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  • 4 guests

  • 2 bedrooms

  • 1 bathroom

  • sq/ft

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Just outside the village of Little Bentley, a five-minute walk from the local pub and a ten-minute drive from Colchester, this rustic barn is nestled on a working farm. Previously a popular children's café with fun play areas both indoors and out, it's an ancient barn that retains a great deal of rustic charm. Quirky and imaginative, it's a family home with an emphasis on keeping the little ones entertained (and safe – it's fully child-proofed). The huge living space is dominated at one end by a log burner, with aged leather sofas and throws perfect for cosying up on winter nights, while the other end features a super cool, Scandi-style kitchen – complete with a professional café coffee machine that's been left in situ so you can play barista. Fun things about this room include the chalkboard wall, a movie projector for film nights and an indoor hammock chair. One of the bedrooms is aimed at kids, with twin beds, funky lights, chalkboards, toys and books. But as if that wasn't enough, they have a whole play area in the main space, where imaginations can run wild thanks to a wooden teepee, a wooden shop and a range of homemade superhero capes to choose from. There's more outside with a willow tunnel and mud kitchen. As the sun sets, toast some marshmallows around the fire pit before heading to your cosy beds.


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Ask the host anything

Do you have a question about this home or the local area?

What to expect


Highlights

Stay just outside Colchester in the Essex countryside

Stay just outside Colchester in the Essex countryside

Warm your toes in front of the log burner in the lounge

Warm your toes in front of the log burner in the lounge

Enjoy meals together in the café style kitchen

Enjoy meals together in the café style kitchen

Grind your own beans and make use of the professional coffee machine

Grind your own beans and make use of the professional coffee machine

Treat the kids to a special area and children's bedroom

Treat the kids to a special area and children's bedroom

Admire the quirky touches like a bookshelf filled with house plants

Admire the quirky touches like a bookshelf filled with house plants

Gather round the fire pit as the sun starts to set

Gather round the fire pit as the sun starts to set

Like what you see? Explore more of this home

Home truths

    This is a rustic home on a working farm

    If you're bringing little ones, there's plenty to keep them occupied, as well as equipment like a baby bath, a cot and a high chair provided upon request

    There's plenty of private parking on the premises

    Small events like a children's birthday or a baby shower may be permitted but please speak to the host first

    You're asked to keep the noise down after 10pm

    The skylights in the bedrooms make them quite bright in the morning so you may want to bring a sleep mask

    Although it technically sleeps six, there's a cot and a sofa bed so that can go up to nine

    We'd advise you to bring slippers as the floors can be quite chilly

    The third bedroom is on a mezzanine over the main living space

About this stay


Amenities

Home cinema setup

Outdoor fireplace / firepit

Outdoor seating

Desk / workplace

Laptop friendly workspace

Wi-fi

Bedrooms & bathrooms

2 bedrooms, 4 beds

1 bathroom

Extras


VIP services

Luggage storage

Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.

Local guide


About Frinton-on-Sea

With its stretch of seemingly endless sand and gently curved bay backed by colourful beach huts, Frinton-on-Sea is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. People come from all around to enjoy the beach on sunny days, but don’t think that means you’ll struggle to find a spot for your towel -- the sand-and-stone beach is big enough for all. The relaxed town is on the small side, meaning you’ll...

Explore the area

Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Dine at Bambu Vietnamese

Dine at Bambu Vietnamese

Relax and enjoy classic Vietnamese staples such as pho and curries at this cosy, timber-clad eatery. The food is amazing and the staff are friendly and welcoming, making it a real little gem.

14 min

Get around

Airport

London Stansted

1 hr 18 min

London Southend

1 hr 9 min

Manston International

2 hr 15 min

Train station

Great Bentley

9 min

Bus stop

Church

6 min

Local shops & services

Convenience store

7 min

Cafe

7 min

Pharmacy

8 min

Points of interest

Beach

Brightlingsea Beach

22 min

Booking policies


House Rules

Children welcome (1-12 years)

Infants welcome (under 12 months)

No pets

No parties or events

No smoking

Good to know

Arrival from 16:00

Departure before 10:00

Wifi speed: 14Mbps

No air con

Cancellation policy

  • Up until

    24

    hours

    Cancel at least 24 hours before your check-in date for a full refund.

  • Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 24 hours away.

Host


This home is managed by Joanna

This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Known for her hospitality and love of reclaimed furniture, Jo is a wonderful host who has restored this barn with imagination and affection. Originally running it as a café, she's reimagined it as a family home with great attention to detail.

This home is a Plum Guide Award winner.

  • Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.

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  • Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
  • Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
  • Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
  • Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
  • Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.