Pattiswick Hall

Pattiswick Hall sits on a working farm in rural Essex near Braintree, surrounded by open countryside. The detached farmhouse accommodates 16 guests across eight bedrooms and four bathrooms spread over three floors, with the whole property to yourself. It's the kind of place built for large family gatherings or groups of friends seeking space to spread out without constraint.

The ground floor centres on a farmhouse kitchen with an Aga and woodburner, leading into a sitting area; there's also a separate games room, dining room and living room with a wood fire and French doors to the garden. Upstairs are six double bedrooms—most with countryside views and three with en-suite bathrooms—plus a shared jack-and-jill arrangement. The second floor holds two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a small kitchenette. Essentials including Wi-Fi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are covered. One dog stays free.

Outside, a private heated swimming pool (10m x 5m, open June to August) and tennis court occupy the lawned garden, along with a BBQ and parking for eight cars. The location suits anyone wanting countryside seclusion with room for everyone to find their own corner—and somewhere to gather when they choose to.