Dog-friendly Essex

A serene and cosy one-bedroom lodge, situated in a privately gated residence, overlooking unspoilt countryside and natural garden. This modern property boasts a bright and airy living room with panoramic views, fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom and main bathroom. Set in the beautiful Essex/Hertfordshire countryside near the renowned Lea Valley regional nature park, you will be truly spoilt for choice for things to see and do locally from fantastic scenic walks, horse riding, water sports, boating, golfing and fishing on the stunning Dobbs Weir and nearby lakes, all within walking distance. A perfect spot for picnics or a spot of pub lunch by the nearby waterside. Slightly further afield you can reach London by train in less than half an hour. Stansted airport is just 28 minutes by car. Food and groceries can be pre-ordered on request.

Located in the quaint village of Birch, these semi-detached, cosy cottages (31049 and 31050) have been built with the purpose of a holiday home in mind. Adjacent to the owner’s home, both properties comfortably sleep 2 guests with the option of extra guests with the sofa bed in the living space. Wood burners give a warm and welcoming feel to the cottages which have a contemporary theme throughout. It is a good base for exploring Essex and Suffolk, birdwatching on the nearby nature reserves, sea angling from Mersea Island, or just enjoying the local beaches and countryside. Close to Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town with a castle, museums, art gallery, many Roman remains, a good shopping centre, Colchester Zoo and a mainline rail link to London (40 minutes). Mersea Island is 8 miles away for its locally caught fish and oysters, as well as its sailing and beaches. Within easy driving distance are the popular sightseeing destinations of Flatford Mill, Lavenham, Finchingfield and Kersey. Shop 4 miles, real ale pub serving food 300 yards.

Surrounded by 6 acres of paddock and woodland, Evie Rose Cottage is a stable conversion which is semi-detached with the owners’ home, and offers a private bolthole, making it a perfect base for touring the area or just relaxing by the fire. It has been restored, decorated and furnished to a good standard and is a quaint, comfortable property.
Located next door to a state of the art, brand new driving range which is flood lit for guests to enjoy; 9-hole golf course, adventure golf, club house with bar and restaurant, plus a well-equipped gym (at cost). Pets are welcome too, so why not bring along your 4-legged friend and enjoy the open space? A village shop, hairdressers, post office, pub and takeaway can be found within 1 mile, whilst the village of Stansted, 3 miles, has a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Local attractions include Audley End House, Stansted Mountfitchet Castle and Toy Museum, and Hatfield Forest. Also nearby are many attractive historic villages, including Thaxted and Finchingfield. There are also excellent train links from Elsenham train station, 1½ miles, to Cambridge 30 minutes and London 45 minutes and only 2 miles from Stansted airport. Shop 1 mile, pub ½ mile and restaurant ¼ mile.

Oasis is a stunning end of terrace cottage which has been lovingly updated and extended to a high standard. It is perfect for families and couples wanting to explore the Essex countryside. Oasis is a gem with a fabulous open plan modern living space, featuring underfloor heating, a 43” Smart TV, Laura Ashley leather sofas and a large snuggler armchair. The dining area can easily seat eight, and the kitchen is well-equipped. There is also a cosy snug with an ornate wood burner, 46” Smart TV and a chaise-style couch and armchair. From here a door leads to some steep, 18th-century stairs to two of the bedrooms, which both have casement windows with lovely views over the front garden and village street. The snug also leads to a wet room with a multi-jet ’tower’ shower, and a utility room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and a butler sink, and there is a half size door through to to a patio area and garden.
Upstairs there is a master bedroom with Juliet balcony and stunning views over the garden. The generous 1/3-acre garden is laid mainly to lawn, with a variety of mature trees, including ash, birch, horse chestnut, walnut, palm trees and various fruit trees. The rear garden is enclosed, whilst the side garden is laid to gravel and provides parking for five cars.
Bradwell-on-Sea is a friendly unspoilt village located on the Dengie Peninsular. Here you will find the oldest chapel in England (St.Peter’s) dating back to 653 AD. There are excellent water sports available on the Blackwater estuary and nearby attractions include RHS Hyde Hall, and the town of Maldon with boat trips and fantastic splash parks for children. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Sible Hedingham, a place that seems to have gracefully defied the hands of time, stands a remarkable testament to history and comfort: a detached, thatched-roof, Grade II listed holiday cottage. Steeped in history and dating back to the 15th century, it has been lovingly preserved to offer travellers a genuine experience of old-world charm coupled with modern amenities.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by two inviting bedrooms, thoughtfully designed for utmost comfort. The master bedroom boasts a super kingsize bed, promising a restful nights sleep. Adjacent lies a quaint twin room, perfect for children over 10 years old or accompanying guests, exuding warmth and tranquillity.
Throughout the cottage, one cannot help but marvel at its idiosyncratic features—steep stairs that whisper tales of countless footsteps from centuries past, exposed beams that stand as silent witnesses to bygone eras, and uneven floors that add to its undeniable character.
Beyond its historic walls, the surrounding countryside unfolds like a beautifully woven tapestry of verdant meadows, winding lanes, and ancient woodlands. Footpaths meander through this pastoral landscape, beckoning avid walkers and cyclists to explore its hidden treasures. Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely stroll to soak in the serenity or cycling along scenic routes that offer panoramic views, the area promises a rejuvenating experience for nature enthusiasts.
Conveniently located, the cottage is a stone’s throw away from essential amenities. A local shop and butchers lies just a quarter mile away, Moreover, mere 20 yards from your doorstep, a traditional pub stands as a welcoming beacon, where you can relish hearty meals and mingle with friendly locals.
This enchanting cottage offers a sanctuary of comfort, and a gateway to the natural beauty and rich heritage of the surrounding area. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an adventure-filled getaway, this historic gem promises an unforgettable experience, weaving memories that will linger long after your departure.

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.

This brand new (in 2022) holiday retreat is set on a fruit farm in the Essex countryside. Bramley Cottage is a one-bedroom property which provides fabulous holiday accommodation perfect for a couple looking to get away for a short break or week long stay. The open-plan living space flows through the bi-fold doors to the outdoor patio where you can relax in the evening sun keeping warm by the glowing fire pit. On chillier days, enjoy the warmth of the wood burner in the living space. The double bedroom provides a restful night sleep, then wake up to beautiful views of the fruit farm and countryside beyond from the window. Bramley Cottage is set within a fruit farm where you can pick your own plums in season, or purchase some of the delicious local honey on offer.
Set within the Epping Forest District of Essex, this area provides lots to do and explore, including the steam railway which starts from Chipping Ongar, only 3 miles away, which winds through the beautiful Essex countryside. Looking for a high adrenaline activity? Lee Valley White Water Centre is within a 25-minute drive. Enjoy walking or mountain biking within Epping Forest.
There are many historic houses and museums close by including The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Copped Hall, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Epping Forest District Museum and National Speedway Museum. Fancy a little retail therapy during your break? Head to Epping Forest Shopping Park. Epping, Waltham Abbey and Ongar are vibrant historic towns with active market days. Loughton also hosts a monthly farmer’s market and North Weald Airfield boasts one of the country’s biggest open air markets every Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday.
The towns and villages in this area offer a friendly welcome and a variety of unique settings where cafés, restaurants and pubs sit alongside the best in local retail, surrounded by heritage that extends into the surrounding countryside and with easy access to the capital, there are plenty of places to visit whatever time of the year.

Set in the heart of the pretty village of Rickling Green, close to Bishop’s Stortford, this truly stunning conversion of an old parish hall is the ideal retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The property was originally built in the 1800’s. As soon as you walk through the door you are taken back by the splendour of this property. The hall has been sympathetically restored with stone floors and a wealth of vintage and quirky features, as well as an out of keeping jet engine cowling.
The property has the delight of underfloor heating. The living/dining room is a bright welcoming room with high ceilings, many vintage features, sumptuous leather sofas, a large desk, and a welcoming wood burner, perfect for cosy evenings with your favourite tipple. The 8-seater dining room table converts to a snooker table.
The bedroom, located on the mezzanine floor, is accessed by beautiful Edwardian oak spiral staircase, here you will find a large kingsize bed, a sofa, and a large en-suite. Outside is a small garden area where you can sit and enjoy a barbecue or enjoy the starry night sky. If you fancy a bite to eat or drink, there is an award-winning pub The Cricketer’s Arms just a stone’s throw away.
The Old Parish Hall is just 5 minutes’ from the village of Stansted Mountfitchet, where you can catch a regular service for the train to London (40 minutes) or Cambridge (30 minutes), or visit Stansted Mountfitchet Castle, Toy Museum, or various lovely restaurants or drinking establishments.
The bustling market town of Saffron Walden is 15 minutes’, where you can visit Audley End House, to see the miniature railway or attend one of many summer concerts. The Duxford Imperial War Museum, or the riverside town of Bishop’s Stortford are likewise 15 minutes’ away. Half an hour’s drive away is the famous Newmarket Racecourse, or 40 minutes’ away the University City of Cambridge. There are golf clubs at nearby Elsenham, Bishop’s Stortford and Saffron Walden. For a day at the coast, an hour’s drive to Mersea will not disappoint.

This beautiful, 16th-century cottage, with a wealth of beams, is within walking distance of the Roydon marina with its café, bar and Indian restaurant. The cosy living room has a dual-aspect wood burner perfect for cosying up in front of on those chilly days. There are four bedrooms, all tastefully decorated, and the added bonus of a bath to soak in after a long walk. The garden has a patio area which is a sun trap and ideal to sit out on while sipping your favourite tipple. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to cook up a storm, or if you don’t fancy cooking then Roydon has a great selection of eateries.
There are some beautiful walks around the area and for the wildlife loves RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve is a short distance away as is Henry Moores studios and gardens. For the more adventurous the Lea Valley Centre offers a selection of boats for hire to suit all tastes. The children will love a day at Rye-assic adventure park or, further afield, Harry Potter World. If you enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing, these are available in Broxbourne, accessible by car, train or walking along the River Stort which runs alongside Roydon Train Station all the way into London or Cambridge. Paradise Wildlife Park is also in Broxbourne and has a fantastic zoo and wildlife park, with an indoor soft play and outdoor play areas. It’s ideal for all age groups.
Why not pop on a train from Roydon Station, located at the bottom of the High Street, and you can be in London in approx. 30 minutes’ for a show, a spot of retail therapy or a meal? Alternatively, you can take the train in the opposite direction and visit Cambridge, the home to festivals and events all year round. Cutters Cottage is an ideal location for a perfect holiday.