Tried & Tested
Scenic soaks and silent nights; Phoebe Harper enjoys an undisturbed stay at a rural retreat
We find Clopton Courtyard tucked away in an idyllic spot near the village of Tadlow. The busy B road behind us fades into a distant hum as we pull into this bucolic bolthole. Flanked by a livery yard, the horses slowly being led into the stables set the tone of having escaped to the countryside, although it feels as if we have been travelling for no time at all. Thanks to these equine neighbours and other houses close by, the courtyard maintains a peaceful feel and discourages rowdy gatherings since all guests are asked to keep things quiet after 11pm. Due to the enclosed nature of the courtyard itself – surrounded by six one-level barns – the space has a private, secluded feel.
We are spending the night in Alice Barn – a spacious two-bedroom property with stunning garden views, including our own private Swedish hot tub. Our garden backs onto the open-sided Dutch barn, which can be used as a communal space as somewhere to barbecue your food or sit and watch the open fields stretch far into the distance. Despite looking out onto a shared area, the rustic espalier laden with blooming apples and pears that surrounds our tub creates a sense of privacy.
Soak it up
As someone lucky enough to have had many wood-fired hot tub experiences – but has yet to find the perfect equilibrium, either suffering a scalding or sitting in tepid water while convincing myself it’s warm enough – it was a welcome touch to see our hosts had set the fires burning ahead of our arrival, saving what can often be an hour-long process.
On an unexpectedly warm late-summer afternoon, we’re forced to cool it down for a while with a nearby hose, before stepping in for a soak. Ahead of us, swallows swoop and dive over honeyed fields of wheat combed by the wind. It is easy for the 43-inch widescreen smart television inside to go unused when faced with this idyllic, shifting panorama, as afternoon fades into the evening and the swallows return to their nests before a barn owl emerges, surveying the fields.
Aside from the birdsong, it’s quiet – except for the occasional drone of aircraft overhead and the cheerful chatter from a group of mums and their children who’ve booked out three of our neighbouring barns. Being dog-friendly (except for the Matilda Studio) and very family-friendly, the barns accommodate a range of guests – from couples on a romantic escape to larger groups looking for a stylish self-catering stay.
Rural romance
Inside, the barn is flooded with natural light thanks to the vast bifold doors opening straight from the open-plan kitchen/living room out onto the garden. It has been furnished with an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional interiors, designed to give a Shoreditch-warehouse feel. Bold canvas prints hang on the walls, while vibrant patterned cushions adorn the sumptuous king-sized bed where I spend a silent night’s sleep. The industrial-chic vibe continues outside, where a vintage typewriter sits in the communal barn alongside faded mirrors and quirky prints on walls strung with fairy lights. A spot ripe for romance, you can see why an increasing number of couples are using the courtyard for micro weddings, with up to 24 guests staying on-site afterwards.
The quirky interiors are the work of owner Cathy, who – alongside husband Duncan – took over the property as a dilapidated farmhouse back in 2015 and subsequently transformed the barn complex into the tasteful haven it is today. Although our hosts are unfortunately away at the time of our stay, Cathy checks in, confirming everything is to our satisfaction before apologising for not being there to greet us while taking her family down to Norfolk for a summer break. It’s clearly a well-deserved holiday if the leagues of positive reviews about her attentive hosting are anything to go by.
Easy escape
Built with an eco-conscious ethos, the six barns feature timber frames and recycled materials, and are powered by a biomass boiler for cosy underfloor heating. Meanwhile, the rain shower is perfect for rinsing off an evening soaking in the hot tub. The main bedroom in Alice is enclosed behind enormous sliding doors, which are perfect for the next morning over coffee in bed, enjoyed with the doors and windows thrown open looking straight out over the beautiful fields.
Although the handy welcome guide points to a generous selection of local watering holes and eateries to try – including tastings at Cranes Cider, just a stroll away along scenic countryside footpaths – we eat in and make use of the immaculate, well-equipped kitchen. Dining on the large oak table while gazing out to the fields as night creeps in, we keep the tub warm by topping up with fresh logs. In this peaceful spot, it’s easy to forget that the hustle and bustle of central Cambridge lies just a 20-minute drive away.
Phoebe Harper stayed as a guest at Alice Barn, Clopton Courtyard. With a minimum two-night stay, rates for Alice Barn start at £176 per night.
Check availability and book your stay now at cloptoncourtyard.com
