Baye House

We had a truly wonderful birthday stay, and Annie even gave my friend a birthday card. She’s a marvellous host. If you enjoy a quirky, welcoming, laid-back b&b, you’ll love it. The house is in the Dutch quarter of Colchester, so it’s very old, with eccentric, uneven floors. I loved the stylish mix-and-match interior. There’s a lovely garden with furniture for lounging, plus a sitting room where you can relax with a glass of wine. Several restaurants are an easy walk away. Breakfast was superb, and I’ll definitely return.

Annie was so helpful before my trip and sent clear directions to find the property. I had a spacious ensuite room in her tasteful house and felt very welcome. Breakfast was delicious, and I enjoyed meeting her. I thoroughly recommend Baye House and its lovely owner for a comfortable and interesting stay.

The owners and staff were so lovely, and the garden is beautiful. We stayed in the en-suite room, which was charming, if a little small, and perfectly functional. We booked room only but could still use the lounge and kitchen. The house has loads of character, from the sloping floors to the wood panelling, and it's just a two-minute walk from the town centre. You can also hire the whole house. If you want somewhere with character and a bit of difference, this is a lovely choice.

The house itself is beautiful, and it has a lived-in feel rather than a typical hotel atmosphere, which I liked. There are two little dogs that bounce around, but they weren't dangerous and didn't nip. The owner seemed surprised when I arrived about my booking, and finding parking was fairly difficult. After 6pm, parking on the high street might be easier. I chose a room with an en suite because, personally, I find a shared bathroom a bit odd. That means I can't comment on how clean the shared bathroom is kept.