Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area
Souters Holiday Cottage is a quiet and relaxing private place to stay. It is well placed to give access to many interesting areas, sites and actitivites. See our website for more detail: Souters is a small converted barn and suitable for couples. It has a large sitting room with a high vaulted ceiling, a well equipped open plan kitchen, separate double bedroom and a shower room with power shower. It is all on one level inside but has sloping paths and steps outside. Souters has underfloor heating throughout and also a stylish modern woodburner which makes for very cosy evenings in the colder months. Outside there are two terraces to be enjoyed during the summer and a large grassed area for play or relaxation. Fresh herbs can be found in the garden borders which guests are welcome to use.
There are a wealth of public footpaths in the area which make for good and varied walking. Up to 2 well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note that the garden and woods immediately around Souters are unfenced but there is a securely fenced adjacent field where guests are welcome to run their dogs. We ask that dogs are not allowed on furniture but if this is impossible to police and your dogs are used to doing so at home please bring adequate rugs/covers as well as their beds. Please make clear at time of booking how many dogs you will be bringing with you.
Souters Holiday Cottage is found in the grounds of Valley Farm Cottage, home to the owners. It is just off the track leading to their smallholding and fields, which stretch as far as the river Brett, a tributary of the River Stour. It is a great spot for bird watching and present through various times of the year are nightingales, kingfishers, hobbies, woodpeckers, owls, buzzards, sparrow hawks and numbers of other woodland, river and garden birds. There is wildlife in abundance too including deer, foxes, badgers, slow worms and grass snakes, stoats and a great number of rabbits. Guests are welcome to walk through the coppiced woods to the river and enjoy the peace. A new project of restoring wildlife habitat on the property has been underway for the past two years and already the benefits can be seen in the increase of wildlife, flora and fauna. We hope to develop this further.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
£15 per pet per night fee applies
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside properties.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Dogs not allowed on furniture please and must not be left alone at any time in property. Garden is unfenced but secure adjacent field available
Responsible smoking permitted in garden only.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Colchester
Located in Colchester, this holiday home is in a rural area. Dedham Vale and Bridge Cottage are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Suffolk Distillery and Tenpin Bowling Colchester. Brantham Leisure Centre and Green Island Gardens Ardleigh are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area on 16 May 2026 start from £111, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Dedham Vale and within 6 miles (10 km) of Bridge Cottage and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. Suffolk Distillery and RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Souters is a lovely house, very quiet (remote), very well equipped, everything was there, underfloor heating was great and a nice fireplace to make it homely...we will come again!
Peter v.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
We were very glad to host you over New Year before your return to Holland. We hope to see you again
This was our first time in the area and the cottage was the perfect base to explore from. Perfect for walks with our dog and visiting the beautiful villages around Dedham Vale. Cath was a wonderful host and we are looking forward to a return trip!
We loved our weekend stay - a tranquil location perfect to unwind. A lovely lemon drizzle cake on arrival was an unexpected surprise! Lots of wildlife and lovely walks with our dog. Highly recommended.
Andrew S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jun 2023
Thank you for your review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay.
Beautiful cottage with everything you could want. Cath was super helpful yet not intrusive. We enjoyed exploring Constable country and the local beaches with our dog. Made good use of the cozy cottage while the storm raged outside. Loved our stay at Souters.
Booked this property a year in advance as it sounded so good. In fact it exceeded expectations and we had a delightful stay. Very rural but still convenient for road network. All the comforts of home and more. Lovely hosts and first class communications, thank you both very much.
Pauline W.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We were very flattered by your positive review. We hope very much that you will return to continue exploring the area.
The cottage was everything we wanted. Brilliant for the dogs. The secure field was excellent and our dogs loved it. Although the cottage garden said not a secure location for the dogs technically it isn’t but ours were perfectly safe off lead. Couldn’t fault it. Also just eats do deliveries there.
Chris B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jun 2022
Thank you Chris for your review. I am glad that Souters met your expectations - and good to learn that Just Eats deliver here too! We hope to see you back some time.
We absolutely loved Souters and everything about it exceeded our high expectations!
Cath was a delightful host who made us feel so welcome and the cottage is a quiet, beautifully appointed hideaway which felt like a home from home.
The area is outstanding with the walk down to the river through the woods a particular favourite.
We really can’t wait to return and recharge our batteries when the opportunity arises.
Thank you for a splendid holiday!
We had a lovely stay here, Cath was a great host and communication was quick and very helpful. In a lovely area of the Suffolk countryside, with lots of birds to listen to from the patio. We did a fabulous walk from the front door and there are plenty of pubs to choose from only a short drive away. We thought the cottage was even nicer than the pictures show, and loved using the pizza oven one evening. Thank you Cath!
Claudia J.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2024
I am so glad that you enjoyed exploring the countryside around here and using the pizza oven at Souters. You would be very welcome to return.
We had a wonderful time staying at Souter's. Super charming and very private, perfect to forget about the world and one's worries. We enjoyed the tranquility and privacy of the place and we were blessed with amazing weather. We had two barbeque days and all was well provided by Cath and Nick.
Dear Cath, thank you so much for your great communication and the super tasty cake. Hopefully we can return soon.
Beautiful cottage set in a wonderful and peaceful location. Caths' directions were spot on and we found it easily.
The cottage was so lovely clean and homely, we were met by Cath and shown around, our dog loved the woods walk and don to the river, stunning location and we also had gorgeous weather! There are somer lovely pubs locally too which are dog friendly which Cath told ud about.
There was even a yummy banana and chocolate chip cake on our arrival at the cottage. We will definitely be back!
Debbie F.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2022
We can't always guarantee the weather but the welcome will always be warm. . . .
We rented Souters so that we could spend New Year with family nearby. Our big regret was that we got to spend so little time in the cottage and exploring the local area so we’ll be back. It is a lovely converted barn set in peaceful woodland. It’s off the beaten track but only two miles from the A12 and from the beautiful village of Dedham, which has shops and restaurants. It has all the character you would expect of a barn conversion with all the comforts needed for a relaxing holiday including underfloor heating, comfy bed, well-equipped kitchen and wi-fi. The owners are very welcoming and provided flowers, milk and a delicious homemade cake on arrival. They really have thought of everything and we look forward to going again for longer next time.
Judith C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We are so glad that you plan to return to spend more time exploring the area.
Absolutely loved our time here. We went for a short break to get some well needed respite. The cottage is beautiful and homely. Everything is done to a high standard but has so much history and charm. The upstairs nook was perfect to chill with a book and a blanket - looking at the night sky. Souters cottage is large with all modern amenities. Cath and Nick have put so much thought into their guests enjoying their stay and it really shows. There are the basics of everything that you will need already provided, leaflets & brochures & contact details for loads of local things to try or explore. On arrival the cottage was warm and there was a scrumptious fresh baked cake on the table and fresh flowers. Fantastic hosts. The local area is beautiful and tranquil, the cottage is surrounded by small farms, fields of horses and walking trails. The scenery is very beautiful, very private and quiet. I would definitely recommend! I look forward to coming back in the spring/summer months to make use of the pizza oven and private garden.
Lucy B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
Thank you so much Lucy and we are glad that you had such a positive stay. We look forward to seeing you again.
Souters is an idyllic retreat, lovely building, super cozy. The surrounding area is lovely and given better weather would have been great for walking. Even so I managed to spot an otter in the nearby river Stour. One slight criticism, due to the remote situation I feel a full size fridge/freezer is essential, especially in the warmer months.
Gary C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2022
How lovely that you saw an otter while here. Point noted about the freezer although I am glad that you were able to make use of the offered space in our easily accessible chest freezer during your short stay. We also have a separate designated freezer for dog food which guests are welcome to use if they feed their dogs a raw food diet.
Enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Charming little barn out in the country. We had great fun making use of the pizza oven outside! Would highly recommend!
Ian W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2022
Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay and had some fun using the pizza oven.
Souter, maker of shoes, how long ago?
Did he sit in woods like these and see what we see today? An amphitheatre, an oasis, surrounds the cottage. Tall Pines and vibrant Sycamore form a protecting wall against the weather. In the clearing life flourishes. Listen, there is the Thrush and Robin, familiar garden friends. There on the Elder sits another speckled visitor, the Flycatcher, darting out and back with a beak brimming with flying insects. A rustling in the eaves alerts us to a nest. The noisy chicks so insistent, the parents so diligent. It’s a great tit’s nest. Look carefully, is it a young birds head looking out into a new world? Without a moments hesitation it leaves the nest, pushing off into the unknown, leaving the less ambitious siblings behind. One by one over the next few hours they all emerge to their new life. The last and somewhat reluctant chick, flutters uncertainly and collides with a the freshly trimmed hawthorn hedge. It drops the the ground, shakes its head and undaunted launches into the air with the optimistic determination of youth to join its companions.
What is that commotion? A Jay has entered the arena. A predator, a danger. The alert sounds. Blue titis and their allies mass to attack and harass the gaudily dressed intruder. It tries to evade the belligerent and incensed parents but they are insistent and will not be denied. The Jay retreats for the time being but he will be back. The cuckoo mocks his retreat in a strident call, the harbinger of Summer.
A rustle, a glimpse of a tan fur, a shy deer melts into the undergrowth. Night begins to fall and with it the birds join in a joyful chorus, led by the thrush and crowned by the prima donna, the Nightingale, notes tumbling on top of each other, rising and falling in a mellifluous melody.
As darkness deepens Brock appears, shuffling and huffing on his nightly perambulation. He stops, sniffs, a tempting scent. He samples the gift, peanuts. Little does he realise his image has been captured by an infrared camera and will live on in the watcher’s memory.
Maybe the Souter would have seen more but for us its was more than enough. A magical week, a real tonic, many thanks to you Nick and Cath.
Chris and Sandra Robinson
Christopher R.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
About the host
Hosted by Catherine Marno
Souters is found in the grounds of Valley Farm Cottage, home to Nick's family for nearly 100 years. The restoration of Souters was completed in 2012 with most of the work being done by Nick. Both he and Cath enjoy continuing to develop features at the property. Nick works as a self employed heating engineer and is a keen conservationist and prioritises habitat restoration in the woods and fields around Valley Farm Cottage. Cath works for a local organic grower, enjoys growing fruit and vegetables for the home and is known for her baking and preserving. She has planted a herb bed at Souters for guests to use. Cath also enjoys walking the wealth of country footpaths with her dogs.
Why they chose this property
Souters is an oasis of calm and peace; despite being only a couple of miles from the A12 and with very easy access to a host of interesting places. You can choose to visit any number of sites and areas nearby or you can equally choose to stay put and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife or just put your feet up with a book by the fire. A great place for a romantic break. Up to 2 well behaved dogs are welcome and catered for. There is a safe, enclosed field adjacent to Souters in which to exercise dogs and a network of footpaths around, providing a variety of walks. Please DO NOT travel to Souters if you are unwell/suffering from Covid-19 or any covid or flu-like symptons.
What makes this property unique
Souters was a derelict stable building, surrounded by overgrown trees and brambles when we moved back here in 2005. We realised it wasn't possible to try to incorporate it into the lower farmyard (which at the time we used for livestock) but that it could make a beautiful dwelling. Nick did much of the restoration himself. We have left many of the internal timbers exposed which give character to the building and there are some carpenters marks left on the beams inside. A spiral staircase leads to a small mezzanine area for reading and contemplation. We love living at Valley Farm Cottage and particularly enjoy the peace and quiet and the wealth of wildlife apparent throughout the year. It is lovely to be able to share this with guests at Souters and we have met some very lovely people. Although within the grounds of our home it is far enough away to feel private and secluded but near enough that should any questions or problems arise they can be dealt with immediately.