Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly)
This beautiful Grade II listed cottage built in 1600 boasts all of its original features, so its jam packed with history. At the same time the decor has been updated to allow a fresh, coastal feel but retaining the coziness of a low ceiling-ed, exposed beamed cottage.
If you are above 6ft 3" you will not fit into this cottage as its ceilings in the main living area are very low, but we feel it adds to its charm. The kitchen and master bedroom in contrast are later additions to the house and so have full height ceilings. This is a house that has evolved over the years and has a story to tell if only walls could talk!
With a fully equipped modern kitchen and bathrooms you will not have to suffer the inconveniences of period living but instead get a taste for the life of a fisherman that would have fished on the island hundreds of years ago, with all the modern day comforts!
The house has a large rear garden with beautiful views out towards the estuary and a small jetty where at high tide access can be gained to the water, for watersports. At the front there is a large driveway with parking for several cars.
The house is situated at the end of a long private driveway servicing just 5 houses all tucked away in the "Old City" part of the village also known as The Anchorage due to the Sailing/Yacht Clubs and Chandlers. This means that although the position is very secluded, quiet and peaceful you are never more than a few minutes walk from places to eat the lovely seafood on offer or drink in the local pubs. A few more minutes walk will take you to the centre of the village where you will find everything you need. With a top quality butchers, cafe's, post office, bank, library, shops and supermarkets, it means that once you have arrived, you'll never need to leave the Island again till it's time to go home!
Mersea Island is rapidly growing a reputation as a "foody haven", and just a few moments walk from Crabtree Cottage you will find the famous Company Shed. From this small "shed" by the waters edge you can eat freshly caught seafood moments out of the water. People trek from London to this unpretentious eatery each weekend to experience the fresh seafood on offer, its reputation is spreading so wide. There are plenty of other high quality, again unpretentious venues to eat the local seafood or other foody delights on offer, all accessed just a few minutes walk directly from the house. No need to take the car, just walk and have as many drinks as you like! Maybe sample each of the Mersea Island Breweries beers or Mersea Vineyard wines!
Please Note:- - Upstairs there are two linked bedrooms, and no bathrooms, as these are all on the ground floor. - Being a very old and quirky cottage the staircase to the upper floor is quite awkward for anyone with mobility issues.
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A cosy cottage by the sea with sea food and dog walks on the doorstep.
West Mersea
A cosy cottage by the sea with sea food and dog walks on the doorstep.
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 first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Colchester
Located in Colchester, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Cudmore Grove Country Park and Abberton Reservoir reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Colchester Arts Centre and Xtreme Gaming. Colchester Natural History Museum and Tenpin Bowling Colchester are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and horse riding.
Is Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly) pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly)?
As of 11 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly) on 15 Apr, 2025 start from S$322, 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 Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly)?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly)?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sea Views at this Grade II Listed Cottage with Baby Grand Piano (Pet Friendly) located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mersea Island Museum and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Mersea Island Vineyard. Cudmore Grove Country Park and Gosfield Lake Golf Club are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a superb time at the delightful cottage Everything was perfect Cottage was in a great location and very well equippedGarden was fantastic for the two dogs
A lovely old property - very comfortable with a well equiped kitchen etc and a large attractive garden with beautiful views. Good walks and great pubs
Jennifer L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
It's always nice to hear how comfortable people find the cottage, we have tried to think of everything to make a home with all the creature comforts you'd expect. Thank you Jennifer.
Verified
8/10 Good
Natalie C.
8 Jan, 2019
Cosy stay in beautiful Mersea
Had a lovely time exploring Mersea over New Years. The house was super cosy and the fire place was a real treat. The location is really great! Had a lovely time and would stay again.
Natalie C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Its so lovely to hear of another happy stay at our home. Unusually not being there for Christmas and New Years ourselves, its nice to hear of others enjoying the place as much as we do.
Verified
8/10 Good
Cal B.
4 Sept, 2023
Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location but mind your head!
A wonderful old cottage right on the river - great atmosphere.
Cal B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
The atmosphere is indeed very special both at Crabtree Cottage and the Island as a whole. Any time spent there (no matter how short) always feel like a real holiday and you leave well rested.
So pleased you felt the same Cal.
We all loved the cosiness of Crabtree Cottage. The garden was great, particularly for the children & dog.
Jane N.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr, 2024
That's so lovely to hear - we think its very cosy too. And the garden is such a great space for all the family and pets to enjoy. So pleased Jane and her family enjoyed their stay so much.
Sunsets from the back garden looking over the water, can’t be beat. The cottage was lovely, private and historic. Very attentive host. A great home to stay in on Mersea Island.
Helen M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul, 2024
Helen was such a lovely guest, who was a pleasure to host. I am pleased to hear she enjoyed her stay so much.
She is welcome back any time.
Very good
Well equipped
Maybe should be clearer that no bath/ toilet upstairs
Enjoyed stay very much
carolyn s.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct, 2024
So pleased Carolyn had a great stay and liked the cottage. I have checked and we do specify that there are no bathrooms upstairs, she must have missed that when reading the details about the accommodation.
The house is beautiful, traditional and quirky, decorated in a very tasteful way. A good sized garden with a sea view, you have all you need in the house with a very short walk into the town.
Lisa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr, 2023
Lisa was a pleasure to host and we are pleased her group enjoyed their stay.
An Idyllic, off the beaten track, but close to the sea and water sports location.
kenneth D.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug, 2022
Thanks Kenneth, so pleased you both enjoyed your stay. I know you were really looking forward to it, so I am very pleased (and relieved) it lived up to your expectations.
Really enjoyed our stay in this lovely quirky cottage. Best equipped kitchen of any cottage I’ve ever stayed in - loved the welcome goodies too. Secure garden was perfect for the dogs to run around, and also for us to admire the views, especially as we had good weather. I drew the short straw and had the upstairs room - as described, the stairs are very narrow and steep, so probably not suitable for six footers! All in all a really lovely cottage in a great location.
Gill L.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept, 2024
That's so lovely of Gill to comment on the well equipped kitchen. I always try to ensure it has everything you would need in a fully functioning kitchen, so thanks for noticing.
So pleased to hear they had good weather and could enjoy the outside space, but do be sure to return in the winter and have some cosy evenings inside beside the woodburner. It's such a cosy space in the midst of winter.
My family stayed at Crabtree cottage and we had a great stay. It was definately like staying in someones home rather than a holiday let. Great location short walk over to the jetty. Walking distance to shops and local pubs. We enjoyed the views over the estuary at night with a glass of wine. The downstairs bedroom and shower were ideal for my parents.
philippa garner G.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
Crabtree Cottage was our holiday home before we decided to share it with others. So yes, it has everything we ever wanted from a holiday home and more. We didn't want something that looked like it was created for paying guests with no thought to it feeling like an actual home.
So pleased Philipa and her guests were very comfortable there and had such a wonderful stay.
overall we were happy with the property and excellent communication with the owner however we think that the furniture is tired/grubby looking and the oven and baking tins need a deep clean but the location and outside space is very nice and relaxing, we would stay again
perry g.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug, 2023
On reading this review I changed my plans and immediately visited the cottage to understand why these disappointing comments had been written. Before arriving I'd wondered if the soft furnishings needed a clean perhaps, but they didn't. However I still ran all the cushion covers and throws through the wash to be sure.
With regards to the oven, it is an old range style cooker that has seen better days but still functions perfectly well and was not especially dirty. However following this feedback the oven has now had a deep clean with Mr Muscle and looks good as new again. I have also replaced all of the baking tins again (as I often do).
We had a great time at Crabtree Cottage and loved it's welcoming quirkiness! The views from the deck/garden were an added bonus. Comfy beds, well-equipped kitchen, lovely shower... and a baby grand piano which my daughter loved playing. Thank you for having us, Vanessa 🤩🤩
Kay T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2022
What a shame Kay chose to only give us a 4 star review rather than 5. Her comments were all exceptionally complimentary both in her online review and in personal correspondence with me directly. Not sure what more we could have done to deserve the extra star! 🤷♀️
That having been said it’s great to hear she and her family had such a wonderful stay at Crabtree Cottage! The weather was perfect so I am sure they had a wonderful time.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jules S.
30 Nov, 2018
Beautiful comfy cottage
Really enjoyed our stay here, great quiet position but within easy walking distance of brilliant restaurants. Weather very cold whilst we were there (middle of November) so didn't really get to enjoy the lovely gardens but must be amazing in the summer months with beautiful views over the estuary.
Cottage very cosy with warming log burner and very comfy beds.
Jules S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Another happy set of guests, that's always so nice to hear. Yes indeed its very cosy in the winter, but as you say its amazing in the summer out on the deck with a perfect view of the sunset with a glass in hand!
Lovely cottage with amazing garden and beautiful views
This is a lovely cottage in a really beautiful area with great views. The cottage is very spacious with comfortable seating and beds. Excellent communication with the host . Great amount of local information which we found very useful. My granddaughter loved the board games. Would definitely recommend
susan c.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct, 2023
So pleased to hear of happy guests - it is so important to us. We would welcome back Sue's family any time.
We really loved the house and had a very comfortable stay on Mersea Island. The sofa bed listed on the online description was broken was a problem for our party but we managed around it an Vanessa was charming and very helpful.
Emma H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2024
How lovely that Emma and her family loved the cottage and enjoyed their stay - always so wonderful to hear.
It is a bit disappointing that Emma has marked us down for the sofa bed which was not actually broken, but I had advised was heavy and that previous guests had found it difficult to manoeuvre. Sadly the issue is Emma didn't ask in advance for linens to use on the sofa bed. Had Emma advised me that she'd planned to use it (even though there were only 5 people visiting and we have beds for up to 6) I could have advised it would need someone that can move it (not elderly people) and I would have offered to provide linens. Instead she called late at night asking for linens which I was unable to provide at such short notice, for obvious reasons. She said they had planned all along to use it - so it would have made sense to check in advance that it would have linens made available, and where it is situated (since it is in the middle of the lounge and so can't be left out - so needs putting away each day).
I have now changed the listing removing the sofa bed to avoid further confusion for our guests.
What a beautiful, large garden for dogs as well as adults. The location was excellent and views were stunning any time of the day.
Everything that was needed was there.
Only probably the beams were son hit his head Lol. The rest of us were absolutely fine.
Will be back for sure.
Sandra H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul, 2024
I see you've decided to return - I am so pleased and looking forward to welcoming you back again.
Lovely position with ample parking.
House has bags of character. Tall guests will need to mind their heads!
As a house that allows pets, a few of us suffered mild allergic symptoms. Entirely my fault however as it is advertised as such but worthwhile mentioning if your group has allergies.
Great for walks and seafood 😋
As this was the second time, first was 2 years ago, it felt alittle need to TLC. Felt tired needing a lick of paint and maybe change some of the ornaments that equally looked tired now. Overall it serviced its purpose seeing that beautiful view again and making me realise how much I love West Meresa.
Overall it was
Sandra H.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct, 2024
Whilst this review is very disappointing, I am not totally surprised and was anxious before reading it. From the outset, when she initially booked her return stay, Sandra made it clear she was going to be comparing it to her first. Her message simply said - "Booking again for a second time - I do hope we are not disappointed!!" - with exclamation marks. I have to say this read as very threatening, so I was on my guard during her stay.
Sandra sent me a personal message after check out with her concerns about some rubbish that had been left behind as she said she didn't want to write it in a review. However she did not raise any of these concerns to me privately, instead she chose to write all this in a public review.
In response, I will accept that after two very busy seasons we have not had time to access the cottage with enough time to do a little touch up painting. With having white walls in the lounge and a wood burner they do need a refresh now and then, and this is now due. However, I do not agree that we should have to change ornaments every year. This is not only highly wasteful and contrary to our personal beliefs, it also goes against the fact that any ornaments at the cottage are things we have gathered over the years and treasure. They are not cheap things bought from Next that are replaced with each year's fashions. This is not a Holiday Let decorated for this specific purpose, but our Second Home that we are sharing with our guests.
Didn’t know what to expect. Didn’t realise that we had to cross a causeway until we received the tide times via email. However it was not a problem. The cottage was quirky and only for short people…….ha ha ha
The stay was lovely and village very nice, friendly people.
We have had a wonderful stay here. Both parents (in their 80’s) absolutely loved it and to my surprise too, two boys aged 12 did too.
My elderly dad enjoyed playing the piano - even bought music with him to play.
Enough space for the boys to run around, and a terrace for my parents to sit and enjoy the sun and view. It turned out to be the perfect getaway for everyone.
We’ve loved it!!
We’ve reminisced, and made new memories too. 😊. Exactly how it should be.
Katherine S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jun, 2023
Katherine and her family were the perfect guests. So easy to communicate with, very honest and full of integrity! Who could ask for better guests. It was so lovely to hear how much they ALL enjoyed their stay, all three generations! Perfect!
About the host
Hosted by Vanessa Roots
We are a fifty something couple who have a passion for property and interiors. Most of our time is spent researching, designing and making either furniture for our properties or designing their interiors.
We spend a lot of time doing hands on jobs ourselves, it's not often you won't find us with a paintbrush or sander in our hands, it's what we do to relax, we do enjoy it so much.
We love creating relaxing, calming, beautiful spaces to spend time in. The trouble is we never sit still long enough in any of them to make full use of them. Instead we have decided to share the homes with you, so you can enjoy these special spaces too.
We really hope you enjoy spending time in them as much as we did creating them!
Please be sure to check out our other property, a beautiful stone Masters House in rural Brittany, France just 20 minutes from the beautiful Crozon Peninsular with its amazing beaches;
We were brought up in rural Essex, so having lived in London for work for a few years we soon found ourselves missing the Essex coastline. We decided to look for a weekend home to escape from London and to spend more time with our friends and family. So the search began.
Having looked at other outlying villages in our part of Essex, we soon found that Mersea Island was the place for us. Although growing up only a stones throw from Mersea, we never fully appreciated it growing up. So when we found Crabtree Cottage in its amazing location, we soon realised we'd found a real gem in both this cottage and in Mersea Island. It really has its own charm.
Mersea Island is a special and unique place that enchants you from your very first visit, you'll want to return time and time again.
What makes this property unique
The many benefits of Crabtree Cottage include its secluded position down a long private driveway hidden from view. Even life-long Islanders have never heard of our location until they visit; we are so hidden away. However despite its secluded spot, the cottage is only a moments walk from the Anchorage part of the village, where the many Sailing Clubs, Pubs and Restaurants allow you to enjoy the coastal life!
Venture out beyond the bottom of the garden and you can walk along the sea wall all the way round the Island should you so wish! Or just a few minutes round the corner is West Mersea's Monkey Beach.
Just a 10 minute walk to the village centre allows access to all the amenities you could want. Once you've arrived no need to use the car, just leave it at home on the driveway! Perfect