Essex Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Elaine - Verified booking

  Beautifully appointed property, tastefully decorated and very comfortable.

  We all found our beds really soft and comfortable - although a sheet had been placed between the duvet and bottom sheet, which on 3 of the beds was very crumpled up and twisted and meant having to re-make the bed. The dining chairs were the most comfortable I've ever known and meant sitting over long luxurious meals was a dream. We felt the kitchen could have been better stocked with essential equipment - there was no whisk, so whipping cream and eggs with just a fork was rather laborious! There was no ice cube making tray/container so we just filled up plastic boxes with water and once frozen, had to smash it up! There were only 6 mugs, no cups so meant having to run bowls of washing up water or putting the dishwasher on every time we had hot drinks was a bit of a waste of water! Ideally I'd recommend at least 12 to 18 mugs to allow for enough hot drinks throughout the day! When we arrived and began hunting for mugs, we found them in the dishwasher along with some other crockery, which hadn't been emptied! On the whole, we had a wonderful weekend and the weather enabled us to enjoy sitting out in the lovely garden - although, it would have been nice to have some seat cushions as the wooden chairs were very hard and a bit worn/mossy and a parasol would have been useful. The only entrance to the property had a very high step, which a couple of us less fit ladies found quite a struggle to climb up - a smaller step outside the door would make it safer and easier. Having ground floor bedroom and shower room and being so spacious inside, makes the property ideal for a wheelchair user, if only the entrance could be re-jigged - just a thought for the future as it is so difficult to find suitable properties for the physically challenged! A lovely holiday cottage and we would go back if the entrance was easier!

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  What a wonderful place this is. Located in a beautiful, historic, semi-rural part of Essex just outside Colchester, quiet but just 20mins from the heart of city and with other small towns and villages nearby. The property has been very sensitively renovated, to create functional, comfortable holiday accommodation that retains its historical characteristics. Inside, there is more space that one might imagine with two receptions, a large, well-equipped kitchen and downstairs WC, plus two large bedrooms, both with large ensuite bath/shower rooms. The beds are really comfortable. All that was missing for us was a full-length mirror and hooks on the back of the doors (hoping the owner will add these!). We cook every day and found the kitchen had everything we needed (although no salt/pepper that we could find - please add this!). The oven and hob were clean and really easy to use. Outside, the space is extensive and private and the inclusion of a hot tub is very welcome (staff check it daily on weekdays but are friendly and unobtrusive). Ideal for relaxing and also as a base for exploring the local area. Just half an hour away from the lovely beach at Mersea Island. There are another five lodges on the site but they are some distance away from Crows Hall, although as guests of the estate we were free to roam the entire site, which includes a fishing lake, which we really appreciated. We have stayed in many self-catering places and this is one of the best.

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• Ms B - Verified booking

  I had a wonderful 28-day stay in this beautifully set and thoughtfully designed property. It had absolutely everything you could need for a comfortable, relaxing break. One of my favourite daily rituals was watching the sunrise at 6.30am, coffee in hand, as the frosty morning mist lifted to the sound of birdsong – pretty special (see video).It was incredibly peaceful – the perfect place to focus and get work done, and relax after a stressful period.The shower pressure was brilliant, the bed super comfortable, and the whole place was spotless. I loved lighting the stove burner while cooking a Sunday roast, listening to a favourite podcast as pheasants and rabbits foraged on the front lawn. The blossom tree in the cottage garden was just coming into full bloom while I was there which was an unexpected joy.Jessica and Peter were fantastic hosts, and Lucy the cleaner did a great job each week – the fresh flowers she left were a thoughtful, welcoming detail.There are stunning walks from the doorstep, and Sudbury is only a short drive away. I genuinely can’t think of a single negative… other than wishing I could have stayed longer!A big thank you for making my stay so seamless and comfortable.

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• Gina - Verified booking

  Hide and Sleep is a welcoming, home from home property, perfect for large families.

  There were 9 of us in 3 groups. It is well equipped, although as our stay was over Christmas we had taken extra serving bowls and kitchen equipment, not all of it was needed. The wet room in the annexe is a fabulous addition, but we didn't use it in Winter because the room was chilly, and the shower did not stay hot for long. Laminate flooring through out the downstairs made it easy to move furniture about for the house to function as we needed it to, and easy to keep clean. The large bedrooms were clean and comfortable. For our party twin beds in another room would have been better as the children would have had to share a bed. We provided our own air bed which there was plenty of room for. Providing hanging rails was good. No bulky furniture. There were enough decorations in the house to make it feel festive. A walk to the beach for the adults and our dog was not too far. The children enjoyed their time at the beach and the park, which were a short drive away

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• Matthew - Verified booking

  This property is exceptional. It is located in Little Henny, a very small village right in the beautiful,bucolic Essex countryside. The cottage has a small, tastefully landscaped garden. There is a large forested area that starts at the bottom of the garden. There are a several country hikes that start near the cottage.The interior of the cottage is modern, clean and spacious. Everything is new, and , again , tastefully chosen. The bathroom has a clawed bathtub , and a new, modern shower. The bedroom is located on the upper floor, and is comfortable and bright. All of the appliances and kitchenware are high quality. The host Jessica was pleasant to interact with, and and efficiant in responses. Based on my experience with similar rentals, this place is a bargain and I highly recommend it.

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