Guests say
Island Lodge offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat with stunning canal views, abundant wildlife, and easy access to scenic walks, local pubs, and a charming tea room. Guests consistently praise the tranquil setting, comfortable beds, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. The property is generally clean and well-equipped, with thoughtful touches such as a welcome pack. While a few guests noted minor issues with cleanliness and maintenance, the majority found their stay delightful and would happily return.
Most guests found the property clean and tidy, with several specifically mentioning immaculate conditions. However, a small number of reviews highlighted issues such as dust, hairs, and a lingering bathroom smell, which slightly lowers the overall score.
The location is widely celebrated for its tranquillity, beautiful canal views, proximity to walking paths, local pubs, and a tea room. Guests repeatedly describe the setting as idyllic and peaceful, making it a standout feature.
Guests frequently mention the comfort of the beds and the restful atmosphere, with many enjoying peaceful nights' sleep. Occasional comments about noise from the weir and minor issues with hot water were noted but did not detract significantly from overall comfort.
The lodge is described as well-equipped and thoughtfully laid out, with most essentials provided. Some guests suggested minor improvements, such as more mugs, pans, or outdoor cushions, and noted occasional maintenance issues like the toilet system and shower temperature.
Many guests appreciated the welcome pack and small touches such as tea, coffee, and a welcome basket. Please note that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Beautiful Island Lodge is situated right on the water’s edge at Paper Mill Lock. Sit on your own terrace and listen to the water rushing by or take a boat trip down the river.. All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Smart TV, Electric Fire, French Doors Leading To Garden
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Fridge
Bedroom: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, (Ensuite Also Accessed From Living Area)
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Enclosed rear garden with sitting-out area. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: No children under 16 years old except babes in arms. There is a river bordering the garden.. Nestled on the banks of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, Island Lodge on Paper Mill Island offers a retreat in the countryside of the Chelmer Valley at Paper Mill Lock. Ideal for enjoying water sports on the river, launch your SUP, canoe or kayak directly onto the river with your own private mooring. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the surrounding area with the rushing of water from nearby weirs.
The open plan living area has a positioned perfectly sofa for you to unwind in front of the television above the fireplace or enjoy the view, tempting you to walk through the glass doors onto the private patio to enjoy the views and sounds outside. The kitchen is ideal for whipping up hearty breakfast or romantic dinners. From the living area you can walk into your own bedroom with its en-suite shower room.
From the Island Lodge you can quickly pop over to the other side of the river and visit the popular tearooms and enjoy their delicious treats. You can watch as canal boats navigate through the lock gates or book a boat trip up and down the river through Essex Waterways. They also hire out canoe or kayaks during the summer months.
Island Lodge is an excellent base to explore the local countryside. The towpath follows the river for 14 miles from its beginning in Chelmsford, to the sea at Heybridge Basin and Maldon. Paper Mill Lock is the halfway point. For those wishing to go beyond the river, there are plenty of footpaths either side of the valley. Nearby is Danbury Common and Blakes Wood (National Trust) as well as Danbury Woods. The valley ‘hills’ also make it popular for cyclists as the Ride London passes through Paper Mill Lock. Nearby, the villages of Danbury and Little Baddow offer good restaurants and facilities. Also, you are only a few miles away from the sea at Maldon, or the many attractions of Chelmsford City. It is very accessible with the A12 being 10 minutes away, yet you are immediately amongst nature and by the water of the beautiful Essex countryside.
Free WiFi
No children under 16 years.
Babies in arms allowed.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- Great Notley Discovery Centre And Park
- Colchester Zoo
Reviews (29)
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Christopher Taylor
It was our golden wedding anniversary and the lodge it self was loverly we really enjoyed our stay Howeve the outside was a bit off a let down the views were lovely but the decking area and table were both tiered and dirty the table surface was very dirty and was not usable to eat food off which was a shame the decking was dirty and some off it was covered in pigeon droppings some looked that they had been there for sometime easy remedy a pressure wash would deal with the problem just need to keep on top of it and the fence surrounding the decking looked tiered and in need off some TLC but we would recommend the property and would love to revisit hopefully with all the above remedied just a thought a gas barbecue would be nice extra for the outside space
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Confirmed Guest
Idyllic location and accommodation. Ideal spot for kayaking and paddle boarding.
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Confirmed Guest
Rather underwhelmed on arrival. Dead plants in tubs by the doors. Dirty jcloth scrunched up and smelly plus a used sponge by the sink, luckily steel scourer new. Decking covered in bird poo. Don't think patio table had been cleaned before our arrival. Evidence, from smears, of earlier clean. Windows smeared.Very nice welcome pack, eggs, milk, butter, bread and teabagsExtreme heat no provision I removed a 10.5 tog duvet.... All windows uncovered so had heated up well once 'cleaning' finished until we arrived late evening.The sink plug doesn't fit so washing up is a race, wasting water and washing up liquid.No shower mat, I used a hand towel, to save slip falls.The toilet seat fitting had been adjusted but it was dirty where it had been moved from was and still is clearly visible. Patio furniture not that in the photosI contacted, by text, to confirm we had a left a day early and pointed out the above privately. Saying I wouldn't make it public in case it was a blip. Sadly not even the courtesy of an acknowledgement. Hence i'll now say it as we found it.Idyllic location, which we know of from living locally for years. Spoilt by complete lack of finesse and care.