Guests say
Vine Cottage in Halstead, Essex, is a well-received holiday rental with guests praising its cleanliness, excellent location, and the thoughtfulness of the hosts. The cottage offers a cosy and comfortable stay, with many appreciating the extra touches such as wine and biscuits. While some guests suggested improvements in facilities and maintenance, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the property's charm and value for money.
Guests consistently noted the cottage to be very clean, with spotless linen, crockery, and utensils. The high level of cleanliness contributed significantly to the comfort and enjoyment of their stays.
The location of Vine Cottage is frequently praised for being central in a lovely village, with easy access to local attractions and amenities. Its proximity to picturesque towns and the peaceful village setting were appreciated by guests.
Many guests found the cottage cosy and the bed comfortable, contributing to a relaxing stay. However, some guests mentioned that the sofa and chairs were uncomfortable, and one noted an overheated bedroom due to a radiator issue.
The cottage is equipped with necessary facilities, and guests enjoyed extras like board games. However, there were comments about dated appliances, a need for better shower facilities, and some maintenance issues like mould on a blind and a non-flushing toilet.
Hosts were commended for their thoughtfulness, providing welcome gifts such as wine, biscuits, and milk. While these gestures were highly appreciated, it is noted that such extras, though delightful, are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
About this property
This well-presented cottage is situated in the pretty village of Castle Hedingham in North Essex. Stylishly appointed, this whitewashed cottage is accessed via a farm gate to the side of the owners' house which leads up to the small patio garden enclosed by willow hurdles which is just the place to enjoy a glass or two as the sun goes down. Inside this Castle Hedingham cottage, the open plan sitting room has comfortable seating where you are able to relax and unwind, whilst the fitted kitchen offers views over the courtyard garden through a large picture window. The bedroom has soft carpeting, subtle decor and a super king-size bed along with an en-suite shower room.
Wander along the winding streets of this medieval village, enjoy a cream tea at the local tea shop or play tennis at the courts located next door to the cottage, before having lunch at one of the local pubs or the restaurant. Just up the hill is the famous Hedingham Castle after which the village was named. The castle is the alleged birthplace of the 17th Earl of Oxford, subject of the film 'Anonymous' and is well worth a visit. Nearby Sudbury offers a weekly market and a riverside setting. If you feel like some retail therapy, the Freeport outlet centre is only a short distance away, where you can shop for bargains or take in a film at the cinema.
A visit to Cambridge, Lavenham or even London, including the Olympic venue at Stratford, are all easily enjoyed from this cottage in Castle Hedingham. This Castle Hedingham cottage is the perfect place to return to after a day exploring this part of North Essex.
Castle Hedingham is a village in north Essex dating back to medieval times with plenty timber framed cottages dating back to the 15th century.
Accommodation
One super king-size double bedroom (zip/link, can be twin on request) with en-suite shower, basin and WC.
Open plan living area with fitted kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
Gas central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, TV with FreeSat, DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair on request.
Roadside parking available.
Small enclosed patio garden with furniture and BBQ divided from owner's garden by willow hurdles.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop and pub 2 mins walk.
Note: One low ceiling beam.
Note: Property only accepts a minimum of 3 nights.
Nearby points of interest
- Great Notley Discovery Centre And Park
- Colchester Zoo
Reviews (39)
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Gretel
It is very easy to find, and contains everything needed for a holiday stay. There is a big main room downstairs and one very big bedroom upstairs. The living area comprises a sitting room area, a dining area and a kitchen area, all well-equipped and surprisingly spacious. The bedroom is also very large and has a small shower-room en-suite, and a sofa-bed. Everything we needed was provided, plus a welcome pack of a carton of milk, bottle of wine, and packet of biscuits. Castle Hedingham is a charming village, and very close to a lot of other very picturesque towns and villages, as well as some spectacular scenery. I highly recommend a visit to the area. It's not at all the owners' fault, but the village seems to close down on a Monday (in October at any rate), and the castle wasn't open at all while we were there - it seems to only occasionally be open to the public, and needs to be booked in advance. This does, however, mean that we shall have to go back to Castle Hedingham! It is worth noting that the downstairs ceiling is quite low, so tall people will need to take care with the beam in the sitting room and the light fittings, and that there is limited parking in laybys near the property; no dedicated off-road parking is available at this property.
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Vivienne
Good kitchen facilities, everything you would need to cook with. Comfy sofa. Bedroom large and bed very comfortable and nice bed linen and towels. Bathroom was a bit of a squeeze but good shower and plenty of hot water. Pretty village and good location for visiting local attractions.
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Michelle
To me these are basics that should be in place to rent out a property. The location is excellent for Castle Hedingham and this is probably bringing in lots of wedding guests.