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A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea

Photo gallery for A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea

A living room with a sofa, a lamp, and a sliding glass door leading to an outdoor patio with chairs and a table.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dishwasher, a stove, and a sink.
A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a painting of a boat on the wall, and a window with blinds.
A single-story house with a tiled roof, white siding, and a gravel driveway.
A living room with a sofa, a television, a fireplace, and a dining area visible through a glass door.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Barbecue grill
    A rare find - perfect for a relaxed, outdoor grilling experience.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
West Mersea, England
  • Place, beach near Fishing lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Mersea Island Museum
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Colchester Castle Park
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (12 reviews)
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About the area

Colchester

Located in Colchester, this cottage is near the beach. Headgate Theatre and Hollytrees Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Mersea Island Vineyard and Gosfield Lake Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Colchester Arts Centre, or check out an event or a game at Colchester Community Stadium. Kayaking, windsurfing and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
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Map
West Mersea, England

What's nearby

  • beach near Fishing lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Mersea Island Museum - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Colchester Castle Park - 28 min drive - 17.3 km
  • University of Essex - 31 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Jimmy's Farm - 57 min drive - 61.8 km

Getting around

  • Colchester Kelvedon Station - 24 min drive
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Kings Head - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪Mersea Island Fish Bar - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Brightlingsea Swimming Pool Cafe - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪The Dukes Seafood - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Ye Olde Swan - ‬28 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea?

As of 29 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea on 1 Jan 2027 start from £348, 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 A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea located?

This family-friendly Colchester cottage is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Mersea Island Museum and Mersea Island Vineyard. Cudmore Grove Country Park and Abberton Reservoir 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful relaxing stay, the property was immaculate with everything you would need and more.Great location to explore mersea.Thankyou Angie
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2026
Thank you for the lovely review and for leaving Sunshine Corner very clean and tidy we look forward to welcoming you again on another in the future. Angie.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Immaculate property. Very well maintained. Excellent quiet location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Everything in the property was perfectly clean ,we had everything we needed ,lovely weather and enjoyed out and about thank you
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2025
Thank you for the lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your stay and the Island. Angie.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very enjoyable stay, well stocked cottage with comfortable bedrooms, lounge, bathroom, kitchen and conservatory, extra fans were provided when weather was too hot.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My mum and I loved our stay . We definitely loved the location as it was extremely close to relatives in the area. Our hosts were fantastic. At the beginning ofour stay the provided milk, bread and some other essentials. Lovely touch . The place is warm and cozy and walkable to many restaurants & pubs nearby .
Stayed 22 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sunshine Cottage

We had a lovely relaxed and quiet stay. The proprty was lovely.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2024
Thank you for your lovely review and glad you enjoyed your stay. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

The cottage had everything we needed and was in a great location. The couple were very friendly and communicated with me regularly. Would def stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2022
Thank you for the lovely review and look forward to welcoming you again . Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

weekend away

We enjoyed our stay (been before) it is a lovely well kept well stocked comfortable property and good communication with the owners will stay again perry and Diane
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Mar 2024
Thank you for your great review, we look forward to welcoming you again. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Nice Place

The property was very nice, pretty much the nicest place I have ever stayed. Very comfortable, very clean, well stocked with essentials. I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location to visit local area

We had an amazing stay at Sunshine Corner. Hosts were very accommodating and easy to deal with. Property was very cosy and clean and had everything you needed. Just felt like being at home. Highly recommend .
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Oct 2022
Thank you for the great review and so glad you enjoyed Sunshine Corner. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sunshine Corner

Very comfortable and relaxing in a beautiful part of the country.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2022
Thank you for the lovely review, so glad you enjoyed your stay. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sunshine Corner

Had a great week, can't fault the property everything you need is there and very clean. Many thanks to the owners and hope to be back in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun 2023
Thank you for a great review and look forward to welcoming you again in the future. So glad you had a lovely stay. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short break on Mersea.

Very pleasant stay in quiet residential area of West Mersea about 10 minute walk of town centre. Modern property all mod cons and nice touches from the owners.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun 2022
Thank you for the lovely review look forward to welcoming you again. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply excellent

Well equipped. Good standard of furnishings,very comfortable. Quiet location. Would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A peaceful, well equipped property.

This property was well equipped, in a peaceful location and had easy access to the coast, restaurants and shops. The owner ensured that we had prior knowledge of items of food, drink and cleaning materials etc. that she had provided which was over and above our expectations for a self catering property.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend away with old friends

Lovely bungalow - comfortable, clean and well situated for exploring the area. Welcome supplies from the hosts were much appreciated- a very nice touch. Communication easy and quick. Would love to come again some time. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2023
Thank you for the lovely review, glad you had a nice time and look forward to your return. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Overall

Location quiet, relaxing and easy to find accommodation as expected good and clean. Will return
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2022
Thank you for your review look forward to welcoming you again soon. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent in every way.

The property was very clean, comfortable and warm. It had everything we needed, and was of good quality. The property owner was excellent. Communication was good, and was available if needed. We couldn't have asked for more. If we decide to stay in the area again we wouldn't hesitate to stay in this property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2022
Thank you so much for your great review it means a lot to us! We will look forward to welcoming you again in the future if you come our way. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sunshine Cottage West Mersea Island.

Property is situated in a nice, quiet neighbourhood. The cottage itself is well equipped with everything that you could possibly need, with a few added luxuries. Definitely a home away from home. It is spacious, comfortable and very clean. It is not far from restaurants and amenities. We did not meet the hosts, but the messages from them were welcoming and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun 2022
Thank you for such a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your stay. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunshine Corner was amazing. The décor was blues, greys and other neutral colours. The goodies were appreciated: loo rolls/ brush, bathroom toiletries, salt, pepper, coffee, tea, sugar, washing up liquid/tablets, wine, biscuits milk. Recycling was easy.The king-sized beds and reclining sofas were comfortable; the cosy living room rugs were stylish. The kitchen bathroom was well equipped, but I didn’t like the bathroom light that came on if I did a night-time loo trip! It was like being under the floodlights at Wembley Stadium!The pamphlets were helpful especially the Ordnance Survey map. It was interesting, in the Visitors’ Book, to read about the origin of the name Sunshine Corner, being linked to Christian Beach Missions and now part of Scripture Union.The home is 10 minutes to the beach; it has sand, shingle, beach huts, great shells and a café. It’s a great place to fly a kite or build sandcastles. West Mersea is quite big and we found it was worth taking the car to the shops/ down to the beach at the far side of the centre. The small Coast Road carpark is best to use as: it’s beside the loos, The Blackwater Pearl Café, the crabbing pontoon, boats and old town. We did a lovely circular walk from the free app. called “Go Jauntly” around the old back streets. Colchester Zoo is worth a visit (book before to save money); we had a Wednesday Roast at The Fox Inn, which was good.Staying at Sunshine Corner is wonderful as is Mersea Island in general; the skies!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and well looked after. T he conservatory and garden great for sitting and eating. Hosts very nice and helpful-- resolved a problem with the hot water very quickly.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2026
Thank you for such a lovely review and it was great meeting you look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Angie and Neil.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

das Haus war sehr sauber und bequem.

Die Lage so nah am Meer war großartig.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct 2022
Thank you for the lovely review. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

By the sea

Well presented with easy access to the village facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good

Enjoyed
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2021
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

Absolutely gem of a place, especially the location. Cannot wait to go back as soon as we can!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul 2021
Thank you for the wonderful review, glad you enjoyed your stay look forward to your return. Angie
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