Ardensax

Cheveley 1.8 miles. Tucked away in Cambridge's delightful countryside, in Saxon Street near Newmarket is this wonderful, detached bungalow of Ardensax. Offering guests ample off-road parking and spacious outdoor areas, Ardensax is ideal for a family of four wanting to explore this lovely part of East Anglia. Two well behaved dogs are also very welcome. After leaving your car in one of the three spaces, make your way through the garden gate and up one shallow step into the large utility/boot room, here you will find plenty of storage for outdoor clothes, laundry facilities, and a wall-mounted TV. Through the hall, a sitting room with ample leather sofas, a large TV awaits; this room has direct access to the garden through a set of patio doors. After relaxing in the sitting room with your group, continue to the kitchen/diner, a room that has been finished to a high standard and features contemporary fittings, making for a fantastic food preparation space for any budding chef! This room also has direct access to the garden through a set of patio doors, perfect for evenings when you want to dine alfresco. When nourishing meals have been fixed up, they can be savoured at one of the kitchen's two seating spaces, with one being a breakfast bar and the other being a table that can seat the whole family. When sleep calls, you will find two thoughtfully laid-out double bedrooms nearby, with both enjoying a pretty, blue colour scheme, one features a fabulous en-suite bathroom, and the other direct access to the garden through patio doors. There is also a separate wet room. The back garden is a remarkable space which not only provides you with a patio and spacious lawn, but adjoins a beautiful, wildflower area for you to enjoy a stroll in, all with the safety of being fully enclosed with fencing and a tall hedge. The side garden is a superb spot for your furry friends, with a fully enclosed patio. From the property, which is less than 250-yards from the Icknield way, it is possible to access a network of marked, well maintained footpaths through local countryside characterised by the many stud farms. You may be able to see mares and their foals grazing in the paddocks and perhaps even spot a future champion racehorse. You may also see the Arab endurance horses training. By taking the car a short distance, you can access other walks such as the ‘three churches’, a round trip of three quintessential Suffolk villages of Moulton, Gazeley and Dalham; to nearby Kirtling Towers where a stroll along the footpath leads to spectacular views of the local countryside; or along the Devil’s Dyke and ancient fortification which runs between the villages of Reach and Woodditton. There are no amenities in Saxon Street, but the larger village of Cheveley is a short stroll through stud farms. Here you will find a convenience store/post office and The Red Lion, a welcoming eatery. Also within walking distance is the village of Woodditton, home to the delightful Three Blackbirds; this is a member of the Chestnut hospitality group based in East Anglia and renowned for their high-quality food. Both these villages may be accessed by a short car journey. The market town of Newmarket is also close by, considered the headquarters of British horseracing, with two renowned racecourses, offering an extensive schedule of racing including the Guineas meeting in May; evening meetings in summer end in a concert, where the programme has included big names such as Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones and Olly Murs. Other places to explore include The National Horse Racing Museum and the National Stud, the latter set in beautiful countryside. By booking a discover Newmarket tour you can learn more about the equine stars at work, meeting their trainers and the staff who look after them and go inside iconic locations like the Jockey Club Rooms, spend time watching the horses exercise on Warren Hill and see inside a trainer's yard. The town is home to many eateries and shops, with supermarkets including Waitrose and Tesco, plus several takeaways from whom you can organize deliveries through a delivery app. Travel further to Cambridge for a memorable day out packed with stunning sights and intriguing attractions, from the breath-taking grounds of the University and the city's ample outdoor spaces, to a range of museums and quirky shops for you to visit. Punting on the Cam is a popular activity. Bury St Edmunds also isn't far and is a place steeped in history, often used as a filming location, including the recent David Copperfield film. The Abbey Gardens, accessed through a Norman Tower, is a pretty park that is home to once-glorious ruins, close to the spectacular cathedral and smaller St Mary’s church. There is a bustling market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the annual Christmas Fayre. Entertainment venues include the National Trust owned Theatre Royal, The Apex and the Abbeygate independent cinema. A tour of the 200-year-old Greene King Brewery is also interesting. There is an excellent selection of independent shops alongside cafes, restaurants and pubs including the elegant Hattie’s Tea Rooms and The Nutshell, confirmed by the Guinness book of records as the smallest pub in the UK. Note that both Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds can be accessed by driving to either Dullingham or Kennet stations and taking the train on the hourly service. Ely has a wide range of attractions, including the cathedral, one of the wonders of the medieval world. There is also a stained-glass museum, Oliver Cromwell’s House and a beautiful river walk. Ardensax is within a half hour drive of three stunning National Trust properties. Anglesey Abbey House and Gardens is worth a visit throughout the year, but the winter garden is justifiably famous, as is the snowdrop collection. Ickworth House is set in beautiful park, farm and woodland with many marked walking trails. Finally, Wicken Fen is a mecca for bird watchers with an easy board walk constructed through the fenland. Other places to visit for those interested in bird life and nature are Lackford Lakes, the RSPB nature reserve at Lakenheath Fen and Welney marshes, home to many visiting swans in the winter months. Those seeking walking routes and outdoors fun can visit Thetford Forest Park, home to a Go Ape tree top adventures and Segway tours. Make the most of this area of the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk borders with a stay at Ardensax.