Island Lodge is designed for comfortable and relaxed stay from 2 up to 4 people. It has a one level interior, consisting of:

• Double Bedroom with large en-suite Shower Room
• Open Living Area with sofa bed, table and chairs
• Long glazed patio doors leading out into private enclosed decking area overlooking the river and weir
• Kitchen with electric oven, hob and fridge
• Central Heating
• Private parking for one car
• Adults only
• No smoking
• Dogs are welcomed. Enclosed outside decking allows dogs to be off the lead whilst you are in the Lodge. There are plenty of walks along the river and nearby footpaths.

By Water

Paper Mill Island is the half way point on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (part river, part canal). The Navigation starts at Chelmsford, making a 14 mile journey to the sea at Heybridge Basin and Maldon. You can watch canal boats navigate through the lock gates or indeed book yourself a boat trip down the river with Essex Waterways who are based at the Lock. You can also hire canoes or kayaks during the summer months.

By Foot

Paper Mill Island is also an excellent base to discover the local countryside. You can walk along the towpath which follows the river from one end to the other. On your return you can enjoy tea and cake at the tearooms at the lock gates which are open daily.

For those wishing to go beyond the river, there are plenty of footpaths either side of the Valley, especially nearby at Danbury Common, Blakes Wood (National Trust) as well as Danbury Woods.
Paper Mill Lock is also a keen route for cyclists. Nearby are the enchanting villages of Danbury and Little Baddow with good restaurants and facilities.

Paper Mill Island on the River Chelmer has been the site of a water mill for several centuries. In 1589, it was a corn and fulling (cleansing of wool weaved cloth) mill called Hurscades Mill. Indeed, the meadow opposite Paper Mill Bridge is called Husketts to this day. By 1677, the fulling stocks had been replaced by a paper mill. In 1679, a new drying house was built. The site was still a corn and paper mill in 1816, operated by Benjamin Livermore, papermaker and miller. However, the onset of the Industrial Revolution with mechanised paper making meant that the mill closed around 1850.