Chycara

Stayed in Willow Lodge. It was lovely and quiet so just what we needed. The beds were comfy and the place was pretty clean. However a few things let the experience down, hence not scoring 5 stars. We’d stayed in the same lodge a few years before, and that time had really enjoyed using the swimming pool & jacuzzi. However we were disappointed to find it off limits this time unless you book weeks before you arrive (contrary to ‘house rules’ given when booking through their own website) and mostly in use by people who were not staying there. Other local rentals at a similar price-point have provided nice toiletries, big fluffy bath robes, decent coffee machines and even welcome baskets of local produce. But here there was only a basic hand gel (nothing to shower with), tiny bath towels and just a couple coffee sachets like you get at a travellodge. The owners could do more to make the stay feel special and their guests fully welcome for the price they ask.

There were 8 of us so we had two lodges, Garden and Lake. Whilst both lodges were equally clean and had comfortable beds, the kitchen equipment was uneven in provision. Lake lacked a cafetiere, and had missing cutlery. Garden had more utensils including multiple spatulas and fryers. Instructions for appliances in info leaflets in a box file, kept in one lodge in a top cabinet above oven and overhead. Took us shorties a while to find! Other lodge occupants did not find leaflets for adjusting heating so resorted to trial and error. No toiletries in bathrooms, but staff found some leftover shampoos and body washes from swimming pool. So zero waste as a plus point :-) Needs a car to enjoy local sights. Saw many nearby places easily. Supermarkets nearby so self catering easy. Location is tranquil. Good that we were a big group. For city folk not used to the darkness and quiet of the countryside, it's reassuring to have safety in numbers.

Very enjoyable one night stay, very peaceful and exactly what I needed- a bit of piece and quiet. I will be sure to be back again when I need to escape the stresses of work for 24 hours. Didn’t get to use the facilities but all look pleasant and clean. Will try them next time.