Chelmsford

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Smart TV

Entertainment

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Microwave

Freezer

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

Toaster

Fridge

Kettle

Kitchen

Kitchen & Dining

Iron

Washing Machine

Dryer

Ironing Board

Vacuum Cleaner

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Heating & Cooling

Free Parking

Self Check-in / Check-out

Parking & Access

Garden

Outdoor

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke Detector

Other

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

Library of Books

Sound System

Pod Coffee Machine

High Chair

Cooking Essentials

Black-Out Blinds

Cot / Crib

Hangers

Cleaning Products

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Bicycles

Wellness & Fitness

Fireplace

Ceiling Fans

Parking Available

Private Parking

Private Entrance

Free Parking On Premises

Barbeque

Balcony

Access to Beach

Outdoor Seating

Pets Allowed

Pets

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

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

Bathtub

Blender

Rice Maker

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Safe

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

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Satellite / Cable TV

Board Games

Streaming Services

Heated Towel Rail

Rain Shower

Cafetiere

Juicer

Wine Cooler

Private Washing Machine

Private Dryer

Exercise Equipment

Hot Tub

Desk / Workplace

Temperature Control

Underfloor Heating

Balcony / Patio

Patio / Terrace

Throws

Nice to haves

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

Free Parking On Street

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

This professionally-managed home is located in the desirable SouthChurch area, near Southend and great transportation links. The open-plan lounge and dining area is spacious and stylishly furnished, with comfortable sofas and a large dining table. Guests can relax in the large garden during warmer weather. The two main bedrooms are also spacious and comfortable, with a bunk bed and sofa bed available for larger groups. Guests have access to the entire property, including fast Wi-Fi and free on-street parking. The booking is protected by a Deposit Guarantee, Guest Guarantee, and public liability provided by SUPERHOG.

The Lighthousekeeper's Daughter

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

Lift Access

Bright, modern and colourful, this home has everything you need for a comfortable stay in St Albans. From its wood floors to its Chesterfield-style sofa and sleek kitchen, this apartment instantly makes you feel welcome. Open up the living room’s French doors for leafy views from the Juliet balcony before sitting down at the glass dining table for your morning cup of coffee. St Albans’ city centre is just a fifteen-minute walk away, with its beautiful cathedral, Verulamium Museum and Roman Theatre, while historic Knebworth House dating back to 1490 is just a thirty-minute drive away. London is reachable by train in just thirty minutes (or an hour by car), making trips to the capital a cinch. After a day of exploring, come back home for a long soak under the rainfall shower. If you have work to catch up on, the dedicated desk space and speedy wi-fi will make getting down to business a breeze. Finish the night off with a glass of wine and a movie, before retreating to your stylish bedroom for a restful night’s sleep. 


Boudica In Blue

Ping Pong Table

Changing Table

Coffee Maker

Swimming Pool

Indoor Pool

Sauna

Single-Level Home

Hammock

Outdoor Kitchen

Escape the ordinary at this riverside hideaway for two, nestled in over an acre of secluded woodlands and yet just a twenty-minute stroll from the historic centre of Cambridge. 

With a wood-burning stove to nestle up beside and riverside views from the luxurious four-poster bed, the charms of this cottage cabin are hard to resist. 

On sunny mornings, open the French doors wide and savour morning coffees from the deck’s swing chairs as swans and rowers glide on by. Then up the ante and take to the river with one of the home's boats or kayaks – you've direct access to the river from the garden. 

When thoughts turn to food, closeby you'll find a coffee shop for lazy brunches (ten minutes on foot) and a riverside gastropub (three minutes on foot). Or head into Cambridge's centre along the river towpath (twenty-minute stroll or ten on bike) to dive into one of its ancient pubs before a mooch about the shops. 

Just be sure to make it home for nightfall to get toasty beside the chiminea (which handily doubles as your barbecue). As the stars twinkle overhead, there's no finer place to be.


Float Your Boat

DVD Library

DVD Player

Espresso Machine

Luxury Bedding

Multiple Sets of Keys

Welcome Hamper

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

Games Room

EV Charger

Surrounded by over 500 acres of woodland, lakes and ponds, this Grade II-listed farmhouse makes a big impression. Rooms are spacious and comfortably modern, though taller guests might want to watch their heads on some of the sloping ceilings. The manicured garden stretches around the outdoor seating, making it easy for parents to supervise kids playing on the lawn whilst they enjoy a sunset drink. There's also a tennis court, gym, squash court, play set, and table tennis to keep everyone busy, but the lake is our favourite. With a jetty and small rowing boat, you can get out on the water whenever you need a peaceful moment. 

Suffolk's Delight

Herb Garden

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

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

Piano

This pretty 16th Century cottage is full of character and light. Relax on the large enclosed courtyard with its beautiful blossom tree and flower baskets – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of rosé wine. At night the tree is lit up with twinkling lights giving the space a magical feel.

If it gets a bit chilly, head inside and sit next to the large inglenook fireplace with its cosy wood-burning stove. We love this room with its historic beams and antiques. If you don’t fancy eating out, rustle up a dinner using some local fresh seafood from the fisherman’s huts at Aldeburgh, a twenty-minute drive away.

Closer to home, the centre of Wickham Market is 50 yards away, where you’ll find a range of shops including a butchers, antique store and beauty salon, as well as an arts centre. There are a couple of restaurants here as well as a fish n’ chips shop, while there are many pubs nearby, including one in the village of Ufford, a one to two-hour walk from the cottage (or a four-minute drive). Your lovely hosts provide bikes for free, too, if you want to explore the area on two wheels.


Chaffinch Cottage

Paid Parking On Street

Breakfast Included

Child Friendly

Get your fill of fresh coastal air at this welcoming cottage in Deal. An idyllic seaside getaway, it has everything you need for a relaxing stay. From its wood floors to its cosy fireplaces and contemporary decor, it’s all set to invite you into its warm and comfortable embrace. The farmhouse-style kitchen is where you’ll want to begin your days over hearty breakfasts and hot cups of coffee before catching some rays in the courtyard garden. Then grab your swimming costume and towel for an afternoon at Deal’s pebble beach (a four-minute walk away) or soak up some history at Deal Castle (also four minutes away on foot). Mosey around Deal High Street’s eclectic blend of shops (eight minutes) and take a day to visit Margate, a thirty-minute drive away. After whiling away your hours soaking up the sea air, come back home for sunset drinks in the garden. Then finish the night off with a relaxing soak in the freeform tub before retreating to your bedrooms for a blissful night’s sleep.


Deal Me In

Outdoor Shower

Beach Essentials

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

Baby Monitor

A detached annexe in the peaceful Cambridgeshire countryside, this modern retreat invites guests to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. 

Set in the garden of the owner's house, you'll have completely private access to this one-bedroom annexe featuring an open-plan kitchen and living area as well as joint access to the shared garden. With optimal space and contemporary finishings throughout – you'll find comfort and practicality in each and every room. 

From the home, you'll be within easy reach of the local train station at Huntingdon, just a seven-minute drive away. Meanwhile, a day excursion to St Ives is just a seven-minute drive away and the city of Cambridge is only a thirty-minute car journey away.  





Lifting You 

Pool / Snooker Table

Luxury Toiletries

Driving up to this home, you’ll no doubt feel as though you’re entering your own version of Downton Abbey or Bridgerton – and once you step inside, it only gets grander. Wooden panel walls, classic fireplaces, beautiful chandeliers, and four poster beds add to the stately comfort of this quintessentially English manor house. Spend the morning nursing a cup of tea with breakfast, before retiring to one of the many rooms to find the most comfortable sofa – of which there are many – so you can spend a few hours getting lost in a Jane Austen novel. Afterwards walk the beautifully manicured grounds, and if you happen to reenact some of the scenes from Pride & Prejudice, we promise not to tell.  

Family trips can be spent puzzling together, or getting all hands on deck in the kitchen to prepare a feast fit for lords and ladies, whilst luxury hen and stag parties might choose to celebrate a different way. Regardless of why you came, once you experience the peaceful reprieve the manor has to offer, you won't want to leave. 

Surrey Hills Manor

Stair Gates

Tucked in the woods just outside the village of Cranleigh, this beautiful home welcomes you to a rural retreat at the base of the Surrey Hills.

Located on the grounds of a home that once belonged to an Arborist, this charming Annexe has been thoughtfully designed to fill your stay with luxurious comfort. And just like the natural beauty of its surroundings, there’s an uplifting quality to this space – it’s the kind of home that makes you want to unpack your bags and settle in. 

From cosy mornings with a coffee on the sofa to energising workouts in the gym, there’s everything you could need here to feel rejuvenated. Days can be spent exploring the beautiful gardens, meeting the resident chickens and following one of the hiking trails into the Surrey countryside. The lovely village of Cranleigh is within walking distance and has all the amenities you could need. 

With your bags full of fresh local produce, you’ll love coming home to this sanctuary in the trees. Put on a playlist, light up the barbecue and enjoy the magic of this unique setting. 

The Song Bird

Home Cinema Setup

Trash Compactor

Heated Pool

Access to Gym / Spa

Jacuzzi

Steam Room

Private Pool

Security Cameras

Getaway to the Essex countryside with a stay in this Neo-Georgian home. Surrounded by a large garden, you can enjoy total privacy and beautiful views as well as a barbecue – perfect for warm weather afternoons. Inside, you’ll be treated to an indoor heated pool, a Jacuzzi and a steam room – covering all your wellness needs. And when it comes to socialising, take your pick from the impressive dining room, a cinema room and a games room. Events are allowed here for a small additional fee and it’s a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding countryside. 

Total Splendour

This home opens its doors to a refreshing retreat in the Kentish countryside. Set within a peaceful garden, there’s an abundance of space to relax, socialise and savour quality time together both inside and out. Each of the rooms boasts a unique character and there are plenty of quirky touches throughout. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you and private parking is available. Plus, you'll find lots to explore in the surroundings with easy access to nearby Sandwich. It’s also just a short drive to Wingham Wildlife Park and the beaches along the coast. 


English Bliss

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

Right on the edge of Orlestone Forest and a twenty-minute drive from the coast, this quaint bolthole has been plucked from the lid of a chocolate box. Your host, Caroline, has created a cosy, clever and modern delight of a home with a mix of rustic and mid-century furnishings. Two comfy armchairs are positioned in front of the sliding doors, so you can keep one eye on the television and the other on the wildlife busying itself in the immaculate garden. Tuck into breakfast in your private courtyard before taking a stroll past the pond and golden barley fields to the paddock, where Caroline’s Soay sheep are kept. Set out on a yomp along country lanes, stopping at gastro pubs along the way. And when it’s time to get some rest, we guarantee you’ll be out like a light as soon as your head hits the pillow of your cloud-soft bed.

Golden Barley

Baby Bath

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

Bathrobes

Laundry Supplies

Desk

Courtyard

On a tree-lined crescent road, this elegant apartment occupies the wing of a traditional Victorian home and welcomes you to enjoy a regal stay in southeast London. 

Just a short stroll from Hampton Court Palace as well as the River Thames, you’ll find yourself perfectly poised for magical strolls, sightseeing and the endless delights of city living. And from the moment of arrival, you’ll want to pause and savour the unique details of this home. From the antique furnishings and ornate styling to the personal touches and leafy garden views, this is the kind of space that promises to bring warmth and joy to your stay – as well as an abundance of charm and character. 

Enjoy relaxing in the elegant sitting room, savour a quiet morning coffee on the balcony, embrace the comfort of home cooking in the fully-equipped kitchen, and sip early evening drinks in the garden. However you choose to spend your time here, you’ll find it easy to settle in and make this space your own. 

Days can be spent admiring the beauty of the Royal parks – it’s just a short stroll to Bushy Park and a short train ride from Richmond Park. And with an abundance of shops, cafes and eateries on your doorstep, you’ll find yourself living like a London local.

Grace & Light 

This charming home was once a favourite pub for weary fishermen at the end of their shift, right on the pebbles of Kingsdown Beach. If you fancy a real ale or cold pint after a day on the beach, don’t worry, the current local pub is just two doors down. If you want a bit more choice, head to the seafood restaurants and swanky bars of Deal, an hour’s walk along the seaside promenade, or an eight-minute drive.

The home itself is packed with little treats and surprises. There’s the beachside garden out the back, where you can pad barefoot from the outdoor dining terrace straight onto the shingle of Kingsdown Beach for a paddle in the sea. Then there’s the secret sauna, tucked down an old alleyway. The pretty little sunroom is furnished with floral armchairs and a vintage-style radio to listen to the Shipping Forecast while gazing out to sea. We love the kitchen and living room, which is packed with vintage pieces and has the air of an old fisherman’s cottage. Poking about through the extensive vinyl collection and browsing the cookbooks is a particular delight.   

The Shipping Forecast

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

Minutes from the sea, this stylish house is the perfect base for a family holiday in Whitstable. The seafront is lined with beachy cafés, seafood restaurants and good old fashioned fish and chip shops. Build sandcastles and paddle in the sea knowing it’s just a three-minute walk back to this home if you forget the sunscreen. The home itself is pristine white with cosy furnishings. The snug living room is set around a wood-burner and there’s an ample vinyl collection if you want to set the mood with the record player. There are board games a-plenty and books for all ages scattered across the bookshelves. The breakfasting kitchen is big and bright, with glass doors that fold back to reveal the cute back garden where a picnic bench is brightened by stringed lights at night. Our favourite thing about this place is the claw-footed tub, perfect for a bath after a day on the beach.

Ice Cream By The Sea

Resort Access

Taking up the two floors of a Victorian townhouse, this home has a lovely view of Deal Castle out through the window. Inside, there's plenty to hold your attention, too. The white walls and wooden floorboards work very well with the ample amounts of natural light that come in through the windows on either side of the long, open living space. There's a charming collection of nautical-themed pieces of artwork and trinkets dotted about the space, as well as a pair of bathtubs that are sure to tempt you upon coming back through the front door after a long day exploring this quaint seaside town. The pier is eight minutes' walk along the pebbly beach and you'll spot some of the wide array of restaurants and pubs that Deal has to offer along the way.

The Fossil Collector

Situated within the idyllic Gotha Gardens at Pembroke Farm, this cottage stays true to its farmhouse heritage without giving up on any modern luxuries. Whitewashed beams adorn the ceilings in the living room, vibrant flatwoven rugs lay on oak floors and an ornamental fireplace takes centre stage. It's the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a long walk through the gardens and the open layout makes it easy to socialise while others rustle up a meal in the French farmhouse-style kitchen. During the summer, head out to the terrace overlooking the courtyard for a cup of tea or evening tipple, surrounded by lush potted plants and pretty flowers. But the best part of this home is the access to the Gotha Gardens. Stroll among the greenery, stopping to smell the roses and nibble on a slice of cake in the courtyard cafe. When you can pull yourself away from this verdant hideaway, it's only a quick drive to Ashwell – home to beautiful architecture and three county pubs – and stately homes like Wimpole Hall and Knebworth House are easily reachable. If you crave a little hustle and bustle, Cambridge is less than forty minutes by car.

Picture This

Sonos

Just a five-minute walk from the picture-perfect village of Shere in the Surrey Hills, this place is a much-loved family home. Set in five acres of private grounds, with views across the rolling hills, it's bound to be a hit with lovers of the great outdoors, with excellent hiking and cycling routes from your door. A substantial period house approached via a sweeping drive, it's a slice of rural living on a grand scale – there's everything from an outdoor pool and tennis court to a vast vegetable garden and free-range hens. And children will love the sunken trampoline.

Inside, elegant styling, country furnishings and eclectic artwork blend to create a lived-in, warm feeling. A beautiful living room and snug both feature working fireplaces and the kitchen is extremely well-equipped when it comes to cooking for a large group (yes, there really are two dishwashers). You can even cook alfresco meals down at the pool house. But its most impressive room has to be the orangery, where a long dining table is the star of the show, against a backdrop of vast windows and doors with spectacular views.

Perfect for special gatherings, and with a new yoga studio, it's also a flexible space with an additional cottage and a garden studio that can be rented alongside it. And when you're not entertaining, the village, with its tea shop and pretty church, is just a stroll through the fields – one of the most scenic villages in England, you may recognise it as one of the locations where the movie The Holiday was filmed.

Green on My Mind

Air Conditioning

This Eclectic Hidden Cottage is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The cottage is warm and inviting, with dark wood flooring, light soft furnishings, and original antique pieces. The property is located in a quiet, gorgeous setting, and guests have full access to the entire home and the gorgeous walled garden. You can also book the other cottage out for family or friends gatherings.

The Eclectic Hidden Cottage

Projector

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

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