15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England
Chocolate box cottage in the heart of the market town of Saffron Walden and yet situated in a quiet back street and only 0.2 miles from the Market Square passing by an artisan bakery and interesting shops and restaurants along the way.
The cottage has undergone extensive renovation to include kitchen, bathroom and en-suite yet retains all of its historic character. The cottage is heavily beamed with a large inglenook fireplace to two rooms, oak floors to the downstairs. It has a small and very private courtyard garden. The property has on road parking available outside. Ideally situated to explore Saffron Walden and Cambridge and London is easily accessed by the local station Audley End which is a 5 minute drive away from the cottage. It is just perfect for two - four guests and idyllic for two. Drake Cottage received the ROSE award from Visit England in 2022 in recognition of service excellence - only 100 hospitality venues receive the award in any year.
Property manager
Deborah Wheatley
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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Due to the age of the house absolutely no candles or naked flames can be used in the cottage but we do provide LED flickering candles for your use
Bookings only accepted one year in advance.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Saffron Walden
Located in Saffron Walden, this cottage is in the city centre. Audley End House and Old Sun Inn are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chilford Hall Vineyard and Gog Magog Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Bridge End Gardens and Whoosh Explore. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
Saffron Walden, ENG
What's nearby
Bridge End Gardens - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Market Square - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Saffron Walden Museum - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Old Sun Inn - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Audley End House - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
Getting around
Audley End Station - 5 min drive
London (STN-Stansted) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
The Duke of York - 7 min walk
The Temeraire - 4 min walk
Waffle and Coffee - 5 min walk
the Railway Arms - 11 min walk
The Curious Goat - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England located?
This family-friendly cottage is located in the city centre, within 1 mi (2 km) of Fry Art Gallery and Audley End House. Bridge End Gardens and Church of St. Mary are just steps away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We try to stay here whenever we're in Saffron Walden, visiting family. We are very pleased with the property and the helpfulness of the owner and housekeeper. My only word of caution to prospective guests is that the narrow, winding staircase is not suitable for people with mobility issues, but that would be my only real reservation.
Drake Cottage is a delightful place to stay. It’s (really) old and beautifully renovated with lots of great touches for guests. It’s very close to the centre of Saffron Walden but quiet.would love to come back.
We stayed for a few nights birthday surprise for my best friend.The cottage was perfect.Proximity to the town fantastic,no traffic noise ect..but the best part of all is the added touches that meke you feel welcome and special...all toiletries,hairdryers,milk,tea,coffee,an amnesty basket incase you have forgotten anything and then the towelling robes to sit in the gorgeous lounge watching a film with hot chocolate in hand.Id like to say thankyou for allowing us the privilege to stay in your beautiful grade 1 listed building,if those walls could talk im sure they would be happy with the loving way its been renovated.
We will definitely return one day.xx
Full of character and beautifully presented property. Comfortable, cozy, extremely well equipped.
Location couldn’t be better, quiet, but short walk to all local amenities.
Saffron Walden is a quintessential English town, with so much to see and explore.
Would definitely return to both Drake Cottage and Saffron Walden.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our week's stay at Drake Cottage. The location is perfect; close enough to town to walk to the shops, cafes and restaurants, but off the main road for peace and quiet. The cottage was spotless and beautifully decorated, everything you need is provided. Deb and Lucy answered our questions quickly and efficiently. We would highly recommend a visit to this wonderful cottage in Saffron Walden!
The cottage has all modern conveniences and is tastefully decorated. Everything was comfortable. The stairs are a bit challenging. The cottage is easy walking distance to town. We enjoyed our stay very much.
This cottage is set in walking distance of the town but in a quiet backstreet among other period houses. Plenty of space for two independent adults and much hilarity with the stairs - do as we did and decant suitcase contents downstairs! Communication before and during the stay was excellent and loved all the homely touches of the cottage. 100% recommend staying here for a real Saffron Walden experience! Thank you Deb, will look forward to a return visit
Drake Cottage 13- 20 October
Sorry for delay in responding. This in no way reflects our enjoyment of our stay in Drake Cottage. A message was left in the Cottage visitor book.
We found the cottage to be everything we required in comfort and modern convenience while retaining the feeling of old-world charm. It was beautifully appointed for self-catering and was spotlessly clean. The beds, pillows and the bedding were luxurious and more comfortable than any we have ever experienced over many years of both hotel and self-catering holidays. The location of the cottage was superb for access to the town centre.
it made for a most interesting and relaxing holiday venue.
Ideally situated this property is what my 6 year old would describe as a "wonky donkey " house! It is beautiful but you have to be very aware upstairs if you are tall (there are warnings in the guest book etc). The only slight frustration and not one the owners can control is the parking. Despite signs saying the parking outside was for Drake Cottage people parked there regardless and so we had to unload and put our car in the local public car park but realistically that is a first world problem!!! All in all a fabulous stay
Charming and comfortable cottage to stay in the heart of the medieval market town. Has everything you need: very well equipped kitchen, cosy living room, comfortable beds, with lovely linens, good shower with powerful spray and plenty of hot water, big tub if you want a soak. Little outside garden area for fine weather. Walking distance from center of SF, Saffron Hall for concerts, Audley End. Only downside, which I think would not be an issue for most is the narrow, turning staircase with low overhead beams to access the upstairs. We are in our late 60s and could manage it fine, but if you were very tall, or not terribly mobile, this might be an issue. We loved the cottage and would certainly return.
Huisje is van alle gemakken voorzien, keurig schoon en heeft alles wat je nodig hebt. Alle apparatuur in huis is boven verwachting, tot zelfs een vaatwasmachine en wasmachine aan toe. Super leuke cottage.
1 klein minpuntje is het matras in het 2 persoonsbed, deze ligt naar mijn mening niet echt lekker meer, is te zacht.
Verder zeer de moeite waard voor een heerlijk weekje weg.
A very cosy cottage with all that you need. A well stocked kitchen and comfortable berooms.
Robert M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
leslie
23 September 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
So cozy and beautiful! After weeks on the road the Bosch washer/dryer was most welcome. The private patio was a perfect hideaway for morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening wine: flowers blooming, birds singing. We were greeted with a generous welcome tray: coffee, tea, shortbread biscuits, and milk in the frig. Audley End House and Garden are within walking distance. Closer is Bridge End Garden, a lovely surprise. Lunch at The Eight Bells-within a grade II listed building- was delectable and also an easily walkable distance. We had items to ship home and found everything we needed to do so (including a UPS shipment desk at a local business) in walking distance. Housekeeper Lucy is commendable. The cottage was spotless, everything was in good working order. Lucy also quickly responded to our questions. We stayed for 4 nights and I wish we'd planned for longer.
Beginning with the booking and first contact with Deb, all went as smoothly as possible. She answers straight away and is very friendly and helpful. The house was, thanks to Lucy, spotless, beautiful and superbly equipped with a very comfy bed, located in a quiet cul de sac in lovely Saffron Walden. The small outdoor area invites you to read, relax and enjoy the sunshine. I would suggest to buy a Treasure Trail UK either online or in the local tourist information to explore the town and its hidden treasures like the amazing Bridge End Garden.
We can definitely recommend staying here and are hoping to come back soon! Thank you very much for a great time!!
Drake cottage is lovely, nicely restored keeping some of the ancient look and feel but in the same time nice and comfortable. We had a great time (family with two teenagers) and even had breakfast (brunch) in the little courtyard. We all managed to bump our head once or twice but that was actually more funny than a nuisance.
If there's one thing less positive it must be the parking situation, I had to use the public parking (paid and at a couple of hundred yards) most of the time. No drama, it's not expensive and close by, but less convenient than anticipated.
All in all a great place to stay!
We had a lovely few days in Drake Cottage. As stated by everyone else, it was super clean and all communication with the host and manager was very prompt. It is in a great location and extremely cosy and comfortable. Would not hesitate to recommend.
We absolutely LOVED our stay at Deb's house! After our move from Australia, we based ourselves in Saffron Walden at Deb's cottage for 2 months while we found our feet. It was instantly our home away from home and we loved every minute. Lucy, who looks after the property, is such a beautiful lady who was always beyond helpful and so, so lovely. The town itself is quaint and cute, with the cottage being centrally located. Do yourself a favour and book Deb's place!
Very convenient to downtown S. Walden. Wonderful kitchen and cozy Living room. Very easy process to check in. Deb and Lucy were fabulous.
John H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
About the host
Hosted by Deborah Wheatley
This cottage was bought to be our personal bolt hole when visiting England and also a home to share with our friends and family as we currently live in Fort Lauderdale Florida. We have dual British and American citizenship having moved to the USA 23 years ago.
The cottage is our personal pride and joy and it will be a pleasure for us to share this historic cottage with you.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with the cottage in 2012 while visiting Saffron Walden; it was so pretty with roses around the door and only a 2 minute walk from the town's restaurants and shops. We had lived in Saffron Walden before moving to Chicago, USA in 1999 and now live in Fort Lauderdale , Florida. We are very happy to have bought the cottage so we get to spend time in England. We love Saffron Walden with its historic centre and market place and the cottage's location, though in a very quiet street, is only a few minutes from the shops, market place, pubs and restaurants making it unnecessary to drive anywhere when in town. The cottage is only 25 minutes drive from the centre of Cambridge and a 45 minute train ride to the London Underground.
What makes this property unique
If you are looking for a romantic period cottage to spend a week or weekend this cottage is a perfect match. 15th century charm with up to date plumbing, kitchen and bathrooms.
It's location between Cambridge and London make it an ideal base for visiting the UK as the Audley End train station with its regular service to both cities is a 10 minute drive away making it unnecessary to drive into the cities. It is also perfectly situated for touring the East Anglia area including Suffolk and Norfolk.
The cottage oozes character from every beam and has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Audley End Park is only a 5 minute walk away from the cottage meaning you can enjoy the English countryside as well as all that the town itself offers.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests