Ground floor, one bedroom apartment, sleeps 2-4, open plan, with patio and garden with barbecue, south facing with plenty of light or sunshine, quiet and private, a few steps away from the river Cam (right by Weir Lock or Jesus Lock and footbridge), Old Town Cambridge and Cambridge University. A car is not necessary. Outside space to secure bicycles are available. Parking on site, a few steps from the front door, is available if need be, free of charge.
We would recommend 2 people for the property, however, we are often asked if the property could accommodate 4, and we hear from guests that this is often preferred. Check in and check out possible any day of the week. Rates for longer stays can be negotiated.
This property is ideal for longer term stays and is usually available for visits 10 to 14 days or longer, however, arrangements for shorter periods can be made by liaising with the owner. This property is not specifically set up to be child friendly (eg all cupboards are not nailed to walls), however, arrangements to bring children can be made further to liaison with the owner to discuss more specific details, and further to agreement that children will be supervised. The owner asks that guests inform them if anything is very important to them, so that they can make appropriate arrangements to aim to meet all needs during their stay. Cleaning and gardening services can be made available during stays.
This property is hosted by individuals who have provided holiday lets in Cambridge since 2009; this is their primary residence and home. They often engage in work abroad and then make their property available for guests during this times. They have recently sold their property next to the river, also close to Cambridge city centre, to purchase this property, which is even closer, half the distance, to Cambridge Old Town, and although not directly next to the river this time, 2 minutes walk to the river, and surrounded by large, mature trees.
This property was chosen for the location. A very central, accessible location in Cambridge, an easy stroll to Cambridge city centre (Old Town) or the Grafton Centre (shopping mall with cinema and restaurants).
The property is in a quiet and safe neighbourhood, surrounded by parks (play areas for children) and mature trees, with easy access to bus stops.
There is good accessibility to the Science Park, business parks, A14 and M11. London is within easy reach (usually 45-60 minutes by car), with frequent direct trains to London King's Cross station as well as Liverpool Street.
Restaurants, cafes and shops are only a few minutes walk if you head straight for the river. Picnic areas with barbecue opportunities are also available next to the river within a few minutes walk from the property. Children especially like the ducks, geese and swans. River tours and punting available.
The property, as currently available, has an open layout with one bedroom, a study area with desk and chair, a well equipped kitchen (baking equipment sometimes unavailable, please inform the owner if any specific needs), dining area for four (next to south facing window and garden), lounge (seating for four) with a comfortable sofa or day bed that folds open into a double bed (which sleeps 2), and bathroom.
The property has good lighting and good heating throughout. In the summer doors facing north and south can be opened for a cool breeze. The garden seating area, patio set, outside umbrella, gas barbecue and fire pit are on the south side.
The kitchen has a table seating four and is well equipped, as the owners are fond of baking and cooking. Cafetière, kettle, microwave, toaster, oven, hob, fridge, freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher available.
The lounge has ample space for books (books and all personal items are usually removed). TV and associated, as well as music wifi station with speakers in various rooms available. A basket with various maps as well as tourist information is available (many guests take items, but also leave items or suggestions).
A study area is available with large desk space and chair, along with good lighting. Both owners work at home regularly and the spacious layout facilitates this.
The bathroom has good lighting, plenty of hooks for hanging items (also available within the property), a bath and shower with excellent water pressure.
The one bedroom has recently been made available for guests. The bedroom contains a standard double bed (140 x 190cm) with bedside tables and chair with two windows. Space for hanging clothing is available.
The small South-facing paved patio with garden gets morning to evening light, good light throughout the day, offers a good degree of privacy, and is bordered by a lawned area with large trees. The garden needs very little tending and was planted to showcase the seasons. As mentioned, the south facing garden has a private seating area, patio set, outside umbrella, gas barbecue and fire pit.
The following questions, frequently asked, are addressed here again: Covered bicycle storage, for two bicycles, is available right by the front door. More bicycle storage is available close by (mere steps). Parking, steps from the front door, can be made available at no extra charge. Please liaise with the owner.
Many ask, what does 'open plan' mean? Open plan means there are no closed doors between the kitchen, dining and lounge area, however, you cannot view most of the kitchen from the lounge area. Please see photographs.
Cambridge is filled with events and wondrous sights throughout the year.
Winter is especially atmospheric with cheerful festivities, food markets and cosy pubs inviting you with roaring fires and good food. Christmas offers wonderful Christmas lights, many markets, an ice rink and wonderful events (often also around Mill rd). New Year is usually very festive with many pubs and restaurants offering opportunities for dancing.
Spring provides abundant cherry blossoms, which are particularly beautiful against the backdrop of Cambridge's architecture, and parks (Midsummer Common, Parkers Pieces, Christ's Pieces and Jesus Green) are painted with colour and filled with birdsong.
Summer brings the major Summer in the City festival, as well as the Folk Festival and the Strawberry Fair and the river becomes a carnival of experienced and novice punters entertaining the several groups of people having picnics or listening to live music next to the river.
Autumn brings the Food Garden and Produce Festival, as well as the Cambridge Open Day, where Cambridge University opens its doors to the public, offering a range of talks, walks, exhibitions and visits to libraries and rare books. Autumn is the season of the light, when Cambridge's majestic trees steal the show.
On Guy Fawkes night (bonfire night), you can watch the fireworks from the top floor and, should you want to join the festivities and get a closer look of the bonfire, Midsummer Common is just a 5 minute walk away.
Cambridge hardly has a quiet season, although it is easy to find solitude in the ample quiet chapels, gardens and parks. People of all ages are walking and cycling, at all hours of the day or night, to and from theatres, restaurants and events. It is a town where one can get lost in culture and beauty.
Other features of property:
High speed WiFi internet access
Freeview TV
Fully equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washer-dryer
Walking distance to property:
Cambridge city centre and the old town with theatres and restaurants
The parks as mentioned above
The UK's longest outdoor swimming pool (open during Summer)
Favourite things to do and enjoy in Cambridge:
Cosmopolitan restaurants and wine tastings
Live music of every kind and in various settings such as colleges, chapels, theatres and restaurants
Visiting the beautiful colleges and spending time in the gardens or soaking up the atmosphere
Enjoying the architecture, museums, libraries, exhibitions and galleries
The theatres: Mumford Theatre, Corn Exchange, ADC Theatre, Cambridge Arts
Festivals such as The Cambridge Food Garden and Produce Festival
Information of upcoming events and festivities can be found at www.cambsedition.co.uk or www.visitcambridge.org