
Navigation Cottage


What a gorgeous coastal location
A stunningly beautiful historic cottage: Enjoy elegant luxury in a beautiful location beside a historic Sea Lock, Nature Reserve and the Sea wall.


What a gorgeous coastal location
A stunningly beautiful historic cottage: Enjoy elegant luxury in a beautiful location beside a historic Sea Lock, Nature Reserve and the Sea wall.


The Experience
This is a really beautiful historic coastal cottage, furnished to very high standards and situated beside the sea wall, the Historic ship Canal at Heybridge Lock, and a Nature Reserve which extends from its back garden
It is in a great location and offers lovely sea view walks, and bikes are freely provided.
Navigation Cottage is a historic listed weather boarded cottage set back from a sea lock at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary. Restored London barges and yachts of different sizes and countries, come and go every day creating a cosmopolitan environment along the Essex coastline. The back of the cottage opens out to unspoiled marsh land and is a pit stop for migrating birds on their way to Africa, Scandinavia or Maldon, depending on their inclination and size…..
This romantic cottage has been modernised to offer a well equipped kitchen. Two lovely shower rooms designed to revive you once you have enjoyed a boat trip, or a walk along the sea wall or returned home from the many local attractions. In winter you can unwind in front of a fire or should you wish to stay in touch with the world enjoy our internet and Smart TV.
Navigation cottage was originally built in the late 1700’s and housed the foremen who worked on the canal. Thanks to their hard work, tonnes of cargo made its way along the waterway developing trade, whilst creating an outlet for adventure. The world was everyone’s oyster back then and we hope that spirit of exploration and escapism will be revived during your stay at this beautiful pearl of a cottage.
This cottage accepts well behaved dogs.

Cottage Walk Through
You enter the cottage into a hallway with the cosy sitting room to your right and a marble bathroom to your left, ahead is the well equipped kitchen and stairs to the 3 bedrooms and bathroom – please note that the only open fire is in the sitting room.
The kitchen opens out into the wonderful conservatory which catches the sun all day with views over the large garden and onto the Lake Nature Reserve beyond. There is a lovely formal dining room off the kitchen, as well as a handy well equipped utility room .
Upstairs there are 2 elegant king size bedrooms and a third single bedroom. The second marble shower bathroom is on the landing hall.
The Cottage sits snugly between the historic lock with is beautiful ships, the lake Nature Reserve and the Sea Wall: a unique position but also very private, as the cottage is set well back and the view from the conservatory is away from the lock.
The cottage is elegant and comfortable with beautiful antique and contemporary furniture rarely seen in a holiday cottage. Its position is exceptional for privacy, enjoying sea view walks, nature and visiting local pubs and tearooms: a dream for doggies as everything is literally on your doorstep.
There is a parking for at least 1 car beside the canal right opposite the cottage, guests will need to register their car number plate a few days priory to arrival with the owner – there is a public car park just 80 yards down the canal (you would have passed by the entrance shortly before arriving at the lock). Guests will need to cross the canal Lock gate to get to the cottage, it has ramps and railings and is wide enough for a wheelchair.
Please note that outside High Season this cottage offers a reduced rate for just two guests, who use one bedroom only.
The Garden
Navigation cottage is set back from the Sea Lock and Canal by a swath of grass and then its own front garden – you come through a Rose arch to the Front entrance of the cottage and the gorgeous big mature garden, there is an expanse of luxury decking beside the pond taking in beautiful views over the adjacent Lake Nature Reserve.
The beautiful rear garden is completely private and not overlooked.
You can have meals in the luxury Dining room or the comfortable Conservatory with views over the garden and onto the lake Nature Reserve, there are even BBQ facilities outside and an area which is enclosed for dogs to be let lose in without worrying.
2 well behaved Dogs are always welcome, please refer to this web page All About Bringing Pets for Charges, Rules and how this cottage may suit your pet.
Outside
You have footpaths to explore around the lake starting just on the other side of your garden hedge. There are miles of pretty canal side walks all the way into Maldon, where the famous Historic Thames Barges are berthed on the Hythe quay. You are always invited to have a look around and maybe lucky in buying a place on a memorable short sailing excursion.
At Heybridge Basin where Navigation Cottage is situated, there is the historic lock with two pubs and the well known Tiptree Tea Rooms of jam making fame. The walks along the sea wall can take you round to Maldon or all the way up to Tollesbury, if you fancy a really long walk!
The ever changing tides, sea, sky, ships and landscape make this a special place to visit and relax in.
Canoes can be hired and delivered from the Out door Centres
Green Credentials
Navigation cottage is a grade 2 listed building located in a wildlife haven within a conservation area.
All aspects of the cottage blend into the natural environment in which it is located.
The cottage is managed in a way to provide a truly comfortable and relaxing stay whilst enhancing its environmental setting.
The garden is full of native plants, has a habitat pond and is managed to bring wildlife in – a unique hide and hideaway.

Local Area
Hebridge Basin and Maldon contain many good pubs and the owners have their own at Purleigh: The Purleigh Bell
There are good restaurant nearby like Rubino’s.
You can walk straight from the cottage along the canal or Sea Wall for miles. There are boat trips on the canal and places to stop off and have a snack or a meal, the canal is a fascinating walk into beautiful countryside.
Bikes are provided for guests to use.
There are local opportunities for fishing, sailing and horse riding
There are quite a few interesting places to visit nearby like Layer Marney Tower, The Abbey at Coggeshall and Braxted Park and the world famous Beth Chatto Gardens are just 40 minutes away.

Standard Inclusive Features
Kitchen: All cottages are complete little homes and facilities include modern central heating, refrigerator, hobs, oven and / or microwave, toaster, crockery & serving dishes, cutlery, many utensils, fire-extinguisher, lots of pots & pans, glasses & mugs, kettle, coffee maker, teapot, kitchen towels, oven gloves, olive oil, salt & pepper, sugar, herbs, tea, fresh and instant coffee, washing up liquid, cloths, general cleaning materials, etc.
Bathroom: The lovely large shower bathrooms downstairs and upstairs are provided with fluffy cotton towels, hair-dryer, bath mats, toilet brush and toilet rolls.
Bedroom: Cotton bed linen and duvets.
Living room: Wifi, Smart TV , books, games, magazines, local brochures, OS and other maps, folder with our special ‘What To Do’ insider’s guide to the local area.
Heaters: Central heating throughout the cottage.
Bikes for adults and children: Please check with the owner that these are available before you arrive to avoid disappointment if they are in for maintenance
Baby: Cot and high chair provided on request (please bring babies bedding).

Facilities
- Barbeque
- Bed Linen Provided
- Bikes Provided
- Cats Accepted
- Central Heating
- Clothes Airer or Washing Line
- Clothes Dryer
- Clothes Washer
- Cooker and Hob
- Dishwasher
- Dog Friendly
- Enclosed garden or large dog area
- Freezer-compartment
- Fridge
- Garden
- Garden - Enclosed
- Ground Floor Shower
- Ground Floor Toilet
- High Chair Provided
- Internet Access
- Iron and Board
- King Size Bed
- Microwave
- Open Fire or Wood Burner
- Shower, Walk In
- Smart TV
- Television
- Towels Provided
- Travel Cot Provided
- Wifi

Location
Trainline Journey Planner: Click Here
London Liverpool Street Station to Witham 45 mins
Taxi to Heybridge Basin 20 minutes
Taxis cost approx £15
- Knights 01376 518 383
- Crusader Cabs 01376 500 555
- Waltham Taxis 01376 512 808
- Terrys Cars 07710 778121

What the Guests Say...
Amazing location and cottage, Kirsten and Julien were very helpful and responded quickly when we had a minor issue.
A really special place – completely private and yet right in the thick of the lock opening and closing action if you want to be.
During the day the lock was busy with people but in the evenings, you have the place to yourselves and can walk miles alongside the river and not see a soul.
The private enclosed garden was idyllic and a total sun trap.
My dog enjoyed being on rabbit and squirrel watch very much and it was lovely to be able to leave all the doors open so he could have complete freedom.
Kitchen was extremely well equipped and bedlinen and towels all very good quality. Lovely bathrooms too.
Would love to come back next year.
Charming cottage and beautiful setting. Had a wonderful stay, with the coastal path on the doorstep. The host was very responsive.
A lovely location with local walks and pubs on the doorstep. Lovely showers.
What a beautiful cottage. A mix of antique feel and modern utilities. A well stocked kitchen and even a cake and milk, tea and coffee waiting for us. A lovely safe garden for the dog to run around. Had a lovely meal at the Jolly Sailor, just a walk over the lock. Definitely coming back.
Excellent short break in a warm and cosy home with plenty of history. Some great walks and plenty of wild life on your doorstep. Really enjoyed our stay.
Great getaway for us five ladies. Walking/sea swimming/ two very local pubs and Tiptree tea room on the lock area too. You carry your bags across the lock…all good fun. Good 8 mile walk to village Goldhanger and great food at the Chequers for lunch. Early evening walked into Maldon along the canal. Great clean cottage, beds and showers great. All of us recommend this lovely cottage.
A lovely cosy and well appointed cottage. Lots of great walks and enjoyed people and boat watching whilst sitting outside the Old Ship, always something going on. We were lucky with the weather – calm, sunny and warm. Good food served at both pubs and had a delicious cheese scone and coffee at the tea room. All in all an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.
We have had a wonderful stay! Lovely big garden, lots of room to play! The house itself is lovely and I adore the wonky floor upstairs! The showers are wonderful as well. The BBQs are very good. It was so peaceful and as a kid I can say that it is kid friendly. In short I love it here! Marianna.
We are so sad to leave this beautiful place. I grew up just down the road and during the past two years have been desperate to return home from New Zealand. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in this beautiful cottage.
We really enjoyed our 4 nights at Navgiation Cottage. The weather was amazing so we spent lots of time in the garden enjoying the views, BBQing and playing games. We were also able to explore other areas, including Old Hall marshes and West Mersea beach, which offered lovely walks. We had a very enjoyable summer stay and can imagine the place would be great in winter too.
This has been the perfect base to use as we have explored our family history along this stretch of coastline. The surroundings are incredibly peaceful and it has been wonderful to be able to walk and explore without taking the car. Thank you!
Lovely location , nice pubs near by. Garden is beautiful and a sun trap!
Lovely cottage in beautiful setting. Kitchen very well equipped, completely modern, dishwasher etc. lovely conservatory and garden. Two sitting rooms, full of character, one with a working wood burner. Two shower rooms with toilets, clean and modern, bedrooms full of period character. Beds were comfy, a bit on the soft side but that’s just personal preference. Nest central heating, very smart. Lovely garden full of character. If you have small children though you’d need to watch them round the pond.
Another wonderful stay at Navigation cottage !
We were blessed with lovely weather, and were able to go on wonderful walks. loved watching fox etc passing through the garden.. We’ll be back !!!
Enjoyed a lovely stay in your beautiful cottage. Some lovely walks on the doorstep. If you like to see kingfishers, a lovely walk along the canal to Beeleigh Falls is worth it.
Have enjoyed our five days here relaxing and away from the day to day chores. The garden is lovely to read in and to listen to the starlings. Thank you Kirsten & Julian for creating such a perfect place to stay. All essentials to make life easy are here.
What a lovely cottage and a fantastic location. Could have stayed for a lot longer!
Lovely cottage – nice chill out. Can recommend the Purleigh Bell pub and Mersea Island for seafood! Lovely location
Super location for a relaxing break. Wonderful bracing walks, love this region
A beautiful place to stay. Peaceful, cosy and relaxing just what we needed. Thank you for the cake! Will definitely be back
What a grand place to celebrate the re-opening of our life! We all had a lovely time walking, drinking, boating and playing crazy golf. Relaxing in the sunny conservatory was a real bonus! This is really a wonderful place with everything you need for a great holiday. Thanks
Wow – what an amazing location! On its own ‘island’ across the lock, completely surrounded by water. The house is beautifully appointed and delightful whatever the weather. Would love to come back
It was my 60th birthday – what a fabulous place. sunny weather with perfect sunsets. The estuaries are a photographers dream! We will be back. Perfect weekend away. We love it here! x
this is our 8th Grove Cottage stay and we weren’t disappointed! Navigation Cottage is a wonderful characterful cottage! The setting is fantastic, with beautiful views. There is so much to do locally, or you could just spend your time at this peaceful cottage and beautiful garden. A chance to recharge a weary soul. You will leave feeling relaxed! We wish we had a longer stay, as does Sam (our dog) who loved his walks here!
A lovely well equipped cottage in interesting surroundings. Plenty to do on the doorstep plus places to eat very close.
We have loved our second stay at Navigation Cottage in Heybridge Basin. The weather has been kind but even when wet and windy the wild coastline is wonderful. This cottage is just perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by. We will be back….
A very lovely cottage in an idyllic and unusual location, provides a wonderful escape. Pretty, small coastal villages and walks abound and the cottage itself makes the perfect base to enjoy it all.
A beautifully presented lock side 18th century cottage, standing within picturesque grounds. Lovely to see luxurious dog friendly cottage, with wonderful riverside/lock side walks. A lovely escape, thanks for the welcome pack.
Perfect – next to sea and pubs but quiet and secluded. Went for long walks with the dog on the Essex marshes. Breakfast in the conservatory overlooking the Nature Reserve was magic.
Have had a lovely time here at Navigation Cottage. Absolutely love it here. Such a great bolt hole. Loved being so near the water and seeing it change every day. Happy times, Happy cottage!
Fantastic cottage with everything we needed. We have enjoyed the garden and the walking. Can’t wait to return
Great cottage and great location. Loved exploring an area new to us. Enjoyed some smashing weather. Would love to return
What a wonderful week we have had! So much to enjoy……..lovely cottage, sunshine, fantastic views, great walks, peaceful garden – Excellent all round! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely place with others! Hope to return soon
Super place, so comfortable. So enjoyed the peace and quiet. Lovely garden, wonderful walks. Look forward to returning next year.
Our second visit this year to this beautiful cottage in it’s lovely setting. We always visit Tiptree jam factory when down this way and have a wonderful lunch. Thank you Kirsten & Julian for your help. We will certainly continue to come back to this wonderful restful cottage and location
Had a wonderful few days at this beautiful cottage. Have stayed in many self catering cottages and Navigation Cottage is the best we have stayed in. The kitchen is well equipped and a lovely welcome pack for an English breakfast was excellent. Good walks and relaxing in the lovely garden has made it a lovely week. Will be back
A wonderful stay! We both loved the cottage and the Basin. The wildlife was so exciting…and the dawn chorus reminded us of years long gone! Two visits to eat at the Purleigh Bell – it was that good! Also, we enjoyed a boat trip along the canal up towards Maldon. Take a camera! Kirsten & Julian, thank you!
Beautiful cottage which helped us completely relax. The garden is so relaxing. Had some wild, wet and windy walks and some fab sunshine to enjoy time with a drink watching the world go by.
Had a lovely quiet, relaxing weekend. Nice walks in all directions. Enjoyed our stay in an area that was new to us. Loved the secluded garden and views.
Having come well equipped we managed to go for the whole of the stay without using the car, which feels splendid. Good things include…..wild swimming at high tide (only for the acclimated!), walking to Rubino Kitchen for lunch, cycling to Maldon quay along the navigation and cycle routes, Friday night fish supper at the Ship (80s sound track!) and making friends with George & Mildred the ducks!
A beautiful location and cottage. One of the best we have stayed in
Thank you for a lovely stay at your beautiful cottage. We had an amazing time exploring the area that had previously been completely unknown to all of us. Our time here gave us a wonderful first impression
Great weekend in a comfortable, well equipped cottage. Enjoyed breakfast in the conservatory watching people walk along the river, before following their example. We couldn’t decide which windows to look out of. The views were great from all.
A wonderful few days in your unique cottage – loved every minute! Very unusual for such a lovely cottage to welcome dogs, ours loved exploring the garden and laying by the log fire! We hope to come back in warmer weather to enjoy the garden
Had a wonderful week at Navigation Cottage. Lovely location, good walks, Jolly Sailor is good for food and the Purleigh Bell!! Lovely comfy cottage for a nice relaxing chill. Lovely hamper on arrival filled with food. Many thanks
We had a wonderful three days in your cosy cottage. It was a great location, had lovely walks and was an ideal place to relax and chill. Many thanks
Wonderful cottage! Clean, comfortable and welcoming. A unique location – will absolutely return
We have stayed in various lovely cottages, but this is our first Grove Cottage. We were not disappointed, great location and fabulous comfortable cottage. We came for a relaxing break for hubby’s birthday and din’t want to leave. Will definitely be back and would highly recommend
We’ve had a great four days away from the stress of work. Beautiful house, amazing location and great walks from the front door. Brilliant! x
They say a change is as good as a rest. Perfect little bolt hole for a weekend away with our triplet daughters to escape ‘doing jobs’, and spend some quality family time. Great location, great cottage. Perfectly quaint with no expense spared mod cons.
Navigation Cottage is a lovely well fitted property. We felt immediately at home here. The immediate area is full of interest and we didn’t need to use our car once as there are walks from the door. We hope to return in the not too distant future
Lovely, large cottage, full of character but with modern twists. Super kitchen and showers!
Interesting activities around the lock. Sightings of different birds very pleasing, as for the sailing barges. Local pubs solid and unpretentious.
Lovely cottage in a great position. Beautiful garden! A hit with everyone! We will be back!
Thank you! We have had a very relaxing few days. The cottage is lovely, the garden just divine. Lots of nice walks, good food in local areas, a very chilled few days. Many thanks
This is a fabulous cottage with lots of charm and atmosphere. The position is second to none. Beautiful scenery, dog walks and two pubs on the doorstep. What’s not to like!
The cottage is beautifully furnished and very comfortable with a well equipped kitchen. Its position is superb and the lovely garden is ideal for sitting in and enjoying the views and that’s before you start on the walking! We look forward to coming back again.
A perfect escape ! Beautiful cottage, very well appointed and stylish. Lots to do and even the weather was kind. Our hosts incredibly helpful and eager to please. We don’t usually re-visit a cottage, but feel we shall make an exception for Navigation Cottage. Thank you so much
Just back from a wonderful three nights at Navigation Cottage. Lovely cottage, well designed, immaculate and very well equipped. Lots to do nearby. Wonderful garden. Will definitely book there again. Owners very friendly and helpful. Our dogs loved it too!
Written by Phoebe age 12 and Emilia age 10. We Had a wonderful stay in Navigation Cottage. The Cottage has a beautiful garden and a very homely feel. The views on walks are very pretty and everywhere around is super nice. The weather was great so all of us played lots of games of cricket ! We also really loved the pond in the garden ! The cottage is in an amazing location and we loved watching the boats sail by. we feel very privileged to have been the first family to stay in this cottage ! Thank you so much ! Justin, Amanda Phoebe and Emilia

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