Tried and Tested

Tried and Tested: Piglets Boutique B&B, Essex

17 November 2021

Nestled in the unspoilt rural Essex village of Wimbish, Piglets Boutique B&B has the blissful feel of a hidden sanctuary… an impression you get just from browsing the friendly and heartfelt website.

Essex natives ourselves, we didn’t want to travel too far for a getaway this year (for obvious reasons). So Piglets, with its obviously welcoming hosts, delicious-sounding food, and luxurious-looking rooms, seemed ideal.

Of course, there’s always the fear that a long-anticipated break – we booked our stay back in dark, dreary February, when we were still in full lockdown – isn’t going to live up to expectations. Happily, our stay at Piglets more than exceeded them!

blog-tried-pigets-pool.jpg

We were greeted at the gate by Max, who owns Piglets with his wife Chrissie. He treated us to a tour of the B&B, which took in the natural swimming pond (more about that later!), games room, gym, adorable rescue pups Harry and Hamish, and the gorgeous Mediterranean patio…

…on which we later enjoyed a complimentary slice of Chrissie’s home-baked cake, and a delicious vegetarian platter as the September sun began to set.

blog-tried-piglets-platter.jpg

We chose Ashdon as our room (all of the rooms are named after a local village), specifically because it has a balcony that overlooks the swimming pond. Watching the sun rising over the pond, cradling a morning coffee and listening to the birds singing away in the trees, has to count amongst my favourite holiday moments.

Not that we didn’t enjoy being in the room itself. Max and Chrissie have thought of every comfort their guests might need, from high quality bedding, and a bathroom that actually has enough space to put everything you’ve brought with you.  

Oh – and in true ‘James Bond gadget’-style, we also had a TV that rose smoothly from the end of the bed with the click of a button!

As if all this wasn’t quite enough, the treats and facilities seemed endless. The guest lounge came equipped with cosy sofas and a beautiful rotating games board (Max’s family also runs a luxury games business), and there’s an honesty bar packed with wines and spirits, a gin library, ice-cream, snacks, and pre-mixed cocktails galore.

blog-tried-piglets-meal.jpg

The food was outstanding, too. Max and Chrissie offer freshly-baked cake in the lounge every afternoon (available at an extra charge), and there’s a mouth-watering evening menu for those who don’t feel like going out – there are no restaurants in easy walking distance – packed with fresh pizzas and sharing boards crammed with local produce.

We also woke up to a superbly-cooked breakfast every day, not to mention a basket of French pastries washed down with a complimentary Bloody Mary shot. Talk about indulgence!

With all that food on offer, you could say we needed our early-morning swim in the freshwater pond every morning, though since it isn’t heated, we had to be brave! But we soon discovered that there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in fresh water that sparkles as the sun comes up, surrounded by gorgeous plants and birdsong.

As much as it would have been tempting to stay put all getaway long, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. As well as visiting the local villages, including historic Thaxted, and Saffron Walden for shopping and sightseeing, we also went on an amazing guided alpaca walk at Madash Alpacas, in nearby Earls Colne.

blog-tried-piglets-alpaca.jpg

You could even head for the bright lights of Cambridge if you felt like it, just 20 miles away. However, we didn’t feel the need to stray too far from our brand-new home-from-home, and once you’ve experienced the warm and welcoming embrace of Piglets Boutique B&B, you may not, either.

Find out more about Piglets Boutique B&B and enquire to book here.
Author: Nina Jervis

blog-tried-piglets-pond.jpg

Latest
Posts

Swipe left
to find out more

Host Unusual Stays as seen on Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

Nominated for several BAFTAs since its first airing in 2018, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is a popular TV show,...

Our Best Stays for Enjoying the Colours of Autumn

Does any season offer a wider colour palette than autumn? There's nothing quite like taking a stroll through carpets of...

Pumpkin Spice and All Things (Not) Nice: Hallowe’en-Themed Breaks to Chill Your Spine and Thrill Your Mind!

It’s the most spookiest time of the year…. yes, Hallowe’en is almost upon us! And if you’ve been thinking about...

Quiet Havens for Pets (And Their Owners!) on Bonfire Night

"Remember, remember the fifth of November..." When John Milton wrote those iconic words back in 1626, he implored the British...
Sandat Glamping Tents in Indonesia

Ranked: The Best Destinations for Winter Sun, From Hottest to Coolest!

The changing of the seasons also herald a change in the weather. As we shift from summer to autumn in...