Dog-friendly Essex

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.

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.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Point Clear, this quirky renovated boathouse, which was built in the 1920s offers an unparalleled retreat for those seeking solace and serenity by the sea. With its picturesque setting and panoramic views of the shimmering waters, this charming abode promises a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To make the most of the views the living areas and bedrooms are upstairs, the nautical accents and coastal charm create an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort. The open plan living space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the sea, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings from the moment you arrive. The galley kitchen is fitted with mod cons. After a day of exploration, retreat to the cosy bedrooms and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to embrace another day of seaside adventures. On the ground floor, which is below sea level, is where the boats would have been stored and this is now a games room with pool table and darts. There is also a shower room. Outside, you will find your own private oasis awaiting you.
Spend lazy afternoons lounging on the sun-drenched terrace watching the sailing boats drift by, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the mesmerizing views stretching out before you, or sip your favourite tipple watching some of the best sunsets in Essex. Explore the surrounding area and discover all that Point Clear has to offer. From scenic coastal walks to charming seaside villages, there’s no shortage of attractions to delight and inspire Just a short distance away is Curve water sports where there is an aqua park, an inflatable obstacle course, you can also partake in wakeboarding, paddle boarding and kayaking. A visit to St Osyth’s Priory is a must. A bit further afield are the traditional seaside towns of Clacton and Walton, here you will find amusements on the piers, restaurants and cafés. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway for two or a fun retreat with family this boathouse offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday experience. Beach ½ mile.