Thaxted is a charming town set amongst beautiful Essex farmlands and is a picture perfect place for a country cottage holiday.  With its historic Guildhall, oldey worldey medieval buildings and pretty windmill, it is a pleasure to spend time in this town.  There are also a few pubs and some shops in the town.  Characteristic of this part of Essex are coloured buildings, some of which are thatched which add to the character of Thaxted.  The town is surrounded by green pastures and farmland.  This part of Essex is likely to appeal to those looking for a rural cottage break.   Thaxted is also well located for exploring beautiful North Essex as well as some simply adorable parts of Suffolk.  The quaint village of Finchingfield with its famous duck pond is just over 7 miles drive away, as is the town of Saffron Walden.  Idyllic Long Melford in Suffolk is around 1 hour away by car and pretty Lavenham can be reached in just over one hour.  Thaxted may appeal to you if you are looking for a good base to explore the highlights of North Essex and Southern Suffolk during a self-catering holiday.