Navigation Cottage on the Historic Sea Lock overlooking the Nature Reserve

This is a really beautiful historic coastal cottage, furnished to very high standards and situated beside the Sea Wall, the Historic ship Canal at Heybridge Lock, and a Nature Reserve which extends from its back garden.

It is in a great location and offers lovely sea view walks, and bikes are freely provided.

Navigation Cottage is a historic listed weather boarded cottage set back from a sea lock at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary.

Restored London barges and yachts of different sizes and countries, come and go every day creating a cosmopolitan environment along the Essex coastline.

The back of the cottage opens out to unspoiled marsh and lake, and and is a pit stop for migrating birds on their way to Africa, Scandinavia or Maldon, depending on their inclination and size…..

This romantic cottage has been modernised to offer a well equipped kitchen. Two lovely shower rooms designed to revive you once you have enjoyed a boat trip, or a walk along the sea wall or returned home from the many local attractions. In winter you can unwind in front of a fire or should you wish to stay in touch with the world enjoy our internet and Smart TV.

Navigation cottage was originally built in the late 1700’s and housed the foremen who worked on the canal. Thanks to their hard work, tonnes of cargo made its way along the waterway developing trade, whilst creating an outlet for adventure. The world was everyone’s oyster back then and we hope that spirit of exploration and escapism will be revived during your stay at this beautiful pearl of a cottage.

This cottage accepts well behaved dogs.



Cottage Walk Through

You enter the cottage into a hallway with the cosy sitting room to your right and a marble bathroom to your left, ahead is the well equipped kitchen and stairs to the 3 bedrooms and bathroom – please note that the only open fire is in the sitting room.

The kitchen opens out into the wonderful conservatory which catches the sun all day with views over the large garden and onto the Lake Nature Reserve beyond. There is a lovely formal dining room off the kitchen, as well as a handy well equipped utility room .

Upstairs there are 2 elegant king size bedrooms and a third bedroom single bedroom. The second marble shower bathroom is on the landing hall.

The Cottage sits snugly between the historic lock with is beautiful ships, the lake Nature Reserve and the Sea Wall: a unique position but also very private, as the cottage is set well back and the view from the conservatory is away from the lock.

The cottage is elegant and comfortable with beautiful antique and contemporary furniture rarely seen in a holiday cottage. Its position is exceptional for privacy, enjoying sea view walks, nature and visiting local pubs and tearooms: a dream for doggies as everything is literally on your doorstep.

There is a parking for at least 1 car beside the canal right opposite the cottage, guests will need to register their car number plate a.s.a.p with us as there are limited spaces – there is a public car park just 80 yards down the canal (you would have passed by the entrance shortly before arriving at the lock). Guests will need to cross the canal Lock gate to get to the cottage, it has ramps and railings and is wide enough for a wheelchair.

Please note that outside High Season this cottage offers a reduced rate for just two guests, who use one bedroom only.

Banned Dogs: Please note that if you are considering bringing a dog breed which may be thought of as a concern to others, please check with us first before booking and we will discuss the suitability of our cottage for you and your pet.



The Garden

Navigation cottage is set back from the Sea Lock and Canal by a swath of grass and then its own front garden – you come through a Rose arch to the Front entrance of the cottage and the gorgeous big mature garden, there is an expanse of luxury decking beside the pond taking in beautiful views over the adjacent Lake Nature Reserve.

The beautiful rear garden is completely private and not overlooked.

You can have meals in the luxury Dining room or the comfortable Conservatory with views over the garden and onto the lake Nature Reserve, there are even BBQ facilities outside and an area which is enclosed for dogs to be let lose in without worrying.

Up to 2 well behaved Dogs are always welcome, Charges apply at £20 per pet for up to 7 nights.


Outside

You have footpaths to explore around the lake starting just on the other side of your garden hedge. There are miles of pretty canal side walks all the way into Maldon, where the famous Historic Thames Barges are berthed on the Hythe quay. You are always invited to have a look around and maybe lucky in buying a place on a memorable short sailing excursion.

At Heybridge Basin where Navigation Cottage is situated, there is the historic lock with two pubs and the well known Tiptree Tea Rooms of jam making fame. The walks along the sea wall can take you round to Maldon or all the way up to Tollesbury, if you fancy a really long walk!

The ever changing tides, sea, sky, ships and landscape make this a special place to visit and relax in.

Canoes can be hired and delivered from the Out door Centres


Green Credentials

Navigation cottage is a grade 2 listed building located in a wildlife haven within a conservation area.

All aspects of the cottage blend into the natural environment in which it is located.

The cottage is managed in a way to provide a truly comfortable and relaxing stay whilst enhancing its environmental setting.

The garden is full of native plants, has a habitat pond and is managed to bring wildlife in – a unique hide and hideaway.



Local Area

Hebridge Basin and Maldon contain many good pubs and the owners have their own at Purleigh: The Purleigh Bell

There are good restaurant nearby like Rubino’s.

You can walk straight from the cottage along the canal or Sea Wall for miles. There are boat trips on the canal and places to stop off and have a snack or a meal, the canal is a fascinating walk into beautiful countryside.

Bikes are provided for guests to use.

There are local opportunities for fishing, sailing and horse riding

There are quite a few interesting places to visit nearby like Layer Marney Tower, The Abbey at Coggeshall and Braxted Park and the world famous Beth Chatto Gardens are just 40 minutes away.



Standard Inclusive Features

Kitchen: All cottages are complete little homes and facilities include modern central heating, refrigerator, hobs, oven and / or microwave, toaster, crockery & serving dishes, cutlery, many utensils, fire-extinguisher, lots of pots & pans, glasses & mugs, kettle, coffee maker, teapot, kitchen towels, oven gloves, olive oil, salt & pepper, sugar, herbs, tea, fresh and instant coffee, washing up liquid, cloths, general cleaning materials, etc.

Bathroom: The lovely large shower bathrooms downstairs and upstairs are provided with fluffy cotton towels, hair-dryer, bath mats, toilet brush and toilet rolls.

Bedroom: Cotton bed linen and duvets.

Living room: Wifi, Smart TV , books, games, magazines, local brochures, OS and other maps, folder with our special ‘What To Do’ insider’s guide to the local area.

Heaters: Central heating throughout the cottage.

Bikes for adults and children: Please check with the owner that these are available before you arrive to avoid disappointment if they are in for maintenance

Baby: Cot and high chair provided on request (please bring babies bedding).

​Parking: if you give us your car number plate soon enough we can get a parking permit for you next to the Lock Gate.