Little Bassetts Farm2

Magpie Farm East of England

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A short hop from London, and a world away

Escape from the city to Magpie Farm for a well-earned break. With an indoor swimming pool, a private putting and croquet green, 6-hole practice golf course and a full-size snooker room with its own bar, this country gem is perfect for spending quality time with friends and family.

Up the sweeping drive, the rambling farmhouse, along with two separate, self-contained apartments, appears homely and welcoming. With many quiet corners, peaceful downtime is guaranteed. And when you’re feeling sociable, there’s plenty of space to gather in any of the four reception rooms, in the country style kitchen with Aga, or out on the terrace overlooking 15 acres of gardens and a lily-covered pond.

Period features, some dating back to the 1600s, add charm and elegance to Magpie Farm, with exposed beams, herringbone brickwork and original fireplaces. Well-appointed bedrooms named after flowers offer sweeping views across the gardens and the cobbled courtyard. 

Bring your golf clubs for some putting practice in the grounds before heading to one of the many nearby golf clubs, such as Thorndon Park and Warley Park, both within a few minutes’ drive. Meanwhile, trips from nearby Shenfield station up to London take 20 minutes on the train or, if you’re here for the country air, the natural beauty of Thorndon Country Park is right on your doorstep.

Smaller group?

You can book 8 bedrooms by excluding the two bedrooms in Annexe 2, with a reduction of £600 (without Annexe 2, the maximum number of guests is 18). Please call us on 01242 352 747.

Gareth Face

Selected by Gareth

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7 NIGHTS, £14,165

from 29 December 2025

Or call to book 01242 352 747

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Guest Reviews

We have had the most fantastic weekend and can’t imagine there could be a better place for a three generation family gathering. The pool proved to be the most popular place for the younger 5 whilst the elders sat, walked, cooked and maybe indulged in a glass or two. The house has such a welcoming feel about it.

Carol and Bob, Hertfordshire

Just returned from a wonderful long weekend birthday celebration at Magpie Farm. We were a family of 12 with ages ranging from 10 to 75 and the house was amazing with a definite WOW factor. The accommodation was really lovely and so comfortable, with lots of space. The indoor pool was a hit with everyone and never empty. Snooker room and croquet on the lawn and bbq's were perfect, but the icing on the cake was the golf course. Thank you so much for the experience.

Sandra, Isle of Wight

I stayed at Magpie Farm for my 80th birthday with all my family and some close friends.   We had the most wonderful weekend, there was something for everyone, the golf and the snooker room, not to mention the croquet and the pool.  The house is beautiful and we were blessed with superb weather.   Very happy memories were made. Highly recommended.

Valerie, Warwickshire

We booked Magpie Farm for a weekend for a family group of 16 to celebrate a special birthday. The party ranged from grandparents to four boys aged 9 to 6. The property was beautifully maintained; the kitchen was well appointed; there were plenty of activities to keep all ages happily occupied. We had a splendid weekend.

Andrew, Northwood

Gallery

Highlights Kitchen and Dining Grounds Facilities Living Spaces Bedrooms Bathrooms All
Kitchen 1
Kitchen
Gardens2
Gardens
Pool
Swimming Pool
Snooker Room
Snooker Room
Dining Room 3
Dining Room
Kitchen 4
Kitchen
Bedroom 4
Rose Bedroom
List of Bedrooms (PDF)

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

What to expect

Little Bassetts Farm (1)

The owners have tried to think about everything to make your stay at Magpie Farm just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we ensure that all the essential features are provided to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

  • Luxury bed linen and fluffy towels
  • Indoor heated swimming pool
  • Dining room table suitable for 18 guests with an extension (or 20 at a push)
  • Grand piano (electric)
  • Gentlemen's club style full-size snooker room with bar
  • 15 acres of gardens including a putting green and croquet lawn, lake, Yorkstone terrace with lovely views and extensive grounds
  • 6-hole practice golf course (3 par 4s and 3 par 3s) – cut fairways and temporary standard greens with flags
  • Two outside dining areas; one for 16 and another for 6 (undercover)
  • Charcoal BBQ with electric rotisserie attachment (initial supply of charcoal included)
  • Well-equipped kitchen with Aga, range oven, microwave, two dishwashers and Nespresso coffee machine

Location

Magpie Farm is set in the Essex countryside, and yet from the highest point of the estate you can see London's most iconic buildings, such as The Shard, on a clear day. The house is also opposite Thorndon Country Park.

House FAQS

Check availability & prices

or call to book 01242 352 747