Dog-friendly Essex

Welcome to your charming retreat in the heart of Saffron Walden, where history meets modern comfort. This inviting one-bedroom Oast house offers a serene escape just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Audley House. Nestled amidst picturesque countryside, this accommodation seamlessly combines the rustic charm of a traditional Oast house with contemporary amenities. As you step through the welcoming doorway, you’re greeted by a cosy living space that exudes warmth and relaxation. The interior boasts a harmonious blend of tasteful furnishings that create an inviting atmosphere. There is a small balcony to sit on with a glass of your favourite tipple and if you do not fancy the short stroll then you can sit and listen to some of the glorious music from Audley End House. The kitchen, though compact, is well-equipped with modern appliances, allowing you to whip up delicious meals with ease. The bedroom is a haven of tranquillity, adorned with soft linens and plush pillows on the comfortable bed.
There is no garden area around the property, however, but there are plenty of dog walks and a beautiful large common just off the centre of the town, which is a fantastic meeting place; the town is also very dog friendly in terms of pubs, cafés and tea rooms.
The Oast House is ideally located, allowing you to explore the nearby Audley House at your leisure. Immerse yourself in its rich history and elegant architecture, a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. The medieval town of Saffron Walden with its array of shops, bars, restaurants and museum is a short stroll away. A walk around the Saturday market is perfect. If you fancy a day at the coast the pop along to Mersea Island. Mersea gets cut off for about an hour when there is a very high tide, usually once a month, so it’s worthwhile checking the tides, all adding to the uniqueness and charm. It is a beautiful island with lots of coastal and nature walks, seafood restaurants with the famous Mersea oysters, delis, takeaways, supermarket and child friendly pubs with craft beer. Why not visit Mersea Island vineyard and brewery where a beer festival is held at Easter and you can buy real ale, wines and even Mersea Island gin. The Mersea Regatta, which has been running since 1838, is held every August and should not be missed. There is a variety of rowing races, an outboard motor balloon race, swimming race and ‘walking The Greasy Pole’ and ends in a firework display in the evening. Just a bit further the popular seaside towns of Clacton, Frinton and Walton are great for a traditional day at the seaside, with amusements on the pier and lovely walks along the sea wall. For more traditional seaside fun with amusements and candy floss then Southend on Sea or Clacton is ideal. Pop on a train to London for a trip to the theatre, shopping in famous Oxford Street or have a lovely meal. Experience the fusion of history and comfort in this unique accommodation, where you can create cherished memories amidst the beauty of the Essex countryside.

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.

The houseboat is moored within the Sail Lofts own moorings consisting of sailing yachts, motorboats and barges and is sited just a short distance along from the hugely popular Maldon Quay on the River Blackwater. This coastal retreat invites you to experience a unique and enchanting holiday escape on the charming houseboat which offers the perfect blend of cosy comforts and breathtaking water views of passing boats, or at low water, quietly watching and listening to water birds feeding close by, creating an unforgettable getaway that will soothe your soul.
As you step aboard the lovingly refurbished barge, you will be welcomed by the wood burner and the tasteful furnishings all thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to four guests, making it an ideal choice for couples, families or friends seeking a tranquil riverside escape. The heart of the barge is a spacious living area, complete with a comfortable sofa and a dining space where you can relish a meal or simply gaze out at the ever- changing tides. The bedroom with its comfortable kingsize bed ensures a peaceful night’s rest regardless of the tides rising or retreating in quiet peace. The bathroom has a good shower over a small hip bath, ideal for soaking tired toes after a day’s sightseeing, or just for a refreshing shower. Unwind in front of the wood burner allowing the warmth and dancing flames to create an inviting atmosphere on chilly evenings with your favourite tipple, perfect for a romantic evening, chatting over your adventures from the day.
Step outside onto your private deck to be captivated by the ever-changing panorama on the river or simply enjoy the serenity. Maldon is renowned for its maritime heritage and offers a charming array of shops, cafés and restaurants, all a short stroll away. This quintessential English town has much to offer, including traditional pubs and ancient architecture. Stroll along on the quay to watch the famous Thames sailing barges continue on to visit Maldon Promenade Park or take a scenic boat trip along the river Blackwater past Northey and Osea Islands. There are plenty of walks along the Blackwater where you will see beautiful creeks and wildlife. Then the Combined Military Museum or Museum of Power are very interesting places to visit or take a walk or bike ride to Heybridge basin with the sea lock entrance to the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Canal.
Cos I Can offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life promising an unforgettable experience and can be booked together with The Sail Loft (UK45571) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and bird watching country and holiday makers will enjoy walks down to the creek. These old farm buildings have been converted, and are grouped around a courtyard, yet each retains individual privacy. The cottages with their mellow decor and quality furnishings, provide complete relaxation in this delightful corner of Essex. Dairy Cottage (ref 17977) has grab rails and a portable shower seat and Orchard Cottage (ref 17982) has grab rails and low worktops, making these properties perfect for if you are less mobile. This area is well regarded as Essex’s best kept secret with the interesting and popular small towns of Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, Mersea, Clacton, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze, all within ½ hours drive. The town of Colchester is close by, famous for its cobbled streets, castle and zoo, with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Further afield are Ipswich, Chelmsford and Felixstowe. Many picturesque villages and Constable country are close by, with Dedham, Manningtree, Nayland, Lavenham and Long Melford to name but a few. Other local pastimes include golf and horse riding. All properties are on the ground floor and have wheelchair access. Shop 500 yards, pub 2 miles.

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.

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.