Oaks Rest – Tranquil Holiday Home in Colchester with Private Sauna & Garden Access
Relax and recharge at Oaks Rest, a peaceful self-catering holiday home in Colchester’s quiet Prettygate area. Backing onto the historic English Heritage site of Bluebottle Grove with direct access to Lexden Park, Oaks Rest offers guests a unique blend of nature, comfort, and convenience.
Enjoy a cosy open-plan living/dining area with a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TVs, fireplace, books, and games. The spacious king-size bedroom includes an en-suite shower room, towels, and Smart TV.
Step outside into the mature shared garden with outdoor dining, sun loungers, and scenic views of ancient oak trees. For a touch of luxury, guests can unwind in the garden cabin with a traditional sauna—perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Colchester or the wider area.
Local wildlife, including robins, woodpeckers, squirrels, and foxes, are regular visitors, along with our friendly cats and rescue chickens. We welcome small to medium well-behaved dogs but cannot accommodate larger pets due to our animals.
Located just minutes from Colchester Castle, Colchester Zoo, and Tollgate Shopping Centre, you’ll also be close to Dedham Vale, Flatford Mill, Mersea Island, Maldon, Beth Chatto Gardens, and Abberton Reservoir—ideal for walkers, nature lovers, and families.
The property includes self-check-in, Free overnight EV charging (7kW Zappi), and fast Wi-Fi, making it suitable for both relaxing breaks and work-from-anywhere stays.
Book Oaks Rest for a memorable and serene escape in Colchester with the rare benefit of a cabin, sauna, garden wildlife, and doorstep access to historic sites.
Hello from Emily, Daniel, and family! We're thrilled to welcome you to Oaks Rest.
Since May 2022, our family, along with our two adorable cats, has been hosting guests in our cosy abode nestled in the tranquil Lexden neighbourhood. As hosts, we strive to make your stay not only comfortable but truly memorable.
Living next door in the attached main house, we're always close by if you need anything, whether it's advice on local attractions, recommendations for dining spots, or simply a friendly chat over a cup of tea. We respect your privacy and will keep to ourselves, but also cherish the opportunity to share our love for this beautiful area with our guests just let us know if you would like to chat.
Hosting brings us immense joy, and some of our fondest memories have been made here. We take delight in sharing insights about the rich history and vibrant culture of Colchester, as well as introducing visitors to our wonderful cats and chickens.
On a personal note, I (Emily) am passionate about the great outdoors and we are both fortunate to work for an international Circular Economy company focused on IT reuse and refurbishment. My work aligns closely with my values, and I find inspiration in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
We try to be as environmentally friendly as possible in all aspects, including home growing salad and vegetables, composting, using local ingredients and have a large solar array on the house which is coupled with a battery.
Whether you're here for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed exploration of Colchester, we're here to ensure your experience at Oaks Rest is nothing short of exceptional. So sit back, relax, and let us help you create cherished memories during your stay. We can't wait to host you!
Oaks Rest – Tranquil Colchester Stay with Garden Views & Direct Access to Scenic Trails
Tucked away on quiet and leafy Magazine Farm Way, Oaks Rest offers a peaceful retreat in one of Colchester’s most charming residential areas. Guests love the relaxing atmosphere, large mature garden, cosy cabin and sauna and unique position backing onto school fields and the English Heritage-listed Bluebottle Grove, giving the property a true countryside feel while being just minutes from the town centre.
Enjoy mornings with birdsong and clean, fresh air as you relax in our garden or explore the surrounding area. The nearby Grove connects directly to the Colchester Orbital walking route, as well as a scenic and safe 25-minute stroll to the town centre.
Within a 5-minute walk, the Prettygate neighbourhood offers all your local essentials. Stop by the friendly Coffee Hog Café for a great coffee or light bite, pick up groceries at the local CO-OP Food store, or browse at the local library. Hungry? Choose from welcoming pubs including The Rose & Crown, Berechurch Arms and The Prettygate, or takeaways, and delivery options – all conveniently close by.
Guests enjoy the peace and quiet despite occasional distant sounds from nearby St. Benedict’s and Philip Morant school fields. The area remains calm, low-traffic, and well-suited for those looking to unwind. Whether you're planning a relaxing break, a nature-filled weekend, or a cultural trip to Colchester, Oaks Rest offers a fantastic base with the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility.
The surrounding area is rich with things to do, from Colchester Castle, Colchester Zoo, and Mersea Island to Dedham Vale, Beth Chatto Gardens, and Tollgate Shopping Centre.
Oaks Rest combines peaceful comfort, local charm, and great access to nature and town life – a true home-away-from-home experience in Colchester.
Language spoken: English