Apartment

Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House

Photo gallery for Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House

Living area
Exterior
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Room

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Colchester, Suffolk
  • Dedham Vale
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Colchester Castle Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • University of Essex
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Bury St. Edmunds (BEQ-RAF Honington)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House

A dedicated labour of love rejuvenated this 1930s Art Deco utility building in a sublime and secluded rural setting. It is the ultimate Constable Country retreat nestled in a private wild water meadow next to the River Box that runs through the Dedham Vale. Originally built in 1938 as the village pumping station, it was fully restored and extended in 2005 to create an ethereal space with unrivalled connection to its stunning natural landscape thanks to extensive use of glass. With wonderful walks, two fantastic pubs and uninterrupted south facing views over the Box Valley, The Pump House is an extraordinary sanctuary of bucolic peace and beauty.
Ground Floor
Sitting space – Within the glass conservatory style extension two large sofas face each over a coffee table and provide uninterrupted 180 degree views over the Box Valley with double French windows opening out onto a large wooden terrace and a water meadow beyond.
Kitchen – Down one side of the open plan living space is a kitchen worktop with a sink, electric oven & hob, microwave, kettle and toaster and large full sized fridge freezer.
Dining space – As part of the kitchen area there is a round dining table with four chairs adjacent to a full-wall-window and industrial styled heating tower which includes a log burner.
Bedroom – Off the living space through a curtain is a King-sized bed flanked by bedside tables and reading lamps. There is a large hand basin and clothes storage in built in wardrobes.
Shower room –Features a lavatory, walk-in power shower and hand-basin.
The Pump House has underfloor heating powered by a ground heat source pump that provides continuous heat and hot water.
First Floor
‘Cinema’ Snug – Up a paddle (compact and steeper ‘ladder’ style) staircase is a second seating area with a sofa bed facing a large 36” Smart TV.
Outside
French windows open straight onto large raised wooden terrace with seating and outdoor table along with a BBQ. A side ramp lead down into the private water meadow that is half left wild and the half mown and features a separate river bank seating area and direct access to footpaths.

Property manager

Charlie Allsopp
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Colchester

Colchester is home to this apartment. Dedham Vale and Bridge Cottage are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Suffolk Distillery and Birch Grove Golf Club. Assington Barn and Green Island Gardens Ardleigh are also worth visiting.
Map
Colchester, Suffolk

What's nearby

  • Dedham Vale - 3 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Flatford Mill - 14 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Colchester Castle Park - 16 min drive - 17.5 km
  • University of Essex - 16 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Colchester Zoo - 18 min drive - 25.7 km

Getting around

  • Bures Station - 10 min drive
  • London (STN-Stansted) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anchor Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Kings Head - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Shepherd & Dog - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Hare and Hounds - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Cock Inn - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Ultimate Constable Country retreat -The Pump House located?

Situated in Colchester, this apartment building is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Suffolk Distillery and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Dedham Vale. Assington Barn and Bridge Cottage are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Grandma R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing- The Pump House
We had a wonderful week at the Pump House.The location was perfect and plenty of wildlife.The Pump House was quite quirky with propeller type steps up to the Mezzanine and everything in keeping with the original building.We decided to be self catering, we would say the kitchen dishes were not very clean and had to scrub two saucepans and bought foil for the oven dish as it looked like it had not been cleaned properly by the previous occupants, however it did not detract from the overall stay at all, this was just an observation.When we arrived we were met with some lovely cake,biscuits,bottle of wine and cornflakes.We were suitably impressed.Thank you Hollie and Charlie, we would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
3 night break 2 adults & a dog
We had short 3 night break but wished we had stayed longer. The Pump house has been beautifully restored into a lovely holiday cottage and had everything we needed. We did a number of long walks directly from the cottage as there were number of public foot path so close. Our dog loved the garden and the river ( typical Labrador ). The pub is in easy walking distance. There is a fantastic information book in the cottage, with all the info you need to enjoy the area.Perfect break just what we needed. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Al D.

Wonderful Suffolk dog walking base
Fantastic location and comfortable base for us and the two dogs. Good clear walking and friendly local pubs. Ground source heating was brilliant and the Pump House was always warm to return to. It was a very easy and relaxing place to stay
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Great place to stay
Like the washing machine,but could have done with somewhere to hang washing.Needed also a shower mat.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Joanne D.

Perfect week away
We spent 7 nights at the Pump house with our young working cocker Spaniel. Easy to find even in the dark as we arrived very late. The location is perfect plenty of walks from the door step, there is a public footpath which runs through the garden, so you do get walkers passing through. The public footpath will take you to the Crown pub which has a great beer garden and serves very good food. We also ate at the Anchor which was recommended by the team and had a wonderful Sunday roast there. The house itself is small but feels spacious. We had a week of sun so no need for any heating. Well equipped for cooking meals. Essentials there, milk, bread, butter and some cereal. We did a click and collect shop at Sainsbury's in Sudbury only 15/20 mins away. Our dog loved the garden as mentioned it isn't secure so you do need to keep an eye on your dog, we do especially as very inquisitive! The village and surrounding areas are beautiful. We enjoyed 6 Mile walks most days and one trip to Aldeburgh which had amazing fish and chips! We would happily return in the future.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Joanne D.

Perfect week away
We spent 7 nights at the Pump house with our young working cocker Spaniel. Easy to find even in the dark as we arrived very late. The location is perfect plenty of walks from the door step, there is a public footpath which runs through the garden, so you do get walkers passing through. The public footpath will take you to the Crown pub which has a great beer garden and serves very good food. We also ate at the Anchor which was recommended by the team and had a wonderful Sunday roast there. The house itself is small but feels spacious. We had a week of sun so no need for any heating. Well equipped for cooking meals. Essentials there, milk, bread, butter and some cereal. We did a click and collect shop at Sainsbury's in Sudbury only 15/20 mins away. Our dog loved the garden as mentioned it isn't secure so you do need to keep an eye on your dog, we do especially as very inquisitive! The village and surrounding areas are beautiful. We enjoyed 6 Mile walks most days and one trip to Aldeburgh which had amazing fish and chips! We would happily return in the future.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

The Pump House
Beautiful location and an absolute heaven for bird watchers. Had the rain not made us go sight-seeing elsewhere, we wouldn’t have ventured out, being surrounded by all that natural beauty was wonderful. Look no further for a peaceful, relaxing getaway.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

unusual but it's a treat
Imaginatively restored former pump house, with two long comforable sofas in extension overlooking the field across the stream (horses and sheep) and the water meadow round the house. Underfloor heating is lovely, the lighting is brilliant, it's totally quiet but not isolated. Great walking from the house with wide footpaths almost everywhere and trafficless lanes. Very good village shop and idiosyncratic bookshop. Perfect location for visiting all the sights in Dedham Vale and beyond.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Great quirky accommodation in peaceful location
Great quirky accommodation in peaceful location. Shop and places to eat within walking distance. Wonderful for wildlife.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Unique property in beautiful setting
We stayed as a couple for a short weekend getaway. The property is really well designed and quite unique - great to read the history of how it was converted. The main positive is the setting - in such beautiful countryside with wonderful views from the windows. We enjoyed just sitting and looking out for hours. It was really quiet and peaceful - just what we were looking for - but also close to local pubs and a short drive to lovely villages. The hosts were also very responsive and we had a great welcome pack of goodies. Would loved to have stayed longer if we could so that’s a recommendation in itself!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Great location for walking and relaxing
A lovely location and generally warm and cosy. Really good that the heating and waste are all environmentally sustainable. the wood burner was a nice touch and the walks straight out of the front door were excellent. A private and secluded location, perfect for that quiet getaway.

About the host

Hosted by Charlie Allsopp

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests