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 relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for a restful break. While most found the accommodation clean and well-equipped, a few noted occasional issues with cleanliness and minor maintenance. Thoughtful touches such as welcome packs were appreciated by many, though these cannot be guaranteed. Overall, the lodge is highly recommended for those seeking relaxation in beautiful countryside surroundings.
Most guests found the property clean and tidy, with several specifically mentioning immaculate or very clean accommodation. However, a small number of reviews reported issues such as dust, hairs, and a lingering bathroom smell, which affected their experience. The majority of feedback remains positive, but these isolated incidents have been taken into account.
The location is widely praised for its tranquillity, beautiful canal and countryside views, and proximity to walking paths, pubs, and a tea room. Guests loved the peaceful setting and easy access to local attractions, making it a standout feature of the property.
Guests frequently commented on the comfortable beds and restful atmosphere, with many highlighting how well they slept. The lodge is described as cosy and well laid out, contributing to a relaxing stay. Only minor comfort issues, such as the need for outdoor cushions, were mentioned.
The lodge is generally well-equipped, with guests noting it has almost everything needed for a pleasant stay. Some minor suggestions for improvement included adding a broom, outdoor cushions, and addressing occasional maintenance issues like the shower temperature and toilet smell. Overall, facilities are well received.
Many guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as welcome packs and complimentary tea and coffee. These gestures were frequently mentioned as highlights, though it should be noted that such 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 (26)
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Confirmed Guest
Idyllic location and surroundings. Super comfy bed. Lovely welcome pack. So peaceful. Ideal base. Only criticism is that more mugs and pans needed.
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Stan and Janet Green
Loved the communication, location, cleanliness and facilities. Very minor suggestion for absolute wonderful review, more could be done with the wonderful patio decking area. The decking was quite grubby and the table had not been cleaned. But we would not let this stop us re-booking. Overall very pleased with our short stay.
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Emily Martin-Ball
Such a beautiful and tranquil spot to stay with the sounds of the lock, bird song and incredibly comfy bed. Looking forward to returning!