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Spacious barn conversion for two guests
Situated on a working farm
A good size lounge
Comfortable sofas in front of the gas flame effect fire
Cosy with the gas flame effect fire
A warm welcome awaits
Open plan kitchen
Exposed brick chimney and beams add character
A well equipped kitchen
Spacious open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area
Welcoming entrance
Comfortable sofa bed
Cloakroom
En-suite shower room
King size bedroom
Enjoy a spot to eat outside
An ideal rural location
The path to the fields
Fantastic walks around the farm for two legs and four
Enjoy a country walk on a frosty morning
The farm on a winters day
Oak tree view
Pony & Chicken
The pond
Horses in the field
The well-being centre on site
1 / 26  Spacious barn conversion for two guests
2 / 26  Situated on a working farm
3 / 26  A good size lounge
4 / 26  Comfortable sofas in front of the gas flame effect fire
5 / 26  Cosy with the gas flame effect fire
6 / 26  A warm welcome awaits
7 / 26  Open plan kitchen
8 / 26  Exposed brick chimney and beams add character
9 / 26  A well equipped kitchen
10 / 26  Spacious open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area
11 / 26  Welcoming entrance
12 / 26  Comfortable sofa bed
13 / 26  Cloakroom
14 / 26  En-suite shower room
15 / 26  King size bedroom
16 / 26  Enjoy a spot to eat outside
17 / 26  An ideal rural location
18 / 26  The path to the fields
19 / 26  Fantastic walks around the farm for two legs and four
20 / 26  Enjoy a country walk on a frosty morning
21 / 26  The farm on a winters day
22 / 26  Oak tree view
23 / 26  Pony & Chicken
24 / 26  The pond
25 / 26  Horses in the field
26 / 26  The well-being centre on site

The Herdsman

Colchester (8mls SW), Essex
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 3
4 star
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Enclosed garden / patio
Internet access
Working farm
Pub nearby
Romantic
Parking on site / nearby
Decorated for Christmas
Towels included
Travel cot available
Highchair available
12 more

At a glance

  • Characterful one-bedroom barn conversion, the Perfect base for exploring the local area or simply relaxing
  • Lovely walks for two legs or four, through the scenic countryside, enjoy coastal sights and activities at nearby Mersea Island, Maldon or Goldhanger
  • Explore the wool towns and villages of Constable Country
Property code: 58576

Surrounded by peaceful countryside, this charming Essex barn conversion is the perfect romantic retreat for couples wanting to unwind, along with the four-legged loves of their lives. The one-bedroom property is located on a 20-acre farm which offers endless opportunities to explore and sniff out new walks and adventures. Whether you’re looking to simply soak up your tranquil surroundings, or visit the many pretty nearby towns and villages, this cottage is the ideal base.

A mix of exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and quirky windows give this property a unique character, while the open-plan design gives a real sense of space. Muddy paws and boots can be swiftly dealt with in the useful porch area before you head inside to chill out. The living area gives everyone plenty of space to relax, whether you’re rustling up a snack in the kitchen or snuggling up on the comfortable sofas while the weary-pawed doze in front of the wood burner-effect gas fire. Enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in the inviting bedroom, while your holidaying hounds recharge in readiness for another day of exploring. Heading outside into your enclosed garden and patio area, get the BBQ fired up, while those on four paws find a sunny spot to enjoy a snooze.

There are many scenic footpaths and cycle tracks surrounding the cottage, for those on two or four legs. For guests who like to feel the sand beneath their paws, cross the causeway to the scenic Mersea Island (12.5 miles) where dogs are welcome on its beach throughout the year. Just make sure you check the tide times first! Visit the National Trust’s Bourne Mill property (11 miles) or take a wander around the historic town of Colchester (8 miles) with its cobbled streets and independent shops.

  • 1 bedroom - king-size
  • 1 en-suite shower room and 1 separate WC
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing machine
  • Wi-Fi
  • 3 dogs welcome (Please advise the owner if large breed dogs)
  • Dog sitting maybe available by prior arrangement with the owner
  • Shop 2 miles and pub within walking distance
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 3 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £150 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £20. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Carol Thompson

This property is personally managed by Carol.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 23 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 starsOverall cleanliness 4.3 stars4.3
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 stars4.5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Joanne 15th April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This was our first holiday with our dog, and it was fabulous. There is an enclosed outside area, and the owner is super dog friendly. The cottage is luxurious. We are planning our next visit already.

Reviewed by Ian 8th April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

It was a lovely cottage in a converted barn. Actually much larger than it looked in some of the pictures, but still with the feel of a cosy cottage. The location was perfect, out in the country (stars are amazing on a clear night), but close enough to amenities, shops, restaurants to get out and about. Hosts were friendly, polite, and approachable,Read more but not overbearing at all; perfect all round. We have family in the area, and this property will be top of the list next time we visit. Hide

Reviewed by Gill 15th September 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Well equipped and spacious property, The beds and chairs were very comfortable and the bathroom was very good.

Reviewed by Natasha 9th September 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Very peaceful,and secure for dogs off the lead. Lovely walks around the farm.

Reviewed by Donna 4th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Third visit, had a lovely time, cottage is very spacious and lovely to wander in too. Kitchen is well equipped, everything you could need. I do move a chair to the window rather than sit in the lounge area, so that I can enjoy the garden even when there's a spate of August weather . My cat comes with me and thinks it's brilliant too.

Reviewed by Sharon 28th July 2023

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

a wonderful place to stay with so much natural beauty all around. The property is very well appointed and spacious.

Reviewed by David 15th July 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Perfect for a relaxing break such a homely lodge. Beautiful surroundings and perfect for the furr babies. Hearing the owls snore, watching the rabbits and a horse or two to pet. Beaches nearby, take aways if you don't want to cook. We loved it so much we have booked to go back.

Reviewed by Ron 10th July 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very Spacious, ideal for dog owners

Reviewed by John 30th June 2023

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

We had a good break. Lovely location. Needs a bit more care and attention before people arrive but we managed. We would still recommend this place to others.

Reviewed by Andy 23rd June 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cottage is ideally situated in the country side, but is within easy reach of everything. It was lovely and quiet with the enclosed garden which was the perfect place to sit and relax with a bottle of wine. Jane & Steve were the perfect hosts and could not do enough for you. We were were introduced to all the horses and all the other animals. The twRead moreo dogs would visit us every day. The cottage is spotless throughout and we would not hesitate to return. Hide

Reviewed by jane 9th June 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Reviewed by Sue 2nd June 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our third visit to The Herdsman and weve already planned visit number 4. If youre looking for The Best dog friendly break, this is it! The converted barn is gorgeous, as well as being as eco friendly as the owners, Jane and Steve, can manage. We use our stay to visit family, but they all want to come at visit us at The Herdsman because it is SO beaRead moreutiful and peaceful. The barn comes complete with additional doggy companions, Barley and Jack, who make your stay even more delightful. Hide

Reviewed by MERLE 10th May 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very comfortable cottage and just to place to go and unwind, so peaceful, watching the swallows and talking to the horses.

Reviewed by Angela 14th April 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

If you want peace and quiet come here. Fantastic grounds for walking, dogs loved it. Very comfy bed.

Reviewed by Jill 3rd March 2023

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Really enjoyed our stay in the Herdsman. Beautifully renovated in a superb location.

Reviewed by Ben 14th October 2022

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Amazing week away in this beautiful cottage in a beautiful place. Will definitely be back.

Reviewed by Roger 16th September 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Alan 2nd September 2022

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Good comfortable & spacious cottage for 2 in quiet location. Very dog friendly with walks around the farm.

Reviewed by Susan 8th July 2022

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Such a tranquil place to stay. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, and felt very relaxed after our visit. The cottage was very spacious and there was everything in the property that we could have wanted to make our stay comfortable. It is especially dog friendly, with a small enclosed area at the front of the property. The owners were lovely to spRead moreeak to. Hide

Reviewed by Nigel 24th June 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely loved our time here and will definitely be planning a return visit, a week just did not seem long enough

Reviewed by Sue 13th May 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Disappointed we can only award 5 stars in each category when The Herdsman is at least a 10 star property and experience. Jane and her menagerie are the absolute perfect hosts. We never want to leave every time we stay.

Reviewed by Amanda 6th May 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely. So comfortable, nothing lacking. Outside area secure for our cocker spaniel and the walks are brilliant. Good pub about 1/2 mile away. Hosts (and dogs) really nice.

Reviewed by Elaine 29th April 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

21 more
Spacious barn conversion for two guests
Situated on a working farm
A good size lounge
Comfortable sofas in front of the gas flame effect fire
Cosy with the gas flame effect fire
A warm welcome awaits
Open plan kitchen
Exposed brick chimney and beams add character
A well equipped kitchen
Spacious open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area
Welcoming entrance
Show 14 moreComfortable sofa bed

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Canine Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Canine Cottages | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.