focus is set on the future too - improving the estate for generations to come via a focus on sustainability that has informed our use of building materials, seasonal menus and community of local craftspeople, artists and makers.
And when we say we want the space to be yours, we mean exclusively so. Stay and the grounds are for your enjoyment alone; the mighty oaks and winding pathways are a playground in which to come and be a big child; to hide in tree houses, run wild through the gardens and get yourself gloriously mucky as you go. But worry not - we’ve all of life’s little luxuries on hand too.
The Location
The small village of Cowlinge is the epitome of rural tranquillity. It's the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and the only sounds you hear are the rustle of leaves and the distant lowing of cows. However, Cowlinge is more than just a peaceful hamlet; it serves as the jam in a Newmarket and Bury St. Edmunds sandwich – the perfect spot to explore what both towns have to offer!
Newmarket is the heartbeat of the area, famous worldwide as the birthplace of thoroughbred horse racing. Here, you'll find the grandeur of racecourses juxtaposed against the...
simplicity of traditional pubs. The air is often filled with the scent of horses, and the lively atmosphere is contagious, especially on race days when locals and visitors alike gather to cheer for their favourites.
Bury St. Edmunds, a historic market town, adds a touch of sophistication to the mix. Cobbled streets wind their way past medieval architecture, creating a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. The town is adorned with a magnificent cathedral, picturesque gardens, and a bustling market square where farmers and artisans proudly display their wares. Bury St. Edmunds is also known for its rich brewing heritage, and a visit to one of its many pubs offers a chance to savour locally crafted ales in a welcoming atmosphere.
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