Guests say
South Lodge offers a spacious and comfortable base in a peaceful, scenic location ideal for exploring Berwick-upon-Tweed and the surrounding countryside. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, enclosed garden, and beautiful walks nearby, especially for dog owners. While the cottage is generally cosy and homely, some guests noted areas needing attention, such as tired décor and occasional maintenance issues. Staff are usually responsive, though communication can be inconsistent. Overall, the property provides good value and a relaxing stay, with the tranquil setting and access to local attractions being particular highlights.
Several guests found the cottage clean and fresh, but others reported issues such as mould in the bathroom, tired paintwork, and the need to clean appliances on arrival. Cleanliness appears variable, with some areas needing improvement.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, proximity to beautiful walks, and easy access to local attractions and amenities. Guests enjoyed not needing a car and found the setting ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
Most guests found the cottage comfortable, with a cosy atmosphere, comfortable beds, and plenty of space for one or two people. Some mentioned it could be cold at times, but heaters were provided. Occasional maintenance issues affected comfort for a few guests.
The cottage is generally well-equipped, especially the kitchen, but some facilities are dated or in need of repair, such as the hob, fan heater, and TV. Guests noted a lack of some basic supplies and suggested improvements like a washing line and clearer instructions for appliances.
There are no mentions of welcome gifts or extra thoughtful touches in the reviews, so a score cannot be provided for this category.
About this property
Discover this cosy Dog Friendly Retreat at Paxton House!. All on the
Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, Open Fire
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher
Bedroom: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet.
Electric radiators, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Grounds with courtyard, sitting-out area, and garden furniture. Public car park, free of charge. No smoking. Please note: There is a step in the grounds.. Escape to South Lodge, a charming Georgian gate lodge nestled within the enchanting grounds of Paxton House, one of Britain’s finest Palladian estates. Designed by Thomas Chippendale in the 1780s, this bright and sunny retreat is perfect for couples and dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the extensive grounds and woodland gardens during your stay.
Upon entering, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a fold-out breakfast table, ideal for enjoying your morning coffee. The inviting living room features an open fire and a TV for cosy evenings. The bedroom offers a comfortable double bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, while the bathroom includes a bath with a shower for added convenience. Outside, the enclosed west-facing garden provides a lovely sitting area, perfect for relaxing with your furry friend.
During your stay, take advantage of a discounted house tour of historic Paxton House (only available April - October) and immerse yourself in its rich history, featuring exquisite Chippendale furniture, Georgian costumes, and stunning paintings from Scotland’s National Collection. In 1988, the Home Robertson family gifted the estate to the nation and founded a charity to ensure that everyone can appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the house, it’s wonderful collections and expansive grounds and gardens. After your tour, treat yourself to homemade cakes and refreshments at the on-site Stables Tearoom (please check website for opening hours). Enjoy the luxury of exclusive after-hours access to the estate’s expansive grounds, scenic woodland trails and delightful playground.
South Lodge is ideally situated for exploring the area. The River Tweed offers excellent fishing and riverside walks, while the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed boasts beautiful coastal views, shops, and cafes. A short drive takes you to Edinburgh, where you can visit iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle. The stunning Northumberland Coast, featuring beaches and charming villages like Bamburgh and Alnwick, is also within easy reach.
For a taste of local flavour, a friendly pub is just a mile away, serving traditional ales and hearty meals. Your perfect getaway awaits!
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.
Free WiFi
EPC Rating = F
Scottish Letting Licence No: SB00624F
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (17)
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Alan Spearman
Arrived fri 17th July having received a telephone call saying Tree Surgeons would be at the property Monday20th to cut down 2 trees please park in drive Monday mooring No issue. Arrived bathroom window 1/2 net curtain no blind. Put towel up a temporary modesty solution. Could not find front door key . This is fire escape route. No Fire extinguisher or fire blanket visible. Found front door key sat morning hanging on hook not in lock, used to open front door, lock sticky suggest not used very often. No key label or advise to keep in lock. Phoned contact number Sat morning 10:15 asking for paper and Sellotape as a minimum to provide modesty. Sat pm no response, bought Sellotape and fixed modesty newspaper. Sun, Mon Tuesday no response Tuesday evening telephoned and E mail asking for a response saying my mobile is on and I had identified other issues. Wednesday E mail from Yvonne apologising saying they had been busy, ( offering a complementary tour of the house. There is a hedge in front of bathroom window and house closes at 4:00pm. This did not take into account Caravan/camper park down drive with residents walking dogs etc up to late evening 21:30 to 22:00 Found fire extinguisher in cupboard. no fixing bracket no signage saying where stored. E mailed again Yvonne response E mail reluctantly said we will fit blind suggesting . The suggestion Yvonne might want to use the bathroom when the modesty paper was removed. to see for herself the issue No Response. Thursday Morning Maintenance arrived to measure for a blind. Went to the visitor centre 10:30to see Yvonne, not in Working 13:00 to 17:00. I saw a "Manager " Herminie explained there were issues please come to property. Response very Busy. Persuaded her to come. Result, Fire extinguisher in lounge put back in cupboard, she advised as a historic building it could not be screwed to wall. ( New electric heaters in property screwed to wall????) Found fire blanket in kitchen top cupboard suggested it be screwed to the wall with the fire extinguisher as the extension cannot be a historic building. Herminie fire Blanket put back in cupboard out of sight, I questioned why electrical fittings were showing test dates back to 2020 , some unreadable. , some blank . Response they only need testing every 5 years ( 2020 to 2026???) Photographs taken, e mails kept. Summary a phone call and visit would have resolved the issues quicklyThis could and should be a nice retreat, it is not. Uncared for and Dirty, Dangerous and Devoid of a caring and active management .
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Jane Menzies
Stayed Monday to Friday wish it had been longer fantastic location for us and the dogs loved it .
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Confirmed Guest
Lovely cottage, well stocked with everything you need, excellent service, would highly recommend.