Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall
Cottage in Forest Heath District
6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
About this cottage rental
Offering total privacy in the unique setting of the old walled garden of West Stow Hall, Gardener's Cottage is a charming base from which to explore the beautiful towns and countryside of Suffolk. With six acres of gardens, woods and paddocks of the Hall to explore and within walking distance of the king's Forest it is ideal for those wishing to ride, walk, fish, golf and enjoy the many country pursuits offered locally while Bury St Edmunds, Lavenham , Long Melford, Newmarket and Cambridge are all within easy reach as are Aldburgh and Southwold making day trips to the coast an easy option. Local pubs offer good food whilst Bury St. Edmunds, a 15min drive, has a wide variety of restaurants.
Recently renovated to a high standard the cottage offers two double bedrooms, one with a king size bed, the other with twin, zip and link, beds. There is a family bathroom with shower over, a well equipped, eat- in kitchen with views over a paddock, and a large open plan living dinning room with French windows on to the sun trap garden.. As well as oil central heating and modern cooker, there is a solid fuel Rayburn in the kitchen and a wood burning stove in the sitting room. Comfortable settees and good quality furnishings make the cottage a very cosy home from home in all weathers and at all times of the year.
Larger groups of up to 10, could also be easily accommodated by booking Orchard Cottage, which sleeps 4, as well.
Dogs are welcome but please note that, as we are surrounded by fields occupied by mares and foals, they must remain on leads at all times when in the grounds. The cottage garden is secure, so it is fine for dogs to roam at will there.
Please be assured that we are following the guidelines re cleaning and sanitising and all surfaces will have been disinfected. Weather permitting the cottage will also have been aired for at least three hours before your arrival.
Recently renovated to a high standard the cottage offers two double bedrooms, one with a king size bed, the other with twin, zip and link, beds. There is a family bathroom with shower over, a well equipped, eat- in kitchen with views over a paddock, and a large open plan living dinning room with French windows on to the sun trap garden.. As well as oil central heating and modern cooker, there is a solid fuel Rayburn in the kitchen and a wood burning stove in the sitting room. Comfortable settees and good quality furnishings make the cottage a very cosy home from home in all weathers and at all times of the year.
Larger groups of up to 10, could also be easily accommodated by booking Orchard Cottage, which sleeps 4, as well.
Dogs are welcome but please note that, as we are surrounded by fields occupied by mares and foals, they must remain on leads at all times when in the grounds. The cottage garden is secure, so it is fine for dogs to roam at will there.
Please be assured that we are following the guidelines re cleaning and sanitising and all surfaces will have been disinfected. Weather permitting the cottage will also have been aired for at least three hours before your arrival.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Forest Heath District
££££
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0
The cottage was everything I would expect in a historical English cottage with vibrant walled gardens and cozy accommodations. (The living room furniture could have been more comfortable). It was a perfect location to visit the many small towns, parks, cathedrals and castles. Our hostess, Eileen was very accommodating and even gave us a tour of the old (originally built in 1530) West Stow Hall. I would definitely stay again. I even got to get her raspberries and rhubarb from the garden and put cut flowers in the cottage!
10.0 / 10.0
The house is spacious, very well equipped and with a lovely country-house style decor. Fabulous setting in the grounds of a beautiful Elizabethan manor house. The cottage has its own enclosed and spacious garden. A very special experience. We really loved it.
10.0 / 10.0
Peaceful, well appointed, comfortable house and delightful considerate owners. Perfect for our dog who loved it all. Thank you - we hope to return!
10.0 / 10.0
A beautiful cottage in a beautiful location. We needed a quiet place to reflect, and this was perfect.
10.0 / 10.0
Very well appointed property in great area, with the King's Forest almost on the doorstep
8.0 / 10.0
If you are looking to stay in a quintessential Suffolk cottage in a very quiet country setting, this will take some beating.
It was bitterly cold during our stay and it was fairly difficult to keep warm in the cottage. Staying during a warmer month of the year would have made our time more comfortable, but it's a lovely place to feel at home in.
Eileen is a great host, who is extremely attentive, friendy and helpful.
10.0 / 10.0
Our third visit, we love Gardener’s Cottage, it really is a home from home, and it is dog friendly with enclosed garden so perfect for our dogs. Thanks Eileen and Andrew, we’ll be back!
10.0 / 10.0
We had a lovely stay at Gardener's Cottage and Eileen greeted us with a warm and friendly welcome. The enclosed garden was great for our dog and walks in the King's Forest were a real delight. The cottage was very well-equipped and had an excellent layout making for a cosy and relaxing short break. We definitely hope to return again soon.
10.0 / 10.0
My family had a delightful 3 night stay in Gardeners Cottage in early August 2022. The cottage and grounds are maintained to a high standard and fit our family of four perfectly with plenty of space. The house is well-stocked with any kitchen appliance you need to cook a meal. The most wonderful thing about the cottage is its setting on the grounds of West Stow Hall. The grounds and Hall exterior are beautiful and really set the stage for our outings into the East Anglia countryside. Our family greatly enjoyed our time there and would gladly visit again.
10.0 / 10.0
Excellent
2nd visit to this lovely cottage, so quite and peaceful, excellent for pets as the garden is fully enclosed and private.
Every thing is catered, there are lovely walks, we will be returning again next year.
10.0 / 10.0
First time visitors to England
Perfect spot for family of 5 to stay while visiting family in the area and to explore the surrounding sights. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely cottage and a wonderful setting
Lovely cottage in a great setting. Would highly recommend.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful property
The gardeners cottage is superbly fitted out with everything you need, it’s very clean and tidy and has a nice enclosed garden, so good for dogs.
It’s in a lovely position for walks and visiting the area.
We can highly recommend, will be returning without doubt.
10.0 / 10.0
Just lovely!
The cottage was perfect really, had everything you could need. It was cosy and welcoming, comfy beds-we all slept well! Amazing night sky the stars were so clear. The Hall is stunning! There is plenty to do in the near area, walks and the Saxon village, and not too far to travel to lots of other towns, villages, seaside. Ideal!
10.0 / 10.0
Cosy
Lovely cosy cottage, perfect for a family stay.
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect getaway with the family and dog
Despite the wet weather we had a wonderful Christmas at the Gardner’s cottage West Stow - Eileen was so accommodating given the travel restrictions constantly changing before our stay. The cottage itself was comfortable and a real fire made for a Christmassy feel. Having the nearby forest was great for walks with the dog. Definitely one to come back to.
10.0 / 10.0
Lucky Gardener!
A delightful Gardener’s cottage in the grounds of the big house, simple but well appointed and charming. Perfect place for a quite break, with plenty of countryside walks around and only 20 mins car ride to the larger towns of Bury St Edmunds & Mildenhall. Living overseas but with family nearby, we will definitely be checking on availability for our next trip home.
10.0 / 10.0
WOW WEE what a homely cottage!
Superb throughout! A well equipped cottage with everything you could possibly need! Throughly cleaned throughout and to a very high spec! Very comfortable and cosy and in an impeccable condition! Eileen was was warm and welcoming and so very friendly! We’ve been to lots of cottages throughout the country and this is one of the best! Location was superb and so very dog friendly and we’ll definitely go back next year, without any doubts! Thank you for a lovely and most enjoyable stay!
10.0 / 10.0
Brilliant Accomodation
Lovely cottage, with all amenities you could want in beautiful tranquil surroundings. Used as a base to explore the area.
Garden was excellent and as we had the dog was secure and well maintained. Huge woods just down the road to walk the dog too.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful retreat
The cottage is in such a beautiful location and is well presented and has everything that is needed for a stay. Our children adored playing hide and seek in the garden. Eileen was on hand if we needed anything (we didn't) but it was nice to know she was there if needed.
8.0 / 10.0
Lovely private and peaceful accommodation.
A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Eileen was accommodating and friendly and made us feel at home.
10.0 / 10.0
Peaceful and private
Lovely country cottage with beautiful garden and grounds.
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect break
Everything was perfect- beautiful, idyllic setting, really helpful, lovely host. Hope to return soon.
10.0 / 10.0
Suffolk Break
This was our second visit to Gardeners Cottage and it was lovely to be back. Comfortable , cosy and very well equipped, the perfect place to relax in beautiful surroundings. A warm welcome from Eileen with yummy chocolate brownies and lovely fresh eggs!
Just perfect.
10.0 / 10.0
Weekend Break
Cottage was just as described, unfortunately we had a major power-cut during our stay, Eileen and her husband were very helpfull during this period and provided candles and support with heating bottles for the baby and cooking some breakfast the next morning. This did spoil our short break in as much as it was a little cold the first night as no heating available, no power for any of the baby's sterilisers or wifi, played cards by candelight, however this was out of the control of owners, but the next morning they did fire up the augur to help with some warmth. Yes we would come again and they were a very friendly couple and hosts.
10.0 / 10.0
Relaxed
Relaxed and comfortable
10.0 / 10.0
Gardeners Cottage
Gardeners cottage is a little gem! Spacious and very comfortable with everything you could possibly need for your stay. The beautiful cottage garden is fully enclosed and therefore very safe for children and dogs! Situated in the beautiful grounds of West Stow Hall and close to Thetford forest and many historic places of interest, I would certainly recommend a stay there.
10.0 / 10.0
Little gem
Beautiful walled garden cottage with its own garden secured by gate so good for dog . Chicken wire portable fence provided as secret gate to the side doesn’t shut properly so just put that to the left of the path.
Was difficult to find just because it was pouring down when we arrived so if you park facing in by traction engine you can enter via the gate to your left by west stow hall turn right up the gravel and gardeners cottage is then to your right signposted on the gate
The studio is right in front of you
Spacious large lounge with log burner ( great for winter so didn’t use)
Big dining table to seat six and plenty of sitting on two big sofas
Kitchen has everything you need with table for 4
Two LARGE bedrooms with proper twin comfy beds and large double which can easily house a cot or child on z bed if needed ( we didn’t)
Beautiful grounds to wander in
Keep your dog on lead as horses chickens in coops etc
The only minor complaint would be that the shower is a triton trickle and the toilet uses some funny system that is very loud and temperamental
You must touch the flush on top to stop in running and whirs through the night
Had a dreadful problem in the whole cottage with flies
Think due to immense heat we’d had and then tons of rain so don’t leave any food out anywhere
Really annoying
Heat walks just up the road at Kings Forest and West Stow country park
Lackford lakes ( dogs on lead and can only take them on two trails as nature reserve)
Despite the above whinges the setting, cottage, grounds and views are stunning with patio to sit outside and enjoy your tea /coffee and outside eating weather permitting.
Will definitely return and reckon it would be just as fab in deepest winter with the agar and log burner
Thetford forest not far away for dog walks and bike hiring which the teenagers loved
Eileen and Andy were on tap in the Hall to help where required and even assisted jump starting the car when leaving when we found we had a flat battery !!!!!
Just bring your fly spray 😝😝🐝
10.0 / 10.0
Great location for a break
Gardeners cottage has everything you need for a break. It’s very homely. Set in beautiful grounds of West Stow Hall. The views from the cottage are lovely. Eileen was a great host.
Thetford Forest is great for cycling and walking trails. Cambridge and Ely are only 30 mins away. Drive tube to Holkham beach on north Norfolk coast - 1hr 20 but worth it. Great fish and chips in Wells-next-the-sea. Lots of other nearby walks.
8.0 / 10.0
Gem of a cottage
Great cosy cottage with everything you'll need included. Owners friendly and really helpful in suggesting places to go. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
10.0 / 10.0
Short Family Break Feb 2020
Lovely cottage in a stunning location (even in a wet and windy February). Cottage had everything we could need for our stay and Eileen and her husband were happy to answer any questions we had. Would definitely look to book next time we're in the area.
10.0 / 10.0
Brilliant
Nice people great location best equiped weve had
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing secret hideaway.
Amazing little bit of peace in a beautiful setting. The cottage (and the host) was warm and welcoming. A well equipped kitchen with everything you could want. The beds are comfortable and warm. The log burner gives you a warm glow. Perfect getaway for a couple or a family. Phone signal minimal in the area but wifi sorted that. The hall and grounds are amazing and such a romantic view from the cottage. The walled garden gives you privacy and peace of mind for small children and our furry children.
We would definitely stay again.
10.0 / 10.0
Superb place for relaxing weekend away
We really enjoyed our stay, owner was very friendly and welcoming, the cottage was clean and very spacious, it has everything you require for the stay. We had a lovely time there, enjoyed a walk in local forest. We are going to come back and definitely recommend to others.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely cottage, location and host
Lovely cottage in beautiful surroundings.
Excellent communication from Eileen and thoughtful touches - brownies, milk and firewood for the wood burner.
Highly recommend!
8.0 / 10.0
Peaceful and tranquil setting
Such a lovely cottage set in idyllic surroundings. Within easy reach of Cambridge and Ely for sightseeing and lots of good restaurants within a short driving distance. Nothing was too much trouble for our hosts. Would recommend it for a peaceful getaway
10.0 / 10.0
Excellent facilities
One of the best equipped self catering and delightful properties we have stayed in.
10.0 / 10.0
Fabulous historic property
From the moment we drove into West Stow Hall’s driveway and glimpsed the turreted 16th Century brick structure, we fell in love. Our lodgings were more humble: the Gardener’s Cottage for the property, but it had two ample bedrooms with very comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchen where we were greeted with milk and cake, a sarcophagus-sized tub with an efficient electric shower, and perfectly beautiful English gardens all around. As a horse lover I adored seeing, through the kitchen window, four weanlings in their paddock. The owners were away when we arrived but left all in readiness for us; their housekeeper greeted us and got us settled in. Gardener’s Cottage was a fine base for touring Cambridge, Lavenham, Kentwell Hall (where we lucked upon a Michaelmas Weekend complete with over 100 re-enactors to give us an authentic taste of life in the days of the Tudors. I would go back again in heartbeat! Highly recommended.
10.0 / 10.0
A delightful week
A very comfortable cottage with all amenities supplied. The setting is glorious in the grounds of this sixteenth century Manor House. Owners very friendly and helpful and there were good walks and interesting venues nearby. Highly recommended.
10.0 / 10.0
Tranquil
Thank you for such a peaceful and cosy retreat!
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Forest Heath District?
The average price for a rental in Forest Heath District is £107 per night. This rental is £34 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Country house in the walled garden of historic West Stow Hall?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Forest Heath District
Explore all rentals in Forest Heath DistrictForest Heath District travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu