Entire home

A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy

Escape to an enchanting haven in the countryside where whimsical charm meets luxury comfort.

Photo gallery for A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy

As if a fairy-tale cottage plucked from the pages of Hans Christian Andersen, The Tea Caddy's unique architecture and setting is the stuff of wondrous and magical fantasy. Built around 1818 in the shape of a tea caddy by a member of the famous Wedgwood family, this historically-important building is protected by the National Trust. With a modern twist, it has recently had a luxurious and meticulous renovation with the interior design developing its origins in Wedgwood patterns and decorative contemporary finishes. It is a rich, indulgent, comfortable and cosy out-of-the-ordinary experience tucked away down a quiet country lane, opposite a vineyard in the heart of the delightful Dedham Vale. There's nothing like it!

Lower Ground Floor
Emerald Forest Bedroom - Named after the mesmerising kaleidoscopic wallpaper and featuring a fluffy bespoke double-bed with views to the garden through the farmhouse style splitable door. There are matching bedside tables and a large built-in cupboard.
Bathroom - En-suite to the Emerald Forest bedroom and centred around a traditional freestanding roll top bath tub. There is also a walk-in power-shower, hand-basin and lavatory.
Utility Room- With sink, worktop, cupboards, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Upper Ground Floor
Dining Room - Under pink painted and peacock-pasted walls is a 19th century rectory dining table with six matching chairs and a traditional wooden school desk with inspiring views over the garden and pink camelia tree.
Waterlily Bedroom - Again named after stunning wallpaper, it features a bespoke Super King-sized bed adorned with bronze birds that can split into two full-sized single beds. There are matching bed-side tables and designer reading lamps along with a large built-in hanging cupboard and nook next to an antique mirror.
Shower Room - No ordinary washing space, with more peacocks inhabiting a feature full wall pattern of beautiful and intricate tiling. There is a walk-in ‘rainfall' power-shower, hand-basin and lavatory.
First Floor
Kitchen - Open plan at the top of the stairs with a long curved real marble worktop with bespoke handmade Farrow and Ball-painted cupboards containing full-sized fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, toaster and generous storage. In a central decoratively-framed chimney alcove is an electric oven and hob with encaustic Bert & May pink blush tiles.
Sitting Room - Matching two-seater comfy sofas sit beneath exposed wooden beams and vaulting to create a enveloping space that feels larger than it is. Within the central chimney breast is a glass fronted log-burner below a cleverly ‘hidden' Picture Frame Smart TV. The gothic window provides views over the woodland-inspired garden and vineyard beyond.
Outside
Garden - Accessed from the front door or the Emerald Forest Bedroom is a quarter-acre newly-turfed lawned garden surrounded with replanted flower beds that emit varied scents of tea. There is a large charcoal BBQ and garden table and chairs. To unwind and relax in the summer there is a hammock between two oak trees and four wooden recliner chairs. The garden is enclosed, though a determined canine escapologist could find ways to freedom!
Bike storage - At the far end of the garage is secure storage for bicycles and other holiday paraphernalia.
EV Charger - Charged at cost

Property manager

Charlie Allsopp

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite 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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

633668

About the neighborhood

Map
Colchester, Suffolk

What's nearby

  • Flatford Mill - 9 min drive
  • Jimmy's Farm - 13 min drive
  • Colchester Castle Park - 14 min drive
  • University of Essex - 15 min drive
  • Ipswich Waterfront - 17 min drive

Getting around

  • Manningtree Mistley Station - 14 min drive
  • Stansted Airport (STN) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anchor Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Capel Village Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kings Head - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Shepherd & Dog - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy located?

Situated in Colchester, this cottage is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Dedham Vale and within 6 mi (10 km) of Bridge Cottage and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. Suffolk Distillery and RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Angela H.

Beautiful cottage
We had a wonderful stay at The Tea Caddy. Beautifully decorated and such comfort. We would definitely recommend and will come back for sure.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kim P.

Magical Cottage
The cottage is magical the garden beautiful with easy access to local villages with river views lots of pub restaurants nearby
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Superb
Cosy cottage, interesting architecture, good local hikes. Thumbs up from us. We’ve stayed in a number of cottages from this company and they are always professional and responsive.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gillian B.

Extraordinary Cottage
This certainly has the wow factor ! A super little cottage tucked away in beautiful countryside. Beds were very comfortable and the showers a treat. Kitchen was fully fitted. The garden was beautifully planted with access to garden furniture and games in the garage. Charles at Idyllic Cottages was super helpful and friendly, we will definitely be booking with them again.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful, quirky cottage
We had 4 great days in this little gem of a house. Fabulous, eccentric decor with excellent attention to detail in the provision of all you need for your stay Very comfortable beds with lovely linen, great showers with lots of hot water, well appointed and equipped kitchen for those inclined to cook rather than visit local pubs or restaurants. Beware of steep stairs if you are not very agile! An excellent place to stay I will be recommending to all and sundry!

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and relaxing stay
We stayed with 4 adults and two well behaved dogs. The setting is beautiful and the grounds are maintained to a high standard. The decor throughout the home compliments the overall feel. As a warning to others need to be able to physically manage stairs with ease. The local area is packed with activities although most needed to be accessed by car. Did feel nervous about accessing walks as the cars that use the road can be quite speedy. Highly recommend this home and service from Charlie. Contacted us to report any issues and check in our stay. Would love to go again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

A beautiful tea caddy.
We very much enjoyed staying at the Tea Caddy cottage. We arrived quite late and were able to make a cup of tea. Also bread and scones with butter and jam had been provided. All the rooms were well furnished and comfortable especially the bed. The key was accessed via a locked box with a code which was easy to use. A spare key was provided so that you didn't lock yourself out which is a very good idea. Lots of thought went into providing torches, maps and outside lighting for various reasons. We weren't sure about the security of the fences so kept our dog on a lead. It would be nice to be able to let your dog off a lead knowing the fences are secure. For this time of year the cottage was very warm and plenty of hot water was available. We had a lovely stay.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Vivienne H.

A Beautiful Cottage
Tea Caddy is the most beautiful cottage. Its unique and stylish exterior is breathtaking, and the interior is beautiful. The cottage is comfortable, warm and cosy and it has everything anyone could need for a wonderful holiday. We were greeted with scones, butter, bread, milk and apple juice. There were logs for the fire and everywhere was spotlessly clean. The village of Higham is well located for days out to National Trust properties, picturesque villages and the lovely town of Bury St. Edmunds. There are also some great walks from Tea Caddy cottage. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful Cottage
This cottage is the definition of quaint, when you arrive you cannot help but stand and admire its unique charm. The interior does not disappoint with unusual bespoke features and beautiful Wedgwood accessories. We were visited by the local wildlife and had a lovely relaxing stay. We would definitely recommend this property to friends and family.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful place to stay
We had an absolutely fantastic time at the Tea Caddy. The owners have made a great job of utilising the space - it was like the Tardis - it seemed bigger on the inside! We all took the stairs to the kitchen area very carefully as they are steep but it was fine and you can’t change that! The decoration and quality of the finish in the property was excellent and it made it a lovely place to spend a week. I honestly don’t think we’d change a thing and we all said we would happily go back. Thank you also for the wonderful welcome pack and for the extremely well stocked kitchen - we had everything we needed.