Guests say
Curlew is a much-loved seaside cottage praised for its stunning estuary views, peaceful setting, and exceptionally well-equipped amenities. Guests consistently highlight the thoughtful touches, spacious and comfortable interiors, and the abundance of entertainment for all ages. The hosts are frequently described as friendly, responsive, and attentive. While some mention the approach through a holiday park and the immediate surroundings as less appealing, the breathtaking views and well-appointed accommodation more than compensate. A few guests note accessibility challenges and minor maintenance issues, but overall, Curlew offers a memorable and relaxing coastal retreat for families and groups.
Multiple reviews describe the property as spotlessly clean, modern, and well-presented. There are no significant complaints about cleanliness, and guests consistently mention high standards throughout the cottage.
The location is widely praised for its direct waterfront position, mesmerising views, and tranquil atmosphere. Some guests note the approach through a holiday park and the surrounding area as less attractive, but the setting and vistas are repeatedly described as outstanding.
Guests frequently mention comfortable beds, spacious bedrooms, and a relaxing living area. While a few found the furniture basic or the outside space limited, the overall comfort level is rated highly, especially for families and multi-generational groups.
The property is celebrated for its extensive amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen, games, books, beach equipment, and entertainment options for all ages. Some minor maintenance and accessibility concerns are noted, but the facilities are generally considered excellent.
Guests repeatedly praise the hosts for their excellent communication, attention to detail, and thoughtful touches such as welcome packs and a wide range of amenities. While some guests mention gifts like welcome packs, please note these are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Standing on the beach overlooking the beautiful Colne Estuary, this is a stunning holiday house perfectly sized for two or larger families for great seaside fun.. 1 step to entrance.
Lower Ground Floor:
Utility Room: Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Wet Room: Shower, Toilet
Ground Floor:
Games Room: Table Football, TV, Netflix, DVD Player
Bedroom 1: Bunk (Double On Bottom, Single Above) Beds (Flexible Sleeping Only)
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link 2 x Single (2ft 6in) Beds
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
First Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: TV, Sky, Netflix, DVD Player, Patio Doors Leading To Balcony
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Breakfast Bar, Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher
Bedroom 3: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 4: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Highchair. Welcome pack. Patio area with garden furniture and BBQ. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking.. Live the seaside life at Curlew. Standing on the sea wall, this stunning holiday house overlooks the beach with amazing uninterrupted 180 degrees estuary views that are simply breath-taking whether it’s summer or winter. Perfectly sized for the larger family, generations, or two family get togethers. Specially designed to be a tranquil escape and take full advantage of the amazing sea views, sun, and wildlife, this is a truly unique property set immediately alongside the beach. This super location offers winter peace and summer fun to enjoy and relax at the seaside.
This modern beach-themed three storey property is fully equipped and very comfortably furnished for your full enjoyment. Excellent coastal walking can be enjoyed from the doorstep, and there is an abundance of bird life and nearby nature reserves, so be sure to bring your binoculars. The beach is 5 yards away so beach exploring, tidal swimming and crabbing is outside the door. Paddle-boarding and kayak on request.Windsurfing, kite-surfing, dinghy sailing, canoeing and sea fishing can be enjoyed from the beach (equipment not provided). Be prepared to drive out for trips and other amenities in local towns.
The Colne Estuary offers further fishing and boating opportunities. Check out Brightlingsea Harbour. There is a great watersports park at St Osyth, a 2-mile drive away. This area is well regarded as Essex’s ‘best kept secret’, with the popular coastal towns of Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, Mersea, Clacton, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze, all within half an hour’s drive. There is a foot ferry (summer months) to Mersea Island to Brightlingsea to enjoy the promenade, lido and fish and chips. The town of Colchester is close by, famous for its cobbled streets, castle and world renowned zoo, with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Further afield are Ipswich, Chelmsford and Felixstowe. Many picturesque villages and the Constable Country are close by - Dedham, Flatford Mill and Manningtree within ½ hour and, Nayland, Lavenham and Long Melford to name but a few. Other local pastimes include golf.
Pub, takeaway and cafe 150 yards, shop ½ mile walk with further pubs, takeaways and shops at St Osyth village, an easy 2 mile drive.
Free WiFi
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- West Mersea Beach
- East Anglian Railway Museum
Reviews (19)
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Mark Steventon
An amazing property in a brilliant position for crabbing and beach days especially if you enjoy watersports We all loved it so much the kids want to know when we can go backIf you like to visit, colchester zoo and sutton hoo are within easy drives aslo plenty of other places within easy reach We would highly recommend this holiday home thankyou to ellie and family for letting us use for the week
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Confirmed Guest
The hosts are really lovely and when we brought any issues to their attention, they happily came and sorted them out as best they could. They were very responsive leading up to the holiday and were happy to answer all my questions. We couldn't have wished for better hosts. I say that first because it pains me to be brutally honest about this property, but we were disappointed with the quality and size of the accomodation. Yes the views from the first floor living area are stunning, but the accommodation didn't match up. We felt that it was a bit basic - furniture a bit flimsy and not good quality, only rails to hang clothes on in the bedrooms, loose covers on the sofas and chairs which looked like they had seen better days. We didn't feel that it was luxurious. Don't get me wrong, it was perfectly adequate, just that I had expected more.We felt that the description on the agents' websites led us to believe that it was a much larger property, as it said it was for larger families, and sleeps 9. We struggled to see where they would all fit. There were 2 small sofas in the living area and they wouldn't fit 6 people comfortably. We felt that the outside space was barely usable and very unloved. It was just a small concreted area with hardly space to sit out, and no room to sunbathe. Very disappointing.I would not recommend this property for anyone with mobility difficulties, as externally there are steep, narrow, concrete steps to go down to the car parking space or to access the wet room and laundry. It was hard work carrying shopping up 2 sets of stairs. It should be noted that there isn't a toilet in the wet room as described, only showers, and you can't access it from inside the property, so it is only useful after being at the beach. We didn't use it as it would mean going downstairs, out the door, down the concrete steps and around the side of the property. Not very practical. We did like the games area downstairs, there is a large selection of board games, books, dvds and crafts, plus a magnetic dart board, table football/pool table and outdoor games. Plenty to keep the kids busy. The games room TV was very small though, so our boys didn't use it.One of our teenage sons had great fun at the nearby Aqua park, going twice. The other enjoyed a day out at Bressingham Steam railway, a 90 minute drive but well worth it for rail enthusiasts.We were there during the heatwaves and it was boiling hot, even with the windows open all day. We were glad that we took lots of fans with us, we wouldn't have coped otherwise. In spite of our initial disappointment, we did have a lovely 2 weeks at Curlew. We saw some spectacular sunsets and enjoyed relaxing, watching the tides come in and out, and all the sail boats every day. Very calming.
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Kelly W
Exceptional host. Curlew is a great place to stay if you want complete peace and quiet.The view & sunsets are amazing.The property is very well equipped and spotlessly clean. We didn't want to leave!We visited 'The curve' watersports centre during our visit which was great fun.The local butchers is wonderful as is the green grocers. They are a short drive away.We went for a meal for my sons 20th birthday at Pera Turkish restaurant and I would highly recommend this.