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City chic meets country comfort in a stylish home-from-home for grown-ups.
Total rural relaxation… and the dog can come too.
Escape to your very own pastoral hideaway with everything you need to relax and do things your own way, in your own time.
• Stunning English Countryside • Private Japanese Outdoor Whirlpool Tub • Unique in-room pantry • Netflix • Luxury Bathrooms
Check in days: Mon, Wed or Friday: 2 night minimum stay.
Check in is 4pm.
Check out 11am.
Weekend stays: We believe in lazy Sundays, therefore when you book a weekend stay ending on a Sunday there is no check out time - so you can have the longest ever lay in and check out at 3pm if you wish, or spend the entire Sunday and leave for home at 11pm, or even just go back to bed and check out anytime before 11am on Monday.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyNot suitable for childrenNo smoking
A max of 3 dogs are allowed per retreat.
A charge of £30 per booking is added to cover additional dog costs (this will be added after booking where necessary).
Strictly NO SMOKING or EATING in the Outdoor Bath and NO DOGS in the outdoor bath. Please alert us to any broken glass so that we can ensure thorough clear up for future guests.
Bedrooms
1 King
Bathrooms
1 Attached (ensuite)
Meet the host
VICKY S
Hosting since June 2018
Languages spoken: English
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests:Â Both retreats are equipped with door-lock codes which are sent to you 3 days prior to your arrival. This allows you to arrive at any time after the official check in time. There is also a door code to the main door for added security.
We live next door and are always available for any emergency questions via whats app. When you book with us we will send a very detailed email explaining everything you can look forward to in the retreats, the local area and suggestions on walks, pubs and days out.
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We stayed in the Foaling Box, it was the perfect place to unwind and relax. Perfectly situated in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. When we arrived, we were blown away by the decor and cleanliness it was spotless. Very clear instructions for all mod cons. The bed was so comfortable, the projector screen was a great touch, we enjoyed watching a movie in bed. We preordered the steak and pimp up my pizza, both were delicious! The bath outside was amazing! We will 100% book again.
Visited November 2023
Written 23 November 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rosie
Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom17 contributions
A wonderful, relaxing staycation
We booked a couple of nights at Bethnal as a Babymoon and wedding anniversary celebration. We had a wonderful time - the accommodation is full of personality and character. We loved the decor, attention to detail and the personal touches - the classical music playing on arrival, the free whisky/gin/alcohol free gin, and the vinyl player. I especially loved having a relaxing bath in the Victorian tub, and the wet room was fantastic and well stocked with nice soap, lotion, shampoos, conditioner and body wash. We thought the honesty larder was a great concept and found it reasonably priced. We also really enjoyed the breakfast box and meal kits (we ordered the burger kit and the pizza kit, both were great and came well stocked).
We couldn't fault the hosts who sent helpful check in information and were responsive via WhatsApp if we had any questions.
We especially loved that we could bring our dog with us - Bethnal & Bec is genuinely dog friendly. It's set in a beautiful rural, village location and there were lovely walks and dog friendly pubs on the doorstep.
We feel very lucky that its only 30 mins away from home - we wished we discovered it sooner! Thank you so much for such a lovely minibreak, it was just what we needed xx
Visited September 2023
Written 23 September 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
Thank you so much! For both the review and choosing us. Thank you 🌟
Written 18 October 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Naomi R
2 contributions
Amazing, just not perfect.
Myself and my husband have just returned from a 3 night stay at Bethnal and we found many, many plus points to this lovely place.
Firstly, everything has been thought of. The instructions were clear and a lot of information is provided on how to use things around the house. Check in/check out was easy (although the key to the room very fiddly!). The record player and records, the indoor and outdoor tub, the fire pit, all so lovely. We had a bit of a noisy dog in Bec next door to us during our stay so it wasn't tranquil all of the time, but at times it certainly was. The dog noise is of course not the owners' fault (or the dog owner, dogs bark after all) but dog friendly places, although great for dog owners are not always peaceful places!
The interior design is great, to our taste and what you expect for the more upmarket 'South London industrial comfy chic' we know and love. The double shower in the bathroom was divine.
Buntingford itself is charming and has some really nice places to eat but there are more than enough options to be able to eat/cook at the accommodation, with great appliances and utensils. Great to be able to watch a host of streaming services!
The breakfast box was lovely (best bacon ever!).
There were a couple of things that I didn't love about the stay. For a luxury retreat and the price you pay, I was surprised to find budget options I would use at home (for example, Aldi instant coffee which was hard in the tin and unusable and the type of toilet paper in the bathroom). Ground coffee and other drinks were available I must add. I didn't love the milk in the fridge being decanted into a passata bottle - this is my personal preference and I know other people may not have an issue with that at all. It just felt a bit superfluous to me.
There was no shower gel in the dispenser in the bathroom and no complimentary items that you would get in a similar costing hotel room.
The cushions for the outdoor furniture had burn holes in them. The oven wasn't super clean.
Many of the added extras available cost money which made everything feel a bit corporate to me. The freezer was full of high end ready meals and the fridge full of drinks (all chargeable) so much so we didn't have loads of room to put our own goods in there. There were bottles of alcohol on the sideboard for sale. The freebies were a tot of gin and whisky or 0% gin, none of which we drink so were wasted on us. Might have been nicer just to get a biscuit! The honesty larder was chock full of expensive things to purchase. The dine in options were out of our price range which is a shame as it would have been nice to put the pizza oven to use. The kitchen does stock cereals, pasta, herbs etc so with a few bought in things you can make your own food.
We had to leave our rubbish in carrier bags in the room, separated into waste type, as the very small recycling bins in the hall were jam packed (with only one solo person staying next door).
It was very very warm in the room and I didn't find the Dyson fan very effective at all and it was noisy. The bedding was very heavy for summer time considering the room is so warm (reasons are given for there being no air conditioning which I absolutely understand). It would be so cosy and lovely in the winter with the wood burning stove!
I realise that I have included an exhaustive list of all of my issues in this review but my justification for that is this:
We booked Bethnal as a joint 40th birthday get away without our children and it massively ticked the restful stay box we wanted it to.
However, as people with not much spare money and having spent what we consider to be a lot of money on the stay, we had really high expectations, of which not all were met.
On balance, although for me there are elements I would have differently, I would definitely recommend B&B to anyone who wanted to get away for a few days.
Visited August 2023
Written 15 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
The review is interesting and especially as none of this has been sent to us to be able to rectify/ fix. We do our best, and we're sorry that you experienced the issues you did.
We can't offer air conditioning as we are a listed building with planning restrictions. Sorry that you felt the recycling wasn't adequate- we're again working within planning and size restrictions.
And just a word to you as a small business.... don't publicly write things without sending privately a message and allowing the business to explain / respond. We're not saying you're wrong.... but this is our livelihood and its important to us.
With best wishes
Written 17 August 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire R
2 contributions
Blissful solo staycation!
As a solo traveller, Bethnal was everything I could want. Utterly sublime interior that was super comfy, a hosts of extras to help me chill out (loved the record player, honesty larder and in-room tub), as well as a fabulous and safe rural location (I had the peace of the countryside just outside my door, but knew the owners were nearby if I needed them). Would go again in a heartbeat!
Visited July 2023
Written 19 July 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
We're so happy you enjoyed your solocation with us! Thank you 🌟
Written 20 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sabinak1088
London, United Kingdom5 contributions
Perfect Weekend.
Don’t know where to start!!
We had the most perfect and relaxing weekend.
Regular communication, ease of check in, thorough instructions, plenty of additional amenities provided, the whiskey and gin!
The surrounding area was beautiful, the hot tub was great.
We stayed on a warm weekend.. thank god for the provided Dyson fan!
The breakfast box and pimp my pizza went down a treat.
My partner said these two nights were the best sleep he’s had in a long time.
I will hopefully return in the winter!
Thank you Chris and Vicky
Visited July 2023
Written 10 July 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
We're so happy you enjoyed your weekend with us and thank you so much for the review 🌟
Written 12 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah T
1 contribution
The perfect place to relax and unwind…
This was our second stay with Bethnal and Bec. This time we stayed in The Foaling Box. We can’t fault this unique small business…
Upon arrival, the retreat was warm and welcoming with classical music playing, mood lighting and quirky details enticing you to explore. The retreat was spotlessly clean and felt like a home from home.
Clear instructions are given about how all aspects of the retreat operate from filling the luxurious outdoor bath to the recycling and the honesty pantry. We had one query during our stay and received an instant, polite response via WhatsApp.
The retro games arcade is a fab addition and provided some competitive fun.
We had the best two nights sleep in the luxurious super king sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and enjoyed watching a movie night in bed on the drop down projector screen cleverly installed in the bedroom.
The views from the retreat are stunning across the Hertfordshire countryside adding the the relaxing feel.
We love the sustainable ethos of this small business and can’t wait to book our next stay.
Visited April 2023
Written 28 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
How wonderful to read! Made our evening. Thank you! We love it when we've created a space for our guests to relax and to know that it has happened! Always look forward and are very happy to welcome you here again 🌟
Written 30 June 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen S
1 contribution
Remarkable hidden gem
My husband & I along with our pup Luna stayed here last year and I still can't stop raving about this beautiful gem. I needed a rest, I was suffering from burnout at work and so we headed here for two nights. The room was spotless, the extras we had ordered were beautifully presented, Luna made friends with Hendrix the dog who was so lovely! When we were coming back from a walk the owners came over to say hello, we felt so welcome. The attention to detail was exceptional and everthing was clear and easy to follow. We loved the honesty larder, the bath was heaven and I slept the best I had in a long time. I can't recommend this place enough, we can't wait to come back Xx
Visited July 2022
Written 28 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
Oh this is just so wonderful to read. Thank you!! We're so glad you got to switch off with us, and always look forward to welcoming our guests again 🌟
Written 30 June 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Justin W
Devon, United Kingdom13 contributions
Delightful
Absolutely wonderful place wonderful owners. Wonderful, welcome, literally from the minute we walked in to the minute we left days later. We had an incredible time here with two dogs – extremely shocked to read an incredibly negative review from someone on here. I won’t say who, but that is clearly totally made up exaggerated and quite frankly unexplainable. If you’ve been here there is absolutely no way those comments reflect this wonderful place, so on the whole if you’re thinking of going here, literally get on board and go, you will not be disappointed you will be delighted !!!!
Visited June 2023
Written 28 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
We are genuinely overwhelmed by your review and are so grateful for sharing your experience of us on here. Thank you SO much
Written 30 June 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick C
1 contribution
Brilliant! Will be coming again and will recommend to friends and family.
Such an amazing place to stay! The owners are friendly and helpful and instructions are very clear!
Visited June 2023
Written 28 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
Thank you so much and also for the recommendations too. We really appreciate it 🌟
Written 30 June 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte
Wokingham, United Kingdom2 contributions
What a gem. Luxurious and pet friendly!
My boyfriend and I stayed in Bethnal & Bec for 2 nights and we had THE most amazing time. The retreat is spacious, spotless, beautifully decorated and looks out onto stunning countryside - which we enjoyed whilst relaxing in the gorgeous hot tub. Everything you might need is catered for and you’re also able to add optional extras which really make your stay an experience. I ordered the birthday package and also the pizza package onto our stay as we were staying for the other half’s birthday. Not only were we spoilt, the dogs were too - we’re so chuffed that we found somewhere which offers such luxury but is also pet friendly for our fluffy little guys. The dogs also loved the scenic walks which are right on the doorstep. We’re booked again for this July and we can’t wait!!
Visited December 2022
Written 28 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethnal B
We're really looking forward to welcoming you back! And thank you so much for your review 🌟
Written 30 June 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful English countryside.
Close to London & Cambridge.
Getting around
Car if you want to explore.
But we’re designed for you to arrive and do nothing!
Access
Car advised
How to get there
We are just 23 minutes from London Kings Cross!
From there we are a 15 minute drive from Stevenage Station. There lots of taxis outside the station who will charge between £20-£30 each way.
Our closest airports are London Stansted (32 km) and London Luton (34 km).
We have a carport for two cars for the exclusive use of our guests. If you will be bringing more than one car, please let us know and we can advise where to park the second car.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 pm • Check out by 11 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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