This detached bungalow is perfect for family holidays with its enclosed rear garden and proximity to the sea and beach. With ramp access to the front and rear of the property, and all accommodation on one level, it is also ideally suited to less mobile or wheelchair dependent visitors. It is 9 miles from the historic town of Colchester with its castle and zoo, and is ideal for those who enjoy walking, cycling, swimming and bird watching, or wish to explore Dedham Vale, the Stour Valley or Constable Country. Famous fish restaurant 1/2 mile. Shop 300 yards, pub 500 yards.

Perfect location for keen sailors

Dating back to the 17th century and retaining much original charm and character Hill House makes an ideal family holiday home. Detached, with a wealth of beams and wood panelling inside as well as a 2 person sauna and games room whilst outside there is a sunny lawned garden with ample parking including room for a dinghy. Bradwell is located on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary with its own marina and sailing centre where sailing, canoeing courses and sea fishing are available. The surrounding countryside is ideal for scenic walks (there is a 7 mile circular around Bradwell), cycling, golf and bird watching or enjoy a trip to nearby Burnham on Crouch, (known as the Cowes of the East) home of England’s oldest marina, with its 1930s yacht club and cinema. Whilst in Burnham you can browse around the local shops and galleries, visit the Mangapps Railway Museum or take a trip on the Lady Essex to Wallasea Island to see the seals. There are many other delightful towns and small villages in the area waiting to be explored including Maldon with its Edwardian promenade park and barge sailing, the RHS garden at Hyde Hall, and Marsh Farm Country Park. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Located in West Mersea just 20 yards from the sea, this delightfully converted property offers fantastic views from its upstairs living area. Stokers Loft is the ideal location for sailing enthusiasts, the public hard for dinghies is just a few yards from the property. It is also conveniently situated for two renowned fish restaurants (the Company Shed and the Oyster Bar), local shops and pubs. Mersea Island is the most easterly inhabited island in the UK, located on the estuary of the rivers Blackwater and Colne, and is reached by crossing the Strood causeway (liable to be cut off for short periods during high/spring tides). Only 9 miles from the county town of Colchester with its famous castle and zoo, Mersea is also conveniently located for exploring Dedham Vale, the Stour Valley and Constable country. A superb location for walking, bird-watching, swimming and cycling, Mersea boasts a beach of sand and shingle. Cudmore Grove Country Park with its adjoining beach for relaxing walks and its own vineyard. A country club with golf and health club is a short drive away. Pubs 250 yards.

Located in the peaceful village of Boxted in the Dedham Vale, Farthings is a single-storey holiday home with valley views from the garden. One of a pair, furnished and equipped to a very high standard, the property has added bonus of a hot tub and detached games room in the garden. Guests also have private use of the owner’s outdoor heated swimming pool (open May to end September), and large enclosed hot tub, as well as use of the owner’s extensive grounds - which have many delightful areas where guests might like to picnic. The surrounding area is a delight to explore: there are many footpaths in the village and Flatford Mill, in the heart of Constable Country is 4 miles away. Dedham village is 3 miles, where guests can hire a rowing boat on the River Stour or enjoy walking in the unspoilt countryside. Farthings is also conveniently located for golf at nearby Stoke-by-Nayland (2 miles) whilst keen gardeners may enjoy a visit to Beth Chatto’s Garden, 7 miles. Nearby Colchester, famous for being the oldest town in England, has a castle and museum set in attractive parkland that stretches down to the River Colne, a zoo and an interesting range of shops, restaurants, galleries and pubs. Colchester also has a rail link to London which takes 50 minutes, so visitors can enjoy a day in the busy capital city and then return to the peace and tranquillity of Farthings. For a day by the sea, guests can choose between the sunshine coast of Essex at Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Clacton or the Heritage coastline of nearby Suffolk where the beaches at Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold or Walberswick can be enjoyed. Pub 2½ miles.