Woodpeckers, Suffolk

A charming, ground-floor annexe, attached to the owner's home and amidst their extensive and pretty grounds on the outskirts of the village of Alresford in Colchester. Woodpeckers is an ideal holiday property for a couple looking to explore the Essex region, well-placed for discovering the coast, the town of Colchester and the city of Chelmsford. Enter the property to discover a neutrally styled, contemporary kitchen, with wooden flooring and worktops, well-equipped with all the appliances you'll need to create wonderful home-cooked meals during your stay, which can be enjoyed at the dining table in the living/dining room. After dinner, kick back on the cosy L-shaped sofa, which can be turned into a sofa bed, should you wish to bring additional guests, and enjoy watching your favourite shows on the large, wall-mounted TV, or read a good book under the light of the lamp, while the window offers pretty views out onto the garden. Enjoy your rest in the spacious super king-size double bedroom, neutrally decorated with soft grey carpet and overlooking the garden, while the stylish, modern shower room offers a walk-in shower for you to prepare for each day, as well as a heated towel rail for extra comfort. Outside there is plenty of off-road parking available, plus an enclosed patio area with outdoor furniture, hot tub and bbq. Additionally, between the months of May and September there is an outdoor pool to enjoy, perfect for cooling off in the warmer weather. Alresford village has a good selection of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the property, as well as riverside strolls along the River Colne and access to several fantastic nature reserves and gardens worth exploring, such as The Beth Chatto Gardens, planted in the 1960s, Cockaynes Wood, an ancient woodland mentioned in the Doomsday Book and home to a variety of birdlife, including barn owls, as well as the Essex Wildlife Trust's Fingringhoe Wick, a set of quarries that have been turned into a nature reserve and form part of the Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. Seven miles away, the historic town of Colchester offers a wider range of amenities and eateries, as well as an impressive 12th century castle, built on the foundations of a Roman temple, and there are many remains of Roman architecture still present in the town, including the remains of a theatre in the Dutch Quarter. Stroll the park that surrounds the castle and pay a visit to Hollytrees Museum, while foodies will enjoy a trip to Mersea Island, the home of the native oyster. Explore the National Trust's Bourne Mill, originally built as a fishing lodge in the late 16th century, and for a more bustling environment, you can hop on a train and head into London with ease, should you wish to spend the day in the thriving capital city. Alternatively, head to the coast at Clacton-on-Sea, less than ten miles away, to discover a host of beaches as well as plenty of entertainment, from an amusement park to a pavilion and pier, making this a great way to spend a day when the sun is shining. The city of Chelmsford is within driving distance, with its 11th century cathedral, museum of local history and excellent shopping and dining out facilities, while the picturesque countryside of the Dedham Vale AONB, on the Essex/Suffolk border, is also easily accessible. Enjoy visiting bustling towns and cities, as well as picturesque coastline and charming countryside from this lovely abode.