Guests say
Island Lodge offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat with stunning canal views, abundant wildlife, and easy access to scenic walks, local pubs, and a charming tea room. Guests frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere, comfortable beds, and the overall relaxing experience. While most found the accommodation clean and cosy, a few noted occasional lapses in cleanliness and outdoor maintenance. Thoughtful touches such as welcome packs are appreciated by many, though not guaranteed. Overall, the lodge is highly recommended for those seeking a restful countryside escape.
Most guests found the property clean and well-presented, with several specifically mentioning immaculate or tidy interiors. However, a minority reported issues such as dust, dirty decking, and outdoor furniture, as well as occasional lapses in bathroom and kitchen cleanliness.
The location is widely celebrated for its idyllic, peaceful setting by the canal, beautiful views, and proximity to walking paths, pubs, and a tea room. Guests consistently highlight the tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings as standout features.
Guests frequently mention the comfort of the beds and the cosy atmosphere of the lodge. The property is described as restful and well laid out, with only minor comments about hot water in the shower and occasional noise from the weir during heavy rain.
The lodge is generally well-equipped, with positive remarks about parking, kitchen basics, and outdoor seating. Some guests suggested improvements such as more mugs, pans, cushions for benches, and better outdoor maintenance. Issues with the toilet system and shower were noted by a few.
Many guests appreciated thoughtful touches like the welcome pack and basic provisions, though it should be noted these are not guaranteed. Communication from the host was also praised, contributing to a positive overall experience.
About this property
Beautiful Island Lodge is situated right on the water’s edge at Paper Mill Lock. Sit on your own terrace and listen to the water rushing by or take a boat trip down the river.. All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Smart TV, Electric Fire, French Doors Leading To Garden
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Fridge
Bedroom: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, (Ensuite Also Accessed From Living Area)
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Enclosed rear garden with sitting-out area. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: No children under 16 years old except babes in arms. There is a river bordering the garden.. Nestled on the banks of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, Island Lodge on Paper Mill Island offers a retreat in the countryside of the Chelmer Valley at Paper Mill Lock. Ideal for enjoying water sports on the river, launch your SUP, canoe or kayak directly onto the river with your own private mooring. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the surrounding area with the rushing of water from nearby weirs.
The open plan living area has a positioned perfectly sofa for you to unwind in front of the television above the fireplace or enjoy the view, tempting you to walk through the glass doors onto the private patio to enjoy the views and sounds outside. The kitchen is ideal for whipping up hearty breakfast or romantic dinners. From the living area you can walk into your own bedroom with its en-suite shower room.
From the Island Lodge you can quickly pop over to the other side of the river and visit the popular tearooms and enjoy their delicious treats. You can watch as canal boats navigate through the lock gates or book a boat trip up and down the river through Essex Waterways. They also hire out canoe or kayaks during the summer months.
Island Lodge is an excellent base to explore the local countryside. The towpath follows the river for 14 miles from its beginning in Chelmsford, to the sea at Heybridge Basin and Maldon. Paper Mill Lock is the halfway point. For those wishing to go beyond the river, there are plenty of footpaths either side of the valley. Nearby is Danbury Common and Blakes Wood (National Trust) as well as Danbury Woods. The valley ‘hills’ also make it popular for cyclists as the Ride London passes through Paper Mill Lock. Nearby, the villages of Danbury and Little Baddow offer good restaurants and facilities. Also, you are only a few miles away from the sea at Maldon, or the many attractions of Chelmsford City. It is very accessible with the A12 being 10 minutes away, yet you are immediately amongst nature and by the water of the beautiful Essex countryside.
Free WiFi
No children under 16 years.
Babies in arms allowed.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (30)
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Megan Warren
We love the ambience of this place
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Christopher Taylor
It was our golden wedding anniversary and the lodge it self was loverly we really enjoyed our stay Howeve the outside was a bit off a let down the views were lovely but the decking area and table were both tiered and dirty the table surface was very dirty and was not usable to eat food off which was a shame the decking was dirty and some off it was covered in pigeon droppings some looked that they had been there for sometime easy remedy a pressure wash would deal with the problem just need to keep on top of it and the fence surrounding the decking looked tiered and in need off some TLC but we would recommend the property and would love to revisit hopefully with all the above remedied just a thought a gas barbecue would be nice extra for the outside space
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Confirmed Guest
Idyllic location and accommodation. Ideal spot for kayaking and paddle boarding.