The apartment, which is self-contained and on two floors, forms part of Pump House, a large house in the country village of Great Burstead in the county of Essex.

Great Burstead has a long and interesting history with a 14th century church thathas links with Christopher Martin, one of the leaders of the Pilgrim Fathers and the early settlers in the USA.

The village is close to Billericay - a small country town with strong US connections. London, Canterbury, Cambridge, Colchester and "Constable Country" can all be reached within an hour by road. There is a fast rail link to London (30 - 40 minutes). A regular bus service is available close by. Whilst a car is not essential, it would enhance your enjoyment.

Description of the accommodation

The accommodation in the apartment (up to 1,500 sq. ft.) has two living rooms, a dining room, a fully-fitted kitchen and the choice of one, two or three bedrooms with one to three bath/shower rooms (two en-suite).

First floor rooms are air-conditioned.

The apartment is luxuriously appointed with every needed facility. It can be used for up to six persons. Children under the age of 10 are not normally taken, but exceptions can be made with special conditions applying.

Within the grounds, and available for the use of guests, there is an open-air swimming pool (heated to 80 degrees F/ 27 degrees C, May to September), a spa/hot tub with fully glazed gazebo, summer house, barbecue facilities, garen games and garden furniture.

Parking facilities are within the grounds. Car hire is available from local suppliers if needed.

For the benefit of other guests, no smoking is permitted in the apartment and no pets are allowed.

The apartment is three quarters of a mile from the nearest store and Post Office. Billericay, with its wide range of shops and railway station is two and a half miles away. Milk and bread will be purchased for your arrival, if requested. Linen and towels are provided.

Please visit http://www.thepumphouseapartment.co.uk to find out more about the holiday cottage, amenities, surrounding area and places to visit in Essex.

The property is well suited for reaching London (just 30 minutes from local station). Cambridge, Colchester and Constable Country are all within easy reach. The county of Essex has much to offer holidaymakers. The seaside resorts of Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea are within 30 minutes drive, the antiques centre of Battlesbridge is about 15 minutes away, there are several country parks a short drive away, scenic waterfront walks in Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, historic villages with olde-worlde houses in Thaxted and Saffron Walden in north Essex, and many other towns and villages close by for a taste of real Essex, including Tiptree with its jam factory, Canvey Island and country park. There are numerous pubs and restaurants in the neighbouring towns of Brentwood, Shenfield, (with some very good shops), Crays Hill, Wickford, Rayleigh, and, if you like outdoor street markets, there are some in Basildon, Pitsea, and a large market in Romford.

Travel: Billericay (out of London Liverpool St.), Stansted or Gatwick Airports.

Good places to visit: London with its museums, royal palaces, historic buildings, theatreland, art galleries. Colchester for the castle, zoo, historic connections and excellent shopping centre. Constable Country in north Essex for some of the most beautiful scenery around as painted by famous landscape artist John Constable. Cambridge for its historic university buildings and punting on the Cam. There is just so much to see and do within easy driving distance.

Annual Events: Essex Steam Fair in September, usual local Carnivals, firework displays at seaside resorts.

Good places to eat: The Magic Mushroom in Brentwood and at Barleylands, La Toscana

Local Sports: Swimming in own outdoor heated pool, badminton, squash, horse riding.

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