Solitude 2 hours from London. Sea. Sky. Space.

The Beach House is situated on the Essex Sunshine Coast next to a Nature Reserve right on the bank of a tidal creek with stunning views of the sea in front and the river behind. The huge, usually empty, beach is just over the creek so you can wade over (barefoot or in wellies if you prefer - there are some pairs at the house but bring your own if you can) at low tide or walk down to the end of Beach Road to the nature reserve and through to the beach. Or you can stroll through the reserve, along the beach and back along the sea wall or stop and bird-watch from the hides or the sun deck. A booklet is in the house along with binoculars and bird books if you don’t know a plover from a pigeon. We have a list of birds spotted (34 in one weekend including Marsh harrier, linnets, Reed buntings, oystercatchers and kestrel) and can email it to you if you ask. Jaywick is about 20 minutes walk along the sea wall (about 30 minutes along the beach) where you will find pubs, shops and amusements. The Beach House is in the tiny hamlet of Lee-Over-Sands which is about three miles from St Osyth and about five miles from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. There are three bedrooms (two doubles with washbasins and one with single size bunk beds), a large living room with integral kitchen and an upper sun room and deck with wrap-around views of the sea and river. The house is clean and comfortable and the Seventies-style shower won’t be winning any design awards but is actually very efficient. There's parking for two or three cars along the side of the house and a slipway into the creek for the nautically-minded. The real joy is the sheer tranquility, waking up in the morning to flocks of geese and sitting in the sun room or on the deck gaping at the views over the creek, sea, river and marsh. At night sit in the nautically-themed sun room and watch the ships’ twinkling lights or gaze at the spectacular night sky including the occasional shooting star. We are very flexible, extremely friendly and we genuinely want others to share this unique spot so just ask. Most things are possible!