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15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England

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Drake Cottage - rose in bloom and side gate to courtyard garden.
Sitting room
Drake Cottage from the street.
Dining room with seating for 6 and inglenook brick fireplace.
Double bedroom with ensuite shower room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 481.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Saffron Walden, ENG
  • Place, Bridge End Gardens
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Market Square
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Audley End House
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Shower room 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England

Chocolate box cottage in the heart of the market town of Saffron Walden and yet situated in a quiet back street and only 0.2 miles from the Market Square passing by an artisan bakery and interesting shops and restaurants along the way.

The cottage has undergone extensive renovation to include kitchen, bathroom and en-suite yet retains all of its historic character. The cottage is heavily beamed with a large inglenook fireplace to two rooms, oak floors to the downstairs. It has a small and very private courtyard garden. The property has on road parking available outside. Ideally situated to explore Saffron Walden and Cambridge and London is easily accessed by the local station Audley End which is a 5 minute drive away from the cottage. It is just perfect for two - four guests and idyllic for two.
Drake Cottage received the ROSE award from Visit England in 2022 in recognition of service excellence - only 100 hospitality venues receive the award in any year.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Highchair , travel cot and stair gate available
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is allowed outside on the patio .

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Please return keys to lock box on departure .
Please strip beds of duvet cover, pillow cases and sheet if time allows.
Please place all towels in the bathtub.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Due to the age of the house absolutely no candles or naked flames can be used in the cottage but we do provide LED flickering candles for your use
Bookings only accepted one year in advance.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saffron Walden

Located in Saffron Walden, this cottage is in the city centre. Audley End House and Prior's Hall Barn are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chilford Hall Vineyard and Gog Magog Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Bridge End Gardens and Whoosh Explore. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
Map
Saffron Walden, ENG

What's nearby

  • Bridge End Gardens - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Market Square - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Fry Art Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Audley End House - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Imperial War Museum Duxford - 11 min drive - 14.3 km

Getting around

  • Audley End Station - 5 min drive
  • London (STN-Stansted) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Temeraire - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zafferano Lounge - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪the Railway Arms - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Cross Keys Hotel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Curious Goat - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex, England located?

This family-friendly cottage is located in the city centre, within 1 mi (2 km) of Fry Art Gallery and Audley End House. Bridge End Gardens and Church of St. Mary are just steps away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 136 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 136 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 136 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 136 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 136 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location, very high spec property, great amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cherrilyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay in your cottage, it was spotlessly clean,very cosy and comfortable.We love that it was right in the centre of town so was so easy to walk everywhere.Thank you so much Sherry,Pete,Dianne and Gordon
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful cottage, well furnished and supplied with all essentials (including non-essentials like a charcoal BBQ with implements- buy your own charcoal). I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

June W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Drake Cottage

Beautiful cottage in a stunning location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Françoise B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in a marvellous cottage in a beautiful little town

Extraordinary cottage, very well equiped, cosy and confortable.You feel at home and it is just as though Elizabeth 1st is going to knock at your door!The town itself is delicious, with nice people : we had coffee and cake when visiting the church!Also nice shops.Easy to get to London or Cambridge by train from Audley End, and last surprise : Audley End house!Thank you Deborah and Susie, we would certainly be happy to come back and tu recommend Drake cottage
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at Drake Cottage. The cottage is beautiful, both on the inside and on the outside. Everything is spotless, including the modern appliances. We've stayed at many vacation rentals, but this one is by far the cleanest we've seen. Everything you need is already provided for, including tape, a flashlight, soap, scissors, you name it. There's lots to see and do in and around Saffron Walden. Even a trip to London is only an hour by train from Audley End. We would have loved to stay longer, but unfortunately, our holidays were over. We will be back for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage

Drake Cottage is a delightful place to stay. It’s (really) old and beautifully renovated with lots of great touches for guests. It’s very close to the centre of Saffron Walden but quiet.would love to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Reliably Outstanding

We have stayed here several times in the past, and, whenever we are planning on visiting the family in Saffron Walden, we always look for to see if this property is available. Highly recommended, except for people with mobility issues, for whom the tight, winding staircase to the upstairs bedrooms would be an issue. Apart from that, highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Excellent

We try to stay here whenever we're in Saffron Walden, visiting family. We are very pleased with the property and the helpfulness of the owner and housekeeper. My only word of caution to prospective guests is that the narrow, winding staircase is not suitable for people with mobility issues, but that would be my only real reservation.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cottage

The cottage was exactly as described. The stairs are very tricky, but we expected that. For American visitors, the appliances were tricky to operate and Google was our friend for temperatures and instructions. Saffron Walden has way more restaurants and shops than you expect, so wandering down every alley is a must. Gardens and Church are a must for striking, as well.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rainer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of the oldest houses in Saffron Walden!

A most delightful and original cottage- very lovingly arranged for holidaymakers. Superbly equipped - nothing wanting at all!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter H., Calgary, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Excellent

This is the place where we always try to stay when in Saffron Walden. Highly recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay

Cozy cottage with full of character, made great by the owners attention to detail. No complaints at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning period cottage in Saffron Walden

Full of character and beautifully presented property. Comfortable, cozy, extremely well equipped. Location couldn’t be better, quiet, but short walk to all local amenities. Saffron Walden is a quintessential English town, with so much to see and explore. Would definitely return to both Drake Cottage and Saffron Walden.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki B., Niskayuna, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage

The cottage has all modern conveniences and is tastefully decorated. Everything was comfortable. The stairs are a bit challenging. The cottage is easy walking distance to town. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Heritage Cottage

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our week's stay at Drake Cottage. The location is perfect; close enough to town to walk to the shops, cafes and restaurants, but off the main road for peace and quiet. The cottage was spotless and beautifully decorated, everything you need is provided. Deb and Lucy answered our questions quickly and efficiently. We would highly recommend a visit to this wonderful cottage in Saffron Walden!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pauline B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful quirky cottage

We all had a wonderful time in this charming cottage. It was comfortable, clean & had all we needed for our long weekend. Be warned though - the beams are low & very unforgiving!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

We stayed for a few nights birthday surprise for my best friend.The cottage was perfect.Proximity to the town fantastic,no traffic noise ect..but the best part of all is the added touches that meke you feel welcome and special...all toiletries,hairdryers,milk,tea,coffee,an amnesty basket incase you have forgotten anything and then the towelling robes to sit in the gorgeous lounge watching a film with hot chocolate in hand.Id like to say thankyou for allowing us the privilege to stay in your beautiful grade 1 listed building,if those walls could talk im sure they would be happy with the loving way its been renovated. We will definitely return one day.xx
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clare D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A gem of a cottage

This cottage is set in walking distance of the town but in a quiet backstreet among other period houses. Plenty of space for two independent adults and much hilarity with the stairs - do as we did and decant suitcase contents downstairs! Communication before and during the stay was excellent and loved all the homely touches of the cottage. 100% recommend staying here for a real Saffron Walden experience! Thank you Deb, will look forward to a return visit
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Drake Cottage

Drake Cottage 13- 20 October Sorry for delay in responding. This in no way reflects our enjoyment of our stay in Drake Cottage. A message was left in the Cottage visitor book. We found the cottage to be everything we required in comfort and modern convenience while retaining the feeling of old-world charm. It was beautifully appointed for self-catering and was spotlessly clean. The beds, pillows and the bedding were luxurious and more comfortable than any we have ever experienced over many years of both hotel and self-catering holidays. The location of the cottage was superb for access to the town centre. it made for a most interesting and relaxing holiday venue.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky but beautiful cottage

Ideally situated this property is what my 6 year old would describe as a "wonky donkey " house! It is beautiful but you have to be very aware upstairs if you are tall (there are warnings in the guest book etc). The only slight frustration and not one the owners can control is the parking. Despite signs saying the parking outside was for Drake Cottage people parked there regardless and so we had to unload and put our car in the local public car park but realistically that is a first world problem!!! All in all a fabulous stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Super spot in Saffron Walden

Charming and comfortable cottage to stay in the heart of the medieval market town. Has everything you need: very well equipped kitchen, cosy living room, comfortable beds, with lovely linens, good shower with powerful spray and plenty of hot water, big tub if you want a soak. Little outside garden area for fine weather. Walking distance from center of SF, Saffron Hall for concerts, Audley End. Only downside, which I think would not be an issue for most is the narrow, turning staircase with low overhead beams to access the upstairs. We are in our late 60s and could manage it fine, but if you were very tall, or not terribly mobile, this might be an issue. We loved the cottage and would certainly return.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely, charming cottage very close to everything we needed for our trip. It is full of character and it is obvious that someone has thought about all the details. We enjoyed our time immensely.Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely house

A lovely old house in Saffron Walden. A beautiful village, close to Cambridge.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Deborah Wheatley

Host profile image
This cottage was bought to be our personal bolt hole when visiting England and also a home to share with our friends and family as we currently live in Fort Lauderdale Florida. We have dual British and American citizenship having moved to the USA 23 years ago.

The cottage is our personal pride and joy and it will be a pleasure for us to share this historic cottage with you.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the cottage in 2012 while visiting Saffron Walden; it was so pretty with roses around the door and only a 2 minute walk from the town's restaurants and shops. We had lived in Saffron Walden before moving to Chicago, USA in 1999 and now live in Fort Lauderdale , Florida. We are very happy to have bought the cottage so we get to spend time in England.
We love Saffron Walden with its historic centre and market place and the cottage's location, though in a very quiet street, is only a few minutes from the shops, market place, pubs and restaurants making it unnecessary to drive anywhere when in town. The cottage is only 25 minutes drive from the centre of Cambridge and a 45 minute train ride to the London Underground.

What makes this property unique

If you are looking for a romantic period cottage to spend a week or weekend this cottage is a perfect match. 15th century charm with up to date plumbing, kitchen and bathrooms.

It's location between Cambridge and London make it an ideal base for visiting the UK as the Audley End train station with its regular service to both cities is a 10 minute drive away making it unnecessary to drive into the cities. It is also perfectly situated for touring the East Anglia area including Suffolk and Norfolk.

The cottage oozes character from every beam and has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Audley End Park is only a 5 minute walk away from the cottage meaning you can enjoy the English countryside as well as all that the town itself offers.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests