Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location"><strong>THE LOCATION</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/PROMO-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Situated six miles from the historic city of Colchester, Browning Bros’ Kingfishers Nest is by no means your bog-standard log cabin, as I’ve just discovered on an impromptu night away with my husband,&nbsp;<em>sans</em>&nbsp;kids. At the end of a long track, surrounded by woodland and situated on an organic family farm, it’s a gorgeous cedar-cladded<strong>&nbsp;</strong>structure, bang next to a lake teamed with moorhens, geese and ducks &#8211; the strong emphasis here is on bringing people back to nature (the guide left in the cabin on what to do locally is packed with walks, places to visit, and places to eat and drink). However, you’re not completely alone here in nature, Ray Mears-like, as there’s another log cabin at a safe distance nearby, as well as luxury glamping accommodation but there’s plenty enough privacy and breathing space for those wanting to recharge in the woodland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3-1000x750.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3-700x525.jpeg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Wood. Wood. And more wood. My husband spent forever marvelling at the log cabin’s craftmanship, declaring it a ‘carpenter’s dream’ (he’s in the trade so knows what he’s on about). “Just look at the width of that ply!” he said with delight (that’s right, delight over ply), before directing me to the cloakroom to show how the grain of wood on one wall continued directly on to the shelf below. Attention to detail, apparently, is what that shows, and judging on the rest of the cabin, I’m with him on that. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE13-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Designed for couples, with&nbsp;its en-suite master bedroom, you’ll love nearly as much as I did the freestanding bath that looks directly out on to the lake – not to mention the fact the cabin has its very own adjoining sauna, plus hot tub on the decking.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/INSIDE1-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Once our logburner was lit, it was time to have a proper look around. The kitchen/lounge area and dining table was just the right size for the two of us, with a comfy yet contemporary sofa to chill on while watching the TV or listening to the fire cracking away. The view from its wall-to-wall patio doors looked straight out onto the lake, perfect for sliding open and enjoying a glass of wine on the decking as the sun set – not to mention our coffees the following morning while watching the ducks go about their morning business. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/TEA-394x525.jpeg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The bedroom was equally stylish, again boasting views over the water. I was pleased to see thoughtful touches including brilliant white sheets on the bed; spa-like dressing gowns, and plenty of toiletries for washing and bathing from sustainable British brand, Bramley. Everything was clean and in its rightful place, which was particularly pleasing due to the fact that Kingfishers Nest is pet friendly accommodation (note dog lovers &#8211; no animals are allowed on the furniture!)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/DINNER-394x525.jpeg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As Kingfishers Nest is self-catering, we decided to bring our own supplies for our stay though if you can’t be bothered with the hassle you can also order food in (just meet the driver by the main gate). There’s a large Sainsbury’s close by if you prefer to ‘land’ first and then get your provisions.</p>



<p>Fancy popping out for a bite to eat instead? Walking distance from the main farm is Great Tey’s <a href="https://www.thebarnbrasserie.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Barn Brassiere</a>, where you can feast on the likes of fillet steak with roasted vine tomato, baby shallots, side salad and chunky chips – or there are some fantastic Indian, Chinese and Thai restaurants nearby. For a trip out, I can whole-heartedly recommend heading to the coast and <a href="https://www.the-company-shed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Company Shed</a> in Mersea (30 mins) for its sensational tapas-style seafood and incredible platers of dressed crab, smoked salmon, prawns and mussels. Other great local pubs include <a href="https://threehorseshoesfordham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Horseshoes</a> in Fordham, <a href="https://www.crowninn.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown</a> in Stoke By Neyland, <a href="https://oldcrownmessing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Crown</a> at Messing, <a href="https://www.thatchersarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thatchers Arms</a> at Mount Bures, and <a href="https://www.thehennyswan.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Henny Swan</a> on the river at Sudbury. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/COLNE-BEACH-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Colchester itself is steeped in history, so take a trip to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/colchester-st-botolphs-priory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Botolph’s Priory</a>&nbsp;which was founded back in 1100 and is a breath-taking example of early Norman architecture.&nbsp;<a href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Castle</a>, meanwhile, is currently showing its&nbsp;<a href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/wickedspirits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Wicked Spirits? Witchcraft + Magic’</a>&nbsp;exhibition until the 6 Jan 2023, bringing stories of those that suffered and lost their lives out into the open and making sure they’re never forgotten. After a bit of retail therapy? You’re only half an hour away from&nbsp;<a href="https://braintree-village.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braintree Village</a>&nbsp;outlet shopping village. I particularly love strolling along the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/colne-point" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colne Estuary</a>&nbsp;near Brightlingsea, a nature reservation and biological and geological site of special scientific interest. And don’t forget about all of the walks available right on Kingfishers Nest doorstep! If it’s a nice day head two miles to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essexhighways.org/uploads/files/public-rights-of-way/walks/chappel.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">village of Chapelle for a great walk</a>&nbsp;taking in the incredible Viaduct.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE DAMAGE</strong></h2>



<p>An overnight stay at Kingfishers Nest<strong>&nbsp;</strong>starts at £240.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>There’s also a £20 charge per pet per stay, increasing to £30 from 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/11/HOT-TUB-394x525.jpeg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Fancy a bit of a breather away from the hustle and bustle? You have it in abundance here. I actually&nbsp;<em>put my phone down</em>&nbsp;for well over an hour and played Scrabble with my husband – even though it has great Wi-Fi connection! We chatted, we laughed, and we talked about wood (OK, so that was only interesting on his part, but he kind of liked the fact I actually listened for once). You’ve even got the sauna and hot tub to further relax you.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Those with access needs, as there are steps into the property and no ramp available at present. However, the team are currently setting this in motion. Foodies intent on cooking up intricate meals that need space and create mess may struggle with the bijou kitchen.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.browningbros.co.uk/secret-escapes/kingfishers-nest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Kingfishers Nest</em></a><em>, Chalkney Water Meadows, Colchester Road, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2PP</em> <em>info@browningbros.co.uk</em> <br><em>Part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.</em></p>


Review: Log cabin luxury at Kingfishers Nest, Colchester

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