Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Explore the area
West Mersea, England
beach near Fishing lake
Place, beach near Fishing lake
15 min walk
Mersea Island Museum
Place, Mersea Island Museum
19 min walk
Ipswich Waterfront
Place, Ipswich Waterfront
57 min drive
London (STN-Stansted)
Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
65 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Ground floor single
1 Single Bed
Master
1 King Bed
Twin
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Beautiful period fisherman's cottage
Anchor cottage is a delightful period Grade 2 listed, three-bedroom cottage situated in the heart of The Anchorage, once known as Mersea City. It was built circa 1575, and is the largest of three terraced fishermen's cottages, nestling alongside other period buildings in The Lane, and next to a very small chapel.
It has three bedrooms, a large double, a twin room and a ground floor single bedroom. The bathroom is also on the ground floor.
A large sitting/dining room provides plenty of space for five people indoors and there is also a lovely sheltered patio, with summer house, for alfresco dining.
Please note, being a 'period' property there are some low ceilings, some with beams, some low door heights and the stairs are quite steep too.
There is a private garden with BBQ area that enjoys the sun at most times of the day.
The Lane is a popular local walk with little traffic so lots of peace and quiet.
Being only 150 metres from the water's edge it provides ideal access to the water for paddle-boarding, kayaking, crabbing and swimming. Most of the island's bars and restaurants are situated in the anchorage so it's only a short walk to find food and drink hospitality. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Colchester
Located in Colchester, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cudmore Grove Country Park and Abberton Reservoir, while Headgate Theatre and Tymperleys Clock Museum are cultural highlights. Colchester Arts Centre and Xtreme Gaming are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby power boating, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Is Beautiful period fisherman's cottage pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful period fisherman's cottage?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful period fisherman's cottage on 7 June 2026 start from AU$289, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Beautiful period fisherman's cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beautiful period fisherman's cottage?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beautiful period fisherman's cottage?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Beautiful period fisherman's cottage located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Mersea Island Museum and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Mersea Island Vineyard. Cudmore Grove Country Park and Gosfield Lake Golf Club are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The Fisherman's Cottage delightful thou with low ceilings anyone over 6' would struggle standing upright! A great location for the fabulous seafood food restaurants and good pubs. Highly recommend this lovely property
We really enjoyed our stay. Everything worked and the instructions were clear. We felt at home - some nice personal touches - I won't spoil the surprise....Communication with the owner was really good too. There are some really great seafood places to eat nearby and of course lovely walks along the beach.
Mersea Island is a perfect place for a break away. The quaint, but not so little, cottage is located in the loveliest area and is close to all the great seafood eateries. The homely cottage has been so thoughtfully put together by the owners to provide for your every need, both inside and out. So many little touches make you feel like a most welcome guest.
Warning: You will be sad to leave.
We immediately felt at home. I’m from Mersea circa 1950s and it’s always been my go to place. Now my family have all passed away I try and find somewhere lovely that I can introduce my grandchildren to the delights of crabbing and shell hunting. This is the first place that absolutely fits the bill. Thank you
Very well appointed and located - pretty wrap around garden with sun at different times of day- close to jetty where grandsons loved crabbing and yummy unpretentious seafood restaurants.Only reservation for some could be 2 flights of steep stairs to 2 of 3 bedrooms with only bathroom and loo downstairs— but cottage dates from 1575 so don’t expect en-suites! - what you do get is character and comfort.
Lovely old cottage, furnished well with a nice kitchen having everything you need for eating in (except for a sieve or collander).
Clay tiles on ground floor make the floor cold so bring slippers in low season. Some very low beams so tall people beware. Couldn't light the gas fire though.
Surprised to find slow-moving bees on window sills or on floor each day when returning from day out.
The Anchor Cottage is an utterly delightful, comfortable and (perhaps surprisingly given its 16th century heritage) practical place to stay. We were 5 adults together from different places in the world for a small family reunion. We loved cooking together (great kitchen),using the bbq, eating in either the garden or sweet dining room with candlelight and of course watching the Euro 2024 😂. The beds are super comfortable and the family bathroom more than adequate with plenty of hot water. We really appreciated the well equipped laundry room too, having been on the road for some time. Last but not least, the location steps away from the waterfront with all the restaurants, oyster and fish bars and of course the vast expanse of tidal waters, boats and the enormous Constable sky. We would love to come back again some day. Highly recommended.
This is such a lovely place to stay - really good value, excellently equipped, private with a neat garden (photos don’t do it justice), and good communication with the owner plus a parking spot in a place where this is at a premium. It is also so beautifully quiet.
Mersea island is well connected - not far from Constable country, the ancient town of Colchester, the salt marshes of Tollesbury, and the ancient chapel of St Peter on the wall at Bradwell on sea. Plus you can get to Maldon easily and it’s near London. It’s possible to walk all round the island and the shellfish from The Company shed and Dukes was fresh and delicious.
The house represents great value and is located in the prettiest part of West Mersea on the prettiest road near the bustling seafront. A magical find in an area bristling with Anglo Saxon and Viking history.
Superschönes, gemütliches Fachwerkhaus direkt am Meer.Mersea ist wunderschön, nette Lokale, super Meetesfrüchte...Wir hatten einen tollen Osterurlaub mit der ganzen Familie und unserem Hund!
Friederike R.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
About the host
Hosted by Victoria Khan
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests