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Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea

On the beach

Property grounds

Interior

Interior

Fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster

Entire apartment

5 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6100 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea

A beautifully appointed five-bedroom holiday houseboat, fronting the River Blackwater amidst the tranquil surroundings of Mersea Island. Accessed via the Strood (please check tide times) on arrival and departure as the road is submerged in water (subject to tide times). Accessed via a decked walkway with allocated parking via parking bay with a decked seating area and all bedrooms on the lower ground floor. A quirky, traditionally styled houseboat with aspect across the River.

Situated on Coast Road amidst a cluster of quirky and original houseboats, Lorna is approached via a shingled parking area with a parking bay (set behind a chain link fence). A decked walkway leads to the houseboat with steps rising to a decked area a seating area with seating for three guests and a beautiful aspect across the individual properties on Coast Road and the River Blackwater distant. The houseboat enjoys an open-plan living space complete with French doors opening to the rear viewing platform and two settees with two further armchairs providing an aspect across the unspoilt landscape beyond. A kitchen area is complete with an integrated microwave, two-ring hob and fridge with breakfast bar with seating area and an adjacent shower room. The principal living space is enhanced by spectacular views and board games are available for use. An original, winding staircase descends to the lower deck whereby five bedrooms are arranged via a further sitting room, beautifully restored in the mould of a traditional ship cabin, further reading material and an ideal evening/winter area. One of our most distinctive holiday lets, perfectly formed to embrace the true essence of Mersea Island with its strong sailing links, historic oyster industry, and range of restaurants, pubs, facilities and cafes. An opportunity to experience the relaxed, calming nature of life on the river.

Please note that the boardwalk to reach the boat is not suitable for those unstable on their feet and the stairs are steep.

This property is an idyllic technology-free retreat and does not have wifi or a smart TV.

Property manager

David Burr Holiday Lets

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

On the beach

Kitchen

Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

1 bathroom

Living spaces

Dining table

Entertainment

DVD player
TV

Outdoor areas

Patio

Comfort

Heating

Pets

No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoke-free property

Location highlights

On the waterfront

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

Unit size: 1,076 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

600025031

About the area

Located in Colchester, this apartment is on the beach. Mersea Island Vineyard and Gosfield Lake Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cudmore Grove Country Park and Abberton Reservoir. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Colchester Community Stadium or Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool.

Visit our Colchester travel guide

View more Apartments in Colchester

West Mersea, England

What's nearby

Abberton Reservoir - 13 min drive - 8.6 km
Colchester Castle Park - 18 min drive - 17.3 km
Layer Marney Tower - 18 min drive - 19.3 km
Colchester Zoo - 19 min drive - 18.1 km
University of Essex - 19 min drive - 19.5 km

Getting around

Colchester Kelvedon Station - 23 min drive
London (SEN-Southend) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mersea Barn - ‬8 min drive
‪The Coast Inn - ‬1 min walk
‪The Layer Fox - ‬13 min drive
‪The Fox - ‬4 min drive
‪The Hare and Hounds - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea located?

Situated on the beach, this apartment building is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Mersea Island Museum and 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Mersea Island Vineyard. Cudmore Grove Country Park and Abberton Resevoir Visitor Centre are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Lorna, Houseboat , West Mersea Reviews

6.0

4.0/10

Cleanliness

4.0/10

Amenities

4.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

6/10 Okay

Katie

18 Aug 2025

Liked: Communication

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

When I first walked in, I loved it as it was a boat and I’ve never stayed on a house boat before. Communication when I booked was excellent and we checked in early. Upstairs was grey but downstairs (beds) was dark and smelt damp. There was no main TV control, used the TV buttons but couldn’t adjust the sound. No full length mirror nor a mirror in the bathroom so I did my make up looking at the toaster. The inside windows and tables were dirty, blind was broken but the main thing was the “security”… Anyone can walk up to the boat and stare through the windows at the front through the (eye level) windows as they aren’t covered. My partner had to leave early and it really worried me as I couldn’t even cover them with anything as there wasn’t even hooks etc. the main bedroom downstairs smelt, the light fell on me so we took the duvets up the very narrow stairs and slept on the sofas. Lovely area, unique place to stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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