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Woodpeckers

(Ref. 1039617)

Alresford, Colchester, Essex Show on map

5.0

Sykes rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Hot tub
  • Swimming pool
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
Accuracy of the listing
  • All reviews
  • debbie (25)
  • our (20)
  • stay (17)
  • lovely (16)
  • woodpeckers (15)
  • dog (13)

36 Customer Reviews

  • "A lovely place to stay, friendly welcoming owners."

    We couldn’t fault Woodpeckers. Everything you need is there, spotlessly clean and tidy. A nice enclosed area for the hot tub and for our dog to safely roam around in. We hope to return in the near future and have already recommended Woodpeckers to family members.

    Reviewed by Seamus5.0Sep 2024

  • "Everything we required and a few little extras for our selves and our dog"

    Reviewed by Roger5.0Sep 2024

  • "Our stay at Woodpeckers was incredible!"

    Debbie was so accommodating from start to end. The location is fantastic as there is so much to do nearby, with many beaches being only a 30 minute drive away. The amenities are brilliant, from fresh eggs and white wine to dog biscuits on arrival. The hot tub and swimming pool are a lovely bonus too. We couldn’t fault our week away if we tried, we didn’t want to leave as we loved it so much!

    Reviewed by Molly5.0Aug 2024

  • "Our Woodpeckers stay was absolutely perfect!"

    From the gorgeous grounds, to the pristine, immaculate accomodation, to the lovely owner Debbie who was so very helpful and friendly, we couldn’t have asked for better. My sister and I wanted a few days to relax and catch up on life, and we got to do just that in the loveliest place. Woodpeckers is so clean, and furnished to a high standard, we arrived to find some lovely goodies to enjoy too! The hot tub was fantastic, and Debbie came to greet us and showed us all that we might need to know. We will be visiting again next summer and we hope to make this a yearly treat for ourselves! Thank you so much to Debbie, it was just what we needed, and more!

    Reviewed by Amanda5.0Jul 2024

  • "Excellent cottage"

    Reviewed by Pamela5.0Sep 2023

  • "As soon as we arrived (2 adults, 1 child and dog) we were greeted by the host and made to feel very welcome."

    The accommodation was really nice and there were really nice little touches that made the stay even more special. We as a family would definitely go back, it is a beautiful, well kept place with stunning surroundings and a fabulous and friendly host

    Reviewed by Matt5.0Aug 2023

  • "The property it ia beautiful, clean and very comfortable ."

    Had such a relaxing beautiful time there. The host was so kind and always there in need of anything. Looking forward to go back there in the summer.

    Reviewed by Ioana5.0Aug 2023

  • "A wonderful host and provider of such a nice cottage."

    Couldn’t have faulted the whole experience. Thank you, Debbie.

    Reviewed by Diana5.0Jun 2023

  • "Quite literally a pleasure from start to finish."

    Complete freedom of the property and Debbie left no stone unturned. Especially as I can be snobby

    Reviewed by Grant5.0May 2023

  • "An excellent property, exactly as described, very clean and well equipped."

    The owner, who lives next door, could not do enough to make our stay comfortable and trouble free. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Geoffrey5.0Apr 2023

  • "Debbie is the most attentive hostess and extremely kind and thoughtful."

    There were so many goodies and not just for us but Bumble too. We were not sure about using the hot tub in the middle of winter but were amazed how really hot it was and such fun. The bus services were amazing. We thought the bed was fantastic and it was very peaceful. There was a distant gentle rumble of trains but barely noticeable. The wonderful lawns were ideal for our dog who loved sniffing around for rabbits. Thank you Debbie.

    Reviewed by Christopher4.7Jan 2023

  • "Everything was lovely with this property."

    Such a nice touch to provide robes. Our dog was well catered for. Our only difficulty was that there was nowhere to charge our toothbrushes and shaver in the bathroom.

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Nov 2022

  • "We had a lovely stay at the woodpecker ."

    Very very clean. It had everything you would need and more . Very relaxing with a lovely hot tub. Debbie was always available if you needed her . Nice welcome gifts including the eggs.

    Reviewed by Carole5.0Sep 2022

  • "We loved our stay!"

    Woodpeckers was spotless & Debbie was very welcoming and made us feel at home! Thankyou! X

    Reviewed by Chloe5.0Jun 2022

  • "Lucky to have the hot tub my friend used it on the first day liked it ."

    Sunday --- Thursday weather was little chilly so did not , Accommodation excellent bright recently decorated , modern furniture. Reasonable quiet well insulated warm comfortable,. The bathroom walk in glass sides brilliant shower , modern wash basin /toilet Outside good space for my dog to run around . Swimming pool out of use for the time we had booked .

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Apr 2022

  • "Could not be faulted in anyway."

    ... We have stayed in many places over the years and Woodpeckers is in the top 2...

    Reviewed by Chris5.0Jan 2022

  • "We was welcomed by the owner and anything we needed was on hand to help (not that we needed it everything was just perfect)."

    Lovely and clean, little welcome package it was just perfection in every single way. I’d definitely go back in heart beat I could imagine how beautiful this little find will be in the summer months.

    Reviewed by Paula5.0Jan 2022

  • "Amazing..."

    such a lovely cottage and Debbie was a wonderful host. She provided so many wonderful goodies not just for us but also left a lovely package including treats and toys for Coco, our dog. We have stayed in a few Sykes cottages now and this one was definitely 5 stars, We can only praise it there were no negative aspects to our stay at "Woodpeckers". Hope to return in the summer

    Reviewed by Beverley5.0Dec 2021

  • "This was a lovely property."

    As soon as we walked in it was the wow factor. And that was before the hot tub! Very clean and the little touches from the xmas tree to the reindeer with lights on was a nice touch. The view from the bedroom was bliss and peaceful. Nice watching the rabbits and birds feeding in the garden. The hot tub was secluded and on a clear night with the stars out made it so much more romantic for me and the wife. Debbie our host was amazing and made us feel so welcome when we arrived. To our surprise a bottle off bubbly. Eggs from her hens. (Tasted lovely) and some other little things was just a real nice surprise . The shower room once again just wow. A lot off time was put into this little home from home and makes it a place you will want to re visit. We definitely will be in the future. The only bad point is we didn’t stay there longer. 10/10

    Reviewed by Gordon5.0Dec 2021

  • "This was mine and my friends second visit to Woodpeckers and we enjoyed it just as much as our first."

    This is our favourite holiday accommodation and feels like home from home. It's the perfect place to relax and also has plenty of walking trails nearby which are great if you have a dog. Debbie the owner is welcoming and goes the extra mile to make sure your stay is as good as it can be. We will definitely be returning in the near future.

    Reviewed by Gemma5.0Oct 2021

  • "Debbie gave us an extremely warm welcome and was very helpful."

    The little extras in Woodpeckers - too many to mention - made our stay so lovely. There was even a welcome pack for our little dog!! The courtyard garden is secure for your dog, but opens up into the larger garden where you watch the rabbits squirrels and birds feeding. There is a super hot tub, and a swimming pool weather permitting. There is easy road access to all attractions, and a bus or train from the village. Have a lovely stay at Woodpeckers.

    Reviewed by Maggi5.0Sep 2021

  • "Thank you Debbie for a wonderful stay at Woodpeckers."

    The facilities and cleanliness were sublime. We had a great stay and I recommend Woodpeckers to all. Regards Steve & Carolyn x

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Sep 2021

  • "This was our second visit and we went for longer this time as we enjoyed it so much last year."

    Debbie the owner is lovely and friendly and the cottage is perfect. We will be visiting again. Thanks for a great holiday Debbie!

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Sep 2021

  • "Woodpeckers is an exceptional property."

    The owner Debbie goes the extra mile to ensure your stay is perfect. We have stayed in many properties booked through Sykes all have been excellent, but we have to say this is the best by far will all the extras that Debbie provides. It is also a great base to explore the area. Thoroughly recommend this property

    Reviewed by Sandra5.0Jul 2021

  • "The owner Debbie was amazing,she had thought of everything and the cottage was a pleasure to stay in, a beautiful home from home."

    Would highly recommend and will definitely be returning

    Reviewed by Barbara5.0Jul 2021

  • "The owner Debbie made us feel at home & was on hand if we needed anything."

    When we arrived we found some lovely goodies such as eggs from Debbie's own hens, bottle of fizzy, bread, milk and even treats for our dog Jasper. The accommodation was spotless & well appointed, would of liked a DVD player but if you have an Amazon or Netflix account you can log on & watch your films anyway which we did. The super king size bed was wonderful & we slept very well. Nothing to fault at the accommodation. The outdoors hot tub was lovely to have which we could use at any time, only used the outdoor swimming pool once as we were out every day visiting local places like Frinton, Clacton, Walton on the Naze, Wivenhoe & Brightlingsea - all very nearby. I have to mention the busy road nearby which although didn't bother us but our rather nervous pooch found it difficult. For that reason alone we probably won't be back which we told Debbie about shame really as we would definitely of booked next year. Thanks to Debbie for making our break very enjoyable.

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Jun 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage, well kept, adjacent to owners home."

    Debbie was available at all times and interested in what we had planned for our stay, giving us advice where needed. The open layout of the cottage was well planned and roomy, with the main doorway leading into a well equipped kitchen, off which was the seating and dining area. The bedroom and bathroom are off this area, at either end of a hallway. The bedroom had a really comfortable 6ft wide double bed, available as singles if required, whilst the spacious bathroom had a walk-in double headed shower, with toilet and sink. The cottage has its own private patio area, leading from the kitchen, with table and seating area, as well as a four person hot tub, with parasol. Separate bins are nearby for the recycling of rubbish, including food waste. The cottage is surrounded by the owners' grassed area, with a path leading to the shared heated swimming pool. The nearby bus route and train line (both which can prove to be a little noisy) provide access into Colchester. Well worth a visit and highly recommended - it is somewhere we would have no hesitation in going back too.

    Reviewed by Ann5.0Jun 2021

  • "Debbie was a marvellous host, very helpful with her knowledge of the area, and very generous with the extras she provided."

    She also let us store our electric bikes in her summer house, which meant that they were kept safe and dry. The property was spotlessly clean, and the bed was very comfortable.

    Reviewed by Joan5.0May 2021

  • "Couldn’t have asked for a better stay at the Woodpeckers!"

    A beautiful home equipped with everything you could possibly need. Debbie was so lovely, a perfect host. We didn’t want to leave! Highly recommend, will definitely be returning x

    Reviewed by Sadie5.0Apr 2021

  • "I thought it was brilliant!"

    Very cosy and private I loved it

    Reviewed by Ryan5.0Dec 2020

  • "Had a wonderful weekend at Woodpeckers in early December."

    The cottage was clean and cosy and Debbie had added some wonderful touches with some treats to welcome us and best of all, a Christmas tree! Debbie was on hand if we needed anything but she'd already thought of everything. Can't recommend highly enough.

    Reviewed by Matthew5.0Dec 2020

  • "Woodpeckers is a fantastic, cosy holiday home."

    It had everything we could possibly need for our stay, plus added extras like fresh eggs from the resident hens and milk and orange juice etc, which was a lovely touch. Debbie the host went above and beyond to be helpful to us during our stay but without being intrusive. The decor is fresh and modern and we felt at home immediately. My dog enjoyed the treats left for her too. Will definitely be making a return visit in the future.

    Reviewed by Gemma5.0Oct 2020

  • "What a fantastic and wonderful place to visit!"

    Our holiday was much needed after a long spell of COVID turmoil and this beautiful, tranquil and immaculately furnished cottage MUST be seen! Our absolute thanks must go to Debbie who provided the exact recipe for amazing Essex welcome and hospitality...combined with an abundance of local and regional knowledge. We will return to this gorgeous place.. need to sample the Alresford warmth and Spa Pool again! Thank you Debbie and Sykes!

    Reviewed by Deborah5.0Oct 2020

  • "The place was spotless and well decorated."

    We relaxed straight away. The hot tub was brilliant too. Debbie was lovely and welcoming. Even bought us some complimentary food and fresh eggs from her hens. Villagers in pub very friendly and welcoming too. Will definitely retun but for longer next time!

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Sep 2020

  • "Woodpeckers - Wow what a lovely little well equipped clean and lovely furnished cottage, we didn't want for anything."

    Our host Debbie was really kind and helpful.We will definitely be going back again next year. We have stayed in your cottages previously but this has been the best. Sue and Tony P

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Aug 2020

  • "Woodpeckers is fantastic definitely5* if it were a hotel!"

    we booked a return visit before our first night! so comfortable and clean, light and airy, lots of garden to enjoy. Owner Debbie is the perfect host, couldn't ask for a nicer person, checking if we needed anything and full of useful information of where to go and how to get there. There is a family and dog friendly pub (the pointer) a short walk away and a lovely walk into Wivenhoe along public access which takes around 30min. 10/10 Can't wait for our return!

    Reviewed by Jason5.0Aug 2020

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Summary

  • All-ground-floor
  • One super king-size bedroom with zip/link
  • Shower room with basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Living/dining room
  • Sofa bed
  • Gas heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, TV and WiFi
  • Pool and Hot Tub
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Ample off-road parking
  • Enclosed patio with seating and bbq
  • One well-behaved pet welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 0.4 miles, pub 0.3 miles
  • Note: Please be aware you may hear some noise from the road outside of the property
  • Please note: The pool is available May - September between 10am and 4pm (weather permitting)
  • Note: This property accepts a maximum of 2 Adults and 1 child under 15yrs old
  • Please note: Guests must bring their own towels for hot tub and pool use.

The property

A charming, ground-floor annexe, attached to the owner's home and amidst their extensive and pretty grounds on the outskirts of the village of Alresford in Colchester.

Woodpeckers is an ideal holiday property for a couple looking to explore the Essex region, well-placed for discovering the coast, the town of Colchester and the city of Chelmsford.

Enter the property to discover a neutrally styled, contemporary kitchen, with wooden flooring and worktops, well-equipped with all the appliances you'll need to create wonderful home-cooked meals during your stay, which can be enjoyed at the dining table in the living/dining room.

After dinner, kick back on the cosy L-shaped sofa, which can be turned into a sofa bed, should you wish to bring additional guests, and enjoy watching your favourite shows on the large, wall-mounted TV, or read a good book under the light of the lamp, while the window offers pretty views out onto the garden.

Enjoy your rest in the spacious super king-size double bedroom, neutrally decorated with soft grey carpet and overlooking the garden, while the stylish, modern shower room offers a walk-in shower for you to prepare for each day, as well as a heated towel rail for extra comfort.

Outside there is plenty of off-road parking available, plus an enclosed patio area with outdoor furniture, hot tub and bbq.

Additionally, between the months of May and September there is an outdoor pool to enjoy, perfect for cooling off in the warmer weather.

Alresford village has a good selection of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the property, as well as riverside strolls along the River Colne and access to several fantastic nature reserves and gardens worth exploring, such as The Beth Chatto Gardens, planted in the 1960s, Cockaynes Wood, an ancient woodland mentioned in the Doomsday Book and home to a variety of birdlife, including barn owls, as well as the Essex Wildlife Trust's Fingringhoe Wick, a set of quarries that have been turned into a nature reserve and form part of the Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Seven miles away, the historic town of Colchester offers a wider range of amenities and eateries, as well as an impressive 12th century castle, built on the foundations of a Roman temple, and there are many remains of Roman architecture still present in the town, including the remains of a theatre in the Dutch Quarter.

Stroll the park that surrounds the castle and pay a visit to Hollytrees Museum, while foodies will enjoy a trip to Mersea Island, the home of the native oyster.

Explore the National Trust's Bourne Mill, originally built as a fishing lodge in the late 16th century, and for a more bustling environment, you can hop on a train and head into London with ease, should you wish to spend the day in the thriving capital city.

Alternatively, head to the coast at Clacton-on-Sea, less than ten miles away, to discover a host of beaches as well as plenty of entertainment, from an amusement park to a pavilion and pier, making this a great way to spend a day when the sun is shining.

The city of Chelmsford is within driving distance, with its 11th century cathedral, museum of local history and excellent shopping and dining out facilities, while the picturesque countryside of the Dedham Vale AONB, on the Essex/Suffolk border, is also easily accessible.

Enjoy visiting bustling towns and cities, as well as picturesque coastline and charming countryside from this lovely abode.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £75.

View on map

About the location

ALRESFORD, COLCHESTER

Colchester 7.3 miles, Clacton-on-Sea 9.4 miles

The village of Alresford is situated in Essex alongside the River Colne, seven miles from Colchester and nine miles from the coast and beaches of Clacton-on-Sea, while the city of Chelmsford is under 30 miles away. Alresford itself has a good selection of shops, a post office, convenience store and a handful of restaurants to choose from, as well as stunning gardens and nature reserves to explore. The Beth Chatto Gardens, an ecological garden planted in the 1960s, the ancient Cockaynes Wood, mentioned in the Doomsday Book and home to a variety of birdlife and barn owls, plus the Essex Wildlife Trust's Fingringhoe Wick, former quarries turned into a nature reserve, and part of the Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. The historic town of Colchester is home to a stately 12th-century castle, built on the foundations of a Roman temple, resting within Castle Park, and has a museum with ancient artefacts that are more than 2500 years old. The Dutch Quarter of town still displays the remains of a Roman theatre, while Hollytrees Museum features clothing and decorative arts that are centuries old. Colchester offers plenty of places to eat drink and shop, as well as a fantastic zoo, perfect for a family day out and why not head over to Mersea Island, home of Colchester's native oyster? Clacton-on-Sea and the coast are nine miles away, where you'll discover a variety of entertainment, as well as fantastic beaches, a pier and pavilion. A wonderful array of opportunities awaits you from this wonderful village location.

Please note: The pool is available May - September between 10am and 4pm (weather permitting).

Note: This property accepts a maximum of 2 Adults and 1 child under 15yrs old.

Please note: Guests must bring their own towels for hot tub and pool use

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas