EDITION ESCAPES
W e 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.
CLOPTON COURTYARD Tried & Tested: Scenic soaks and silent nights; Phoebe Harper enjoys an undisturbed stay at a rural retreat
LOG OFF AND RELAX Day or night, the hot tub is a focal point for unwinding in your own little haven
48 SEPTEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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