Charming listed coach house by Ely Cathedral

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.6

Exceptional

3 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 5107 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Ely, Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral6 min walk
Wisbech12 min walk
Ely City Golf Club3 min drive
London (STN-Stansted)62 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Bathroom 5

Spaces

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Imaginatively restored this delightful Coach House is full character and charm. Two minutes from Ely's historic cathedral, it is stands at the end of the owners secluded walled garden.
Functioning as a Coach House until the 1950's great attention has been paid to the conversion so that original details,such as stable paviors, latch doors, exposed beams and wood floors are much in evidence.
On the ground floor there is a kitchen with an old pine dresser decorated with an array of kitchenlia. Appliances include a fridge, electric cooker, microwave and toaster plus all the crockery, cutlery and utensils required. The cosy sitting/dining room has lots of books, digital TV and radio.
The bedrooms upstairs comprise - two doubles with Victorian brass and cast iron beds, made up with interior sprung mattresses and crisp white linen. Originally the grain store the single is a very comfy cabin size room appealing to young and old alike. All rooms have an en suite with a half size bath with hand-held mixer taps. N.B. NO POWER SHOWERS

Location: Ely the historic cathedral city is only 12 miles from Cambridge and an ideal base for touring the Fens and East Anglia.
The city itself has several attractions in addition to the magnificent 1000 year old cathedral: Cromwell House where Oliver Cromwell lived with his family between 1636 - 1647, Ely Museum which is in the building that was once the Bishop's gaol, and finally the Stained Glass Musuem, There is also a delightful riverside area with a variety of pubs, eateries, teashops, art galleries and antique warehouse. Every Thursday and Saturday there is a market. Events and festivals include Ethelreda's Fair, Eel Day, Apple Festival and Ghost Tours
Within the hour there is the Ouse washes which attracts a wide variety of wildfowl and birds. Newmarket for its horse racing and several National Trust properties . .
There are excellent rail links to all parts of the country including Norwich, Peterborough, Leeds, Nottingham, Stansted Airport and Kings Cross London & St Pancras for Eurostar.

Property manager

Jenny Farndale

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Alder House Mews; the building on the right of the picture

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Microwave

Living/dining area

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ely

Located in Ely, this cottage is in the city centre. Oliver Cromwell's House and Ely Cathedral are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ely City Golf Club and Twenty Pence Marina. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Newmarket Racecourse or Mildenhall Stadium. Power boating and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.

Ely, Cambridgeshire

What's nearby

Ely Museum - 4 min walk
Oliver Cromwell's House - 5 min walk
Ely Cathedral - 6 min walk
Wisbech - 12 min walk
Ely City Golf Club - 3 min drive

Getting around

Ely Station - 17 min walk
Cambridge (CBG) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

‪Market Kitchen Ely - ‬7 min walk
‪High Flyer - ‬7 min walk
‪The Townhouse Pub - ‬4 min walk
‪West End House - ‬7 min walk
‪The Prince Albert - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming listed coach house by Ely Cathedral pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming listed coach house by Ely Cathedral?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming listed coach house by Ely Cathedral?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Charming listed coach house by Ely Cathedral located?

Located in the heart of Ely, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Ely Museum, Oliver Cromwell's House and Ely Cathedral. Wisbech and Babylon Gallery are also within 15 minutes. Ely Station is 17 minutes by foot.

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

MELISSA E., Bergen

15 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Coach House

Loved our stay at the Ely coach house, we were only a short walk to all the local amenities and sites. Jenny and Robin were very helpful and a great source of local knowledge. The house was wonderful with all its collections of old wares.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

19 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unusual but fascinating!

Delightful hosts who gave us a warm welcome to this rather unusual, but fascinating, property. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of equine antiquities from the old coach house and a library to suit all tastes, one was fully entertained! A very enjoyable stay in this lovely city.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heidi K.

3 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A charming property

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this quaint and charming former coach house. It was very near the cathedral and town centre of Ely, which was ideal since one of our party is elderly. Jenny and Robin were very helpful and the chocolate cake was a lovely, welcoming touch. We would definitely like to visit again!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Glenn F.

11 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We had an excellent stay and thoroughly enjoyed the accomodation. We'd definitely recommend it.

The property was a brilliantly converted coach-house. It had a marvelous library of books, the bedrooms were very comfortable and convenient, the cooking facilities just right. Its location was very near the cathedral and High Street which made visiting and food shopping easy. There were useful guides to eating places and places of interest. We visited Oliver Cromwell's House at a time when expert re-enactors were part of the experience. Jenny and her husband were extremely helpful settling us in and made us feel very welcome. We would not hesitate to book this accommodation if we return to Ely in the future . Top drawer!!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ron R.

20 June 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place. Enjoyed our stay.

Great location, only a short walk to Ely Cathedral.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy M.

19 May 2019

A lovely cottage in a superb location

Cathedral Lodge is a quirky delight, combining the pleasures of a 'country' cottage with easy access to the heart of the city and, most importantly very close to the glorious Ely Cathedral. The house is compact but equipped to a high standard with comfortable beds (with good linen), very good lighting - unusual in my experience of holiday homes - and mirrors in all the right places for doing make-up and shaving for the. I must also mention the extensive library of books to suit all tastes and interests. A bibliophile would probably not want to leave the house! Access to the garden was a real bonus as we were blessed with the Easter heat-wave. Our hosts Jenny and Robin were delightful and we could not have wished for a better place to stay. My disabled sister was able to navigate the cobbles and gravel paths without difficulty and we both felt that we had been very fortunate to find such a lovely place. We would certainly recommend Cathedral Lodge and hope to return some time. Thank you, Jenny and Robin! Dorothy May

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

David S.

3 Apr 2019

Quirky comfort

An unusual house with all that we needed for a weekend stay. Hosts very friendly and helpful.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

David S.

30 Mar 2019

Great for a spring break

5 of us stayed and found the house had everything we needed for a 3 night break. We did a lot of cooking and eating, reading, watching dvds etc. Plus visits to the town (right on the doorstep), walking to Wicken Fen. Jenny and Robin most helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Margaret H.

4 June 2018

Charming, full of character, very comfortable, with everything we needed.

A perfect location for a lovely weekend.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Peter C.

31 Aug 2017

Perfect situation in a fascinating city, oodles of character but requiring major attention.

The Coach House is very different from the scores of self-catering cottages we have stayed in. Every room is fascinating and has so many features to interest and entertain you. We were particular impressed with the rooms upstairs, all with their small en-suites, but perplexed by some bricked-up or boarded windows reducing the light in bedrooms 2 and 3. Downstairs, however, was positively weird. On what turned out to be some of the hottest and brightest days of the year the living room was so dark that all the lights had to be on all the time we were in the house. A combination of blocked out windows, a courtyard full of ancient items protected by a sloping roof which blocked out so much of the light and a garden on the other side of the kitchen which was so overgrown that barely any light could get through meant that you were in a state of perpetual darkness downstairs and had nowhere to sit outside. It just cries out for an elegant courtyard and an accessible garden with a couple of tables and chairs. We longed to sit outside each morning, enjoying a leisurely coffee before setting forth or a glass of wine at the end of the day. The potential is enormous but we have the feeling that the property is veering away from a cottage packed with character and history into a cross, especially downstairs and outside, between Steptoe's yard and a Malaysian rain forest. I'm not sure how we would have coped had we brought 2-3 friends with us, as the present arrangements in the lounge are inadequate, with only one two-seater sofa and just one other upholstered chair and a very narrow table that would struggle to cope with 5 people. We loved Ely and enjoyed our chats with the hosts, Jenny and Richard. Our bedroom was very comfortable and we will have fond memories of our stay, but we left feeling a little frustrated and spent part of the journey home discussing what could be done to turn the Coach House into the very best self-catering accommodation in the city.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Denny D.

20 July 2017

Comfy and quirky

Cottage is like a little hideaway. Very peaceful and comfortable. An amazing experience!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lynette M.

19 Oct 2015

Home away from home

I have stayed a number of times in this beautifully appointed, charming period cottage, and it has become for me a 'home away from home'. It is centrally located within the lovely market town of Ely, and five minutes walk from the wonderful Cathedral. Cambridge is only 15 minutes away on the train. Robin and Jenny Farndale are delightful hosts, whose hospitality is warm and kind. I will stay there again, and again ...

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andreas A.

22 Aug 2014

picturesque historical home for relaxed holidays

The coach house is situated close to the town and cathedral but a very peaceful and quiet retreat. We felt stepping one century back as it is full of lovely historic furniture and decoration. Everything was very clean, well equipped and we appreciated the en-suite bedrooms. The owners (living next door) were so helpful, friendly and communicative!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andy A.

28 May 2014

A Hidden Gem

Tucked under the spires of Ely Cathedral, this cottage is a hidden gem. Leave the busy road, through the garden gate and you have a pleasant walled garden. Through another gate, into a cobbled courtyard and the old stables have been tastfully converted into a 5-person cottage. The cottage is full of interesting items, approach the room from a different direction and you will always see something new. The bedrooms are extremely comfortable with bijou en-suites in each. Each room was very clean, quite a task because this is as far from clutter-free as you could get. The owners are very personable and knowledgeable, make sure you put aside a little time to talk with them. Great location with good days out. We went to Duxford (don't forget to get tickets with Tesco Clubcard), The Newmarket National Stud (a bargain tour for £10) and an easy train journey into Cambridge (use the tour bus and visit Maddingley American Cemetry). Real Ale enthusiasts must visit the Liberty Belle (10 min walk). Highly recommended.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

31 Oct 2013

Authentic period cottage

There are many cottages that look the period outside but this one looks and feels the period inside, as well. The attention to detail is remarkable which made our stay so enjoyable. Crisp white linen, soft towels, brass fittings, iron radiators, cartridge filling device - this is Classic style in the 21st century. We loved it - you'll love it.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

13 Sept 2013

Beautiful house in quiet, pretty surroundings.

The coach house is very close to the Cathedral and off-road parking is provided. The gardens are pretty and inside has been beautifully converted with many attractive features and furnishings. The kitchen was well equipped and the whole house was comfortable with a homely atmosphere. The owners were very welcoming and helpful. Ely is a compact, attractive city with many places of interest to visit within walking distance. We enjoyed a river boat trip and visits to National Trust and English Heritage properties nearby and worshipping in the magnificent Cathedral. We have no hesitation in recommending this first class property to others.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

26 Mar 2011

Quaint & full of character

Close to local village with a good few places to eat and right next to the cathedral. Lovely converted building, very warm and quiet. Small living room with tiny TV (not a bad thing, just get close and play cards or read a book). Not sutable for small children due to steep winding stairs and hard floors. Good base to visit Cambridge.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

liz p.

27 Nov 2010

Excellent

Cosy place very well thought out and all facilities, toasty heating!

About the host

Hosted by Jenny Farndale

Your hosts are Jenny & Robin Farndale. Semi-retired they came to Ely in 1995. They both have a great interest in history and architecture. Over the years they have enjoyed finding suitable pictures and ephemera to decorate the Coach House.

Why they chose this property

An historic building uniquely furnished in a quintessential English style. It is centrally located, has parking, and is walking distance from a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, tea & coffee houses, one of the UK's best bookshops and a host of other shops.