OUR HISTORY
“perhaps the most attractive street in Colchester”
(Nikolas Pevsner, The Buildings of England 1954).

Baye House was originally built in the early 1600s in the Dutch Quarter. Later a Georgian facade was added and at the turn of the century the rear extended to create a wash room and kitchen.
The Dutch Quarter was so called because of Flemish refugee families who settled here during the reign of Elizabeth I to escape religious persecution at home. Many were expert clothmakers who on arrival angered the local clothmakers but over time, thanks to their expertise Colchester became one of the countries leading clothmakers. The house took it’s name from one type of fine quality cloth made during this period, the bay.
Opposite the House is St Martins Church which dates back from the 12th century. The tower which is Norman was damaged in the civil war siege of 1648 and was never rebuilt. The massive vaults have been uncovered and can be viewed today. The aisle, transepts and chancel are 14th century. It is now used as a centre for exhibitions, music and theatre.
In the southeast corner of the churchyard is the grave of Jacob Ringer, a baymaker (clothmaker) who died 1680. He survived the siege in 1648 and had to pay a hefty fine imposed on the baymakers by Thomas Fairfax, the Parliamentary commander-in-chief during the English Civil War.
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If you like a quirky welcoming laid back b&b, you're in for a treat. Annie is a marvellous host. I visited with three close friends for a birthday treat and Annie even gave my friend a birthday card!
The house is in the Dutch quarter of Colchester, so obviously very old with floors that are eccentric and uneven. The interior design is stylishly mix and match which I loved. There's a fab garden with furniture to lounge on or a lovely sitting room to relax in with a glass of wine before you head out to any one of several restaurants within easy walking distance.
Breakfast is superb and we had a truly wonderful time. I will definitely return.

I just spent three nights at this lovely b&b. Room was lovely with a super comfortable bed. The host was super colchester holiday cottagesfriendly. I believe there were three bathrooms but I only found myself needing to use the one which was lovely and clean as well as modern. The location of the house is great with it being in the centre of town. I can't recommend this place more. Stay here!

Absolutely an amazing host!
My partner and I have travelled to many places around the world. And this is the cosiest we ever stayed!
From an authentic kitchen with everything you need to a very relaxing living room, crossing by a spacious bedrooms with everything needed. A car park if needed.
I highly highly recommend the place!

Went to Colchester for a graduation and stayed here. Everything and everyone was so nice. Would definitely recommend and I hope to be coming back here.

I stayed here for one night and thoroughly recommend Baye House and its lovely owner, Annie. Prior to my trip I made contact with Annie and she was very helpful, sending brilliant instructions about how to find her property. I had a spacious room ( en suite) in her tasteful house and was made to feel so welcome. Breakfast was delicious. Thank you Annie for such a comfortable and interesting stay. I enjoyed meeting you.

Annie is a very warm and genial host. It was like going to stay with your favourite aunt. It was also very close to the high street and only a short walk from the castle. Her breakfast was totally worth the extra couple of pounds. It seemed to go on forever and had quite a variety of choices, plus it was much cheaper than most things we could have bought while out and about.

A delightfully quaint, historical and charming building, excellent garden and pleasant cozy rooms that contain every amenity you will need, fridge, dressing gowns, dressing table and mirror, kettle and drinks, water filter and TV of course, the lot! your just right between the high St, North station road and the castle park. Breakfast, you are invited to eat down stairs in the guest kitchen where plenty of cereals and fruits etc etc can be enjoyed by self service or you may cook. Amazingly comfortable beds for an assured decent night's rest.
Bathrooms are shared, power showers, toiletries, so if you've rushed into the BNB at night, no worries, it's all there. And to be perfectly honest, the house keeping staff keep everywhere including the bathrooms ever so clean! The owner, is such a decent and humbling lady but don't be mucking around in this place, it is a quaint Georgian building BNB set at reasonable prices including the breakfast, why bother going to the high St hotels! Thank you again to the owner for a wonderful stay.

Stayed here overnight between a rehearsal and concert...
Annie was highly accommodating and easy going. Room was clean, attractive, well equipped and spacious. Wish I had been staying more than one night.
Excellent breakfast options, freshly squeezed orange juice, selection of continental breakfast items as well as cooked choices to help yourselves to too.
Highly recommended. A very competitive price.

Stunning house, lovely sanctury for town centre. Quiet... lovely beds, had perfect nights sleep. Would definately come back.