The Essex Mansion & Spa, Chigwell, The Essex Mansion & Spa

Very lucky to have stayed here for a few days. Amazing architecture, Grayson's artwork and luxurious interior are all well worth it. Great walks around Wrabness with lovely estuary views.

What an amazing time we had staying at this house! From start to finish we loved it … I didn’t want to leave! On arrival we found bread, butter, milk, eggs, local cookies, bottles of water in the fridge and all things we’d need for a few days such as dishwasher tablets, toilet rolls etc. I had been trying to book a stay for years and had seen so many videos and photos, I was sure I knew what to expect but walking through the front door blew my mind. The colours, the overall decor, Julie’s backstory. It’s just so cool! Initially I found the tapestries and art to be really overwhelming but over the couple of days I came to understand and appreciate it all so much better. The quality of everything in the house is second to none. The fixtures and fittings, the bedding, the products in the bathrooms etc were stunning. The house itself and the grounds are breathtaking. Peaceful, beautiful, unique and unforgettable. We loved the wilded garden and the seating areas. We didn’t have a great deal of time to explore the local area - though we did visit the local shop and railway station gardens. We’ll explore more on our next trip. We will definitely be back! Our only request is that the brambles on the lane to the house be cut back. We have an American truck and it got quite scratched on the way up and down … it’ll polish out. Thanks Grayson Perry! Julie’s Taj Mahal is a magnificent tribute to love 💕❤️💕

So lucky to have stayed here this week. I love Julie and everything about this place, it made us all very very happy and ourselves - but different in a very good way after lockdown. Utterly stunning, can’t fault it - design, art, the setting, the wild flower garden, the flipping amazing views and the swing down on the beach. Bliss. Thank you to the lovely hospitality staff too. Just ACE.