The Lane, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5

A rare opportunity to reside in a beautifully preserved 16th century cottage in the heart of the highly desirable Village of West Mersea, one of Essex's most beloved coastal destinations. ‘Crabtree Cottage’ combines five centuries of character — think thick walls, ancient beams, and a warmth that only a truly historic home can offer — with three comfortable bedrooms and a fully fitted modern kitchen and downstairs bathroom making it an effortless and well-equipped base for those seeking the quieter life. The rear garden is simply stunning. Uninterrupted views stretch out across the Blackwater Estuary, where sailing boats drift lazily past and the vast Essex skies put on a daily show. It's the kind of view that makes you linger over your morning coffee and reach for a glass of wine long before the evening is done.

Inside, the cottage strikes a wonderful balance between old and new. The historic fabric of the building has been lovingly maintained, whilst the modern kitchen ensures that long, sociable meals are an absolute pleasure — whether you're cooking up a fresh seafood feast sourced from the local fishermen down at the waterfront or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday breakfast with the estuary glittering in the background.

Beyond the cottage, West Mersea delivers everything a coastal escape should. Britain's most easterly inhabited island, Mersea is celebrated for its beaches, its sailing culture, and its world-famous native oysters. The harbourside is a delight to explore, lined with fishing boats, independent seafood restaurants, and a proper local pub with panoramic water views, where you can also do water sports. The island further caters for all of your day-to-day needs without venturing out, including local doctors surgeries, schools, butchers and other local businesses.

The island sits where the River Blackwater meets the River Colne, connected to the mainland by The Strood — a tidal causeway that disappears beneath the water twice a day at spring tides. For day trips, Colchester — the oldest city in England and former capital of Roman Britain — is just ten miles away, with its famous castle, zoo, and a vibrant City Centre with a range of amenities to explore, including a mainline train into Central London in 50 minutes.

Crabtree Cottage is a genuinely special place — a home steeped in history, set in a location that rewards those who take the time to explore it. Whether you're watching the estuary shimmer from the joys of your garden, cycling the island lanes, or feasting on freshly caught oysters by the harbour.

The property is offered on a furnished basis and is available from the beginning of September, call today to arrange your viewing and avoid disappointment