Luxury Self-Catering and Sauna

Entire guesthouse in Essex, United Kingdom

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Emily
  1. Superhost
  2. 4 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 1% of homes

This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Peace and quiet

Guests say this home is in a quiet area.
Escape to Oaks Rest, a tranquil retreat in Lexden, Colchester with views of ancient oak trees.

Unwind in the traditional sauna and relax in a shared wildlife-friendly cottage garden. Enjoy nearby walks and meet our friendly cats and chickens, while being close to the city, cafés and shops.

The luxury self-catering retreat offers easy self check-in, fully equipped kitchen, books, games and free overnight EV charging.

Perfect for couples and solo travellers seeking a calm city break or holiday.

The space
Welcome to Oaks Rest, a peaceful retreat in Colchester. Relax in a traditional sauna, enjoy views of ancient oak trees and our cottage garden, stroll along woodland walks from your doorstep and benefit from free overnight EV charging.

🛋️ Living Space
Relax in the open-plan living area with cosy fireplace, comfortable sofa, and Smart TV (including Netflix, Prime & Disney+). The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need for a comfortable stay, plus books, magazines and games to enjoy. The accommodation is attached to our main house but completely separate and accessed from the shared garden.

🛏️ Bedroom & Bathroom
The king-size bedroom features soft linens, storage, and a second Smart TV. An en-suite shower room includes fresh towels and complimentary toiletries.

🌿 Garden, Sauna & Cabin (Shared)
Step into our shared cottage garden with seating, loungers and space for outdoor dining. The garden cabin houses a traditional sauna and games, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring, curtains are available for full privacy.

📍 Location & Nature
Backed by Bluebottle Grove (English Heritage) and school fields, you’ll have direct gated access to a delightful woodland walk leading to Endsleigh Meadow and the leafy Lexden Park. The house is on a quiet residential street in Prettygate.

🐾 Pets Welcome
Well-behaved small to medium dogs are welcome.

🚗 Parking & EV Charging
Driveway parking included and suitable for large vehicles to the front right of the main house, on-street parking is also available. Free overnight EV charging (up to 38kWh) is via a MyEnergy Zappi system and is scheduled on plugging in.

🔒 Peace of Mind
CCTV covers the driveway and external access gate/chickens for security only. As we back onto green spaces the back garden is not overlooked aside from our house and minimally by our neighbours to the side.

Guest access
Access is via a secure side gate to the right front of the main property.

Parking is available on the right hand side of our shared gravel driveway and is suitable for large vehicles.

Other things to note
Direct access to Bluebottle Grove is via a small slope, so may be unsuitable for some. Flat access to Endsleigh Meadow and Lexden Park is available in front of the house, head right and you will find the path a couple of minutes walk down the road.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Garden view
Park view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 100 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 1% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 100% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 0% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Essex, England, United Kingdom
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

Nestled in the quiet Magazine Farm Way, Oaks Rest offers guests a delightful neighbourhood with charm and convenience. Guests adore the peaceful ambiance of our quiet garden, backing onto school fields as well as a low traffic residential road, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.

Just a brief 5-minute stroll away lies the heart of Prettygate, with great local amenities. Indulge in a freshly brewed cup of coffee and meal at the beloved Coffee Hog Cafe, stock up on essentials at the nearby CO-OP Food store, grab a book at the local library. Craving a savory meal? Explore the diverse array of dining options, from cozy pubs to great takeaways and home delivery services, ensuring something to satisfy everyone.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grove that we back onto provides the perfect opportunity to explore the Colchester Orbital walking route. This scenic pathway seamlessly connects some of the city's most picturesque green spaces, offering a leisurely 25 minute stroll to Colchester centre. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the tranquillity of this lovely setting.

While the nearby school fields of St. Benedict's and Philip Morant may occasionally echo with the joyful laughter of sports and playing children, rest assured that Oaks Rest remains secluded and serene, shielded from traffic and the hustle and bustle of city life. The location provides a great countryside feel with lots of fresh air while still being close to the city centre.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion or a tranquil retreat, the neighbourhood surrounding Oaks Rest promises an array of delights to discover. From its charming cafes and shops to its pretty walking trails and nearby attractions, there's no shortage of things to do.

Further Afield

Experience the best of Colchester and the surrounding area during your stay. You can explore over 2000 years of rich history by visiting Colchester Castle, or enjoy a fun packed day at Colchester Zoo, one of the finest in the UK, both a very short drive away.

Whether you're seeking historic tours, cultural enrichment or natural beauty, you'll find it nearby. Traverse the picturesque Dedham Vale and Flatford Mill, immortalized by John Constable, savor the delectable seafood on offer at Mersea Island, else you can meander through the scenic trails at Beth Chatto Gardens or Markshall Estate, or marvel at the avian wonders at Abberton Reservoir or Fingringhoe Wick or step back in time at the East Anglian Railway Museum.
The beautiful nearby beaches of Frinton and Walton are a 40 minute drive and there is great family entertainment to be had on the piers in Clacton or Southend.

You can also indulge in some retail therapy at the nearby, including Tollgate with its wide range of shops including an excellent M&S Food Hall and Cafe. Colchester's vibrant shopping centre offers a diverse array of restaurants, cafe's, shops and boutiques to peruse at your leisure.

Meet your host

Superhost
100 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
4 years of hosting
Born in the 80s
My work: Account Executive - IT Asset Management
I love gardening, the great outdoors and work for an Circular IT Services company. I host with my husband Daniel, our two daughters, two cats and many rescue chickens.

Emily is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Daniel

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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