“We enjoyed our holiday.”
The property was very clean and provided all we needed. It is well-situated, though a bit tricky to find and to access. We do not regret staying in it. That is what you should remember from this review. However, there are four factors, as far as we are concerned, which may not be an issue for most people but, taken together, could be summed up as eccentric. They may even be an attraction to some people.
The first is the inordinate number of little notices placed everywhere, telling the occupant what is what, what to do, what not to do, where to go, you name it, it is on a notice. Literally dozens of them, including, I counted, about a dozen in the garden, 26 in the kitchen, 13 in the lounge, 11 in the bedroom, 11 in the bathroom. And these numbers do not include the notices inside the cupboards. Irritating. And odd. One notice that no longer applies has simply been turned over and left as a blank notice.
The second is the number of mats on the floor. I counted 34, including four doormats. A potential hazard to some. Four rooms, one corridor, one doorstep, 34 mats.
The third is the gloominess, despite sun tunnels, with small windows and large bushes growing in front of most, so the garden is invisible, at least in June.
Finally, every surface is covered with either coasters and placemats or ornaments, often both. Not very practical and yet, strangely, an attempt to be very practical. I didn't count these; I was counted out.
There was so much stuff that it was difficult to find a place to put our own bits.
The pictures do not reflect any of this.
It all amused our family, who received more photos of this property than any other we have stayed in.
I am glad you enjoyed your holiday and that the retreat was clean and comfortable. In relation to your concerns, please allow me to try and clarify:
1. Yes...I do add lots of little notices, to enable guests to identify key items etc without having to read through the property manual = as many of my older guests find it helpful and a time saver (& yes...I have notes in my own house re work, deadlines & all sorts...so tis a "habit").
2. A lot of the "notices" are simple labels (re switches in the kitchen etc)....Many also include an element of humour...as I realise my addiction to my laminator ...primary teacher habit!. Others have been added if 2 or more guests have raised the same query.
3. I admit....There are lots of rugs, I have loads myself, love them...there are 7 alone under pieces of furniture, several are for safety/cleanliness (by doors , sinks etc)...but many can be easily removed/put aside if needed/wanted (as is suggested in another sign ....yikes)....ps...I counted a "mere" 26 ...Oops!
4. The retreat only has windows on one side.. so on grey days it can get a little dark...hence multiple lighting options in each room. The bedroom windows are also obscure glazed for mutual privacy - as they look onto my garden. The retreat garden is visible via the French doors in the kitchen/sitting room (both rooms have no other windows...hence light tubes...this is visible on website pictures). The best view of the retreat garden is whilst sitting in it (4 chairs/2 tables for this)...I would recommend it on a sunny evening.
5.The retreat will never be "minimalist" & I appreciate that my idea of sweet & quirky might not appeal to all. It is not simply a retreat, but literally part of my home...and is decorated as such. Family and friends often stay when it is not being used by guests and many elements relate to my much loved mother, after whom it was named.
6.No notices are on the website pictures as they have to be removed for photos.
7. Since the retreat opened in 2018, only one larger item of furniture has changed - a blanket box in the bedroom was damaged and replaced by a black 4 cube display cabinet (sorry...more cats!)....The other 3 display cabinets are all in the original photos....oh...& one small Indian coffee table in the sitting room was replaced by 2 new ones (one for by the sofa & the other by the 2nd recliner near the entertainment unit).
8. Since covid a LOT of new plants have appeared everywhere...I love a shrub & a tub! Plus...most are only trimmed during the autumn due to nesting birds etc.
.... I hope this all makes sense & is of use to guests going forward.
However....I will also see about getting some new pictures taken...as whilst the internal layout/facilities are 99% unchanged (apart from notices, extra coasters/books/games/dvds & rugs etc.).... the more mature gardens in/around the retreat do now look very different.
Thanks
N
Property Owner
