Lodges & Log Cabins in Herefordshire

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Rachel - Verified booking

  We booked a last minute break for Christmas.

  Communication was really good with lots of useful information. The lodge is tricky to find as the sat nav takes you past the site. As soon as you see the sign for Phocle Green its down a dirt track then a sharp left where its says phocle Lake private land. We chose Mallard which is one of only four lodges onsite so its secluded and quiet. We were pleased with the location onsite as it was the furthest away from the entrance and at the edge so no one else had to come past our lodge. However other lodge visitors walking around the lake did walk past as probably didn't realise it was a dead end. Upon arrival we were surprised by a Christmas tree along with prosecco and mince pies which was lovely. The place was immaculate, exactly as pictures and smelt nice. It was spacious with two decent size bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Supplies included were sachets of tea, coffee and sugar. Anti bac spray, tea towel, dish cloth and dishwasher tabs. Hand and bath towels along with separate towels for the hot tub, hairdryer, toilet rolls, tubes of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. The only things I would have liked to be included which were not is a small bottle of milk so we could have had a hot drink on arrival. Some cooking oil, salt and pepper as you only need a small amount for the times you choose to cook. Also some washing up liquid for when you only have a couple of items so don't need to use the dishwasher. The place is so relaxing with beautiful lakeside views with the bonus of the hot tub which we made use of even in the horrible weather. We saw rabbits, a stoat, a heron and lots of birds. We did have a few negatives but don't let this put you off booking as they aren't a problem if you are aware of them. We chose a place with TVs in each bedroom but we could only get a couple of BBC channels so had to stay in the living area instead of relaxing in bed. We would have liked to have sat out on the patio of an evening or spend time in the hot tub after dark, as it turned dark just after 4pm. However there was no outside lighting. There was a switch for an outside light but it only seemed to stay on for a few minutes then switched itself off. We left it on when we went shopping but came back to complete darkness so struggled to get from the car up the steps with our bags. They do supply torches but when hands are full it would be impoved with a few solar lights around the hot tub area and a light that can be left on by the front door and patio. We did find as the central heating was on timer we were cold at times so could have benefited from some more throws. The fire in the living area is just a flame effect with not much heat from a fan heater underneath it. So after coming out of the hot tub we could have done with an actual fire to get warm and dry our swim gear. It was winter with minus temperatures though so its probably not an issue when staying at other times of the year. For cooking lots of cutlery, crockery, pans etc were supplied, so cooking isn't too much of a problem. We could have done with some foil, a couple more pans for the hob and a casserole dish or deep roasting tray with rack but we managed to cook Christmas dinner by keeping stuff warm in dishes and reusing pans. Finally even though we loved the location the road directly behind the hedge is very close so you do get road noise. Its an excellent base for visiting loads of places. Very close to Ross on Wye with several supermarkets and pubs. The Moody Cow pub 4 mins drive was exceptional service and quality food. Also recommend short 20 min drive into Ledbury where the Feathers hotel is popular. Gloucester docks is around 25 mins drive. Hereford is around 30 mins with lots of independent shops. All in all I can honestly say we were very pleased with our choice, the negatives are minor, we have already recommended it and look forward to returning. Thank you to the owners for enabling us to have an enjoyable Christmas.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  Our recent stay at this property is without doubt the worst holiday let experience that we have ever encountered. Had we known that we would be sharing the property with an infestation of 'Cluster' flies, we would never have booked this holiday in the first place. It is an absolute disgrace that we were not made aware of a problem that the property owners and possibly the marketing agents clearly knew of before we made our booking. It is too late when you arrive to be confronted with a pre-printed and laminated notice of the current issue. Flies were dropping from ceiling light fittings, gaps around the beams, roof light vents, one of which was broken and allowed a constant stream of flies to enter and drop on to the bed below. As can be seen from the attached photo, I had to try and keep this vent closed with a makeshift prop. Had it not been for the atrocious weather over the New Year period we would have packed up and gone home. Instead we were marooned and armed with cans of fly spray to try and make the best of it, unfortunately, there was no best, just fly after fly dropping onto kitchen work surfaces, food, bedding, wherever....... When I remonstrated with the customer services at Rural Retreats, the most ridiculous event occurred, the lady on the other end of the phone started to conduct a 'straw poll' of her office colleagues... "do you have any flies in your house", "do you have any flies in your house"...quite pathetic! Well we don't have any fly infestation in our house and nor would I expect to encounter one at a not inexpensive stay at a holiday home. Incidentally, if anyone would be happy to stay at this property, which I can't understand why anyone would be, you should be aware that at the top of the enclosed garden, there appears to be an active badger sett. It is not uncommon for badgers to attack small inquisitive dogs, so please be aware. Would I ever consider a stay at one of the properties on the Downton Estate again? Absolutely not. Would I ever book a property through Rural Retreats in the future? Absolutely not.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  Such a beautiful place in a stunning location but totally spoiled by the cluster flies. On arrival, there were flies EVERYWHERE. Dead flies and half-dead flies all over the floor, the beds, the window sills and the worktops – and alive flies/wasps all around the sky light windows. The cleaner came over to hoover them up (after I called the house-keeper) and said that there was a big problem with 'cluster flies'. They just kept coming from somewhere inside the property throughout the weekend, even dropping on us when we were in bed. When I wrote to Rural Retreats on our return, I was told that it happens every year, they are difficult to control and are a real problem in many of the rural properties. If it is such a well known problem, then why on earth weren't we called prior to our arrival and given the chance to cancel our stay? Our weekend was totally spoiled by these flies.

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• Cheryl - Verified booking

  The lake is beautifully landscaped and only 4 lodges.

  Lots of wildlife including moorhens with their chicks, herons and families of rabbits. Extremely clean and comfortable lodge. Very well designed with plenty of light and a lovely view of the lake. Bathrooms are modern and well-fitted. Ample space for four throughout so our party of two was spoiled for space. The lodge loses a star as there was no mention of road noise. The M50 is close enough to be heard in the distance, and the lane running behind the lodge, although hidden by a high hedge, has more traffic use than its narrow size would suggest. Kitchen is well equipped except for an odd (for us) lack of frying pan and grill, so a full English is off the menu. It wasn't a major problem but these are pretty standard items of kitchen equipment so we noticed their absence. These are minor criticisms in the overall scheme and we would definitely recommend.

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• Mr Kelleher - Verified booking

  Really lovely cottage, one of the best we have stayed at. It's in an excellent location which is very quiet and peaceful, yet easy to get to. You can walk straight out of the door into the grounds of Croft Castle. The owners have thought of absolutely everything you might need during your stay. There are lots of thoughtful touches from the everything-you-could-possibly-need-kitchen, to a place to store your wellies, clean your dog (if you have one), to books, games, a radio, and even a sewing kit in the cupboard. Nash Lodge is beautifully decorated with upcycled furniture and is spotlessly clean. There was a great welcome pack, spacious off road parking, and a small garden and patio outside to enjoy the good weather. Would highly recommend this 12/10 cottage.

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