Maple Lodge

Mark looked after us so well, always around in the daytime if anything came up and just an email away when we needed help. He’s also done a fantastic job renovating the other courtyard accommodation. We had plenty of space for all ten of us, and the secure garden was lovely and big for the pets. The pool was ours for the week, and we made full use of it. There’s a nice path all the way around the pond, plus other routes into the woods. For day trips, Holt, the Poppy Trainline, Muckleburgh War Museum and Sheringham were all great. We had an amazing week’s break here, and thanks for rescuing the footballs too!

We still think it’s worth staying here, and the coach house garden hot tub was a nice way to cool down after the pool. There were twelve of us, including the little ones, and we’ve been coming as a whole family. Quite a bit has changed since our last Christmas visit before Covid. When it was a private rental, there were logs and fire-starting supplies, access to all the areas, kids’ swings and a games room. It now seems to be run by a holiday rental company, and some of that charm has gone. There’s lots of rustic character and potential, though the corporate management seems to have taken something away. The showers need updating, more like a touring caravan shower, and the swings and fire-making equipment are gone, which is a shame. The pool was much too hot because the thermostat was broken. The new alarm system is distracting, with flashing ceiling sensor lights. Downstairs windows were painted shut or wouldn’t open, ventilation was poor, and the kitchen extractor wasn’t enough. While I was cooking Sunday lunch for everyone, the dining room sensor went off and the alarm rang for over an hour. The Bournemouth emergency number was switched off, so nobody answered. Thankfully, guests arriving Saturday had the caretaker or office handyman’s email. He came as quickly as he could, despite being several miles away and off duty, and saved the day. There really should be someone reachable in an emergency, even on Sunday. Mobile signal is patchy in places, and the other number was also dead over the weekend. I’d recommend staying, but make sure you have the onsite caretaker or office contact details and email. A few things let us down this time, when it could have been a five-star wonder. Enjoy it as we did, and we’ll probably be back to see what corporate improvements come next.

Mark, the manager, had put up a Christmas tree and decorations and was helpful during our stay. We spent Christmas here, and the house was fantastic with great facilities.

Mark took good care of us, helped with anything we needed and shared ideas for places to visit. We stayed at the coach house for a family holiday, and the beautiful surroundings made it even better. There was plenty of garden for the children, with games provided, and the house had so much space and everything we needed, so we only brought our clothes. The snooker table, hot tub and swimming pool kept us entertained, and we had them all to ourselves. Thanks, Mark. We’ll come back as soon as we can.