Bay Tree Lodge 35

The location in Devon is beautiful, but we were very disappointed by the stay and the owner's attitude. On arrival, the site where the lodge is located was deserted. The pool, park and fire pits were fenced off and padlocked, and reception was closed with notices saying the site was shut until further notice. We hadn't been told about this. I called the lodge owner, Charlie, to explain our disappointment. He didn't seem to care and said it wasn't his responsibility. We understand he doesn't control the site, but it felt like poor customer service not to warn us, especially since he said he'd been there just a few days earlier. He said the facilities would be shut anyway because they're seasonal. Our children were gutted. The call cut off while we were speaking, possibly because of bad signal, but Charlie hasn't called back, which also felt like poor service. Inside, the lodge looked impressive at first, but closer inspection showed lots of cobwebs and spiders in several rooms. One bathroom sink was loose, some kitchen cupboards smelled musty, and there weren't enough bowls, side plates, cutlery or glasses for a lodge that sleeps eight. The rooms were a good size, but there was a broken bed frame in one bedroom, a loose step strip that was a tripping hazard, and a large nail in the garden. A towel rail got ridiculously hot, good for towels but not for children, and should have a warning. The hot tub wasn't monitored during our stay. Given the cost and the owner's attitude, I would not recommend staying here, especially if you expect to use the site facilities.