SarahCB99
What an absolute joy this place is. We stayed in one of the lodges - Heron - for ten-days and the time we had was nowhere near long enough. So much to love about the place we booked for two-weeks next year on only our second day.||From the moment you turn into the driveway you know you are in for a good stay. ||The camping field was empty when we arrived, however, having been an avid camper for many decades had I known about this place before I would certainly have wanted to book a pitch. The toilet block is decent size for the amount of pitches - eight in total, all with electric hook-up - and the washing up area is one of the nicest Iāve seen - although it being outside might not be such a joy on a rainy day. The four lodges are located the other side of the camping field. ||Pulling up to our lodge and seeing an alpaca - Jeffrey - lounging on the grass area was delightful. He became a regular daily visitor and was most welcomed. One evening he even popped his head in the door to see what was going on. The other side of the fence was Albert (alpaca) along with Wonky Wilma, Tulip and Lenny the sheep. All popped their heads over, and through the fence daily. The lodges further up had the two miniature ponies at the ends of their gardens. ||I canāt speak for the other three but I believe they are all built identically and as ours was spotlessly clean I have no doubt those were too. They certainly looked it from our vantage point. Fully equipped with everything we needed with the most gorgeous far-reaching views, I think I can honestly say the lodge was perfect. Whether relaxing on the sofa - the most comfortable Iāve sat on - watching the clouds blow by through the massive windows/door which truly are āpictureā windows, to the little wing backed seat facing inwards you are guaranteed comfort. Sitting on the patio with a hot cuppa as the sun drops down listening to the birds twittering was pure joy. How I would have loved to be able to pop out some bird feeders, although we were still blessed to see a plethora of different varieties. ||The downstairs wet room is ideal if you are unable to navigate stairs and is plenty big enough to get a wheelchair in if needed. Both down and upstairs showers are large with great water pressure and two different show heads. ||The beds were exceptionally comfortable, although the upstairs one did creak/clonk a bit so be aware of that if you have a light sleeper in the downstairs bedroom. We didnāt use the bunkbeds but they seemed really sturdy and I have no doubt the lower one would take a lighter weighted adult. ||There is plenty of parking for a couple of vehicles at each lodge without anyone needing to park on the grass areas. There are general outside bins provided for everything; general, glass, plastic, paper/card recycling and enough bags/bins inside the lodge to be able to keep everything separate. The EV charge point is located on the bin shed and has two charge points. An app is required to access them; on our stay it cost 60p per KWH. Itās not a fast charge though as itās a 22KWH and is not tethered. I got only 7KWH out of it but plugging in overnight will enable you to fully charge so not an issue. ||Iāve never visited a self-catering property before which provides so many towels, and I loved that they werenāt white. I know we are always clean when exiting a shower but it always worries me Iām going to make a white towel grubby so I always bring my own from home; I neednāt have bothered. In addition to the bathroom/shower towels there was also a pile of beach towels, ideal for the hot tub. ||It helped that we had glorious weather during our stay but I have no doubt had it been slinging it down with rain we would have enjoyed ourselves just as much. ||I know a few people have commented on the gaps in the fencing between the lodges - to enable the owners to mow the grounds easier - but itās really not an issue unless your dog owner neighbours donāt have control over their dog. For our first few days we did get up each morning to our neighbours dog poop on the patio, and they enjoyed launching itās ball across the fences of all the other lodges, however, had the fence continued all the way it would have still be able to get in so the gaps made not a jot of difference. Thankfully the second-part of our week the neighbours were respectful and kept their dog under control. The owners dog Billy popped by a few times; be aware heās not shy about entering the lodge and the little wotnot managed to nab a slice of bread-and-butter off the table before we could stop him š He is lovely though and thoroughly enjoys a head rub and belly scratch. ||The owners, Jo and Neil, are lovely and nothing was too much trouble. Being invited down to visit the Sea Harrier and learn the story of how Neil acquired it was a definite highlight. ||Then there is the hot tub. We only had two of us so it appeared huge and gave us the option of trying all the jets/seats, but it would easily seat four people comfortably. The water in it was crystal clear and Jo came around daily to check the levels and cleanliness. The bar attached to the lid made it easy for us to lift off - the lids can be quite heavy on them - and the steps to get in were sturdy and not too steep. I had my seventy-nine year old Mum with me who suffers from spinal arthritis and she was able to get in/out without issue. ||The only downside - nothing to do with the farm itself - is turning out of Castle Lane. You take your life in your hands as itās a blind bend. Turning left is a little less terrifying but going right hold your breath and hope for the best. Luckily for us the only time we did meet another vehicle it was a rather large lorry who had to take it a little slower.
