Peacock Barn

4 acres of countryside — lake views, emus, peacocks & friendly farm animals. Peacock Barn is a 3-bed eco-barn near Wisbech, kid- and pet-friendly, with a lake, firepit and 300-year-old mill on the doorstep. Well behaved dogs are welcome. To keep our resident guinea fowl, hens and ducks safe (and sane!), we ask that dogs stay on a lead whenever they're out in the grounds. The space The barn is approached down a well-lit gravel drive with lots of parking right next to the barn. The barn has a large open plan kitchen with a central island, a large dining table and chairs, two large leather sofas and coffee table. The property has double doors onto the patio. There is a large slate patio with outside table and dining chairs. There is a BBQ available for your use directly outside the barn otherwise by the lake we have picnic benches and a larger BBQ for guest use. There is also a firepit next to the lake (and loads of free wood). The property is heated using an air source heat pump linked to solar panels so is as environmentally friendly as we can make it. Heating is underfloor and it's very cosy in the winter. We've tried to leave out the basics so you'll have salt, pepper, herbs, cooking oil, milk, eggs (from the ducks and hens right outside the barn) but happy to help with anything else as needed. There is a selection of adult and children's books plus DVDs. Films also available on Netflix. We've left in an Alexa which is linked to a full subscription music account so you can choose whichever tracks you want to play. You'll also find a selection of family games plus lots of lego to keep kids entertained. We hope you have a wonderful stay, We're always happy to give you a guided tour of the animals (highlights being collecting fresh eggs in the morning, feeding the sheep and helping to hose down the emus - who are in their own paddock). The emus love a bath - we have three - one boy Emmet who is very tame and arguably dopy and two females. We also have a shetland sheepdog, and a mum and daughter papillon. The papillons in particular will love any attention that's given to them. They're all very friendly small dogs. Friends have described staying as living in your own petting zoo - a must for animal lovers. We have soft fruits (blackcurrants, goosberries and blackcurrants) in season plus loads of plums, apples and pears and you are very welcome to help yourself. It's great for kids who want to pick their own. A tour of the next door mill itself is also an option if you'd like to do this. It's listed and built in 1715. There are 4 floors and the view is great from the top. Guest access Sole use of the three bedroom barn and 4 acres of grounds to roam. There is a lake with fish always eager to be fed in the grounds. A BBQ by the lake is a great way to spend an evening; there are picnic tables, a BBQ and a firepit. There is also a large paddock with emus and sheep (ouessant sheep the world's smallest breed) plus many ornamental and fruit trees. Other things to note There are lots of local attractions to visit: Beaches RSPB Titchwell Marsh is 20 minutes away, the beach reached by a walk through the bird reserve. RSPB Snettisham provides spectacular bird watching and panoramic views all year round. Welney Wetland Centre Hunstanton Beach (Norfolk) – 30 miles A traditional seaside town on the Norfolk coast, featuring unique striped cliffs, sandy beaches, and great for a family day out by the sea. The beach is a mix of golden sands and pebbles, with striking striped cliffs composed of carrstone and chalk, adding to its distinctive charm; shallow waters making it safe for paddling and beach games. Best Place to Park: Cliff Car Park: Located at the top of the cliffs with excellent views, this is a convenient spot for beachgoers. It’s a short walk down to the main beach area. Stately House and Castles Sandringham Estate (Norfolk) – 20 miles The King’s private residence, with expansive grounds and beautifully landscaped gardens open to the public, as well as a museum and visitor centre. Houghton Hall Holkham Hall and Beach (Wells-next-the-Sea) – 40 miles A majestic 18th-century Palladian house surrounded by a large estate, with a scenic walk to Holkham Beach, one of the most beautiful in Norfolk. Castle Acre Priory and Castle (Castle Acre) Explore the ruins of one of the largest and best-preserved monastic sites in England, along with the nearby castle remains. Cities Ely Ely Cathedral (Ely) – 25 miles A stunning medieval cathedral known as the "Ship of the Fens," offering incredible architecture, history, and panoramic views from the towers. Cambridge Norwich Other Attractions Bircham Windmill The Mill, Snettisham Rd, Great Bircham, King's Lynn PE31 6SJ Climb the five floors of this beautifully restored windmill, see all the machinery in place and experience the views from the top. SEA LIFE Sanctuary Snettisham Park Snettisham Park, incorporating Park Farm, first opened to the public in 1986, and is a working Norfolk farm growing Wheat for animal feed, Malting Barley, Sugar Beet and Grass, grazed by our 400 ewe flock, our herd of red deer, and horses and ponies from our stables A trip can involve many exciting adventures from seeing lambs being born, to a 45 minute deer safari. You can bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm eggs and ride ponies as well as taking a walk on one of three wonderful trails. Watatunga Wildlife Reserve and Buggy Tours Welcome to Watatunga. Set in 170 acres of breathtaking woodland, grassland and lakes, our award-winning nature reserve in Norfolk is dedicated to the conservation of endangered deer, antelope and birds and home to the most varied collection of deer and antelope in Europe, free to roam at their will. Watatunga offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for visitors to experience expert-led safari tours, in our fully-accessible self-drive buggies. A chance to explore the stunning scenery and see the animals in what is as close to their natural environment as we can create, grazing on the rich grasslands, drinking at the lakeside or even concealing themselves amidst the ferns and the woodland floor. Flag Fen Archaeology Park Discover Flag Fen, famous for its ancient Bronze Age archaeology. Explore the reconstructed prehistoric landscape and discover treasures from over 3000 years ago. Best Places to Eat The Rose & Crown, Snettisham Named Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year 2020 by The Good Pub Guide, this relaxed and informal village inn features twisting passages, old beams and log fires as well as excellent food. The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham Surrounded by fields, this gastropub showcases local produce as part of a menu that ranges from pub classics to more sophisticated seasonal dishes.