The Hexagon… Wow ! A Radar Tower with Sea Views

An Ex-Radar Tower with an impressive viewing floor where you can see for miles over the beautiful Essex Marshes and famous bird sanctuaries to the sea and the pretty Marina at Tollesbury. No neighbours – totally remote – fabulous location. … and you can bring the kids if you bring a tent for them - this can be arranged after booking. The location is simply stunning. The Hexagon stands in a large, enclosed meadow surrounded by the owners’ fields…but just a 12 minute drive to The Marina The space The Hexagon is a completely self-contained living area all on the ground floor with one en-suite king sized bedroom and a well-equipped kitchen. It is accessed from the entrance to The Radar Tower and guests may use the Tower to take in the magnificent views from a high vantage point over the marshes to the sea. The owners have put in a wood burning stove and sofas in the top viewing floor for guests to enjoy bird watching and the magnificent sunsets. There is a sheltered car park for 2 cars next to the Tower and plenty of room for more vehicles. You access The Hexagon via The Radar Tower, in the large hallway there’s lots of local information regarding the Tower and the local area, with maps of the Nature Reserves and Bird Sanctuaries, there’s also a second toilet off the hallway and stairs to the viewing floor. You enter the Hexagon from the hallway door. The floor of the Hexagon is marble tiled throughout with no steps. There is an en-suite king sized bedroom on your left with a neat shower room. On the right is a well-equipped kitchen with a hatch to access the table in the open plan sitting/dining room. At the end of the hall is the main open planned sitting and dining room, the whole front of which is glazed with 8 glass folding doors with views out into your meadow and beyond – there are no neighbours. There is an efficient glass fronted wood burning stove in this room and a lovely large glass hexagon pyramid roof light adding to the elegant spacious feel. The owners spoil their guests with a lovely English Breakfast basket. Up to 2 well behaved dogs or cats are Welcome: Garden The Hexagon is access via a farm track through 3 field gates which brings you to the old disused railway track leading down to the Hexagon and onwards to the sea wall. At the Hexagon is a sheltered car park and ramp to the Radar Tower. The Radar Tower and Hexagon are set in about an acre of meadow grassland which is hedged and fenced for all but the most determined dogs – as cattle are sometimes kept in the field around the Hexagon’s meadow this has in addition electric fencing on the cattle side – don’t worry it’s not dangerous just a slap to keep the cows from eating through the hedge. Outside The bird life around you is amazing with Marsh Harriers, hawks, migrating geese, herons, kites, ducks, waders, plovers, larks, owls, egrets and many, many more, all around you. At the end of the field you are in the Wildlife Nature Reserve with endless walks along the Sea Wall where you can take in the beautiful changes in landscape from marshy wilderness to hidden creeks and farmland. Looking out to sea or along the Blackwater Estuary you will often see the impressive sight of an historic Thames Barge under Full Sail or a fleet of competing yachts. The field surrounding The Hexagon belongs to the owners, who are Champion Cattle Breeders. The field is adjoined by the Essex Marshes and the Sea Wall, so you have direct access to some of the best bird watching areas in England and miles and miles of some of the best dog walks as well. One path takes you to the Marina at Tollesbury via the Sea Wall, this is a lovely walk. At the Marina you will find the cosy Sail-loft café and restaurant, the amazing red lightship in the moonscape of the salt marshes that make this area so unique, and the Woodup Pool, which is a tidal pool with a beach and BBQ Stands, that families love to enjoy on sunny days, and of course the pretty Marina and the Marina Restaurant. You are fields away from any neighbours Green Credentials Mell Farm, in which The Hexagon sits, has been managed for nature conservation for 25 years. We have planted over 4,000 trees and there is now more woodland on the farm than at any time in the past 100 years. We have raised the water level on the grazing marsh to encourage the winter wading birds, and the grassland is managed to allow cover for the nesting birds in the spring and summer. Many of our visiting birds are migratory and can travel thousands of miles to this, their winter holiday home. The Hexagon, which adjoins the historic Submarine lookout Radar Tower, is a new build with underfloor heating and full modern insulation, making it supremely energy efficient. It is clad in hardwood timber reclaimed from the renovation of Portsmouth docks. And of course, it is self-reliant with waste water treatment. We have started to plant fruit trees in the surrounding area to create a small orchard and are negotiating with a local beekeeper to get some hives. The cottage is maintained using local labour (cleaner, gardener, workmen), using Ecover products where possible and full recycling facilities are provided. We encourage all our guests to use the excellent local shops and cafes in the village – all within walking distance. Guest access Everwhere Other things to note If you wish to bring a tent for your children, the owners are completely happy with that - but please leave the garden in a nice state afterwards. There is a £15 charge for bringing a tent for less than a week and £25 for a week. Thus, adding to the normal sleeping capacity of the Hexagon which is 2 adults. This money can be taken after you have booked. The owners are happy to accept well behaved dogs and cats and the garden is enclosed and safe for all but the most determined escapologist dog. … But… Obviously …please be aware that it is very important that you keep your dog on a lead when going into a field with cattle or sheep in and don’t let it splash off the sea wall to scatter rare nesting birds etc … apart from that you have miles and miles of area to let your doggie run free. Up to 2 well behaved dogs or cats are Welcome: Please note that cottage owners cannot accept pets that have not been paid for, so please make sure that you have contacted us to pay for your pet before arrival. We are fine with up to well behaved doggies but please do not leave them alone on the property because they will fret and do damage. Also, never on the sofas or beds - thank you. Banned Dogs: Please also note that if you are considering bringing a dog breed which may be thought of as a danger or a concern to others, and definitely any Banned Dogs, then Please check with us first before booking and we will discuss the suitability of our cottage for you and your pet.