Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

I really don't know where to start with this review. Everything and I mean everything was just perfect. The room (23) in the coach house was superb. Bed was extremely comfortable, room was immaculately clean, it had controlled heating/air conditioning that you could regulate, it was very peaceful, fruit, chocolates, biscuits and water in the room. The staff were all particularly friendly and helpful especially Philip and Louise in the restaurant. Breakfast was good and evening meal was exceptional with staff being very attentive. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. Cream tea with mine being gluten free scone was the best I have had anywhere. I can't even think of one constructive thing to say as it was all just perfect. Congratulations on such a wonderful hotel and making our stay so pleasurable. We will most definitely be back as we really enjoyed our anniversary break.

Summer lodge is a perfect English countryside escape. It maybe a little heavy on the chintz (which I’d normally avoid) but it all adds to that English country manor escape it’s trying to portray. The staff in general are lovely, so welcoming and friendly (breakfast waitress on our last day could’ve have been a little more helpful) but I can honestly say the others are so lovely and go out of their way that just 1 member of staff can not undo all the others best. The cocktails and drinks are superbly made and very delicious. The food (our favourite part of any stay away as we are big foodies) was very mixed. Breakfast was average, although we did find it odd that an English country manor does not offer a full English breakfast, and the toast was unfortunately far to thin and crispy that was cold by the time we got it. What we did have was nice but nothing to write home about, which surprised us greatly as dinner was absolutely amazing, they were able to cater for my fish allergy too and the menu was informative to for all types of allergens. Hubby would go as far to say the desserts was some of the best he has ever eaten. The cream tea was also lovely, with a good choice of teas available although we had coffee, and being illy coffee that was served it went down very nicely with the scones. The common areas through out the hotel are inviting and comfortable, open fires in some areas, staff discreetly nearby if you need anything without being over bearing or intrusive. Now on to our room, We booked a courtyard suite. It was big and airy, with a huge bed. A small walk in wardrobe, and good size bathroom. There was also a small patio area outside but being January it was a bit to cold to make use of. The decor was pleasant, and the bed comfy. We also made use the spa, it was a clean peaceful area with fairly good facilities, however the treatments we felt were average. Both hubby and I had full body aromatherapy massages and a facial each. However i found my facial left my skin dry and sore, hubbys however left him with dewy soft skin so very mixed reviews and experience with those. We did find the heating was always a little to high, 30 degrees in the spa which did feel a little to warm, and our room was set to 24 degrees on arrival which was also a little too warm, room was easily adjusted though and also had good aircon (good for the ladies at certain points in there life). Breakfast in the conservatory was also a little warm but only had to ask and it was cooled down to a more comfortable level. After staying at several red carnation properties, summer lodge has become one of my favourites and I’m looking forward to returning in summer and seeing the beautiful gardens alive with flowers. The village it’s set in is very quaint and beautiful, I highly recommend a walk around to appreciate the area. The local bakery is also another place definitely worth a visit, the cakes are amazing, As is the local pub (the acorn) full of friendl

We spent a long weekend here for a special celebration with some close friends. We booked three of the cottages which were all different and all charming. The beds were extremely comfortable and the bathrooms equipped with luxurious towels and toiletries. There were welcome drinks and a lovely bowl of fresh fruit on arrival. In our cottage we enjoyed the fire and a very comfortable sitting room. We used the hot tub attached to our cottage one afternoon, it was well-equipped and the room heated. We took breakfast in the main house, with a very good choice of dishes available to set us up for each day. On the first evening we dined in the main house. The meal was outstanding, certainly worthy of a Michelin star. With this dinner we chose the flight of wines suggested to accompany each dish, an excellent decision and avoided a compromise on choosing wines by the bottle. The second evening we ate in the Acorn Inn, another delicious dinner and a relaxed setting for the evening. The service in the hotel and the inn was unfailingly good. A couple of our friends brought their labrador and she was given a warm welcome with treats provided in their cottage. We would certainly return!