Swandown, 14 Goldenhaye in Chard, Somerset, receives high praise for its well-appointed lodges, friendly staff, and peaceful location. Guests appreciate the modern amenities, spacious living areas, and the added luxury of private bathrooms in each bedroom. The property's proximity to local attractions and the convenience of nearby supermarkets and dining options enhance the stay. While some minor suggestions for improvement are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests planning return visits.
Reviews consistently mention the cleanliness of the lodges, describing them as well-maintained and clean. No negative comments regarding cleanliness were found, indicating high standards are met.
The location is praised for its peacefulness and convenience for day trips, with local amenities like pubs and supermarkets within easy reach. The only drawback mentioned is the partially unlit path to the nearby pub.
Guests find the lodges comfortable, with spacious living areas and private bathrooms. However, some noted that the upstairs rooms can become uncomfortably warm, and the lack of blackout blinds in some bedrooms affects comfort.
The facilities, including a well-equipped kitchen and on-site pool, are generally well-received. Points were deducted for the mention of a slip hazard in the shower, the need for sun-loungers, and confusion regarding hotel service access.
While the reviews reflect positively on the staff's helpfulness and the property's amenities, there is no specific mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided to guests, so a score cannot be given.
Set within the 1,000-acre Swandown Lodges Estate, in Cricket St. Thomas in Somerset, is this opulent three-bedroom lodge, 14 Goldenhaye. Offering access to a variety of on-site facilities, including an exclusive spa for adults and a child-friendly adventure trail, whilst featuring beautiful bedrooms, a bright and airy living space, and a social garden with a hot tub and barbecue, the lodge is ideal for a family of six, couples, and friends alike. Arrive in the suntrap living space, featuring floor to ceiling cathedral windows, plush sofas, a woodburning stove, and a formal dining table, perfect for relaxing upon after making use of the well-equipped kitchen. If you prefer to be outdoors, dine alfresco with a sizzling barbecue, before indulging in the hot tub, enveloped by a tranquil, rural setting. Returning indoors, choose from one of three well-presented bedrooms, including a ground-floor king-size, a double with TV, and a twin, offering flexible sleeping arrangements for all, whilst benefitting from private en-suites. Enjoy an uber-stylish abode by booking 14 Goldenhaye.
It is possible to tour these three stunning West Country counties from the parish of Cricket St. Thomas in South Somerset, which borders West Dorset and is only a short distance from East Devon. A trip around the Cricket St. Thomas estate will lead you to Cricket House, which was once the location for Penelope Keith's television series "To the Manor Born" but is now a part of the Warner Cricket St. Thomas Hotel. The Fleet Air Arm Museum is 7 miles north of Yeovil and is one of the largest aviation museums in the world with many historic aircraft on display; the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford offers an excellent day out for everyone with a vast collection of veteran, vintage, and classic cars and bikes offering a fascinating window into motoring history; the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum at Lyme Regis is slightly farther away but within easy driving distance.
Three bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x double with TV and en-suite bath, basin, and WC, 1 x twin with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and sitting area with woodburning stove
Central heating with woodburning stove.
Double oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
2 x TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair available.
Stair gate available on request.
Cot available on request (£10 charge applies per cot, guests need to bring along own cot bedding, bottom sheet provided).
Each lodge has one allocated parking space.Any extra cars are able to park in the visitors car park by the entrance to the site.
Rear garden with lawn, patio, furniture, barbecue, and hot tub.
Sorry, no smoking.
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at a charge of £50 per pet.
Shop 3.6 miles, pub 0.2 miles.
Note: The Swandown site has an indoor pool for the exclusive use of guests of all ages staying at the lodges.The swimming pool can be booked using the onsite booking rota located outside reception.Swandown guests also have membership access to the leisure facilities at The Cricket St Thomas Warner Hotel (approximately 1 mile).The hotel & leisure facilities are exclusively for adults.Guests can access their large swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and gymnasium (opening times 8am-6pm).Guests are also able to eat in the hotel bar at lunchtime, which is cashless (card payments only).Spa treatments are available at an extra charge and need to be booked directly with the hotel.
Note: Garden area is not enclosed
Collette
Very clean and well stocked kitchen for self catering. The use of the swimming pool and hot tub was ideal as unfortunately we had a wet week. Very easy to visit places as good location. A couple of things to note, heating was a bit fiddly and one of the bedrooms in particular was quite hot as I think it was above the boiler. We had two dogs and the garden was a real bonus but please be aware not fully enclosed and there are farm animals on the pathway walks. All in all though a lovely and relaxing stay we would certainly visit again.
Lesley
Great base for exploring Somerset and Devon.
Julie
He is such an asset to the owners! Very thoughtful, helpful and chilled! Lovely spacious well equipped clean house with great views. Our only negative was that the hot tub wasn't as powerful as we usually experience. Great location too. Not far from the coast and other attractions. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Become a Dog-friendly Cottages member for free and enjoy exclusive deals and discounts on thousands of properties for you and your four-legged pals.
Login to see
Sign up to see
Login to see
or
Already a member login here
Not a member?
By entering my email address, I agree to Dog Friendly Cottage's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Dog Friendly Cottages.
Thank you for joining, member discounts are now available.
Thank you for signing up. Cashback will now be available on your next booking!
Sign up to be alerted of any last-minute cancellations and discounts.
By entering my email address, I agree to Dog Friendly Cottage's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Dog Friendly Cottages.
So we can send you deals and availability relevant to you.
By entering my email address, I agree to Dog Friendly Cottage's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Dog Friendly Cottages.
Your browser is out of date and we can't guarantee a consistent experience when using our site. Please consider updating or switching. More info on browser support