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Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area

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A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a sofa. There is a staircase leading to an upper level, and large windows providing natural light.
A small, dark-colored house with a triangular roof, surrounded by dense greenery and a gravel path.
A rustic outdoor brick oven with a metal roof, surrounded by a wooden structure and a pile of firewood.
A cozy room with a wooden ceiling, a dining area with a checkered tablecloth, and a kitchen in the background.
A wood-burning stove with logs, a wicker basket, and a stone floor.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Dedham Vale

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Colchester, Essex, ENG
  • Place, Dedham Vale
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Essex
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Colchester Castle Park
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
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9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (21 reviews)
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About the area

Colchester

Located in Colchester, this holiday home is in a rural area. Ipswich Waterfront and Dedham Vale are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Suffolk Distillery and Tenpin Bowling Colchester. Brantham Leisure Centre and Green Island Gardens Ardleigh are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
View more Holiday homes in ColchesterOpens in a new window
Map
Colchester, Essex, ENG

What's nearby

  • Dedham Vale - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Flatford Mill - 11 min drive - 11.4 km
  • University of Essex - 23 min drive - 20.2 km
  • Colchester Zoo - 24 min drive - 27.0 km
  • Colchester Castle Park - 26 min drive - 19.6 km

Getting around

  • Manningtree Station - 12 min drive
  • London (STN-Stansted) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Anchor Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Fields Farm Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Jubilee Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Wooden Fender - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Dedham Vale and within 6 miles (10 km) of Bridge Cottage and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. Suffolk Distillery and RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 72 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is ideal for 2 people with a dog. Plenty of walks available and very quiet.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A really peaceful cottage to stay in. It was wonderfully equipped and Cath had left us a home made cake to welcome us. Lots of beautiful walks on the doorstep and so many great pubs for food 10-15 mins away by car. A truly relaxing weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Lovely place in a lovely location, owners are lovely, highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your kind comments. We look forward to welcoming you for another visit.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in a lovely house

Souters is a lovely house, very quiet (remote), very well equipped, everything was there, underfloor heating was great and a nice fireplace to make it homely...we will come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
We were very glad to host you over New Year before your return to Holland. We hope to see you again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quiet cottage

Was a lovely cottage in a really peaceful and quiet location. Enjoyed walking in the woodland walk and down to Higham. Thanks for lovely stay :)
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2021
We are glad you were able to have a few days respite.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and peaceful retreat

This was our first time in the area and the cottage was the perfect base to explore from. Perfect for walks with our dog and visiting the beautiful villages around Dedham Vale. Cath was a wonderful host and we are looking forward to a return trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2022
Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Soul Cleansing

Lovely, quiet and tranquil stay. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy holiday

A well equipped comfortable cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect relaxing getaway

We loved our weekend stay - a tranquil location perfect to unwind. A lovely lemon drizzle cake on arrival was an unexpected surprise! Lots of wildlife and lovely walks with our dog. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2023
Thank you for your review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr.P. The cottage was everything we were expecting.

Good size cottage for us and the 2 dogs. Plenty of walks for us and the dogs. We go back at some point.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2023
We hope to welcome you and your entertaining dogs back some time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3night New Year’s Eve stay

Beautiful cottage with everything you could want. Cath was super helpful yet not intrusive. We enjoyed exploring Constable country and the local beaches with our dog. Made good use of the cozy cottage while the storm raged outside. Loved our stay at Souters.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing peaceful stay

Booked this property a year in advance as it sounded so good. In fact it exceeded expectations and we had a delightful stay. Very rural but still convenient for road network. All the comforts of home and more. Lovely hosts and first class communications, thank you both very much.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We were very flattered by your positive review. We hope very much that you will return to continue exploring the area.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional- brilliant hosts even better cottage

The cottage was everything we wanted. Brilliant for the dogs. The secure field was excellent and our dogs loved it. Although the cottage garden said not a secure location for the dogs technically it isn’t but ours were perfectly safe off lead. Couldn’t fault it. Also just eats do deliveries there.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2022
Thank you Chris for your review. I am glad that Souters met your expectations - and good to learn that Just Eats deliver here too! We hope to see you back some time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An idyllic hideaway

We absolutely loved Souters and everything about it exceeded our high expectations! Cath was a delightful host who made us feel so welcome and the cottage is a quiet, beautifully appointed hideaway which felt like a home from home. The area is outstanding with the walk down to the river through the woods a particular favourite. We really can’t wait to return and recharge our batteries when the opportunity arises. Thank you for a splendid holiday!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Weekend at the Cottage

We had a lovely stay here, Cath was a great host and communication was quick and very helpful. In a lovely area of the Suffolk countryside, with lots of birds to listen to from the patio. We did a fabulous walk from the front door and there are plenty of pubs to choose from only a short drive away. We thought the cottage was even nicer than the pictures show, and loved using the pizza oven one evening. Thank you Cath!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2024
I am so glad that you enjoyed exploring the countryside around here and using the pizza oven at Souters. You would be very welcome to return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolute peace and tranquility!

We had a wonderful time staying at Souter's. Super charming and very private, perfect to forget about the world and one's worries. We enjoyed the tranquility and privacy of the place and we were blessed with amazing weather. We had two barbeque days and all was well provided by Cath and Nick. Dear Cath, thank you so much for your great communication and the super tasty cake. Hopefully we can return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Peaceful Retreat

Beautiful cottage set in a wonderful and peaceful location. Caths' directions were spot on and we found it easily. The cottage was so lovely clean and homely, we were met by Cath and shown around, our dog loved the woods walk and don to the river, stunning location and we also had gorgeous weather! There are somer lovely pubs locally too which are dog friendly which Cath told ud about. There was even a yummy banana and chocolate chip cake on our arrival at the cottage. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2022
We can't always guarantee the weather but the welcome will always be warm. . . .
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for a peaceful break

We rented Souters so that we could spend New Year with family nearby. Our big regret was that we got to spend so little time in the cottage and exploring the local area so we’ll be back. It is a lovely converted barn set in peaceful woodland. It’s off the beaten track but only two miles from the A12 and from the beautiful village of Dedham, which has shops and restaurants. It has all the character you would expect of a barn conversion with all the comforts needed for a relaxing holiday including underfloor heating, comfy bed, well-equipped kitchen and wi-fi. The owners are very welcoming and provided flowers, milk and a delicious homemade cake on arrival. They really have thought of everything and we look forward to going again for longer next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We are so glad that you plan to return to spend more time exploring the area.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning quiet cottage

Absolutely loved our time here. We went for a short break to get some well needed respite. The cottage is beautiful and homely. Everything is done to a high standard but has so much history and charm. The upstairs nook was perfect to chill with a book and a blanket - looking at the night sky. Souters cottage is large with all modern amenities. Cath and Nick have put so much thought into their guests enjoying their stay and it really shows. There are the basics of everything that you will need already provided, leaflets & brochures & contact details for loads of local things to try or explore. On arrival the cottage was warm and there was a scrumptious fresh baked cake on the table and fresh flowers. Fantastic hosts. The local area is beautiful and tranquil, the cottage is surrounded by small farms, fields of horses and walking trails. The scenery is very beautiful, very private and quiet. I would definitely recommend! I look forward to coming back in the spring/summer months to make use of the pizza oven and private garden.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
Thank you so much Lucy and we are glad that you had such a positive stay. We look forward to seeing you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely old building with everything you need, I. The beautiful countryside
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat

My husband and I loved this cabin so much and plan to return! It’s fully stocked and perfect for a couple of days of peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location

A lovely spot in a beautiful area of Suffolk
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply beautiful

Cath is lovely and friendly the cottage is gorgeous and has everything you need. We loved it and will be coming back again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Exactly as we were hoping for, complete peace and quiet. Excellent undisturbed quiet walks.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2022
So glad that you enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas break

Souters is an idyllic retreat, lovely building, super cozy. The surrounding area is lovely and given better weather would have been great for walking. Even so I managed to spot an otter in the nearby river Stour. One slight criticism, due to the remote situation I feel a full size fridge/freezer is essential, especially in the warmer months.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2022
How lovely that you saw an otter while here. Point noted about the freezer although I am glad that you were able to make use of the offered space in our easily accessible chest freezer during your short stay. We also have a separate designated freezer for dog food which guests are welcome to use if they feed their dogs a raw food diet.
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