The Lodge Essex

• Sleeps: 2 per hut
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

The Lodge Essex occupies three glorious acres of countryside near Thorpe le Soken, an ancient village on the Tendring Peninsula. A mere 90 minutes from the big city lights of London, this is a magical place where stressful everyday life melts clean away.

Once weighed down by their high-flying corporate lifestyles, owners Ffion and Ollie set out to create the very escape they craved for themselves. Their dream setting was the place where Ollie grew up – a former lord’s hunting lodge that dates all the way back to the 15th century.

Now their family home undergoing renovations, the Lodge also encompasses two bespoke huts, lovingly handcrafted by Ffion and Ollie. Rich in comfort, each hut boasts delights that include sumptuous al fresco baths and warming log-burning stoves, for true holiday bliss.

Prithvi (Earth) Hut showcases sublime valley views, peppered with the free-range rescue hens whose fresh eggs you can savour at breakfast! The deliciously cosy bedroom nook boasts a full-length window for scenic lie-ins, while outside awaits a firepit for sizzling suppers out on the deck, devoured by golden sunset.

Jala (Water) Hut overlooks a majestic 500-year-old-oak tree and a shimmering pond, on which you can watch the wild ducks and moorhens going about their daily lives. Once the sun has disappeared, fire up the movie projector for a snuggly night in, or light the firepit and chat the night away under the stars.

Whichever hut you choose, luxury amenities include a well-equipped mini-kitchen (and a delectable welcome pack!), a piping hot shower with underfloor heating (underfloor heating in Jala only), indulgent eco-toiletries, and a state-of-the-art Scandi flushless loo.

You’ll also have a thoughtful selection of books and games to while away some holiday time. Oh, and fluffy towels and robes are on hand to wrap up in after a hot soak under the stars, glass of bubbles in hand.

At a glance

• Two bespoke, handcrafted huts with wellness treats and a wild swimming lake, secluded among three acres of countryside in the Essex village of Thorpe le Soken.
• The peaceful site is just 90 minutes away from London – ideal for a weekend escape from stressful everyday life!
• Each hut boasts full self-contained facilities and sleeps 2 adults.
• One well-behaved, small to medium sized dog is also welcome to stay at a charge of £20.
• Soak in your al fresco tub, or light the firepit for a relaxing evening under the stars.
• Food hampers can be pre-ordered, along with a range of wellness experiences including private yoga, cold water therapy, and wood-fired sauna sessions.
• There is a wide array of activities and attractions close by, from walking the Essex coastline to nature reserves and vineyard tours.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Off-Grid
• Seaside Breaks
• Swimming Pools

Accommodation Options

More information

In the mood for some extra treats? A selection of hampers can be pre-ordered for your stay, while bookable wellness treats include a wood-fired sauna session, private yoga classes (including paddleboard yoga – a must-try!) and cold water therapy with a Wim Hof-trained instructor.

Of course, you’re also free to take an invigorating dip in the wild swimming lake at your own leisure, or venture out for long strolls along the miles of sandy coastline you’ll discover close by (if you decide to put down some roots, you can hire a supercool beach hut at Frinton with a £10 discount for the day!)

What else? You could opt for a wine-tasting tour of the local vineyard, hiking through Constable country armed with a tasty picnic, or fossil-hunting at the Naze nature reserve… and all that’s just for starters.

Indeed, with so much to see, do, and experience, both at The Lodge Essex and in the surrounding area, you could well decide that one visit just isn’t enough.

Things to note

There is an extra fee to bring your dog to stay. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, to avoid disturbing the site’s free-roaming rescue chickens. The huts are cosy and best suited for two adults only, though a travel cot may sometimes be accommodated on request in Jala hut. Please visit the owners’ website for details of the hampers and wellness activities that can be pre-ordered for your stay.

Current Offers

3 for 2 nights for all February and March stays