water lily lodge

WELCOME PACK
Wooden cabin in forest with surrounding greenery, trees, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

Settling in

Water Lily Lodge is tucked between the woodland and the water’s edge. It’s a place to slow down and reconnect with the wild. We’d love to see the lodge through your lens; feel free to tag us @browningbros.

Browning Bros. began as a shared vision between two brothers: to create a series of soulful, off-grid escapes on our family’s organic farm. This land has been in our family for five generations, and it’s a privilege to share our home with you. 

Kick off your boots and slow down for a little while.

Check-in is from 14:30 onwards
Check-out is at 10:30.

Check our FAQs or message us if you need help.

 

finding us

Hidden in the Colne Valley, Water Lily Lodge feels worlds away but is just an hour from Central London (and 30 minutes from Stansted). It’s a quiet corner of our farm, designed for disappearing into the woodland for a while.

To find the cabin, search ‘Chalkney Water Meadows’ on Google Maps or use the postcode CO6 2PP. If you prefer total precision, our WhatThreeWords location is ///encounter.butternut.travels.

Once you reach the gate, use the code we’ve emailed you to enter and simply follow the signs through the trees to the lodge. You’ll find the key box tucked near the large sliding doors; we’ll send the code over to your inbox shortly before you arrive.

a few things to please note

No one likes a fun sponge, but we want to ensure you have a great and safe time, respect your surroundings and keep our cabins looking good for future guests. So we kindly ask that you abide by the following:

  • Turn off AC/Heating and lights when leaving.

  • Respect anglers on the lake.

  • Keep noise levels low.

  • If you have more than 1 bin load of rubbish during your stay, we kindly request you dispose of it in the large blue general waste bin, glass bin, and brown food waste bin by the old barn as you drive down the track.

  • Clean the BBQ grill after use.

  • Do not share the gate code with delivery drivers. All deliveries and takeaways should be met at the main entrance gate.

  • No muddy footwear, smoking, or candles inside the cabin.

  • No swimming in the lakes.

  • Keep doors and windows locked when unoccupied.

  • Pets are allowed with prior permission; extra cleaning fees apply if necessary.

  • Report any damage or mess before departure.

  • Please do not lean on the bannisters upstairs or let any children climb over them.

  • Don’t leave the woodburner on unoccupied

  • Padlock code at gate around the lake to access Chalkney woods = 19007

Cabin Amenities:

  • Wi-Fi: LINK_72FE, Password: 67095056

  • Air conditioning: The lounge walls and downstairs bedrooms have heating/air conditioning units. Each room has its own remote control on a holder. As you enter the respective room, stand back from the unit and point the remote control at it to use it.

  • A DAB/FM Bluetooth Radio in the living room for use, along with a SMART TV.

  • Bins & recycling: We work with CSH Environmental to collect and recycle all our household and food waste. Your rubbish will be thoroughly sorted and recycled.

  • Bins: If you have more than 1 bin load of rubbish during your stay, we kindly request you dispose of it in the large blue general waste bin, glass bin, and brown food waste bin by the old barn as you drive down the track.

  • Self-care: A hair dryer, and eco-friendly Bramley Range toiletries are provided.

  • Kitchen: It has an electric oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and necessary cooking/dining crockery. You’ll also find salt, pepper, cooking oil, Dark Arts coffee (Moka pot and milk frother) and Tudor teas.

  • BBQ: You will need to bring your own charcoal to use. Please clean the grill after use and leave it how you found it

  • The accommodation offers three bedrooms: one king-size and one twin on the ground floor, and one twin on the mezzanine level (+ a sofa day bed)

  • Padlock code to access Chalkney Woods around the lake: 19007

Outdoor scene with a hot tub, wooden deck, picnic table, beer bottles, flowers in a vase, and a lake surrounded by trees.

key information:

  • Chopped logs and firelighters are supplied for the wood burner. In case you are not familiar with lighting a fire, then please follow the steps below:

    1. Start off by adding a small amount of kindling with 2-3 firelighters.

    2. Light the firelighters. As this fire starts to burn, add more kindling and smaller wood for at least 10 minutes until it gets very hot and burns through the kindling.

    3. Add larger logs to the wood burner. Keep the vent open for at least 15 minutes to get the fire roaring.

    A starter bundle is included 1 crate of logs + kindling (found in the basket next to the log burner). Extra wood (located outside on the side of the cabin as your approach cabin entrance) is £10 per crate and will be deducted from the damage deposit following your stay.

    Please do not leave the wood burner unattended while it is lit, and please do not remove ash from the burner at the end of your stay.

  • Please read carefully through our hot tub rules – failure to comply could result in losing your holding deposit:

    • No glass in the hot tub.

    • Always shower before use.

    • Tanning products are not recommended as they can cause stains.

    • Turn off jets after use.

    • Ensure the lid is on when not in use. Do not use it in high winds.

    • Due to rigorous cleaning procedures, the hot tub may not be fully heated upon arrival.

    • Hot tub checks are usually done in the morning, but timings may vary. A BBros team member will attend to the hot tub at some point during the day.

    • No glass in the hot tub.

    • Always shower before use.

    • Tanning products are not recommended as they can cause stains.

    • Turn off jets after use.

    • Ensure the lid is on when not in use. Do not use it in high winds.

    • Due to rigorous cleaning procedures, the hot tub may not be fully heated upon arrival.

    • Hot tub checks are usually done in the morning, but timings may vary. A BBros team member will attend to the hot tub at some point during the day.

  • Pets – Prior approval is required from Browning Bros for pets to stay in the cabin. There is a £30 charge per pet per stay, and guests should bring their own pet beds and bowls.

    All damages must be paid for.

    Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cabin and an extra charge of £50 will be charged to guests who have been smoking inside.

    Payment—A 20% deposit is required to secure the booking. The balance is payable 30 days before arrival.

    Cancellations – the deposit is non-refundable. If a cancellation is made within 6 weeks of arrival, then the full balance will still be required.

    A holding deposit of £200 is required prior to arrival. If no damages occur, the deposit will be refunded within 5 working days from departure.

The local area has a lot to offer. You can take a peaceful stroll through the nearby ancient woodland or explore the local attractions within a half-hour drive. You can enjoy some delicious seafood on Mersea Island or visit the oldest recorded town in the country, Colchester, which boasts a stunning castle and a thriving high street. Families and children can have a great time at the Colne Valley Steam Railway Museum and Colchester Zoo.

Local Area

Ancient round brick tower with conical roof and vegetation
Close-up of a Bengal tiger lying down with greenery in the background.
Sunset over a scenic rural landscape with a field of crops, a wooden fence in the foreground, and scattered trees under a cloudy sky.
Two people smiling outdoors, wearing casual t-shirts, sunglasses, and a cap, with a tent in the background.

Important Contacts:

  • Main point of contact - Sarah: 07968214339

    If Sarah doesn’t answer, try one of us; if it’s an emergency, call 999.

  • Archie: 07980836985

  • Nat: 07866483027

  • Becky: 07919692774