What’s Sea View Cottage like?
This two-bedroom red brick cottage is just a stone’s throw from the beautiful beaches of Frinton-on-Sea. Owner Jo has thought of everything couples and young families could possibly need for a short break and there’s a gorgeous enclosed garden to boot. Several dog-friendly cafes and bars are within easy walking distance, too.
How dog-friendly is Sea View Cottage?
It’s great. Ernie and Stan loved the huge dog bed provided and there were also treats, poo bags, a variety of different-sized bowls and towels just for them. The boys spent hours exploring the huge back garden, which has a lovely patio area and large grassed section. There is also a wildflower garden at the end, but this is gated off and guests are kindly asked not to let their dogs disturb it. Up to two dogs are welcome to stay at a time and there is no additional charge.
Tell me more about Sea View Cottage
This cosy two-bedroom property is just one street back from the seafront. There is free parking right outside the cottage and from the enclosed front garden, guests enter straight into the carpeted lounge. This has colourful velvet sofas and armchairs and a dinky wood-burning stove. You’ll also find a large flatscreen TV, excellent WiFi and an Alexa. The lounge leads into the spacious tiled kitchen/diner (keep reading to find out more) and from here, you can access the long, enclosed garden.
Upstairs, you’ll find the spacious master bedroom, which has a soothing, coastal feel and sea views. The bed linen feels lovely and luxurious and light-sensitive sleepers will be pleased to hear there are both blinds and curtains so you’re practically guaranteed a good night’s sleep. The nautical-themed second bedroom has bunk beds, and the bright yellow bathroom next-door has both a bath and shower. Aside from the bathroom though, there is a neutral colour scheme throughout with the soft furnishings providing pops of interest.
There are lots of stylish little touches dotted around the cottage too, such as cool dalmation-print crockery, geometric style curtains and funky wall art. Lots of information about local attractions is also provided and a selection of books and games will help keep you occupied on rainy days. There are many handy bits and bobs for those travelling with children too, such as stair gates, high chairs and plastic cups and plates. In short, Jo has thought of everything you could possibly need!
What’s the food like at Sea View Cottage?
This is a self-catering cottage so you’ll need to provide your own, but there are a few ‘essentials’ to get you started. When we arrived, there was a bottle of Prosecco waiting for us in the fridge, along with some milk and homemade lemon drizzle cake – which was delicious. There were also basics such as tea, coffee, sugar and olive oil. The kitchen itself, which had stylish green cabinets, was spacious and incredibly well stocked with everything you’d need to cook a meal, plus a washing machine and dishwasher and a table and chairs for four.
If you’d prefer to eat out during your stay though, there are lots of great dog-friendly options nearby. Connaught Avenue – the main shopping street in Frinton-on-Sea – is a great place to start, and it’s approximately a 10-minute walk from the cottage. Many of the bars and cafes in Frinton allow dogs but we really enjoyed the coffee and brunch options at Bird & Bean, where dogs are allowed in the garden area. Fish and chip restaurant Pier One also prides itself on being very pet-friendly – and all visiting pooches get a free sausage.
Are there resident dogs at Sea View Cottage?
No, but a friendly labrador lives next-door and may well pop his head over the fence to say hello during your stay.
Where are the best dog walks near Sea View Cottage?
Frinton’s beautiful sandy beach is less than a five minute walk from the cottage. Dog restrictions do apply during the summer months, but the closest section – accessed via a steep slope at the end of Pole Barn Lane – is pet-friendly all year round. The beach, which has hundreds of colourful huts alongside it, runs for miles in both directions. Aside from public toilets, there are few facilities but if it’s chips and ice creams you want, you can walk to nearby Walton-on-the-Naze – which is much more commercialised – in approximately 25 minutes.
If you prefer a bit of greenery when you’re out walking, head to nearby Holland Haven Country Park, which has more than 100 acres of unspoilt coastline to explore. The Naze Nature Reserve is another great place to enjoy a stroll with your pet pooch and is where you’ll find the iconic Naze Tower, which stands 86ft tall. Run Wild Dog Park, in nearby Great Holland, is also fantastic if you have anxious pets or normally keep them on lead. Here, you can hire one of two secure meadows to let your dog run free.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Sea View Cottage
The huge dog bed, exploring the garden, being so close to the beach
What I loved about Sea View Cottage
The peaceful location, the proximity to the beach and cafes, watching the clouds roll past from the kitchen window
How to book Sea View Cottage
Short breaks start from £350. A three-night minimum applies. The cottage can be booked via Sykes but if you contact Jo directly via the Sea View Cottage website, you will be able to secure the best rates.
