Russets

Russets is a first-floor apartment built into a fruit farm in the Essex countryside, positioned above the on-site shop. The space is open-plan throughout: a kingsize bedroom flows into a living and dining area, with a kitchen equipped for proper cooking—oven, induction hob, dishwasher and washer-dryer all included. The bathroom offers both a bath and a separate rainfall shower. Underfloor heating, wi-fi, bed linen and towels are all covered, and one dog can stay at no extra cost.

The farm itself is the draw here. Pick your own plums in season or buy local honey from the shop downstairs. The wider area is well-stocked with activity: Chipping Ongar's steam railway is three miles away, Lee Valley White Water Centre is a 25-minute drive, and the district holds several museums and historic houses. Epping, Waltham Abbey and Ongar are market towns; Loughton has a monthly farmers' market, and North Weald Airfield hosts one of the country's largest outdoor markets every Saturday and Bank Holiday. Private parking for one car and an EV charging point are on site. No smoking indoors.