Culm Vale Country House

We loved the food and the rooms were amazing. I've never slept in such a comfortable bed; it was a shame to leave it. The lady of the house was charming and helped us with directions to the University. We're hoping to come back next year. Keep up the good work.

The hosts were so friendly and did more for us than we expected while we were in the area for a wedding. Just be aware that there are animal trophies on the walls in this country house, which won't be to everyone's taste. Thank you for taking such good care of us! :)

The outside looked lovely, with gardens and a fountain, but inside was a different story. There was a musty smell as soon as we came in. We had booked a family room with an en-suite because my husband has bowel cancer and needs the loo often, so sharing a bathroom wasn't an option. The room was a decent size, and the double and single beds were quite comfortable, but I had the worst night's sleep ever. I know it's a listed Victorian building without double glazing, but finding earplugs in the bathroom made me think noise might be a problem. The room was boiling. I'd rung the day before to ask for a fan and was told one would be put in the room, but it wasn't there. I only noticed later, after we'd gone out, and thought it might be too late to knock on the owner's door. Traffic outside was unbearable, and the earplugs hurt, so I had to take them out. At 11.30pm, guests next door ran a bath, and I could hear it as if I were sleeping in the bathroom. The decor was very tired, the bathroom wallpaper was coming off, and there was lots of black mould around the bath, though toiletries were generously provided. We stayed one night as a treat for our five-year-old granddaughter because it wasn't far from Crealy theme Park. Breakfast was disappointing too. There was one glass of orange juice at each place instead of a choice of jugs, and my granddaughter only likes apple juice, which wasn't available. I asked for squash and was told they don't keep it. The so-called full English was sausage, bacon, eggs and toast, with no beans, tomatoes or mushrooms. I feel the owner serves breakfast to suit herself rather than what guests might want. We put on a smile at breakfast, but I found the female owner more intimidating than friendly. Looking at the other reviews, which I wish I'd read before booking, I suspected she was defensive, and she hadn't apologised in a single review and had been quite rude. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

We only spent one night here, but it was lovely. If you want a plain, standard room with neutral decor, you'd be better off at a motel lodge. For a warm welcome, personal touches, individuality and some of the quirks of the English countryside, this is definitely the place.