Colchester

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Library of Books

Entertainment

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Pod Coffee Machine

Freezer

Fridge

Kitchen

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

Toaster

Cooking Essentials

Kettle

Kitchen & Dining

Black-Out Blinds

Iron

Ironing Board

Hangers

Cleaning Products

Bedroom & Laundry

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Private Entrance

Self Check-in / Check-out

Parking & Access

Garden

Barbeque

Balcony

Access to Beach

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

Smoke Detector

Other

Hidden away next to ancient woodland in rural Essex, this cabin is a British getaway that overflows with quirk and charm.

Inside, classically styled furnishings, such as the tufted Chesterfield, oak dining table and the four-poster bed that's come straight out of a fairytale, rub shoulders with the eclectic animal portraits that dot the wall, the antler chandelier and antique-style gramophone — which actually works in case you're in the mood for a boogie. The copper rolltop bathtub that lies just next to the bed is another decadent touch that we can't help but salute.

The home's exterior is full of pleasant surprises, too. When the weather's warm enough — and even when it's not — you can sit out in the home's hot tub, before drying off on one of the egg chairs next to the roaring fire pit. It's possible to hear the sounds of wildlife from the neighbouring forest, as well as the occasional roar from Colchester Zoo, which is less than ten minutes' drive from the home.

Elsewhere in the local area, the huge Abberton Reservoir takes five minutes to reach in the car and offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The local village of Layer de la Haye, with its pair of pubs and farm shop, is a ten-minute walk away, too.

Kooky Cabin

Board Games

Home Cinema Setup

Projector

Baby Bath

Baby Changing Mat

Heated Towel Rail

Rain Shower

Cafetiere

Children's Dinnerware

Coffee Maker

Espresso Machine

High Chair

Microwave

Cot / Crib

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Washing Machine

Desk / Workplace

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Free Parking On Street

Single-Level Home

Fenced Property

Throws

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

First Aid Kit

Safe

Just outside the village of Little Bentley, a five-minute walk from the local pub and a ten-minute drive from Colchester, this rustic barn is nestled on a working farm. Previously a popular children's café with fun play areas both indoors and out, it's an ancient barn that retains a great deal of rustic charm. 

Quirky and imaginative, it's a family home with an emphasis on keeping the little ones entertained (and safe – it's fully child-proofed). The huge living space is dominated at one end by a log burner, with aged leather sofas and throws perfect for cosying up on winter nights, while the other end features a super cool, Scandi-style kitchen – complete with a professional café coffee machine that's been left in situ so you can play barista. Fun things about this room include the chalkboard wall, a movie projector for film nights and an indoor hammock chair.  

One of the bedrooms is aimed at kids, with twin beds, funky lights, chalkboards, toys and books. But as if that wasn't enough, they have a whole play area in the main space, where imaginations can run wild thanks to a wooden teepee, a wooden shop and a range of homemade superhero capes to choose from. There's more outside with a willow tunnel and mud kitchen. As the sun sets, toast some marshmallows around the fire pit before heading to your cosy beds.

Gooseberry Fool

Luxury Bedding

Dryer

Step-Free Access

Pets Allowed

Pets

In the heart of Stoke-by-Nayland — one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages — this immaculate cottage has stunning views over Box Valley. You’ll find a delightful mix of traditional and quirky here, with a battered leather chesterfield and a farmhouse table sitting alongside a supersized wall map and exposed bulb lighting. We love the surprising use of colourful wallpaper behind the bookshelf and in the second bedroom’s alcove, too. Wake up to the peal of the church bells and enjoy breakfast in the beautifully landscaped garden before taking a wander into the village. The church was the subject of a number of John Constable’s paintings, and he knew a thing or two about landscapes, so you can imagine how pretty it is round here. There are bountiful country walks in the surrounding Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and two of the best pubs in the area are less than a hundred metres from your front door, so after a long ramble, you can reward yourself with a pint of local ale.

The Perfection of Art

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Ping Pong Table

Sound System

Streaming Services

Drying Rack

Laundry Supplies

Vacuum Cleaner

Workplace

Underfloor Heating

Multiple Sets of Keys

Fenced Garden

Patio / Terrace

Sun Umbrellas

It feels like every detail has been considered at this beach village home. Crabbing equipment is provided for days exploring the rockpools of Mersea beach (a five-minute stroll away) and there’s a ping pong table in the summer house, making the perfect secret den for kids. Plus, the garden is planted with fresh herbs and even a walnut tree to add a bit of ultra-local flavour to your cooking. You’re in the heart of the village here too, with a private path leading to shops, cafés and the local fish and chip shop. 

There’s room for dining on the patio, which is a lovely spot surrounded by greenery and there’s a barbecue for summer feasts. Inside, there’s a cottage vibe to the living room with its wood-burning stove keeping things warm in the evening. The modern kitchen has plenty of space for the bustle of family mealtimes and the dining table sits in a sunny, conservatory-style spot overlooking the garden. Should you need to work remotely, there’s a study with a laptop desk and plenty of board games and books to entertain the group.

The Winkle Picker

Satellite / Cable TV

Wine Cooler

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Child Friendly

Just over an hour from London is this lovely home in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. In a fairytale setting, the extensive gardens are brimming with wisteria, roses and fragrant shrubs. There is also an ornamental vegetable garden where you may help yourself to bundles of fragrant herbs and fresh eggs from the hen coop. The house has a generous living area inside and out and is ideal for extended families looking to spend quality time together. The sociable kitchen allows for both group cooking sessions and aperitifs shared around the large kitchen table. The open-plan living area at the heart of the home presents the perfect place to relax, with comfy sofas around the log burner. There's also a stunning dining room, which offers a beautiful scene for more celebratory dinners and formal affairs. Enjoy peace and tranquillity in this lovely home or set out to discover the fabulous local country walks and attractions. Explore the nearby coastal villages, reachable in under thirty minutes, or why not try boating on the Stour river? With vineyard tours, antique hunting, and cream teas to be enjoyed in many local villages, you'll be in a prime location for taking in the best of the Suffolk countryside. The house is within easy walking distance to a friendly village pub, an excellent farm shop, and a family-friendly country cafe.

Under The Pergola

Situated a five-minute stroll from the affluent, medieval village of Nayland, this charming cottage has a fabulous location in Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border. You'll find a glorious riverside pub, shops and plenty of walks along the River Stour – it's perfect for birdwatchers. Flatford and its mill, immortalised in the paintings of John Constable, is twenty minutes in the car. This place is just under a two-hour drive from London, too. 

Surrounded by mature trees, the enclosed rear garden captures the afternoon and early evening sun, so it's ideal for an alfresco lunch or dinner, while the front garden gets the rays all day. Inside, there's a log burner for when it's chilly. We love the master bedroom, named the Hay Wain, with its views over the village. This completely renovated home is a great country retreat for two couples or a family.




The Hay Wain

Dating back to 1250, this idyllic cottage has bags of charm. It’s in the town of Hadleigh, so shops, restaurants and cafés are just a short walk away, along with cycleways across the countryside and a meandering riverside walk. 

Hide away from the world in a timber-clad bolthole where Tudor windows let in plenty of sunlight during the day. By night, it’s time to get a fire crackling in the fireplace and snuggle up with a glass of wine on the sofa. Antique, rustic furniture has been hand-selected to keep the medieval feel to the cottage, including cast-iron pans suspended from the wooden beam in the kitchen. Heading up the narrow staircase to bed, you’ll find a sound sleep beneath the old roof beams. 

Tudor Romance

Just ninety minutes outside of London, you will find this charming and character-filled home on a quiet lane in rural Suffolk. It’s over 500 years old, and still has many of the original fittings, from the inglenook fireplaces to the oak beams. Perfect for a family getaway from the city, there is plenty to do and see from the property by foot or bicycle, while lush gardens and cosy interiors are there to enjoy if you’d like to stay put. When it’s meal time, if you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, there is an excellent local pub just down the road.

Raspberry Scone

DVD Player

Bicycles

Private Parking

Free Parking

Originally built in the 1700s as a winnowing barn, this cosy cottage conversion is part of the Old Grove Farm, and is one of six homes around a large central courtyard. Begin your morning here with a welcome basket breakfast, served at the Millstone breakfast bar. Then explore the acres of orchards and meadows, with your four-legged friend trotting by your side. For lunch, why not follow the footpaths through the open countryside to the dog-friendly pub, which is just a fifteen-minute walk away? 

In the late afternoon, we would love to curl up on the sofa with a good book in front of the roaring fire or lounge beneath the apple and pear trees in the beautiful orchard. 

From inside the house, handmade oak windows in the living room, cut through the floor to the bedroom above affording amazing views, while a handmade iron balcony is a great vantage point to watch the sunset from. 

In the summer months, the large open-sided ‘Cart Lodge’ has a barbecue which can be pulled out, or you could simply sit beneath the lodge’s fairy lights and gaze at the stars of the night-time sky. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the wildlife – bats, badgers, hares, rabbits, deer and birds ¬– that share this land. 

Despite its rural setting, this cottage is only a five to ten-minute drive from supermarkets, cafés, museums, and the river Stour. Kersey, widely regarded as Suffolk’s prettiest village, is only a ten-minute cycle ride from the home. Plus, Lavenham – England’s best-preserved Medieval Village – is just a fifteen-minute drive away, where you will also find great quality restaurants such as The Great House or The Swann. Meanwhile, a day out to the unspoilt Suffolk coast is roughly an hour’s drive away to reach places like Pin Mill, Nacton, Levington, Orford, Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Southwold, and Mersey Island. 

Orchard Farmhouse

This modern apartment is the perfect base for a solo traveller or couple looking to explore the beautiful market town of Halstead. Ingeniously designed to maximise the space and comfort, the living area feels much bigger than it really is (it's actually a studio flat). With the use of the industrial-style shutters, the bedroom is cleverly cut off from the open-plan kitchen and dining area, creating a cosy spot to enjoy a restful night's sleep or power through work at the dedicated study area – perfect for those in town on business. The spacious kitchen offers all the mod-cons for a comfortable long-term stay, with sleek worktops and appliances for preparing home-cooked perfection. Natural light pours in through the crittall windows making it a bright and airy apartment, while the private balcony opens the flat out to the lovely green views all around. Step out of the building and be right in the heart of Halstead, boasting boutique shops, coffee lounges and fine-dining restaurants to discover. Plus, you're a twenty-minute drive from Colchester town centre and less than thirty-five minutes from Stansted airport up the road.

All-In-One

Smart TV

Egrets wade through the waters and hawks soar above at this unique home in the Essex Marshes. At the end of the adjoining field, the Wildlife Nature Reserve begins, where you can spend hours wandering the trails spotting plovers, owls, herons and larks. Although the scenery around you is marshes and fields as far as the eye can see, it’s just a ten-minute stroll into the centre of Tollesbury to stock up on groceries or stop in a café.

The home itself is a hexagonal-shaped, open-plan abode sitting at the base of the old radar tower. Head up to the tower's public viewing platform to get the full feel of where you are. Walls of glass look out over the marshes from the living room and flood the space with natural light. Slide open the doors to blend indoors with outdoors, and let the living room spill out onto the private patio. You can dine outside, or hole up with a blanket on the bench and enjoy the view. Should a chill creep in come evening, there’s a wood-burning stove inside to keep things cosy warm. Boardgames and books can keep you entertained and your host provides a full English breakfast in the morning to set you up for the day.

The Marsh Harrier

DVD Library

Herb Garden

Get off the grid with a stay at this cute cottage tucked away within a private seventy-acre nature reserve in the Suffolk countryside, on the edge of the big skies and unspoiled countryside of Dedham Vale. You'd be hard-pushed to find a more idyllic setting, with a spring-fed millpond providing the backdrop to trips out in the rowing boat and lounging in the sun on its grassy banks.

This pond serves a dual purpose, supplying the water to turn the mill wheel, which provides all the electricity for the home. Inside, a ground-source heat pump keeps things nice and cosy, while natural wool insulation helps maintain a near-constant temperature. Interested in learning a little more? Your hosts would be delighted to share the virtues of their composting toilet out in the barn.

On the ground floor sits a well-equipped kitchen that takes care of all your self-catering needs, plus a good-sized wetroom. Then, wend your way up the winding oak staircase to find a charming double bedroom and a characterful living room with a wood burner for cosy evenings in, though you'll need to watch your head on that beam.

Stride out from your front door and discover an owl tower (built by the owner) and badger watching sites within a short walk, though both are most active after sunset. At the same time, the lack of light pollution makes for an incredible stargazing experience on moonless nights. In addition, an eleven-acre section of the nature reserve is fenced off so your dogs can hare around without a care.

Head up the track to the tiny village of Assington, where you'll find a farm shop, cafe, restaurant, and a popular pub, The Shoulder of Mutton. Further afield, several supermarkets, the medieval village of Lavenham, and 'Constable Country' are all within a fifteen-minute drive.

Green & Pleasant Land

Private Washing Machine

Private Dryer

Nestled in the tiny village of Kersey, this magnificent timber-framed house has been lovingly restored to its former glory, allowing you to experience the authentic Suffolk countryside. Inside you'll find a roaring log burner, beautiful beamed rooms, and original features that give this home a cosy atmosphere and an air of rustic charm. 

Start your days with a home-cooked breakfast made in the classic country kitchen, then take one of the bikes from the shed and head off to explore the pretty lanes around the village. Boasting close proximity to the unspoiled Suffolk countryside, there are plenty of walks to enjoy with the dogs, as well as an array of quaint villages, such as the famous Lavenham, which is known as England’s best preserved Medieval Village. Ruggedly rural and untouched by city life, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature for a few days. 

When you get home, head to the private garden to fire up the barbecue and tuck into an alfresco family dinner. You'll find an apple tree on the lawn, which provides some natural shade in the summer. Post-dinner, run yourself a bubble bath and relax with a glass of wine, then head downstairs to snuggle up by the fire. 

The Old Apple Tree

Games Room

Desk

Standing on the grounds of a classic Victorian vicarage, this converted 19th-century coach house enjoys its own outside space and brightly-lit interiors. Effortlessly blending original and modern design, the rural retreat is ideal for a group of friends or family looking to get away from it all.

Recline on the colourful seating when you arrive in the living room and admire the rustic details – exposed brick and wooden beams feature alongside a contemporary colour palette and eye-catching wall art. If you're too energised to relax, challenge your fellow guests to a pool or foosball tournament in the games room. At the end of the day, come together for a nourishing meal cooked up in the grand country kitchen.

Keen to see the sea? The Suffolk coastline is just over half an hour away – spend an afternoon in Ipswich and visit the charming selection of shops and galleries, some of which are housed in beautiful Victorian buildings.

Country Coach House

Parking On Premises

This cosy cottage has been designed with pure relaxation in mind. Nestled in the grounds of a Grade II Listed Manor Farm, you’ll be welcomed by views across the Suffolk countryside as well as a private terrace – perfect for summer evening drinks and barbecue meals. The grounds are shared with the owners, but you’ll have plenty of privacy plus it's spread across one floor – making this a lovely option for those with reduced mobility. From here, there’s easy access to walking trails through Dedham Vale (just a twenty-minute drive away), as well as local amenities in Boxford and Kersey – both a short drive away. 

Dove Place

Wheelchair Access

Balcony / Patio

Umbrellas

In a quiet sunken spot surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling countryside sits this cosy converted barn. Guests lucky enough to escape to this rural treasure will find the open layout a sociable and homely space to unwind. Stepping inside, you'll notice the floor-to-ceiling patio doors that slide open to blur the boundaries between nature and the home's rustic interiors. Light pours into the living space, where industrial design meets modern comfort, with exposed brick walls, low-hanging lights and a wooden dining table. Spend chilly evenings snuggled up by the wood-burning stove with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book in hand ― the Persian rug, tasteful artwork and quirky ornaments will soon have you feeling all warm and settled. Come morning, we can think of no better start to the day than eating breakfast in the crisp country air out on the private patio area, facing uninterrupted views of the River Stour ― there's also a barbecue and fire pit out here for after the sun's gone down. We recommend packing your walking shoes because you'll want to explore the beautiful Suffolk landscape. Whether you bring the whole family or just a few friends, we suggest spending a fun day at River Stour Estuary and its stunning beaches, just a ten-minute walk away.

Barefoot Magic

From the sleek black leather furnishings and the grid windows to the monochrome photographs hanging on the walls and the effortlessly chic bathroom, there's something undeniably modern and urban about this large apartment. This makes it all the more surprising to find out that it actually lies within the sleepy market town of Halstead. Given the number of rural attractions that lie nearby — the landscaped garden of Markshall Estate take nineteen minutes to reach in the car, for example, while Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in just over twenty-five — the ultra-cool interior is a world away from rustic cosiness. However, we think the huge, horseshoe-shaped kitchen and cosy balcony space with seating will win even the most ardent of traditionalists over.

Camera Flashbulbs

This modern apartment really caught our eye due to its size and location. Set in the charming market town of Halstead, only a twenty-minute drive from Colchester, you're nicely placed in and around Essex. It's an industrial-style flat, with innovative use of sliding doors, steel beams and crittall windows to create a bright open-plan living area that feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The home offers a comfortable stay for groups of four, whether you're in town on business or exploring the surrounding area. And after mooching around the boutique shops, indie coffee houses and hip bars, return to a chic animal print armchair for a well-needed cuppa. Better still, extend the living space outwards to your private balcony and bookmark the day with lovely green views and pre-dinner drinks. Enjoy a hearty meal knocked up in the fully-equipped kitchen, before getting a peaceful night's sleep in one of the cosy bedrooms – comfort and ease are at the forefront here. 

Printworks

Sonos

Bathrobes

Luxury Toiletries

Wine Cellar

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Air Conditioning

Temperature Control

EV Charger

Helipad

Beach / Pool Towels

Courtyard

Garden Games

Outdoor Audio

Outdoor Bathtub

Outdoor Kitchen

Alarm System

This is an extra-special home in the grounds of an award-winning boutique vineyard. It’s been carefully curated to offer everything you might need during your stay, and for you to enjoy your visit in the lap of luxury. 

The home is a contemporary villa with vast windows looking out onto the vineyard and the rolling countryside that surrounds the property. The open-plan living and dining space is perfect for chatting over food and sipping wine – there’s even an honesty box wine bar for you to sample the wines produced by the vineyard. A striking nickel bar – like at The Ivy – has pride of place in front of the huge picture window overlooking the vineyard. There are also full height glass patio doors which open onto a wonderful private guest garden and patio.

Outside, pop open a bottle of chilled white or rosé wine and sink into the jacuzzi while the barbecue heats up. When the weather is fine, you won’t want to be anywhere else – there’s a comfy sofa and loungers, ideal for relaxing, and a tennis court if you want to work up a sweat. Dining outside with beautiful views laid out before you is utterly idyllic, especially when the sun starts to sink in the sky. 

If you feel the urge to explore, there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. The villa is a four-minute drive from Toppesfield village, where you can enjoy a meal in the community-owned pub. Finchingfield, the most photographed village in Essex is 10 minutes drive. For history enjoy a stroll around Castle Hedingham with its thatched cottages and amazing Norman castle. Saffron Walden, a medieval town – is thirty-six minutes away. There you’ll find a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants around the buzzy market square as well as beautiful historic buildings, gardens, museum and art gallery. 

This is a memorable home for romantic visits to this picturesque area on the Essex/Suffolk border. Make sure you take a bottle of the vineyard’s award winning wine home with you – it’s the perfect memento.


An East Anglian Vineyard

Sauna

Resort Access

Pet Basket

Pet Bowls

Look out across ancient hedgerows and golden fields from the outdoor tub of this secluded shepherd’s hut. It’s a world away from the city bustle, set in three acres of wildflower meadows, rolling fields and rambling walkways, with a pond for wild swimming. If it’s sea air you crave, it’s less than ten minutes’ drive to the beach near Holland on Sea and the local village (a half-hour ramble away) has three cosy pubs to choose from. Returning to your nook in the countryside, soak away the sand and salt in the wood-fired bathtub outside and watch the sun streak the fields pink and gold. There’s a wood-fired barbecue and fire-pit too if you want to dine beneath the stars. Inside, a little kitchenette provides everything you need for a quick meal, perhaps courtesy of the farm-fresh eggs left by your host, and the stunning interior of reclaimed wood, bronze and copper create a warm palette to unwind in. Fire up the wood-burning stove to keep things warm in chilly evenings and snuggle down in a built-in bespoke bed, like a luxurious hobbit hole.  

Fields & Seagulls

Delightfully cosy and packed full of charm, this old farm building feels like a hug personified. Step through the front door and you'll find high ceilings, exposed beams and inviting spaces filled to the brim with antique furniture. In the summer, outside is where you'll spend most of your time, exploring the 300-acre grounds, relaxing by the boating lake and cooking up a storm on the barbecue. On chilly evenings, there's nothing better than snuggling up in front of the wood-burner with a glass of wine and a good book. Whether you're tucking into a hearty breakfast around the dining table, watching telly on the sumptuous sofa or snoozing in the comfortable beds, you'll love calling this little hideaway home.

And make sure to pack your walking shoes. Situated on the edge of Dedham Vale AONB, this stunning landscape inspired John Constable's paintings, and there are endless countryside paths, leafy woodlands and rolling Suffolk hills to wander on your doorstep. The nearest village is Layham, only a short walk away, where you can decompress after a hike with a pint at the local pub. For more choice, head to Hadleigh, less than ten minutes by car.

Constable's Muse

Tucked away in Rendlesham Forest, this quintessentially English cottage is as dreamily secluded as it is beautifully striking. The brick-and-stone facade contrasts with the modern extension. Lofty windows capture sweeping green views of woodland and rolling fields, and fill the home with glorious light. These views are best seen from the master bedroom where you'll find high ceilings, decorative beams, and a modern country aesthetic. This home has a farmhouse feel - window sills and kitchen cupboards are painted a cool sage green and you'll find a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Cooking in the stunning rustic kitchen is easy with its modern amenities, and the exposed brickwork, colourful rugs and elegant dining space make for an idyllic socialising spot. Nature is so easy to access here as the back gate opens directly onto the forest. You can walk for miles or take the 15-minute drive to the beach at Shingle Street for a day at the seaside. This one's definitely a keeper.

The Keeper's Cottage

With farmland to the front and the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind – this gorgeous home, part of a cluster of mill buildings, is in an idyllic spot. 

Take a stroll through winding footpaths of the reserve that meander through meadows and forests of giant cedars and ancient oaks. In spring, you’ll see enchanting carpets of bluebells, primroses and daffodils, but whatever time of year you come, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from chaffinches to woodpeckers. There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, just over two miles away, and to the sea at Aldeburgh (or it’s seven minutes in the car). You can borrow some bikes too if you prefer to cycle.

You don’t have to go anywhere to get some fresh air, though. There’s a lovely old cobbled, sunny courtyard where clematis and wisteria clamber up the walls – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the welcome hamper of breakfast goodies. There’s another patio area, too, with fragrant rambling roses – ideal for a glass of wine.

The home itself is a sympathetic conversion of a stable and grain store. We adore the character features inside, such as the traditional 17th Century Suffolk white brick flooring, wood-panelled walls and old oak floorboards. Part of the original manger has been incorporated into the wall dividing the kitchen and the living space area – a lovely touch. Open the stable doors here and listen to the blackbirds singing at dusk. Furnished with antiques, this cottage will appeal to couples and pet owners looking for a luxurious country bolthole.


Blackbirds Singing At Dusk

Step back in time at this meticulously restored Regency cottage. Your hosts have poured their time and energy into sourcing period-specific reclaimed materials and equipping the home with antique furnishings to create a cosy and charming English escape that offers the very best of coast and country.

All that effort has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the beautiful interior. From the Victorian roll-top bath to the eighteenth-century range and the wainscotting on the walls – every effort has been made to make it feel as authentic as possible. Even the mod cons, such as the TV, are hidden away inside bread ovens that are built into the chimney so as not to shatter the illusion.

At the top of the narrow staircase is the twin bedroom, through which you enter the main bedroom – a pretty common arrangement for houses of this period.

Step outside, and you'll find a beautifully maintained nature reserve right on your doorstep. Your hosts bought it in 2015 and have spent the intervening years slowly restoring and exposing its beauty, with winding footpaths leading to conveniently placed benches, soaring Scots pine trees and ancient oaks – perfect for a reflective moment in nature or a ride on the supplied bikes.

For adventures further afield, you'll find maps detailing footpaths that run to the world-class concert hall at Snape Maltings, two-and-a-half miles away, and continue through forests and past lakes, leading all the way to the sea at Aldeburgh. 

The Miller's Cottage

Blender

Outdoor Shower

Beach Essentials

Breakfast Included

It's not just the mid-century furniture and muted colour palette in this home that takes influence from the Scandinavians. Out in the garden, there's an electric-powered sauna, as well as a bathtub on the patio that you can fill with cold water for the full authentic experience. Once you've finished flitting between the two, you can rest up in the cosy summer house. The host has put together a list of local therapists and this private space is perfect for treatments. Back inside, there's plenty of equipment to keep those particular about their coffee happy, including an espresso machine, milk frother, percolator, grinder and fresh beans from a local roaster. When you're feeling suitably caffeinated, the charming seaside town of Margate is waiting to be explored. The main beach takes about a quarter of an hour to reach on foot, as does the Dreamland Amusement Park, which often hosts concerts, club nights and events.

Fika & Sauna

Stair Gates

Style meets comfort in this wonderfully located apartment in Margate. Designed in a chic, boutique-style manner, the whole space feels brilliantly modern while retaining a sense of vintage charm that so aptly reflects Margate’s seaside fame. We love the bright living room with its large windows that provide the most spectacular sunset views across the Winter Gardens and out towards the sea, best enjoyed on the sofa with a glass of wine or through the handy telescope provided. Full of fun decorative details that subtly nod to the coast, this space is made for relaxation and easy-going socialising. Our other favourite spot for sea-sighting is in the beautiful master bedroom where an armchair invites you to curl up on it with a good book and enjoy the rolling of the waves from yet another angle. Factor in the sunny kitchen and the sparkling blue and white bathroom and you’ve got everything you need for a blissful coastal break. Outside of your home, you’re just a six-minute walk from the Turner Contemporary art gallery, an eight-minute stroll from the Main Sands beach, while the Dreamland Margate amusement park is fifteen minutes on foot from your door. 


Atlas Sands

A rural retreat with an almost embarrassing amount of charm, this thatched home dates back centuries and represents the best of Norfolk's architectural style. Carefully modernised and curated with stylish wall colours, art and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, it's a fabulous space to unwind in unique surroundings. As well as a stunning historic home, it boasts a large, enclosed garden and a summer house to die for.  

Inside, the stripped-back, authentic character of this place is evident in the ancient beams, brick floors and inglenook fireplace. A comfy velvet sofa provides a modern twist but otherwise, the living room is dressed like it would have been a hundred years ago or so. Elsewhere there's a delightful country kitchen, a casual dining room and a midnight-blue TV room, along with a useful utility room and three gorgeous bedrooms.

And outside you'll find pretty gardens, along with a greenhouse and a deck for enjoying the sun. Step inside the summer house for the biggest surprise though. A lovely space for friends and family to socialise and eat together, it comes with a Scandinavian-style indoor barbecue cabin. 

Around half an hour's drive from both Diss and Norwich, you'll be deep in the country here so a car is essential, but there are great walks to be had nearby and the coast is around forty-five minutes away. Visit Southwold, Lowestoft and more for days out by the sea.



Reedgrass & Tallow

We can see why this cottage was in The Sunday Times' Coolest 100 Cottages' list – it's a Jacobean dream, full of original character and quirky features. Once home to the miller of Plomesgate Mill, it now houses wonderful antiques, such as a fantastic 1700s Breton bed built straight into the wall, a gorgeous oak four-poster and a working 1800s kitchen range. 

Enjoy a tasty full English breakfast (courtesy of the welcome hamper provided by your lovely hosts Beverley and Martin) in the farmhouse style kitchen. Or when the Suffolk sun is shining, dine in the pretty, wisteria clad courtyard. If you’re lucky enough to be here in August and September, there's a mulberry bush in the grounds that guests are welcome to pick fruit from – perfect for making some jam or muffins.

Something else we adore here is the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind this home. Take the dogs for a walk through the meandering footpaths that wind through meadows and ancient woodland. In spring, you’ll see captivating carpets of cheerful daffodils, bluebells and primroses. Whatever time of year you come, though, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from nuthatches to woodpeckers.
 
There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, an arts complex on the banks of the River Alde, just over two miles away. Or head to Aldeburgh (seven minutes in the car) – you can borrow some bikes and cycle there in around thirty minutes too.



Jacobean Gem

Accessible Parking

Security Cameras

This home in the seaside town of Herne Bay is the perfect getaway for beach holidays, whether the sun is shining or whether you’re caught in the British rain. We would love to start our mornings here with a fresh coffee from the pod machine and enjoy it alfresco on the outdoor decking, breathing in the salty sea air for an invigorating wake-up call. 

Then wander ten minutes to the seafront and pier to spend the day beside the sea. Or if the rain is pouring and you would rather stay cosy inside, why not grab your holiday reading and settle down in the loft-converted lounge space, which even offers incredible sea views?

In the evening, dine on fish and chips on the seafront, fire up the barbecue on sunny evenings and enjoy a family cook-out, or even sit back and relax in the garden while a private chef takes care of everything. Then, unwind, and relax in the soothing bubbles of the hot tub, with a glass of wine in hand, for the ideal end to the day. 

Bloom of the Bay

This Georgian cottage brings all the genteel charm to match its picturesque Suffolk setting. Nestled in the seaside town of Southwold, you’re just moments from its sandy beach and bustling high street. Dating back to 1740, exposed timbers, cast iron fireplaces, and an original winder staircase show the bones of its past. Whilst chic all-white interiors, clean uncluttered spaces, and beautifully modernised bathrooms keep things fresh and current. A home to enjoy whatever the season – there’s a cosy lounge and open fire for winter months, and a pretty and secluded courtyard garden complete with a barbecue for making the most of sunnier days. With everything on your doorstep, you’ll find there’s no need for a car. Grab your bucket and shades and take a stroll down to Southwold Beach with its beach-lined promenade and pier, all just five minutes on foot – stopping off at the local bakery for picnic supplies first. And when tummies start to rumble, there’s fish and chips aplenty and many a local pub all within walking distance on the high street. With sands, sea and glorious surroundings, this is the British seaside at its best.

Postcard From Southwold

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