The World's End — a beach house with a difference

With a garden that runs down to the beach on the beautiful River Blackwater, this home is ideal for your family to escape and relax and enjoy being outdoors. The living areas and master bedroom are upstairs, and the house is designed with two balconies and large windows make the most of the spectacular panoramic views of the River Blackwater and the surrounding countryside. This is a peaceful and magical place, and we're certain you'll love it as much as we do. This is a very quiet area and sound travels very well, so we do not accept stag or hen parties or any groups that may resemble them and music and noise must be kept down. The garden is vast and has a wonderful array of hidden pathways for adults and children alike to explore. There's a mud kitchen and den for the little ones, and you'll have the beach (mainly shingle, but with enough sand to build sandcastles) to yourself most of the time. The River Blackwater is fantastic for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. It is a tidal river so we recommend that you check the tides and take appropraite precautions, but if you do you'll have an amazing time. We ask that guests remove their outdoor footwear whilst in the house, and as such a pair of slippers may make you more comfortable while you're here in spring, autumn or winter. A pair of wellingtons is well recommended - even in summer, as it allows you to explore the inter-tidal flats at low tide and go looking for oysters, shipwrecks, crabs and starfish. Hazards: The road to the house is unmade and can get some potholes, so please drive carefully. There is a very small pond in the garden. All areas apart from two small rooms downstairs that are locked and the garage. I will be available on the phone. We have a small team of people who are local to take care of any issues you may have and to ensure you have the best possible stay. The house and the surrounding countryside and river are beautiful and we often don't get in the car for weeks when we're here. The surrounding area, such as the beautiful historic town of Maldon or the remote St. Peters on the Wall chapel. Marconi and Stone sailing clubs are close by, and the yachting centre of Burnham on Crouch is 30 mins drive away. However, after a few days you'll likely find yourself simply enjoying being here. There is nowhere better in the world than sat with a book and a pair of binoculars watching the sea and the sky change. It's absolutely mesmerising and it's never the same twice. If you're patient (and lucky) you may spot seals in the river, hunting for food on the incoming tide. We occasionally see Barn Owls from the house, there are Marsh Harriers nesting locally, we have a resident Kestrel who hunts in the garden and cuckoos and woodpeckers are regularly seen. We have a pair of partridges, a few pheasants, some rabbits and a fox who are daily visitors as well. Kids will love the shingle beach (which has enough sand to build sandcastles) for searching for shells, fossils and pirate treasure. The large garden contains a den and a mud kitchen and a large trampoline, as well as loads of secret passages. It's heaven for playing hide and seek! The visitmaldon and visitmaldondistrict websites will give you loads of ideas of things to do in the local area. Our favourites are Promenade Park and the barges in Maldon, afternoon tea at the Tiptree Tearooms at Heybridge Basin, and a 10km walk around Bradwell and out to St. Peters on the Wall. If you're not driving, getting here can be done via train to Southminster (about 6 miles away) and then a taxi. There are fantastic walking and cycling routes around here. The St. Peters Way passes a couple of miles from here on its way to the amazing and ancient St. Peter's On The Wall chapel at Bradwell, and the England Coast Path goes right past the end of the garden. There are some lovely walks along the sea wall in both directions, with wonderful views and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. The kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing is excellent, with loads of places to explore. We do strongly suggest that you be confident in your ability, your equipment and an understanding of the tides and weather before you venture out onto the water. Small sailing dinghies such as Toppers can be launched over the sea wall (if you're strong), and Stone Sailing Club is less than ten minutes walk away and welcomes visiting sailors. In the other direction, Marconi Sailing Club is similarly welcoming and is about a 15 minute walk along the sea wall. Cycling around the Dengie Peninsular is wonderful, whether you've a racing bike or you're just out for a potter with the family. Once you're onto the tarmac (about 500m away) it's smooth riding along quiet lanes to Bradwell, Tillingham, Burnham or Southminster where you'll find excellent pubs and cafes to refresh yourself. For the mountain bikers among you, head to Danbury Common (a 35 minute drive) to experience some great little trails - we do recommend a well maintained bike, pads and a full face helmet though.