Essex Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• 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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• Diane - Verified booking

  Lovely new built semi detached bungalow, next to a farm and with open views over the countryside.

  Located in a quiet location on the outskirts of the small village of St Osyth and in easy driving distance from numerous interesting places to visit. Owners greeted us on arrival and were very friendly and helpful, and there were a few tasty welcome gifts. The cottage itself was lovely and warm (we stayed in January) and was immaculately clean. The Kitchen was well equipped with everything you needed. Bathroom was walk in shower with nice soft towels. Living area had large smart tv and large sofa, nice for cold evenings in (we thought a pouffe or foot stool would be a nice addition to put your feet up whilst relaxing). Large patio doors open out onto a small patio area with table and chairs and nicely planted garden which would be lovely in the better weather. Parking is directly in front of the food which makes unloading and loading the car very easy. Plenty of lovely places to visit….. Harwich historic harbour, The Naze for walking, wildlife and history, Brightlingsea and Frinton nice for a seaside walk. Clacton had nice bits but pier just a giant amusement arcade and avoid Walton the Naze pier at all costs ! Would definitely visit again, thank you for a lovely stay.

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• Sue - Verified booking

  This house is amazing both in character and convenient position for the beach which is one of the most child friendliest around.

  The hosts went out of the way to make sure we had a brilliant time and left us a beautiful basket of age appropriate goodies. The garden was super for little ones to play safely and to hide in all the little dingle dells. We loved the dining room with space to sit and eat as a family, the children pretended it was a restaurant and served dinner! We cannot fault the effort made by the owners and the quality of towels bedding etc. We did take our own safety gate as the stairs are big and our babies were 4 and 2. Walton on the Naze beach and the Tower are worth a visit we didn’t really need to go anywhere else ! This house is the secret you want to keep but feel you should share with everyone it is a home not a boutique show house there is one tv in the lounge for those quiet evenings when the little ones are in bed and a super veranda that Nana spent most of the week on! With grandchildren curled up beside. I would love a washing whirling thing in the garden as the airier wasn’t big enough for 8 towels/ swimmers baby gear etc. We wanted to save electricity and not use the dryer. Definitely a 10/10 holiday. Highly recommended. We will be back.

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• Rebecca - Verified booking

  A wonderful holiday home.

  Clean, spacious, well-equipped with bags of character. Had the added bonus for me of being very similar to my Granny's house and bringing back lots of happy memories. Moments from the sea. Very kind and helpful (though not intrusive) owners. Lovely garden. Quiet and peaceful location. The only issue we had was the owner accidentally gave us the key code with one digit out, so we couldn't get in at first. In fairness to her, we called and she answered straight away and then gave us the correct code and we got in. However- if I were to go again, I'd definitely double-check any info I'd been given before setting off. We would heartily recommend this property to just about anyone. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable stay.

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• David - Verified booking

  This cottage was just what we needed.

  It is in a quiet street with no through traffic and so lovely and relaxing. The cottage was very pretty and comfortable and had everything we needed. My initial concern about parking was unfounded as there was always plenty of free parking in nearby streets. There are good places to eat nearby, The Alma pub and The Pier restaurant both do exquisite food, the Hanover pub does good traditional meals in huge portions, and the café on the pier was friendly and convenient. Harwich has some good historic attractions, we would recommend a visit to Harwich Redoubt Fort. Further afield, Sutton Hoo, and Saint Peters Church on the wall are definitely worth a visit.

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