Malting Farm

3

Colchester, Essex

Three gorgeous cabins in the Essex countryside, with hot tubs, paddleboarding and a nature trail; perfect for families (sleeping 2-6 apiece)

Alfresco tub

Child friendly

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

Walk to a shop

WiFi

Space & setting.

You know something’s a real labour of love when it’s taken 4 years to build, furnish and finish. And that’s the case with this trio of luxe eco cabins, tucked between a wildflower meadow and a lazy stream on a 300-acre farm in the northeast Essex countryside. Each wooden lodge is its own handcrafted heaven, with the beds, tables, curtains and outdoor sofas made by the owners, and the stylish Scandi decor sourced locally.

Ideal for couples or families, each sleeps up to 6 people in a mix of kingsize and bunk beds. Book all 3 for an amazing group holiday. Kids will love having breakfast out on the deck and marshmallows around the firepit; adults can watch the sun set from the electric hot tub. The days, though, are for exploring. The farm is a rural wonderland, with paddleboarding and fishing on the private reservoir, bikes to borrow, and animals to meet. And with beautiful countryside, coastline, castles and historic towns a quick drive away, there’s enough to keep everyone happy for a week or more.

Getting here: drive, or train from London to Manningtree then taxi here (10 mins)

“My husband’s family have run this farm since the 1920s, and it continues to grow and evolve with each generation. These cabins are part of our own long-term diversification plans, which we’ve designed to complement our love of farming, family and the countryside. After having 2 small children we realised how difficult it is to find a holiday to suit the whole family, so we decided we wanted to provide the kind of experience that we wanted for ourselves. We didn’t want a retreat with nothing to do, nor a busy commercial kids’ holiday. We wanted nature, outdoor space and nature-based activities we could all enjoy. The cabins have a rustic glamping appeal without being cold, damp and dark, as well as being low impact on the environment.” Owner, Samantha

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Meals on the deck to the sound of birdsong and curling up with a book in the hanging chair.”

We love
The beautiful oak headboards, handmade from a fallen oak tree on the farm.

You may not love
Min 2/3 nights, see Specifics. Only 2 adults per cabin, this is a peaceful place for families or couples. The cabins share the same meadow, 15m apart. Sorry, no pets.

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  • "After a wonderful stay in the summer we decided to return for Christmas, taking my parents with us. The cabins offer a slice of luxury in the great outdoors, you really do get the best of both worlds. The underfloor heating meant a constant perfect temperature and the hot tub in your own private garden area is a great addition. The owner Sammy went out of her way to make the stay extra special by leaving Christmas treats, gifts for our arrival, a delicious home made Christmas cake and a real Christmas tree in each cabin. We went on lots of walks, there is a zip line a few yards from the cabins and a tyre swing to keep the children happy. On our summer trip we made use of the paddle boards and the lake that is just behind the cabins. There is also an honesty shop on site. I can’t recommend this little gem of a place enough. Living in the city I crave time away from the hustle and bustle, but I struggle with camping so this really is the perfect get away! We shall be returning again soon!"

    Kirsty, December 2022

Sustainability.

The cabins house eco-friendly products and Moving Beans compostable coffee pods. The farm is a mixed one, producing arable crops and livestock, and participates in national environmental schemes as part of this. Arable land provides winter food and shelter for birds; there’s a long-term hedge and tree-planting plan, and the owners have planted an acre of
woodland and over 1km of hedges.

Surrounds.

  • Harwich
  • Colchester Zoo
  • There are plenty of local walks or head out on the farm’s nature trail. If 2 wheels are more your thing, bikes can be hired from reception.
  • Go paddleboarding on the private reservoir (boards and life jackets to hire) or bring your fishing equipment to take advantage of the well-stocked waters.
  • Kids will love the animals at Brook Meadow Menagerie; walk there from the cabins.
  • Excellent pub grub is an easy drive away at The Sun Inn in Dedham, The Red Lion in East Bergholt and the Crown at Nayland.
  • Wrabness Nature Reserve, with views of the Stour Estuary is a bird lover’s dream (10 mins’ drive). Keep an eye out for turtle doves, song thrush, yellowhammers and nightingales.
  • Head to The Pier in Harwich for delicious fresh fish, straight from the boats, and views of the Ha’penny pier.
  • Take a wingsurfing or wingfoiling lesson with Winging It Watersports.
  • Gin’s even better straight from the source. Visit the East Coast Distillery for a tour and a tasting session.
  • Colchester (9 miles away) has a wonderful castle and zoo, plus family friendly restaurants.

Specifics.

  • 3 standalone cabins, side by side in a meadow.
  • Stoats Burrow (sleeps up to 6, max 2 adults):
    • 2 bedrooms (kingsize; double bunkbeds)
    • Bathroom with shower and bathtub
  • Hares Hideaway (sleeps up to 4, max 2 adults):
    • 2 bedrooms (kingsize with in-room bath; single bunkbeds)
    • Bathroom with shower and bathtub
  • Otters Lodge (sleeps up to 6 max 2 adults):
    • 2 bedrooms (kingsize; 2 sets of single bunkbeds)
    • Bathroom with shower only
  • Each cabin has:
    • Underfloor heating
    • Fully equipped kitchen including oven, hob, Nespresso, and boiling water tap; basic supplies provided
    • Open-plan living area with Smart TV and games
    • Fibre-optic WiFi
    • Covered terrace area with sofa and electric hot tub
    • Firepit with hanging BBQ grill
  • High chairs and travel cots available on request (£5 each)
  • Hire bikes on site
  • Home-cooked meals can be ordered in advance from a local chef
  • The owners are available by phone should you need them
  • Walk to honesty shop on site or drive 5 mins to shops
  • Drive 10-20 mins to pubs, restaurants and cafes
  • Sorry, no pets allowed
  • Remember to pack: wellies, beach towels and fishing equipment
  • Booking conditions: Minimum of two night stays only during off-peak season excluding school holidays, check the calendar for applicable minimum stays on your dates.

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

The cabins are strictly 2 adults each, plus children, to keep the peace on-site. So it’s an ideal place to come with other families or other couples and have a cabin each.

Unfortunately no.