High Street, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambridge, CB25

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Homes with this much history, character and space do not come along very often

Bolebec Cottage is a substantial Grade II listed home dating back to 1587, positioned right in the heart of the picturesque village of Swaffham Bulbeck. Offering approximately 1862 sqft / 173m2 of accommodation across three floors, this is a property with genuine personality, where centuries of history sit alongside the space and flexibility needed for modern family life

From the street, its striking timber framed frontage immediately catches your attention. The exposed beams, traditional windows and steeply pitched roof give a glimpse of the character waiting inside, and the property certainly doesn't disappoint

The ground floor provides two particularly generous reception rooms, something that will appeal to families who want plenty of space without having to combine all their living areas into one

The main living room is an impressive space, with exposed timber beams running across the ceiling, traditional flooring and a wood burning stove set within a substantial fireplace. It has a wonderfully cosy feel despite its size, with plenty of room for larger sofas and seating. This is the sort of room that comes into its own during the winter months, while still being a fantastic everyday family living space

Alongside is the separate dining room, another wonderfully proportioned room with an abundance of original features. The exposed timber framing, substantial ceiling beams and decorative historic fireplace surround create a setting that is full of atmosphere. There is ample space for a large dining table, making this a brilliant room for family meals, Christmas gatherings and entertaining friends

To the rear, the kitchen is arranged in a practical layout with extensive worktop space, contemporary cabinetry, integrated cooking appliances and plenty of storage. Its long arrangement provides useful separation between food preparation and the additional utility area, making it particularly suited to a busy family household

The accommodation continues upstairs, where the property's generous proportions become even more apparent

The principal bedroom suite is a standout feature. The bedroom itself is exceptionally spacious, with exposed timber framing and plenty of room for substantial bedroom furniture. It is served by its own dressing room with fitted wardrobes, leading through to a particularly impressive en suite bathroom

This bathroom is unlike anything you would ordinarily expect to find in a period cottage. A dramatic vaulted ceiling, large glazed gable window and rooflights make it wonderfully bright, with a generous bath positioned to enjoy the outlook. There is also a separate washing area and useful storage, giving the principal suite the feel of a private retreat away from the rest of the house

Two further bedrooms on the first floor provide excellent family accommodation, with an additional en suite serving bedroom two and a separate family bathroom also available

The second floor offers another two bedrooms. Both have the character you would hope for in a property of this age, with exposed structural timbers and interesting rooflines. They are versatile spaces that could suit older children wanting their own rooms, guests, hobbies or those needing dedicated space to work from home. An additional WC on this level is particularly useful

Outside

The rear garden is fully enclosed and provides a good amount of outdoor space considering the property's central village location

Mature trees, established planting and traditional boundary walls give it a wonderfully private and established feel. There are paved pathways and seating areas, including a curved patio that could be a lovely spot for outdoor dining or relaxing during the warmer months

The garden offers an appealing opportunity for a new owner to put their own stamp on the outside space, whether that means a more formal cottage garden, a practical family area or simply somewhere peaceful to sit and enjoy the surroundings

There is also the benefit of a garage, with on street parking available in front of the property

For buyers who appreciate the charm of an older property, Bolebec Cottage is something genuinely special. Its substantial rooms, flexible bedroom accommodation and remarkable collection of original features give it an individuality that is increasingly difficult to find

A new boiler was fitted in April 2026

Location

Swaffham Bulbeck is one of East Cambridgeshire's most attractive and historic villages, situated approximately 8 miles northeast of Cambridge and 6 miles from Newmarket. Known for its period cottages, timber framed houses and traditional village setting, it offers a wonderful balance between peaceful countryside living and access to two major centres

The village has a strong sense of history, with a conservation area, numerous listed buildings, a picturesque village green and the beautiful St Mary's Church. It has retained much of its traditional character, which makes it particularly appealing to buyers looking for something more individual than a modern housing development

Despite its rural setting, Swaffham Bulbeck has several useful everyday amenities. There is a village shop and Post Office, conveniently located almost next door to the property, while The Black Horse Inn provides a quiet, welcoming local village pub and restaurant. The village also has a recreation ground, children's play facilities, sports pitches and a pavilion, providing useful spaces for families and community activities

For families, schooling is another important consideration. Swaffham Bulbeck Church of England Primary School is located on the village High Street and was rated Good. For secondary education, the village falls within the published catchment area of Bottisham Village College. Buyers should check the latest admissions arrangements and school information directly

The surrounding area is particularly appealing for those who enjoy being outdoors. Nearby Lode is home to Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, a National Trust property with beautiful gardens, woodland walks and family activities. There are also attractive countryside walking routes around Quy Fen and the surrounding villages

Neighbouring villages include Swaffham Prior, Bottisham, Lode, Reach and Burwell, each contributing to the area's traditional Cambridgeshire character. Burwell and Newmarket offer further shops and services, while Cambridge provides its extensive range of independent shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, major employers and railway connections

The A14 is accessible nearby, making the location practical for travelling towards Cambridge, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Regular bus routes also serve the surrounding area, with connections towards Cambridge and Newmarket

For buyers looking for village charm, historic surroundings, countryside on the doorstep and straightforward access to Cambridge, Swaffham Bulbeck is an excellent place to call home

Bolebec Cottage offers the opportunity to enjoy all of this in a home that has been part of the village for more than four centuries. With five bedrooms, substantial reception rooms and a wealth of original features, it is a property that really needs to be viewed to appreciate its character and generous accommodation

Local Yopa Agent Dan Burbridge would be delighted to answer any questions you may have

EPC Grade E

Disclaimer

Whilst we make enquiries with the Seller to ensure the information provided is accurate, Yopa makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the statements contained in the particulars which should not be relied upon as representations of fact. All representations contained in the particulars are based on details supplied by the Seller. Your Conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.

Money Laundering Regulations

Should a purchaser(s) have an offer accepted on a property marketed by Yopa, they will need to undertake an identification check and asked to provide information on the source and proof of funds. This is done to meet our obligation under Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML) and is a legal requirement. We use a specialist third party service together with an in-house compliance team to verify your information. The cost of these checks is £82.50 +VAT per purchase, which is paid in advance, when an offer is agreed and prior to a sales memorandum being issued. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances.