Short Summary Clever and cute. Summary Our cute & cosy cottage in the ever-popular getaway fishing village of Wivenhoe awaits you! Perfectly situated to enjoy the delights of nearby Colchester ('Britain's Oldest Recorded Town), Dedham Vale (Constable Country), Mersea Island or to just take in the sights and sounds of our picturesque little hamlet. Recently refurbished & tastefully redecorated, the Secret Cottage showcases critically acclaimed artwork from local artists depicting the hamlet of Wivenhoe, both past & present. Notes Drinks are on us! When you arrive there will be a welcoming libation for you to enjoy. We know that we enjoy a complimentary refreshment when we travel and not surprisingly... our guests do too! Access Welcome to My Home! Born and raised in the vibrant city of London, I've always loved exploring new places and meeting new people. In my twenties I embarked on an unforgettable adventure, sailing from the UK to the sunny shores of Greece - a journey that deepened my love of the sea and the beauty of different cultures. As well as hosting I work as a personal trainer, helping others meet their health and wellness goals. I'm also the proud parent of three wonderful grown up children who continue to inspire me. I'm passionate about homes and interiors and take great pride in creating spaces that are welcoming, comfortable and full of charm. Whether it's a cosy corner or a stylish room, I believe every details matters. As a pet lover, I understand how much joy furry friends bring to our lives, so I always aim to make everyone - whether two or four legged-feel right at home. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my passion for hospitality and design. Whether you are here for relaxation, exploration or inspiration, I'm committed to making your stay unforgettable! Transit REMOVED but NOT REMOTE You might feel like you've been transported to a far-off coastal holiday location but the opposite is true of the Secret Cottage's accessibility. Wivenhoe has it's own railway station (65 min to London Liverpool Street), frequent buses to Colchester (10 min) and other beautiful Essex coastal resorts (Brightlingsea, Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea & Walton-on-the-Naze) and even a fun river ferry that runs to Rowhedge (another picturesque coastal village) during the summer months. Rail Information: Nearest Train Station: Wivenhoe Rail Station, Station Rd. - 7 min walk Train Trips: - London Liverpool St. Station - 65 min - Harwich Ferry - 59 min (every 60 min) - Colchester Town - 8 min - Clacton-on-Sea - 21 min - Frinton-on-Sea - 30 min - Walton-on-the-Naze - 33 min Bus Information: Nearest Bus Stop: Outside Post Office, High St. - 2 min walk Bus Trips: - Colchester High St. - 30 min (every 12 min) - Brightlingsea - 23 min (every 15 min) Parking Information: - Parking is available on Park Rd which runs perpedicular to Dentons Terrace. (No restrictions and no limits) Nearest Car Park: - King George V Playing Field, High St. (No Charge) Interaction I live nearby so can attend on emergencies fairly quickly Neighbourhood Wivenhoe is not only situated in an area of natural beauty but is also a cosmopolitan village influenced by its proximity to Essex University and is home to scholars, artists, poets and musicians, all of whom very much add social colour to this pretty little village. There are many interesting pubs here; 'The Greyhound', which offers an open fire-place, a spacious garden bar with raised terraces, covered pergolas and a range of delicious meals all topped off with courteous & friendly service; 'The Black Buoy', a community-run pub, with a varied and interesting menu and very welcoming hospitality; 'The Rose & Crown', right on the river-front with outdoor seating from which to sit & enjoy the Colne drift by; 'The Railway', which hosts travelers looking for a quick drink or bite to eat between trains! If pubs aren't your thing we also have a plethora of restaurants and cafes; Indian, Italian, Spanish and Middle Eastern that can satisfy your need for either a Full English, a slice of Victoria Sponge or tasty tapas. Not forgetting of course, our two 'chippies' (fish-and-chip shops) serving scrumptious and traditionally cooked fresh fish. One is located not far from the river-front action and the other our award winning fish & chip takeaway, 'Henleys of Wivenhoe' is situated in upper Wivenhoe. The Wivenhoe Trail is a footpath and cycle path which connects the village to the University and to Colchester. It's mainly wooded so offers good shelter in the summer months and does open up as you get nearer to Colchester. It's lovely walking alongside the river. There are also footpaths along the river in the opposite direction that will lead you to nearby Alresford and Brightlingsea. Dogs love the freedom of these walks. Another idea, is to jump on a 'foot ferry' during the summer months, departing from the Wivenhoe jetty, to nearby Rowhedge and to Fingeringhoe just across the Colne river. Both are worth a visit but do look up the ferry timetable as it only operates during the months April thru October and trips are subject to tide fluctuations. Mersea Island is another fantastic destination for both seaside and rural vistas. You can easily drive there in less than 30 min or catch a bus from Wivenhoe (via Colchester). However be aware of the tide times when planning your arrival and/or departure from the island as the road can be cut off for short periods by high tides. We have a sailing club and the village hosts an annual town regatta in July. Wivenhoe has been holding this regatta since the 1800's and people flock to the quayside to watch a variety of sailing craft, including smacks (traditional East Coast craft), gigs, canoes and kayaks ply the estuary. The hotly contested 'raft race' draws the biggest crowds and laughs... There are also stalls galore, selling a variety of food and artwork made by locals including jewelry and beautiful pottery. A great day out by anyone's standards! As you can see, Wivenhoe offers a lot! Space CONCEALED but CONVENIENT Located just beyond earshot & eye-line of any roads, this secret little bolt-hole offers peace & quiet but presents the numerous renowned restaurants and bars of historic Wivenhoe within a 3-4 min walk. OLDE WORLDE but WELL EQUIPPED Your own Victorian cottage delivering loads of period charm & quirkiness but also boasting all the mod-cons needed for you to maximize a relaxing break: - New 40 inch Smart HD TV - Free WiFi Unlimited Broadband - Open fireplace - Modern cooker, new gas hob, new microwave - New fridge / freezer - New washing machine - Delightful sun-trap terrace garden & comfy furniture - An art lover's home from home ACCESSIBILITY The accommodation is over two levels and despite being the norm for period properties in the area, the painted stairs are steep and there are no stair gates provided. Therefore we do not recommend booking the Secret Cottage for guests or pets who: * have mobility issues * are elderly or unsteady on their feet * have young children that need supervision near steep stairs PARKING Free on-street parking on premises.