Essex

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Library of Books

Sound System

Board Games

Entertainment

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Bathroom

Fridge

Stove

Toaster

Kitchen

Coffee Maker

Kitchen Utensils

Cooking Essentials

Kettle

Kitchen & Dining

Black-Out Blinds

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Cleaning Products

Hangers

Bedroom & Laundry

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Fireplace

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Private Entrance

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Garden

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Access to Beach

Outdoor

Resort Access

Nice to haves

Pets Allowed

Pets

Smoke Detector

Carbon Monoxide Detector

First Aid Kit

Fire Extinguisher

Safe

Other

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

Home Cinema Setup

Projector

Baby Bath

Baby Changing Mat

Heated Towel Rail

Rain Shower

Cafetiere

Children's Dinnerware

Dishwasher

Espresso Machine

Freezer

High Chair

Microwave

Oven

Cot / Crib

Iron

Ironing Board

Washing Machine

Desk / Workplace

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Free Parking On Street

Self Check-in / Check-out

Single-Level Home

Fenced Property

Throws

Welcome Hamper

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

Smart TV

Dryer

Drying Rack

Underfloor Heating

Private Parking

Free Parking

Patio / Terrace

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

Satellite / Cable TV

Balcony

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

Sonos

Bathrobes

Luxury Toiletries

Wine Cellar

Wine Cooler

Luxury Bedding

Vacuum Cleaner

Jacuzzi

Tennis Court

Workplace

Air Conditioning

Temperature Control

EV Charger

Helipad

Multiple Sets of Keys

Beach / Pool Towels

Courtyard

Fenced Garden

Garden Games

Herb Garden

Outdoor Audio

Outdoor Bathtub

Outdoor Kitchen

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Sun Umbrellas

Umbrellas

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

Pod Coffee Machine

Bicycles

Ceiling Fans

For a secluded coastal getaway just an hour away from London, they don't come much better, or more picturesque, than this stunning cottage at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary. On one side, you've got yachts and barges passing on the sea lock and, on the other, a nature reserve that's a haven for migrating birds.

Despite its eighteenth-century origins, your hosts have modernised the cottage in a sympathetic way that pays homage to its humble roots, housing the foremen that worked on the canal. So while the exposed beams and wood burner in the living room probably haven't changed much over the years, the stainless steel kitchen and stunning glass sunroom ensure that it works perfectly for modern living. Meanwhile, upstairs, you'll find two elegant king-size bedrooms, a single room (available at an additional cost) and a luxurious marble shower room, with a second down on the ground floor.

Step out, and you'll find coastal walks that start right from your front door and a wide variety of wildlife to catch your eye. For those that want to get out on the water, why not take a trip on a Thames barge along the canal to Maldon (of sea salt fame). Here, you'll find posh pubs and charming tea rooms to cater to your every need. Six miles outside the town, Crouch Valley is home to a growing number of vineyards where you can sample the best that this little corner of Essex has to offer.

Foreman's Cottage

Child Friendly

Situated right on the lakeside with its own private, wood-fired hot tub this fantastic glamping pod offers comfortable accommodation for up to six guests within its light and surprisingly spacious feeling interior. Unwind in the warm waters of the hot tub as you gaze out over the lake, soaking up the tranquil views of the water and the countryside, or fire up the barbecue to cook up something tasty on a sunny afternoon. 

During your stay at this unique lakeside chalet, you'll enjoy a discount at the on-site farm shop – so you can pick up the freshest regional produce that the area has to offer while supporting local businesses (that's got to be a win-win!). The pod is part of a farm park, so kids and adults alike can enjoy meeting the alpacas, lambs, pigs, and other farm animals with free entry. 

Venture off the farm and into the town of Hertford and you will find a range of local shops, restaurants, and traditional pubs as well as the historic Hertford Castle, the grounds of which are perfect for a picnic on a summer's day. There are also loads of walking trails nearby, such as the Chadwell Way Sculpture Trail which follows a five-mile route through the towns and countryside of Hertford, Ware, and Great Amwell, in Hertfordshire, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get out moving out in the fresh country air.

The Lakeside Glam-pod

Private Dryer

Desk

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Nestled in a luscious tree-filled garden in the Essex countryside, this characterful home is just as enchanting on the inside as it is at first glance. Brimming with one-off antiques and eye-catching wall art, the spacious house has been lovingly decorated by its discerning owners. There are plenty of interesting trinkets and vintage books to riffle through, in between drinks on the patio and meals around the walnut dining table.

If you value privacy and seclusion, this home is for you. As you amble through the vast garden, the only souls you'll spot are the horses grazing in a neighbouring field. The blissful expanse is ideal for families, who can play games and enjoy picnics on the well-tended grass.

Sible Hedingham is your closest village, just a two-minute drive – or sixteen-minute walk – away. The pretty hamlet houses two traditional pubs where you can indulge in wholesome British grub. If you fancy a city day trip, you'll reach Cambridge's historic centre in just under an hour. Walk the cobbled streets, visit the university and punt down the River Cam.

Antique Heart

Blender

Rice Maker

This rustic barn conversion is a delightful place to stay in the Essex countryside. It has been lovingly restored, and retains its original wooden beams, which give the home a traditional, cottage-like feel. There are public footpaths nearby, meaning you’ll be able to make the most of exploring the surrounding countryside. After a busy day hiking, kick back on the plump sofas with a drink in hand, and warm up in front of the wood burner. During the day, the huge garden is the perfect spot to play games as a group, before cooking up a hearty meal on the Weber barbecue, to enjoy on the outdoor seating.

Butterfly Barn

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

From its charming seafoam-green exterior to its sunny loft living space – a delightful area to unwind after a busy day – this home is the perfect marriage of period features and modern comforts. Tucked away in the village of Thaxted, it's right next to Clarence House – a beautiful 18th-century, Grade 1, Queen Anne listed property. 

Inside, the living room is a bright and welcoming space with its wood staircase, original beams and wall mouldings, and sash windows that flood the loft in natural light throughout the day. There's a sleek, modern kitchen ladened with everything needed for rustling up hearty breakfasts. It's been recently renovated so everything here is sparkling new, from the stylish bathroom to the comfortable bedroom. You're sure to get a peaceful night’s sleep thanks to the striking four-poster bed and church facing position.

While you could easily spend all day tucked inside your cosy cottage, go out and explore your surroundings. Head to the local market on Fridays, which takes place opposite the Guildhall. Here, you'll also find plenty of boutique-style shops, cafes and pubs to stop for a drink. Just beyond is John Webb's windmill (three minutes on foot), which is the gateway to many country walks accessible from the village. 

Postcard from Thaxted

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

Changing Table

Bread Maker

Baby Monitor

Stair Gates

Set in three acres of private gardens, this Regency period home is the best of country and village living. Towering oaks and evergreens line the manicured lawn, so it feels like you’re completely secluded from the world. Dotted throughout the gardens you’ll find plenty to entertain the kids – a slide, trampoline and sandpit. Let the kids run free on the lawn as grown-ups enjoy a cool drink on the terrace, or perhaps head down to the comfy sofa seats right by the river at the bottom of the garden. Inside, a wall of bookshelves and a wood-burning stove in the living room keep things cosy and there’s a fully-stocked pantry. Chefs will be in their element in the big, family kitchen where a chrome range cooker and huge fridge wouldn’t look out of place in a professional kitchen. Should work, or a work-out, call there’s a dedicated office upstairs with a Peloton bike and exercise balls for those sticking to a strict schedule. In terms of location, you’ve got woodland walks right on your doorstep (just cross the wooden bridge from the garden) and you’re in the heart of charming Standon village. Cosy country pubs, bakeries and shops are an easy walk, and it’s an hour’s drive from London if you crave a day in the big city. 

Together By The River

On a quiet lane and mere steps from artisan bakers, delis, famous pubs and ancient buildings, this picture-perfect cottage is perfectly placed for exploring the historic town of Saffron Walden. The interior is classic country home, with wooden beamed ceilings, exposed brick and a roaring fire, all of which create a cosy atmosphere. Start your mornings by making breakfast in the kitchen, which is best enjoyed around the wooden dining table. Once you're ready to take on the day, step outside to see what the Medieval town has to offer. 

Wander through the streets of old buildings and admire the architecture, visit the local museums to learn more about this fascinating part of the country or spend a few hours inside the beautiful Saffron Walden Library. There's also an array of cute shops, art galleries and cafes to keep you both refreshed and entertained while you're out and about. 

When you get home, indulge in a bubble bath and get ready to go out for dinner – there's an array of pubs and restaurants nearby, meaning you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to go. Before you head out, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio, with the gorgeous greenery of the private garden around you. 


A Little Green Garden

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Streaming Services

Juicer

Private Washing Machine

Exercise Equipment

Balcony / Patio

There are parts of this home — such as the wooden ceiling beams and thatched roof — where you can see this seven-hundred-year-old cottage's age. There are other features, however, that do their best to hide this big number. The extension that holds the modern kitchen, for instance, was only built in recent years and the super-sleek surfaces wouldn't look out of place in a newly constructed property. One of the best things about this home is its total seclusion. Located right by the entrance of National Trust Hatfield Forest, nature is your only neighbour here and you're all sorted for great hikes and biking tours (make a note of the Flitch Way cycle path which will get you to Great Dunmow in just over half an hour). However you choose to spend your time here, be sure to finish the day basking in the warmth of the crackling log-burner, or with a dip in the hot tub as the sun goes down.


Raindrops On Roses

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

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

Breakfast Included

This peaceful 17th-century stable and cart lodge in the Suffolk countryside is an idyllic retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in the pretty village of Stoke-by-Nayland in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has everything you need for a relaxing stay. The home’s red-brick exterior gives way to a country-chic living room where a wood-burning fireplace creates an instantly warm welcome. Two large glass doors open up here onto a private garden where a table and chairs invite sunny breakfasts, while a barbecue is ready to be fired up for alfresco dinners under the stars. Spend afternoons curled up in the hayloft with a good book or watching movies on the large screen in the main room. Alternatively, go out and explore your beautiful natural surroundings – there are plenty of picturesque walks right outside your door, while Stoke-by-Nayland has quaint shops and country pubs to explore, a one-minute walk away. Colchester is also easily reachable by car in just over twenty minutes. After a day relaxing at home or adventuring in the great outdoors, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the freestanding tub before curling up by the fire with a glass of wine. When it’s time for bed, fall asleep beneath the beams of your country-style bedroom and relish the quiet of your serene surroundings. 

Bump On A Log

Playground

Pool / Snooker Table

Laundry Supplies

Swimming Pool

Heated Pool

Electricity Adaptors

Printer

Buzzer / Wireless Intercom

Gated Community

Outdoor Shower

Pool House

Meeting / Conference Rooms

24-Hour Security

24-Hour Front Desk

Security System

Security Cameras

It’s not often you stumble upon a family home near London with a swimming pool in its back garden. The modern house sits in the idyllic, riverside village of Amwell, within walking distance of a cosy local pub and a handful of shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s a fifteen-minute walk from St Margeret’s (Herts) train station if you’re arriving by rail or want to get into London. The swimming pool in the back garden, flanked by palms, wouldn’t look out of place in Palm Springs, and a bubbling hot tub awaits at the side of the pool house. Inside, it’s a classy, monotone affair, as though a black and white filter has been applied. The main lounge is a vision of dove-grey velvet, from floor to sofas (there’s plenty of room for the whole group in here) and the kitchen is sleek slate and black with all the mod cons of the 21st century. Gather the group at the long dining table for a big meal before heading off to bed in one of the stone-grey and white havens.

Hillside Retreat

Embark on a countryside retreat at this farm in the Essex countryside. This converted barn offers an idyllic getaway for those seeking a rural setting in all seasons. Three cottages share the garden, so expect to see neighbouring guests during your stay. When you’re not out dining in a local pub, you can prepare dinners in the modern kitchen, or why not have your host arrange a fresh home-prepared meal for you? Audley End House, Hatfield Forest and Great Dunmow are just a short drive away, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore nearby too.

As Fine As Straw

Wheelchair Access

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

Blu Ray Player

Mini Bar

Sauna

Forget fisherman's cottages or humble beach huts – if you want to stay close to the seafront without having to sacrifice any of the trappings of luxury, you're staring at a one-of-a-kind home.

Built in the late Victorian era on the top of a cliff, there are glistening sea views to be enjoyed out through the windows and from the large walled garden complete with an alfresco dining table and barbecue. Inside, the home underwent a renovation in the late 2010s and as you wander about the interior, you'll clock elegance and opulence at every turn. Don't just take our word for it – the address won the Best Residential Interior in the East of England at the United Kingdom Property Awards.

What we really love about the home is the truly enviable list of amenities at guests' disposal. Perhaps the most impressive is the indoor swimming pool complex with heated benches and a sauna, but the full-size snooker table and movie room will be just as welcomed by your party – it means that rainy days won't necessarily be greeted with a groan.

As you can probably ascertain from the coastal panoramas, the beach isn't too far away – in fact, there's direct access from the garden, as well as to Felixstowe's promenade which continues along the seafront. The centre of town only takes twenty minutes to reach on foot when you're in the mood for a spot of shopping or a meal out at a restaurant.



And the Award Goes To...

This stunning 4-bedroom home is the perfect escape for families, friends, or groups looking for a spacious and comfortable stay. Professionally managed by Pass The Keys with a Sky TV package, a large garden super fast Wi-Fi, and parking for up to 6 cars, you're in for a delightful stay.

Howe Green Haven

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