We are delighted to welcome you to The Poacher’s Hut, one of three unique Vineyard Hideaways at Tuffon Hall.
We do hope you have the most fantastic stay with us and are able to relax and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
We have put together this manual with useful tips and information that will help you make the most of your time here.
Whether you are planning to chill out with a good book and a glass of Tuffon Hall’s award-winning wine or explore further afield, we are sure you will love every minute of your stay.
Angus & Pod Crowther
Underfloor Heating
The Poacher’s Hut is fitted with underfloor heating which has been preset for your comfort. If you need to alter the temperature, please use the arrow buttons on the thermostat which is located on the wall above the sofa.
To keep the temperature regulated, we kindly ask that you avoid pressing other buttons.
Log Burner
Additional heating is provided by the ‘Hobbit’ log burner should you need a boost. It is all ready for you to use. Do not place anything on the surface where the log burner sits or on the log burner itself as this entire area gets very hot.
It is also not suitable for cooking, though you are welcome to toast your marshmallows on the firepit outside.
Firepit
- Complimentary matches, firelighters, kindling and logs can be found within the log store on the patio for use during your stay.
- Place a handful of kindling in the base of the firepit.
- Now place a firelighter onto the kindling and light it.
- Once roaring, keep it strong by adding a couple of logs.
- Keep an eye on the fire, turning and adding more logs as and when needed to ensure it does not dwindle.
- Please do not leave the fire unattended and ensure it has burnt out completely before retiring to bed or leaving the premises.
- Please note the location of the fire extinguisher and take great care whilst lighting and tending to the fire.
Cooking
Cooking on the firepit then enjoying your meal outside amongst nature is great fun. You will find utensils and a cast iron pan in the kitchen, as well as plenty of matches, firelighters, kindling & logs to light your firepit. Please do not use the induction hob compatible pans on the firepit.
Walks
We invite you to enjoy walks and picnics within our award-winning vineyard, though please note we are a working arable farm and therefore ask you not to walk around the yard as there is often moving machinery in use. Please do not litter. A map of the local area and its most popular walking routes is provided.
You will find an outdoor storage box for you to use for muddy boots/shoes.
Operation
- The hot tub is filled ready for your arrival and your first fire is set up within the hot tub stove. Sufficient kindling, firelighters & logs can be found in the store on the patio.
- Once lit and when the flame is roaring, add a couple of logs.
- The hot tub will take up to 4 hours to heat, sometimes longer in colder weather. The heating of the water can only be managed by a strong burning fire. Regular stoking ensures the flame does not dwindle which in turn heats the water most efficiently.
- Don’t be tempted to keep on adding kindling & firelighters, it’s the wood that’ll get the temperature up.
- You will need to stir the water in the tub at regular intervals to ensure an accurate and consistent temperature reading, not exceeding 42c. Please use the paddle provided and never your hands.
- Replace the hot tub lid between uses to retain a comfortable temperature.
Safety
- Both the stove and flue are extremely hot during operation. Do not touch.
- The water level in the tub should always be 10cm from the top. Should you need to top up the water, please use the hose.
- Please remember hot tub water does not cool rapidly due to the firewood continuing to burn.
- Do not use the hot tub if you are pregnant or have medical concerns.
Cleaning
Under the kitchen sink are basic cleaning and washing up products. A larger external broom can be found on the patio if you need to sweep outside. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside The Bothy. Please ensure all cigarette ends are disposed of in the ash bucket behind the willow screening.
Rubbish
Under the sink you will find 3 separate bins labelled General Waste, Recycling and Glass. Please ensure you place all rubbish in the correct compartment to assist our Clean T earn. On your departure, please put your rubbish sacks and empty bottles into the labelled wheelie bins in the car park area.
Security
Please ensure all windows are closed and the door is locked when leaving The Bothy for any length of time. We encourage you to use the key safe in order to ensure no keys are lost on your adventures.
Colne Valley Railway & Zero2 Bus Museum (1.2 mi)
A heritage railway offering steam rides, an interactive model railway and a delightful carriage cafe, next door to the bus museum with a huge collection of buses, a vast interactive model bus collection and regular vintage bus rides out.
www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk / www.zero2busmuseum.com
Hedingham Castle (1.6 mi)
The oldest Norman Keep in Europe with stunning grounds for walks and picnics, plus jousting days, outdoor cinema nights and classic car events.
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Gosfield (4.2 mi)
The village of Gosfield is home to a wonderful antiques centre with licensed farm shop and tea rooms, Gosfield Golf Club with a choice of two picturesque courses and Gosfield Lakes, a delightful spot for picnics, ball games and water sports.
www.gosfieldlake.co.uk
Finchingfield (7 .3 mi)
England 1s most photographed village centered around a charming green with a duck pond. Stroll round the historic windmill, visit the Guildhall, pop into one of several country pubs and tea shops or drive out to the Finchingfield Lavendar Farm offering seasonal wreathmaking and afternoon tea.
Gainsborough House (9 mi)
The birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, one of England’s most celebrated artists, now a museum and gallery with a delightful cafe and gift shop.
www.gainsborough.org
The Bell Inn (1.8 mi)
Picturesque, historic inn with extensive menu and live music nights
www.hedinghambell.co.uk
The White Lion (1 mi)
Friendly local with traditional pub grub, pool table and beer garden
@thewhitelionsiblehedingham
The White Hart (2.6 mi)
A la carte restaurant boasting 2 AA Rosettes
www.whitehartgreatyeldham.co.uk
Whispers Wine Bar (4.2 mi)
Family-run wine bar & restaurant serving British classics and Tapas
www.facebook.com/whisperstapaswinebar
The Pheasant at Gestingthorpe (4.4 mi)
Award-winning country bar and restaurant
www.thepheasant.net
Our security gate closes between 11pm & 6am daily. Please ensure you take your key fob with you if you plan to arrive back outside these hours.
Due to the rural location, we recommend collection only for your takeaway.
Hedingham Chippy (1mi)
Sible Hedingham, C09 3PP / 01787 460724
Corner Cafe (1mi)
Sible Hedingham, C09 3PP / 01787 461210
The Good Place Cafe (1.8mi)
Castle Hedingham, C09 3EJ / 07852 940845
Essex Pizza & Chicken (3mi)
Great Yeldham, C09 4HU / www.essexpizzachicken.co.uk
Little India (5.4mi)
Award-winning country bar and restaurant
www.thepheasant.net
The Stable (7mi)
Halstead, C09 2SE / www.littleindiahalstead.co.uk
Domino’s Pizza (5.5mi)
Halstead, C09 2AA / www.dominos.co.uk
Blossom Chinese (5. 7mi)
Halstead, C09 1JA / www.blossomchinese.co.uk
Taxi Services
De Vere Cars – 01787 460999
Rash Taxis – 07790 867952
Halstead Taxis – 0137 6 429729
Please note, due to our rural location of The Bothy, you will need to meet the driver within the car parking area. Our address is T uffon Hall, Graves Hall Road, Sible Hedingham, Essex C09 3LL
Nearest Petrol Station inc Post Office & Cash Point (2 mi)
140 Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead C09 3PP
Nearest Pharmacist (2mi)
132 Swan Street Sible Hedingham, Halstead C09 3PP
01787 460427
Nearest Grocery Store (2 mi)
The Co-Op, 116 Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead C09 3HP
Out of hours emergency contact – 07883 763449
Please only call the out of hours number for the following reasons:
- No heating, electricity or water
- Serious water leak
- Locked out of the property
- Anything that constitutes serious risk to health & safety
For assistance from the Police, Fire or Ambulance service, call 999
Property address:
Tuffon Hall, Graves Hall Road, Sible Hedingham, Halsted, Essex C09 3LL
What Three Words location: ///closer.canoe.boomed
Nearest Doctor (2 mi)
77 Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead C09 3HT
01787 460612
Nearest A & E (15 mi)
Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, C04 5JL
01206 747 474
Check Out is strictly 11am
Please vacate the property promptly so that we may access and prepare the property for our next guests.
We’d be grateful if you could help our Clean Team by taking your general waste and glass to the larger wheelie bins located within the car park area.
Please ensure you have closed the windows. Please lock the door and return the key to the allocated key safe (code 1979) located on the gate by the car park.
Reviews
As a small, family run business, we rely on good reviews and would like to thank you in advance for sharing positive write ups here.
Similarly, if you have any constructive feedback for us, please email us at stay@tuffonhall.co.uk