The Cottage Little Waltham

The Cottage is on the grounds of the Little Channels golf course, just outside Little Waltham. It's detached, so no neighbours on the other side of the wall. You've got your own enclosed garden out the back.

It sleeps six people in three bedrooms. The main thing is that each bedroom has its own bathroom, so no queueing in the morning. It's got a 4 Star rating, which means it's well-finished and comfortable.

The golf course is a 9-hole 'pay and play' right on your doorstep. There's a bistro on site for breakfast or lunch. For a pub meal or a Sunday roast, you'd need to drive a little way.

You can walk into Chelmsford from here in about 40 minutes, using the footpaths. It's a couple of miles. In Chelmsford there's the usual city centre stuff: shops, a cinema, a theatre. The Riverside Centre has a swimming pool and ice skating. If you like gardens, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is about a 20-minute drive.

For a day at the coast, Leigh-on-Sea is roughly half an hour by car. Southend is a bit further. Colchester, with the castle and zoo, is about 40 minutes away. Trains from Chelmsford station get you into London Liverpool Street in around 35 minutes.

Inside, there's a dishwasher, washing machine, and WiFi. Bedding and towels are included. There's parking for two cars on the gravel drive. No pets, I'm afraid.

If you're looking for walk ideas or local history, the Visit Essex site is useful.