Nestled within 300 acres of picturesque working farmland, Malting Farm offers an idyllic country escape that is sure to enchant and captivate. With its secluded cabins and inviting bell tents scattered amidst a breath-taking wildflower meadow, this little haven promises an unforgettable retreat.
Whether you seek solace as a couple, quality time with friends, or a memorable family getaway, Malting Farm in the village of Little Bentley effortlessly caters for every need.
The farm
A mixed farm which means they produce both arable crops and manage livestock, Malting Farm has been passionately run by the King family, since the 1920s. Thankfully for us, the Kings decided the location was almost too beautiful for they alone to experience and embarked on creating a holiday retreat that was true to their passions.
Malting Farm feels like a hideaway, it’s an escape that’s filled with nature and calmness and surprises in the form of roaming pheasants and hares at every turn. We even saw a beautiful owl flying gracefully from our cabin back porch, you really do feel like you’re at one with nature on the land.
Accommodation
The main accommodation is a collection of three luxury oak framed, self-catering cabins, named after native wildlife, birds and flowers, each sleeping between four and six guests. The cabins are close enough to acknowledge your neighbours, but far enough apart to never know their names. Each is slightly different in layout and design, but all come beautifully and tastefully furnished. In fact, each item of furniture feels like it was picked out personally for its role.
The natural Scandi style décor means that you instantly connect with the surroundings, and each cabin opens onto a stunning raised porch facing the stunning landscape and meadow. Every cabin benefits from its own barbecue-come-firepit and seating area as well as a second private outside space with an integrated hot tub. Each make for the perfect evening, be it toasting marshmallows, or relaxing in the hot tub as you surrender to the glorious nature that surrounds you.
Our main bedroom had a cosy king-sized bed with a freestanding in-room bath and separate W/C and shower room. There’s thoughtful detail in everything from the practical storage and use of space to the delightful home baked cake welcoming you on arrival. The kitchen is discreet and well equipped and the cosy lounge area connects seamlessly to the relaxing porch.
Due to the proximity of the three cabins, they offer themselves well to private group or family getaways where you can bring nearest and dearest together while maintaining your own independence.
Set between the wildflower meadow and lazy stream, there’s also a boutique glamping glade that is perfect for small groups. There are four beautiful, luxury bell tents set around a fire pit looking out into the meadow, for those who want to get that little bit closer to nature.
To do
Malting Farm itself has plenty to do without having to travel more than a few steps from your cabin, but it’s all created so that it is casually integrated into the setting. The most surprising and fun is the onsite reservoir that hosts paddleboarding, with all equipment hired from Malting Farm. There’s also cycle hire for those wanting to go a little further afield and prefer wheels instead of walking. The reservoir is also regularly re-stocked with fish and fishing is free for those who want to bring their own rods and bait.
In addition, animal feeding is on offer at Brook Meadow, where pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs and quail are all kept.
Within a 30-minute drive there’s the friendly beach of Frinton-on-sea with its fun and colourful beach huts. A little further up the coast is Walton-on-the-Haze with its fossil cliff, where many hours can be spent sifting through the shingle in search of sharks’ teeth often found at the base of the scree slopes.
In a nutshell
Malting Farm has everything you can possibly need on its doorstep, but there’s nothing more enjoyable than retreating to the peace and tranquillity of your cabin each day. They’re soon to be adding two luxury treehouses with star-gazing windows suspended on the family’s beloved oak trees – I can’t wait to return in the future! If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that promises to exceed all expectations, Malting Farm really should be the top of your list.
Factbox
Prices start from £140 per night with a minimum of a two-night stay.
Address: Malting Farm Cabins and Treehouses, Tendring Rd, Little Bentley, Colchester, Essex CO7 8SJ
Phone: 07908 401111
Website: maltingfarm.com
Email: info@maltingfarm.co.uk
Photography courtesy of Malting Farm unless otherwise credited.
