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Holly Farm And Annexe, Colchester

Essex » Colchester
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5
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Holly Farm and Annexe offers two connected properties in rural Essex that together sleep up to 13 guests. This is perfect for multi-family gatherings with separate spaces when you need them. The main farmhouse sleeps eight whilst the annexe accommodates five more.

The property sits in peaceful countryside near Colchester. You'll find open fields and quiet lanes all around. This is proper working farm country with big skies and fresh air.

The main farmhouse has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The annexe provides two bedrooms and one bathroom. Both properties feature fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living areas. Outside there's a private hot tub for relaxing after days out exploring.

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About Holly Farm And Annexe

Holly Farm and Annexe offers two connected properties in rural Essex that together sleep up to 13 guests. This is perfect for multi-family gatherings with separate spaces when you need them. The main farmhouse sleeps eight whilst the annexe accommodates five more.

The property sits in peaceful countryside near Colchester. You'll find open fields and quiet lanes all around. This is proper working farm country with big skies and fresh air.

The main farmhouse has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The annexe provides two bedrooms and one bathroom. Both properties feature fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living areas. Outside there's a private hot tub for relaxing after days out exploring. Gardens wrap around both buildings with plenty of space for children to play.

Colchester Castle Museum sits 6 miles away (15 minutes). Dedham Vale AONB is 4 miles distant (10 minutes). Constable Country offers walking trails 5 miles away (12 minutes). Colchester Zoo entertains families 7 miles away (18 minutes).

Holly Farm and Annexe works brilliantly for extended families wanting space and privacy alongside shared time together. Book now for your Essex countryside escape.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Holly Farm And Annexe

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Colchester, Essex

Weather & Local Conditions

9°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Oct 2026, 4:20am

🌡️
9.40°C
Temperature
💨
18 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
95%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Holly Farm And Annexe sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

37m

(121 feet above sea level)

Holly Farm And Annexe sits in a peaceful Essex setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
37m
Elevation
📍
Colchester
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Colchester are typical Essex lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.9751086° N | Longitude: 1.0563573° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Colchester (Thursday, 22 October 2026):

6:32am

Sunrise

3:47pm

Golden Hour

4:47pm

Sunset

🌅
6:32am
Sunrise
🌇
4:47pm
Sunset
📸
3:47pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:47pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Colchester, you have approximately 10.25 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Holly Farm And Annexe.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Essex. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Oct 2026 | Location: 51.9751086, 1.0563573

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Holly Farm And Annexe

Two Properties Connected

The farmhouse and annexe give families separate spaces whilst staying together. Perfect for maintaining harmony during longer breaks with different generations.

Private Hot Tub

Unwind in the outdoor hot tub after exploring Essex countryside. Adults love evening soaks whilst children sleep inside the properties.

Spacious Gardens

Large outdoor areas surrounding both buildings let children run freely. Parents appreciate watching them play safely from the kitchen windows.

Rural Location

Genuine working farm countryside provides peace and quiet. Groups escape busy life and reconnect with nature in this tranquil Essex setting.

Fully Equipped Kitchens

Both properties have complete cooking facilities for preparing group meals. Save money by eating in and enjoy family dinners together.

Near Colchester Attractions

Colchester's Roman history and modern attractions sit just 15 minutes away. Easy access to entertainment whilst enjoying countryside seclusion.

Getting To Holly Farm And Annexe

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Holly Farm and Annexe by car, take the A12 towards Colchester and exit onto the A120. Follow signs towards Wix and turn onto local roads leading to CO7 6XA. You'll find ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, Colchester Station offers regular services from London Liverpool Street. The station is approximately 8 miles from the property, requiring a short taxi journey through the Essex countryside.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Colchester station (8 miles)
Accessible from A12 and A120

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Christchurch Mansion
Distance: 9.2 miles (17 min drive)
IP4 2BX
Colchester Castle
Distance: 11.3 miles (20 min drive)
CO1 1TJ
Colchester Zoo
Distance: 16.6 miles (23 min drive)
CO3 0SL
Stour Valley Path
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
Ardleigh (Millennium Green)
Distance: 9.4 miles (14 min drive)
CO7 7RP
Wrabness Nature Reserve
Distance: 9.6 miles (18 min drive)
CO11 2TE
Coop Village Shop
Distance: 1.9 miles (4 min drive)
CO11 1TR
East Coast Kitchen Larder
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
CO7 6TF
Flatford Shop
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
CO7 6UL
Manningtree Station
Distance: 3.6 miles (7 min drive)
CO11 2LE
Copdock Park & Ride
Distance: 6.1 miles (10 min drive)
IP8 3TQ
London Southend Airport
Distance: 50.6 miles (1 hr 3 min drive)
SS2 6YU
Christchurch Mansion
Distance: 9.2 miles (17 min drive)
IP4 2BX
Colchester Castle
Distance: 11.3 miles (20 min drive)
CO1 1TJ
Colchester Zoo
Distance: 16.6 miles (23 min drive)
CO3 0SL
Stour Valley Path
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
Ardleigh (Millennium Green)
Distance: 9.4 miles (14 min drive)
CO7 7RP
Wrabness Nature Reserve
Distance: 9.6 miles (18 min drive)
CO11 2TE
Coop Village Shop
Distance: 1.9 miles (4 min drive)
CO11 1TR
East Coast Kitchen Larder
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
CO7 6TF
Flatford Shop
Distance: 2.2 miles (4 min drive)
CO7 6UL
Manningtree Station
Distance: 3.6 miles (7 min drive)
CO11 2LE
Copdock Park & Ride
Distance: 6.1 miles (10 min drive)
IP8 3TQ
London Southend Airport
Distance: 50.6 miles (1 hr 3 min drive)
SS2 6YU

Is Holly Farm And Annexe Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children love the extensive gardens surrounding both properties where they can play safely. The rural setting provides space for outdoor games and exploration. Colchester Zoo sits just 18 minutes away offering a full day of animal encounters. Nearby beaches at Clacton-on-Sea provide traditional seaside fun during summer months.
Groups Will Love...
The private outdoor hot tub serves as the social centrepiece for your group. After days exploring Essex countryside or visiting Colchester's attractions, gather here for evening relaxation. The hot tub accommodates several adults simultaneously and sits within the private garden area. It's perfect for unwinding whilst children settle down inside.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Holly Farm and Annexe with large gardens providing excellent exercise space. The rural location offers direct access to countryside walks from your door. Multiple outdoor areas mean pets can roam safely whilst you relax. Nearby Dedham Vale and surrounding farmland provide perfect territory for longer dog walks.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Holly Farm And Annexe

The Hare and Hounds

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CO7 6HW

The Red Lion Manningtree

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CO11 1EB

Dedham Tea Shop

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CO7 6DE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Holly Farm And Annexe

How many people can stay at Holly Farm and Annexe?
The property sleeps 14 guests across two connected buildings. The main farmhouse accommodates eight people whilst the annexe sleeps six more.
Is Holly Farm and Annexe pet friendly?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at this property. The large gardens and rural location make it ideal for bringing your four-legged family members.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The farmhouse offers four bedrooms and the annexe has three bedrooms. Between both properties you'll find two bathrooms in the main house and one in the annexe.
Are the two properties connected?
The farmhouse and annexe are separate buildings on the same site. Groups can move freely between them whilst maintaining privacy when needed.
Is there a hot tub at the property?
Yes, there's a private outdoor hot tub for guest use. It's located in the garden area and provides relaxation after days exploring Essex.
What kitchen facilities are provided?
Both the farmhouse and annexe have fully equipped kitchens. You'll find everything needed to prepare meals for your entire group.
How far is Colchester from the property?
Colchester town centre is approximately 6 miles away. The journey takes around 15 minutes by car along country roads.
What parking is available?
Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles. The rural location means you'll have plenty of space for your group's cars.

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