Described by one guest as ‘Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons of B&Bs’, Piglets Boutique Country Stay is run by husband and wife team Max and Chrissie Parker. Once a piggery on a farm purchased by Max’s parents in 1944, the original buildings have now been beautifully converted and extended to house luxurious accommodation, conveniently located in rural Essex and only an hour from London.
Piglets boasts five well-appointed double guest bedrooms either available with a super king bed, or as a twin room. All rooms benefit from Hypnos beds with the finest Egyptian cotton sheets and a choice of an ensuite wet room with power shower, or a bathroom with a bath/shower combo.
In addition to the extras you would expect from luxury accommodation – an espresso machine, super-fast broadband and flat screen TV, the rooms have also been equipped with motion sensor bedroom floor night lights and air conditioning. Some rooms have a private balcony, others have stunning views over surrounding farmland or the Mediterranean-style patio.
Piglets benefits from a natural swimming pond – perfect for Wim-Hof-style cold water swimming in the cooler months, warming up to a balmy 25 degrees in the peak of summer. There is also a mini gym for those who feel the need to keep up with their fitness regime, perhaps followed by a trip to the infrared sauna. Alternatively, guests can take a run, walk or cycle in the stunning countryside, or maybe indulge in a game of pétanque on the competition sized piste or a spot of croquet on the adjacent croquet lawn.
Foodies will be in their element – a mouth-watering, extensive breakfast menu, locally sourced where possible, guarantees the best possible start to the day. A tasty evening menu is available year-round, every day apart from Wednesday. There is also a fully stocked honour bar, including a gin library featuring over 50 different gins from around the world, including Max and Chrissie’s own gin ‘Nosy Parker’.
Five-star service comes as standard at Piglets Boutique Country Stay – many guests return year after year to enjoy the luxurious facilities and blissful peace and quiet. The accommodation is conveniently located in the Essex countryside, in close proximity to the three counties of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
The more energetic guest might consider exploring the surrounding historic towns and villages. Visitors can while away a few hours with a visit to Cambridge, pick up the National Cycle Network in nearby Saffron Walden, or indulge in some culture at one of the local stately homes or theatres.
Whether relaxation or exploration is the aim, guests are guaranteed to check out feeling rejuvenated, positively pampered and raring to return.