Family-friendly vacation rentals in Elmstead

Beautiful 1 bedroom cottage

This lovely private cottage within 20acre gardens has 1 double bedroom, fully equipped kitchen with single oven, 4 hobs, fridge freezer, washing machine, microwave, table and chairs making it suitable for longer or short stays. The bathroom has full size bath with power shower overhead, and the sitting room 2 double sofas, smart tv and wood burner giving the cottage a really cosy feel. Guests will have access to the well known Green Island Gardens and Colchester is only a 5 minute drive away.

Magnificent private flat in Grade 1-listed Tower

A charming apartment located within the Grade 1 listed Layer Marney Tower! This apartment is situated within the main building of the Tower but benefits from its own private entrance and is completely self-contained. The apartment comprises an entrance lobby with a small kitchenette (microwave, fridge, kettle, tableware for 2), a 5-piece modern bathroom (shower, bath, toilet, sink, bidet) and a magnificent master bedroom with a huge four-poster bed. A perfect romantic getaway in the country!

Meadow view peaceful countryside lodge with ducks

Private Cosy getaway in the English countryside Whether you want to take advantage of the many local coastal & woodland walks or stroll to the local country pub Or just have some time to yourself & cosy up in the lodge or relax in the garden & feed our ducks You will have the entire lodge to yourself so you will not be disturbed it has its own private entrance as outlined in green on the photos Contactless check in No smoking in the lodge No parties Maldon high street is a 10 min drive

Totally self contained annex in Thorrington

Calm, stylish space in small village with local pub and shop within a 3 minute walk. Private separate access with own large parking space to self contained annex. One bedroom with king size bed with en-suite shower room and quality double sofa bed in lounge. Newly fitted out. Local country walks nearby with coastal town of Brightlingsea three miles away. Lovely beaches at Walton, Clacton & Frinton on Sea. Easy drive (4 miles) to Essex University. 25 minutes to Colchester (zoo & castle).

Self Contained Studio in Wivenhoe

Tuck away next to the Wivenhoe woods (upper Wivenhoe), this lovely self-contained studio flat provides comfortable accommodation throughout. The studio is on a cul-de-sac, with its own entrance. It is just a short walk to the University of Essex via Wivenhoe Public pathway. The the train station is also only 15 minute walk away through the Wivenhoe trail. Ideal for 1-2 guests, but a baby or small chid is welcome (providing that you bring your own travel cot & bedding with you).

Luxurious newly built cottage in central Wivenhoe

Set in the heart of Wivenhoe, within close reach of the water front and the village's superb array of shops, pubs and restaurants, this stunning one bedroom cottage has been newly built to an outstanding specification and provides comfortable, luxurious accommodation throughout. There is a fabulous open plan living space and bespoke kitchen, a delightful South facing courtyard, a double bedroom and a luxury bathroom. Perfect year-round holiday cottage, well behaved dogs welcome!

Cozy two bedroom cottage in lower Wivenhoe

The Little Blue Cottage A cosy and homely end of mews two bedroom cottage situated on lower Wivenhoe. Located at the end of a quiet gravelled mews out of sight and earshot of the road but just a stones throw away from local amenities (just 120 steps to The Greyhound pub)! At over 150 years old, this charming cottage is packed with original features and has recently been restored to a high standard ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay with all the latest mod cons.

Kerry’s garden cabin

Welcome to my cabin, set in the garden. Access to the cabin is through the side gate into the garden. Sleeps 2 on a double bed. Attached to my house, separate from the cabin, is the convenient use of your own downstairs shower room/toilet & kitchen area. Cabin is also a games room so guests have use of table tennis, football table, dart board and games. Just updated (May 2026)- new 65” smart TV. Parking is in the road just outside the house.

Riverside gem with a nautical past

In the heart of lower Wivenhoe on the quay, our little self-contained cottage was once part of the home of The Colne Marine and Yacht Company. Its thick brick walls and quiet and pretty disposition, defy its former role as a working yard where timber yachts were crafted and repaired, drawn up inside at high tide. Emma and Charlie welcome guests back time after time to relax and enjoy this very special place. We hope you will join them.

Redwing Lodge

A bright, modern, completely self-contained space with outstanding views across the estuary and surrounding countryside. Now in our sixth year and encouraged by your continued rave reviews, we look forward to welcoming you to this special place. From your unique vantage point, sit comfortably and watch the tide as it wraps around the fabulous Mersea Island. Remember we truly are an island when the tide is high!

Guest suite in Wivenhoe

We are offering a comfortable modern guest suite in the riverside town of Wivenhoe. The room is a guest suite on the ground floor in our family home and you will have complete privacy. The room has its own en suite shower room and one double bed. There is a small kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a small fridge, sink, toaster & single induction hob. There is a smartTV as well as WiFi.

Foresight House

Welcome to the newly refurbished and fully furnished Foresight House, complete with garden and off-road parking. Located near the outskirts of Colchester close to Rowhedge, yet only a few minutes from the centre of the country's oldest recorded town. Foresight House would suit families, couples or groups of friends. If you are a contractor looking for a longer stay and a good deal - please get in touch.