Essex

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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

When life gets hectic and an escape to the quiet countryside is calling, it's homes like this that act as beacons of solitude. The modern comforts of everyday life meet the rustic appeal of countryside immersion here. Nestled in the Essex countryside, this barn will place you on a beautiful plot of land the whole family can find entertainment in. Pet the local farm animals with the kids, then wander around the garden and admire views of the countryside stretching in all directions. The apple meadow is our favourite spot to find relaxation. Sit at one of the picnic benches surrounded by wildflowers and indulge in a gin & tonic or two. 

No matter where you spend your time during a stay here, you'll always feel at one with the wild. Exploring the serene Essex countryside around is a must. There's various walking opportunities within close proximity of the home to enjoy. The host recommends the fifteen-minute walk to their favourite local, The Lion and Lamb pub. Hatfield Forest is only a short drive away too, and here you'll be able to marvel at ancient trees in a National Trust run area. If you're looking to go further afield, why not make the forty-minute drive to Cambridge for a day out shopping? It's a wonderful city to roam due to its historic architecture.


Frith Mead

Nestled on a campsite in the heart of Hertford lies this fabulous glamping pod, perfect for families and couples with their furry friends wishing to get a little closer to nature. Stay warm and toasty with central heating, or relax in the private wood-fired hot tub and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and the lake just a stone's throw from your doorstep. Fire up the barbecue for dining alfresco on warm summer evenings, and bring a good quality torch with you for getting around at night, as parts of the camping site are unlit. There are plenty of amenities on-site for the family to enjoy, including a farm park where you can meet the alpacas, lambs, pigs and other farm animals. You'll also get a discount at the on-site farm shop, where you can get some great local produce as well as wood, coal and fuel for fires.

Enjoy the quiet oasis of the site, safe in the knowledge that you're only a short drive from the centre of Hertford. You'll have easy access to the local shops and pubs where you can enjoy a pint with the locals and take a trip to some of the nearby landmarks like Hertford Castle. Lace up your hiking boots and head to the Chadwell Way Sculpture Trail, where you can explore gorgeous scenery as you explore the towns and countryside of Hertford, Ware and Great Amwell.

Lakeside Smial

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

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

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

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

This beautiful home is ideal for those looking to escape to the country without missing out on any creature comforts. It’s a quintessential English country cottage, dating back to the 16th century and with timber frames. Best of all, it’s located in Boxford, one of the most charming villages in Suffolk. Wake up in the morning to the sound of birdsong from the garden, and stroll one minute to the family butchers for locally sourced sausages. After a hearty family breakfast – by the wood burner when the weather turns chilly – you can plan how to spend the rest of your stay. 

You’ll want to stay close to home, of course – the cottage has everything you might need. It’s been renovated to blend the original features with modern luxury, so you can enjoy every second of your stay, whether you’re dining in the garden, sleeping in until late, or are sipping coffee while taking in the lovely view from the sitting room. 


Village Views

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

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 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

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.  

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