The Cart Lodge, Essex

Enjoying a delightful position in the Essex countryside in the rural village of Wickham St Paul is this striking timber property, The Cart Lodge. Boasting two bedrooms, this fantastic holiday cottage sits in the grounds of the owner's home along with their other holiday let, The Granary, and presents lovely accommodation for four guests seeking to explore the likes of Dedham Vale AONB, Colchester, and the Stour Valley. Be welcomed into the open-plan living space where you'll be relaxing after exciting days out in the countryside; find a snug spot on one of the leather sofas and enjoy some evening TV amidst your loved ones, with the last of the evening light let in by the patio doors. Enjoy sitting at the round dining table when tucking into home-cooked meals prepared in the kitchen space, with ingredients bought from one of the one local farm shops, you're sure to be well catered for in Wickham St Paul. The ground floor is home to one of the two sleeping spots, a twin bedroom holding two single beds and benefitting from an en-suite shower room, complete with a heated towel rail to keep you toasty warm. Head upstairs to find the second bedroom with a king-size bed with a TV, so you can enjoy watching from the comfort of the covers, as well as a beautiful en-suite bathroom. Spend time outside in your private enclosed patio area with seating for evening drinks, alfresco dining or morning coffees. Explore this charming village from your doorstep, with the farm shop, Post Office and pub all within strolling distance, or head to the nearby market town of Sudbury which might be recognisable to you as the filming location of 'Lovejoy' and the '101 Dalmations'. Here you can enjoy relaxing in Belle Vue Park, or catching a show at The Quay Theatre which puts on a variety of films and plays throughout the year. Visit the beautiful Melford Hall and Country Park run by the National Trust, a stunning Tudor manor house with unusual domed turrets, once home to the family of Beatrix Potter and still holding some of her sketches, along with collections of naval paintings and Chinese porcelain, set in stunning grounds with a tearoom too. Back in Sudbury enjoy some excitement with Stour Valley Adventure Centre and be taken out on a guided canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding trip along the River Stour, experiencing the idyllic countryside along the way, with bike hire available too for some glorious cycle rides through the landscape and walking guided expeditions too. Walkers can embark on a day of walking along the Stour Valley Path, spanning a total of 60 miles, beginning at Newmarket through the Dedham Vale AONB and over to Cattawade. Enjoy a day trip to Colchester for a wealth of attractions like the fabulous Colchester Zoo set on 60 acres of parkland and home to a variety of creatures, it's a great day out for all ages, and don't miss the chance to see Colchester Castle, completed in 1100, it is now home to a museum featuring interactive exhibits, a jail and landscaped gardens. Within reach of Cambridge and Chelmsford too, The Cart Lodge presents a wonderful base for an exciting trip to Essex.