“Was that like a shed in a field then?” asked a friend, as I was describing the prize I was fortunate enough to have won in The Silver Travel Advisor 12 Days of Christmas draw. My response: “Certainly not, it was far better than that!!”
Having won the prize and set off on our journey from Devon to Essex, we were wondering what our stay would be like, having never stayed on a farm or in a cabin before. How delighted we were! The fact that a shed and cabin are both made of wood was where the similarity ended. This luxurious cabin was one of three set in a peaceful corner of Malting Farm, and we were immediately impressed by the comfort and space offered in this 2 bedroom lodge. The lounge and kitchen areas were obviously of high quality, and like new as the cabins had only been open since summer 2021. No expense had been spared!
We particularly enjoyed the master bedroom (there was a second with bunkbeds), especially the stand-alone bathtub set in the corner, and the hot tub beyond the double doors in the garden. The deck with its comfortable furniture was a wonderful spot in the early mornings to enjoy the quiet of the surrounding countryside and listen to birdsong. We even downloaded an app to appreciate which birds we were listening to! There was a barbeque/firepit, with garden bench, to cook and eat outdoors, and plenty of space for children to run around. Further, there are walks, nature trails and activities on the farm, especially visits to some of the animals that children (and adults!?) would enjoy.
The farm is conveniently situated only two minutes from the A120 not far east of Colchester. For those living in that area, access is easy, but I would say also worth a journey from farther away. We’d never visited this part of the country before, and found it easy to visit Colchester, the coast at Clacton, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze, the Anglo-Saxon site at Sutton Hoo and Constable country near Flatford Mill. You can be assured of a warm welcome from Emma and Sammy, not forgetting to mention their welcome present of a delicious lemon drizzle cake! A breakfast box can be provided, there is a small honesty shop onsite, and ready meals can be ordered from the nearby Amateur Game Cook.
All-in-all, we had a great time in our “much-better-than-a-shed” accommodation, and would thoroughly recommend it. Our cabin was named the Hare’s Hideaway, and a hideaway it certainly was with all its comforts, luxuries and its peace and quiet. You can look it up on their website: https://maltingfarm.co.uk/
It will definitely encourage us to try a cabin again in the future, our maybe one of their luxury glamping tents, or even better, a treehouse!
