Hotspur - West Mersea, Essex, England

Walking along the gangway to the deck, the top floor is made up of a 22ftx16ft, bright, modern lounge which had a £60,000 refit. It has views out to sea. Next to the lounge is the master bedroom, 17ftx14ft, with a built in wardrobe and dressing table. This leads to the rear deck. Fully double glazed and with solid wooden floors and ceiling, the stairs to the lower floor is through the original hatch, though there is a stairwell leading down from the master bedroom directly into the saloon. Once downstairs, the narrow corridors and low odd -shaped berths with wood-paneled walls take you back in time. It is like wandering through a massive treasure chest, as multi-bunk berths hide behind nooks and crannies. The saloon, measuring 16ft square is awash with original craftsmanship with oak beams, three portholes, built-in wooden benches and an impressive amount of storage space. It is also home to a multi-fuel burner that keeps the entire boat toasty warm and incredibly cosy, though there are also electric heaters and under-bunk heating.

The galley kitchen houses a range of bespoke, fitted units in keeping with the flavour of Hotspur, with angled units and worktops, but with all the mod cons. The bathroom is off the kitchen. The boat’s name is Hotspur, which means Lad of the Seas. Hotspur is made from two-inch teak on oak beams, and is tremendously strong and in good shape.

Can be combined with our other property Rookery Lodge just 25 minutes away for even larger parties for weddings etc.

Or if you are simply looking for a smaller  quiet country retreat try Rookery Lodge, which sleeps 2 to 8.

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

Cudmore Grove Country Park. Sailing, Walking

Nearest Train Station or Airport: Colchester

Recommended Places to Visit: Colchester and Castle, Colchester Zoo Dedham, Flatford constable country. Cudmore Grove country park

Annual Events: West Mersea Regatta August 20th or thereabouts. Annual firework display August Regatta week.

Recommended Places to Eat Out: Company Shed, Oyster Bar, both good fresh seafood on the front. Victory, Peldon Rose.

Local Sports: Sailing, waterskiing, horseriding, swimming

Mersea is Britain’s most easterly, populated island – 5 square miles of unique natural beauty just off the Essex coast. Accessed from the English mainland solely via The Strood, a 1300-year-old, half-mile causeway occasionally flooded by high tides, Mersea boasts Britain’s finest oysters, creek-riddled nature reserves, superb walking and birdwatching, excellent sailing and fishing, plus sandy beaches and warm summer seas. Wander among salt marshes rich with samphire and enjoy delicious sustainable produce: renowned Mersea native oysters, estuary and North Sea fish, a vineyard and micro-brewery, organic seasonal fruit and veg, locallly-reared meat, a working smokehouse and traditional bakers. Mersea’s maritime heritage is manifested in its reputation as a world-class sailing centre.

• » Self-catering Essex - cottage holidays in Essex
• » Self-catering cottages and holiday accommodation Billericay, Essex
• » Self-catering and holiday cottage accommodation Wickford, Essex
• » Self-catering and holiday cottage accommodation Romford, Essex
• » Self-catering holiday accommodation with facilities for the elderly or disabled
• » Self catering large country houses in England
• » Self-catering and holiday cottage accommodation Maldon, Essex
• » Self-catering accommodation in the Home Counties England - rent a cottage
• » Self-catering rentals near Luton Airport, north of London
• » Self-catering accommodation in and near Exmoor National Park
• » 2 bedroom self catering holiday accommodation
• » A random collection of holiday cottages with parking in England
• » Self-catering accommodation near Windsor Castle
• » Self-catering holiday cottages in the West Midlands
• » Family holiday parks in England UK with self-catering cottages to rent
• » Self-catering cottages and holiday accommodation in and near Audley End, Essex
• » Self-catering holiday accommodation in England with facilities for children
• » Self-catering and holiday cottage accommodation Nazeing, Essex
• » Country cottages and self-catering accommodation in England to sleep 4 people
• » 3 and 4 bedroomed cottages with a wood burner in England