Gardener's Cottage, HADLEIGH

Rated 5/50 by George H on 27th December 2018

"This is our third family holiday at Gardener's Cottage, In tow are three teenagers aged 12 to 18 ( a 12 year old really should be considered a teenager) and an exuberant working cocker spaniel. The location is great for long country walks straight out of the backdoor with an off-lead dog, no need to add driving to the mix. The village/town has all things necessary for a family holiday, large Morrissons, an Adnams shop, a second hand book shop, decent pubs and several fish and chip shops. Everything is in walking distance, except it is probably a good idea to drive to the supermarket. Inside, the cottage is pretty much as it was two years ago,very clean, cosy. and well equipped. I have seen other reviews saying the cottage is cold, we have found that the trick to keeping it at the right temperature (both heating and cooling) is the careful management of which internal doors are opened and closed. The key to a warm upstairs is leaving the kitchen door leading to the stairs open. We particularly like the fact that the internal latch doors can also be used to isolate specific areas of the house so that we can contain the dog after a muddy walk. He cannot open them with his nose like he does to the doors at home. Outside at night it is very quiet, except for the owls and very dark. This, combined with comfy beds and a nice glass of wine, means a decent night's sleep. A large bath would be a great addition, but it is difficult to see where this could be located in the current layout. Somewhere to hang smart clothes is also needed As our holiday draws to a close we are still extremely happy with what this place offers and will no doubt return again."

Rated 1/50 by Juliet M on 14th December 2018

Rated 1/50 by 652jessicam on 10th December 2018

"This December 2018 I am reminded of the terrible stay we had last Xmas at Gardeners cottage . I had booked this cottage as a treat. However it was cold, dirty and stank of dogs. My sister got an allergy from the dog hair and we both got bad colds which lasted a month after our stay. Had we not had a visitor that we had not seen for 20 years,over on Xmas day, we would have left after one day. As it was we left 2 days early. On the only plus side the beds were very comfortable and the owner provided Ecover products as we requested. This property was very expensive and I warn you - the owner puts different prices on different websites. We asked for a refund of the difference we found and provided evidence of the differing price structure and rates but the owner refused. The most miserable Xmas I've ever had."

Rated 5/50 by Hstorrer on 30th October 2017

"My husband, myself and our dog have just had a super weeks stay in the Gardeners Cottage on the Holbeck Estate in Hadleigh. The cottage is a super place with everything you could possibly need from a washer/ dryer, freezer, fridge, dish washer, log burner etc etc It's very clean and comfortable with plenty of space. The cottage is set in it own grounds with lots of open fields and in a very quiet and peaceful location. On arrival we had been left fresh milk, butter, bread and eggs which we thought was a lovely touch as we were ready for a drink after after our five hour journey. We were left contact telephone numbers in case there was anything we wanted. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would not hesitate to return again in the future "

Rated 5/50 by Jill R on 8th September 2017

"The location of this cottage is amazing, set in acres of beautiful countryside. Hadleigh is within easy walking distance and has a great Friday market. Take a torch if walking at night! Our family consisted of 2 grandparents, 2 parents, 2 children aged 4 and 6 and 2 small dogs. The cottage was very well equipped and had an outhouse and private garden with a BBQ. The bedrooms were were cosy and the beds very comfortable. Downstairs was spacious and had everything you needed and a woodburning stove for chilly evenings. Our host Mr Coysh was very helpful in meeting our needs. A wealth of things to do for families of all ages, beaches, crabbing, Jimmy's farm, swimming pool all very close though you would need a car."

Rated 5/50 by Georgina H on 21st August 2017

"Having stayed in the depth of winter, we came back in the height of summer. This time we were able to appreciate the gardens a bit more. Very quiet, very private, decent outdoor furniture and a barbecue - although it did take us about five days to locate the switches for the outdoor lights. Gardener's Cottage is clearly a dog friendly, family let and while I agree it isn't in pristine condition, neither is our own home. We found everything we wanted for a week long stay, the kitchen is well equipped, the bed linen clean, the cottage inviting. A real plus for us is a large utility room just off the kitchen diner. Our dog is crated at night and this space is ideal for his crate which can be left up and ready for bedtime. The owners are on site but far enough away in 'the big house' to be completely unobtrusive. They checked that we had everything we needed shortly after we arrived and then left us alone. It can be intimidating when the owners of a rental property are close by, but not so here. We are discussing the possibility of a third visit."

Rated 3/50 by Spiritlove11 on 20th May 2017

"This cottage is spacious and set in beautiful grounds with private garden at the back. We expected it to be a little shabby as it is dog friendly but we did find it rather dirty. Thick dust everywhere, TV and the stand, on the fire, dead flies on every windowsill, and the bathroom is dreadful, especially the toilet. Also found the mattresses very hard. It needs a good clean and new bathroom. We left a day early."

Rated 5/50 by 130holidayk on 23rd March 2017

"My family of five stayed at this beautiful cottage in its idyllic setting, with huge woodland trees and rolling green open space. I couldn't recommend this gorgeous getaway more highly, made even more special by perry the owner with his generous and kind hospitality."

Rated 5/50 by George H on 1st January 2017

"We arrived 23rd December with my wife, 3 kids (16,14 & 10) and an energetic spaniel for a 7 night break over the Christmas holiday. The setting t is fantastic, with great countryside walks for the dog and a 10-15 minute stroll through the grounds into Hadleigh itself. We live within earshot of the M25, so it took a little while for the kids to adapt to the darkness and quiet. The cottage itself has real character was very clean and is furnished appropriately for a family. Although it didn't matter to us as ball gowns and suits were not required, the only potential downside for some would be the limited hanging space for clothes, but there is ample drawer space. Downstairs was very cosy in the evenings, the wood burner being a welcome addition on the nights it reached -6C outside. Upstairs was a little cooler but still very comfortable and the kids had to use the extra provided blankets to keep warm on the colder nights. Overall there was plenty of space so it did not feel we were on top of each other. Would we go back, well we might just have to so that we can can compare the brisk winter walks with summer strolls to the excellent pubs in the village"

Rated 5/50 by Georgina H on 1st January 2017

"We booked a dog friendly property for Christmas suitable for two adults, three children and a spaniel. We knew nothing about the cottage or Hadleigh village apart from what we had found on the internet. It turned out to be a delightful experience. The cottage is a conversion at the end of a stable block, it is in the grounds of a large house but quite a way from the main house itself. It meant that the dog could be allowed to run free away from roads. The cottage is well equipped, we managed to cook Christmas dinner for five but ran out of serving dishes and ended up improvising with dessert bowls - fine until we came to Christmas pudding and found we had leftover veg still in the dishes. Pudding and cream was served in tea cups to the hilarity of the children. The cottage is decorated in a mismatched country house style. The bed linen was white and pristine - we didn't allow the spaniel upstairs. The condition downstairs reflects a property suitable for dogs and children, perfectly clean but showing signs of wear and tear. We were left wood for the wood burner and found milk, eggs and bacon in the fridge. Downstairs was cosy but upstairs quite cold, the children made use of the extra bed linen provided. It would have been warmer if we had not kept the door between upstairs and downstairs firmly closed because of the dog. There were additional electric convector heaters but we didn't use them. Outside was minus six and very frosty! The surrounding countryside provides excellent and varied dog walking. We are planning a return visit in the summer."

Rated 5/50 by Rosiec131 on 21st April 2016

"Had a very relaxing and enjoyable stay. Lovely quiet hide away. Cottage had everything we needed. Weather was good throughout to either; lounge in the back garden, walk around the grounds with the dog, including plenty of footpaths for walks, exactly what we was looking for. The village itself is quaint with a Morrison's just a minute away from the High Street if needed. Was greeted by the owner a little while after we arrived which was a very nice and welcomed gesture. All in all had a very good week and would make this a regular holiday."

Rated 3/50 by Dramyloid on 3rd January 2015

"On a cold weekend you would hope that a holiday cottage would be a cosy retreat - not so this one, what's more the owner wants payment for wood for the fire just to bring the temperature up to something habitable. There is no clothes dryer and no DVD player (contrary to the ads). No visit from the the owner to check on the central heating or to tell us the basics such as where to put the rubbish. Overall the property did not live up to expectations. I am sure things look very different in the summer. The surrounding Suffolk villages and countryside are of course great."

Rated 4/50 by Trevor57lilley on 30th December 2014

"Stayed as went to see my father who lives in hadleigh so arrived late but no problems lights were on and place very warm. Woodburner gave additional comfort but you will need a car but taxis were cheap. Will want to go back"

Rated 5/50 by Highpeekaboos on 17th August 2014

"Had a wonderful family holiday plus dog and discovered Suffolk. I would recommend this cottage to anyone..and enjoy the fantastic secret gardens.."

Rated 4/50 by Gilliang532 on 16th October 2013

"We booked this cottage as it was central and could accommodate a family of 5 adults and our dog, we were not disappointed. It was a 10-15 minute stroll to the high street through lovely grounds and countryside. The cottage had everything we needed and was very clean, it wouldn't take much to up the rating it's been given, if I was being very picky I would have wanted a dishwasher and power shower, but that's just me."