Located in the peaceful village of Boxted in the Dedham Vale, Farthings is a single-storey holiday home with valley views from the garden. One of a pair, furnished and equipped to a very high standard, the property has added bonus of a detached games room in the garden. Guests also have private use of the owner’s extensive grounds - which have many delightful areas where guests might like to picnic. The surrounding area is a delight to explore: there are many footpaths in the village and Flatford Mill, in the heart of Constable Country is 4 miles away. Dedham village is 3 miles, where guests can hire a rowing boat on the River Stour or enjoy walking in the unspoilt countryside. Farthings is also conveniently located for golf at nearby Stoke-by-Nayland (2 miles) whilst keen gardeners may enjoy a visit to Beth Chatto’s Garden, 7 miles. Nearby Colchester, famous for being the oldest town in England, has a castle and museum set in attractive parkland that stretches down to the River Colne, a zoo and an interesting range of shops, restaurants, galleries and pubs. Colchester also has a rail link to London which takes 50 minutes, so visitors can enjoy a day in the busy capital city and then return to the peace and tranquillity of Farthings. For a day by the sea, guests can choose between the sunshine coast of Essex at Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Clacton or the Heritage coastline of nearby Suffolk where the beaches at Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold or Walberswick can be enjoyed. Pub 2½ miles.

A delightful, charming, detached farmhouse, on a working arable farm in rural Essex, close to Braintree. Pattiswick Hall is perfect for family celebrations or for friends to get together, situated in an ideal location, with excellent facilities and sweeping countryside views.
The generous living room is ideal to retreat to after supper, boasting views over the garden. The heart of the home, the farmhouse style kitchen, complete with an Aga, and open plan with a sitting area, great for chatting while cooking. Off the kitchen/sitting room is a games room, ideal for little ones to play in, but can still be kept an eye on. Head up to the first floor where you will find six double bedrooms, all with views across the rolling countryside, and three with en-suite facilities. On the second floor you will find two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a small kitchenette.

This fabulous Grade II listed property, set in an unspoilt hamlet in Essex and is a real haven. There is even the added benefit of an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court - what more could you ask for? Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Your own private spa weekend awaits you. Resting in the lovely Essex countryside, just outside of Braintree, is The Spa Annex at Glebe Cottage offering everything you could want for a romantic weekend away. There is a private indoor pool and sauna on-site, so guests can enjoy all of the luxuries of a spa without having to share the facilities. There is also an on-site treatment room where you can book various beauty treatments and massages with the owner. After a day relaxing or exploring the Essex countryside you can spend the evening in your own private pub (The Bear), a detached outbuilding on the grounds of Glebe Cottage which the owner has converted into a traditional English country pub. A cosy living room on the first floor can be used as a second bedroom, so you can bring the children or stay with friends. The master bedroom has a sumptuous king-size bed. On the ground floor you will find a small kitchen with breakfast bar.
Perfectly placed to explore Essex, or you can travel to Suffolk as you are soon in the heart of Constable Country. Here you will discover a wealth of pretty towns, villages and areas to explore including Lavenham and Dedham Vale, a celebrated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Seaside fans can head to the Essex coast and be in Walton-on-the-Naze in under an hour to check out it’s beach, pier and maritime museum. Closer still, head to Mersea Island and take in a lung full of sea air to work up an appetite and indulge in some seaside fare. Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to Colchester Zoo and shopaholics will be delighted to find themselves close to Freeport Braintree Designer Village. With Ipswich Marina and Bury St Edmunds within easy reach too, you will soon see why so many people enjoy holidays in this part of the world. If you hop on a train in Braintree, you can even enjoy a day out in London, arriving there in less than an hour! Add in great walks and cycle routes and you will be so pleased you booked The Spa at Glebe Cottage.

This attractive spacious lodge on the popular Valley Farm Resort is set in a quiet area but close to the on site amenities, and offers everything you need for a family holiday or a get together. The large living/dining room has comfy sofas and a Smart TV, and is ideal if the weather is wet to sit and read or play games. The fully fitted kitchen has everything you need to cook up a feast. There is a large master bedroom with en-suite shower and dressing room, a further double bedroom with dressing room and a Jack and Jill bathroom with shower over bath with spa jets. From the living room you can access one of the terraces which has a gazebo and sitting out area. To the side of the lodge is a large patio area with hot tub, perfect for lazing in and looking at the stars.
Valley Farm has a lot to offer everyone, so much so you do not need to leave the resort. There is an on site supermarket, hairdresser, fish and chip shop, bar and restaurant which has evening entertainment. Why not splash around in the indoor/outdoor and toddler pools, or if you are feeling energetic, then the multi sports court provides space for plenty of sports such as basket ball, netball or five a side. Adjacent to the resort is a 9-hole pitch and putt and tennis court.
Less than five minutes’ drive is Clacton, considered the ’jewel of the east coast’ with its golden beach, Victorian pier with amusements, café and entertainment. You can walk to Walton-on-the-Naze or Frinton along the sea wall, and beach huts are available to hire.
If you are looking for the thrills of a theme park then a day trip to Adventure Land in Southend offers all you can want. A visit to the Clacton shopping village is great for some retail therapy. For a day out, Colchester offers not only shopping, cafés and restaurants, but a visit to the castle and museum is a must. A little further away is Colchester Zoo. If you fancy some pampering there is a spa at Thorpe-le Soken. London is easily reached from Clacton either by road or train where you can take in a show or visit the many sights. All in all a perfect place for a family summer holiday or a couple’s break.