The Marsh Harrier

The Marsh Harrier: Essex

Egrets wade through the waters and hawks soar above at this unique home in the Essex Marshes. At the end of the adjoining field, the Wildlife Nature Reserve begins, where you can spend hours wandering the trails spotting plovers, owls, herons and larks. Although the scenery around you is marshes and fields as far as the eye can see, it’s just a ten-minute stroll into the centre of Tollesbury to stock up on groceries or stop in a café.

The home itself is a hexagonal-shaped, open-plan abode sitting at the base of the old radar tower. Head up to the tower's public viewing platform to get the full feel of where you are. Walls of glass look out over the marshes from the living room and flood the space with natural light. Slide open the doors to blend indoors with outdoors, and let the living room spill out onto the private patio. You can dine outside, or hole up with a blanket on the bench and enjoy the view. Should a chill creep in come evening, there’s a wood-burning stove inside to keep things cosy warm. Boardgames and books can keep you entertained and your host provides a full English breakfast in the morning to set you up for the day.

Home truths:
*If you would like to bring children, the host recommends pitching a tent and tent pitches cost an additional £15 for the weekend or £25 for the week
*There is sheltered parking for two cars at this home
*Access to this home is through the old radar tower and the hallway here is filled with local information
*If you're arriving by car, you'll need to drive down a farm track with three gates to open on the way
*Pets are more than welcome and the garden is fenced, but there are cattle in the adjoining field and rare birds nesting in the marshes
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair, just ask