AS Britain's oldest recorded town, or first city, Colchester is packed full of history.
Walking around the town centre and you'll struggle to go five steps without spotting a historic building of one kind or another.
The town is, of course, famous for its Roman connections but there is much more to its past than just being the original Roman capital of Britain.
We've got the largest Norman keep in Europe, numerous Civil War connections and of course our famous association with the native Colchester oyster.
And of course the borough has all the mod cons you would expect from the fastest growing town in the east.
All of this combines to make the town a popular destination amongst tourists.
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For those of us lucky enough to live in the town or nearby, we probably don't spend much time looking at holiday lets in the area.
But if you do spend some time searching for places to say, you're sure to find some hidden gems.
One of the most unique is Peake's House in the Dutch Quarter.
Originally three cottages at the centre of Colchester's cloth trade, the 15th century building is one of the most historically important in the town centre.
The house itself is named after the generous neighbour who bought the building when it was falling into disrepair, gifting it to Colchester Council and specifying that it was to be used for social and cultural purposes only.
In 1994 the Council decided that, in spite of Mr Peake’s wishes, it would have to be sold.
But luckily Mrs M.J. March, an old friend of the Landmark Trust, wrote to the trust suggesting that this was a building that needed their attention.
The council granted a 99-year lease on the property, retaining the freehold, which was agreed in 1995.
With financial help from the council, Peake’s House was repaired and restored during the following summer and made ready for letting.
Although the building was originally three homes it is now combined as one stunning holiday let.
The building sleep four people with two bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities.
Stays at the property start at £284 for four nights, although prices depend on when you are visiting.
The Landmark Trust also hosts open days at building every year in normal times, allowing residents to explore the historic premises.
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