-595x446.jpg "Roof")
Architect Designed Rural River House
- Riverside / Waterfront
- Village / Rural
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Walking
Anyone looking for quirky accommodation and unique places to stay will not be disappointed by the fabulous A House for Essex, designed by Grayson Perry and FAT Architecture. It’s a two bedroom house overlooking the River Stour in the village of Wrabness in North Essex, just an hour by train from London.
This unique house sits on the southern bank of the River Stour with views across the estuary to Suffolk. It’s on the edge of the village of Wrabness and shows architectural eccentricity at its most creative. Designed by Grayson Perry, the house offers a fully immersive experience into the fictional life of Julie Cope (a fictional character of an Essex everywoman created by Perry). The building has been designed to evoke the tradition of pilgrimage chapels and Russian Stave churches. It has a golden roof and windows, and is clad in two thousand handmade tiles, which have all been created from originals produced by Grayson (along with the roof sculptures).
The village of Wrabness is well situated for exploring the nearby parts of both Essex and Suffolk. The Essex Way Rambler’s Route runs along the foreshore of the river below the house and offers lovely walks in both directions. You can explore Stour Wood in Wrabness, or walk in the Stour estuary nature reserve. A little further afield you can take the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry from Essex to Suffolk, or learn about the history of Essex by visiting Colchester Castle and Hedingham Castle. Go seal watching in Walton on the Naze’s Backwater, and visit some of the locations where Constable painted around Flatford Mill. Nearby beaches include Frinton-on-Sea, Brightlingsea, Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Dovercourt Bay. There are lots of local shops, bakeries, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants in Manningtree, Dovercourt, Ramsey and Harwich.
Getting There:
Driving directions provided on booking. The nearest railway station is Wrabness (a 2 minute walk to the house) with connections to Harwich, Colchester and London. The nearest airport is Stansted (1 hour 10 minute drive to Wrabness).
Nearest Airport:
Stansted (1 hr 10 mins)
Nearest Train Station:
Wrabness
Nearest Beach:
Frinton-on-Sea, Brightlingsea, Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Dovercourt Bay
Nearest Shop:
Wrabness
Interior Details
Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom with a shower and a separate large sunken bath with countryside views. Each of the bedrooms has an internal balcony which overlooks the main living space, and views across the river. Downstairs there’s an intimate but well equipped kitchen diner (kitchen equipment provided by David Mellor) with hidden doors flanking the fireplace which lead into the double height living room. This marvellous room has decorative timber panelling and richly coloured Grayson Perry tapestries. There is a downstairs bathroom. The interior of the house contains a number of specially commissioned artworks including furnishings and mosaic floors celebrating the life of Julie Cope. The living room has double doors leading to a sheltered porch overlooking the fields down to the River Stour. Inside the house you’ll find a library of books and music, Wifi, TV and DVD player, luxury bed linen, hypoallergenic pillows and duvets, and towels and body products.
Exterior Details
The house is in a rural setting with countryside views, and pathways cut into the surrounding wilderness meadow for you to wander.
Conditions
Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Sorry, no dogs. Maximum two children (must be over the age of 10). Please note that due to the location the wifi and mobile signal can be intermittent and a constant connection / fast speed cannot be guaranteed.
Please note: Enquiries and bookings for this One Off Place are managed by one of our partner agents. Click on the enquiry button to be taken straight through to their website where you can check exact rates and availability, and make your booking. We aim to keep the property descriptions on One Off Places up to date, but please also check the copy on the partner website to ensure you’re seeing the most up to date information.
