Guests say
Vine Cottage in Halstead, Essex, is praised for its excellent location, cleanliness, and the thoughtfulness of the hosts. Guests enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, the welcoming village, and the added touches such as wine and biscuits. While some found the furniture and facilities in need of updates, the overall experience was positive with many recommending the cottage for a peaceful and enjoyable stay.
The cottage received high marks for cleanliness, with guests noting it was very clean and well-maintained. Linen and crockery were also mentioned as spotless.
The location is highly praised for being in a quiet, peaceful village with good access to local amenities and attractions. Parking was generally easy, adding to the convenience.
Comfort received positive comments for a cosy atmosphere and a comfortable bed. However, some guests mentioned that the sofa and chairs were uncomfortable, which affects the score.
Facilities were generally good, with mentions of a well-equipped kitchen and extras like board games. Some guests suggested improvements such as a better shower and updated furniture, and there were minor issues with maintenance like light bulbs and shower controls.
Hosts were commended for their thoughtfulness, providing extras like wine, biscuits, and other amenities. It should be noted that while such gestures are appreciated, they are not guaranteed for every stay.
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 of 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
- East Anglian Railway Museum
- Kentwell Hall
- Great Notley Discovery Centre And Park
- Colchester Zoo
- Colchester Castle Museum
Reviews (31)
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Christopher
Struggled slightly with the stairs but not too daunting, age and mobility taking its toll. Interesting area with a vast amount of places to visit and places to eat.
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William
Vine Cottage is the perfect base from which to explore the area, particularly if you have an event at the castle (which is why we were there.) Dan is a considerate host and we had all the info we needed beforehand. The bottle of wine and choccy biscuits were a much appreciated addition to our stay - we're very much looking forward to our return later this year.
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Pia
The distance from the road to the cottage was longer than we thought from the description and a bit of a pain with lots of luggage. The village was busier than expected but even so we always managed to park on the road close by. There was chilled wine waiting for us when we arrived along with lovely biscuits and a bottle of milk. Overall we had a peaceful and comfortable stay and the cottage is great value so we would certainly be happy to stay here again.