Guests say
The Retreat in Brandon is highly praised for its cleanliness, tranquil setting, and the warm hospitality of hosts Carol and Ron. Guests consistently report a relaxing experience, with the lodge being well-equipped and the grounds beautifully maintained, offering a haven for both wildlife and pets. The African-themed decor and thoughtful touches, such as welcome treats, add to the charm of this peaceful getaway.
Reviewers frequently commend the lodge for its cleanliness, describing it as 'spotless' and 'immaculately clean'. The consistent emphasis on the property's tidiness across multiple reviews suggests a very high standard of cleanliness.
The location is appreciated for its quietness and proximity to nature, with easy access to local amenities and walks. However, some guests mention noise from a nearby airbase, which slightly impacts the otherwise idyllic setting.
Comfort is a highlight, with guests mentioning the 'super comfy' bed and the relaxing swing chairs on the veranda. The lodge's cosy atmosphere and the peacefulness of the grounds contribute to a comfortable stay.
Facilities are well-regarded, with the lodge being described as 'well-equipped' and having 'everything needed'. The grounds offer additional amenities like fire pits and seating areas, enhancing the overall experience.
The hosts' thoughtfulness is evident in the personalised welcome, with treats and homemade lemonade mentioned, although such gifts are kindly noted as gestures that may vary and are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Surrounded by the Suffolk countryside and within four stunning acres of grounds that are shared with the owner's home and their other holiday let, The Retreat is a lovely wooden lodge, providing you with a sweet escape from a busy life. Suited for a couple looking to spend quality time together on a romantic break, this property has the benefit of being within easy walking distance of rolling hills and countryside, as well as pubs, shops and local restaurants. Once you have arrived at the lodge, you will take three steps up onto the veranda and through the front door straight into the open-plan living space, noticing the unique African decor influences. Cook up a delicious meal in the modern kitchen, making use of the electric oven and hobs to create a tasty dish for your loved one, and they can watch you in action from the dining table with a glass of wine in hand. On a chilly evening, switch on the electric fire for some added warmth and nestle down into the plush settee in front of a favourite film for a completely care-free evening. As the night draws to a close, head into the bedroom to rest your head on the king-size bed after an adventure filled day. In the morning, jump out of bed and into the en-suite bathroom shower to wake up your senses and begin the day, with the property also benefiting from a separate cloakroom with WC accessed from the living space. On a summer morning take your coffee outside onto the veranda, where you can gaze out onto the grounds from one of the swing seats. If you're sat out in the evening, either here or at the garden table and chairs on the lawn, you might catch sight of some deer, foxes and other wildlife seen before within the owners' grounds, a special experience you won't find in most other properties. You're close to all of the local amenities, being surrounded by these lovely acres it's easy to forget, so if you don't feel like cooking in the evening, take a stroll over to one of the nearby pubs that serve up lovely classic dishes. The Brandon Country Park and the Thetford Forest Park are also within walking distance, perfect for walkers or cyclists, and for those thrill-seekers you can swing through the trees at Go Ape Thetford, a 3.4-mile drive from The Retreat, and explore the forest from above. Spend a brilliant holiday at The Retreat and get to know this beautiful area of Suffolk.
Brandon is a small town in Suffolk, surrounded by Forestry Commission and agricultural land, it is considered a rural town. There are several pubs and shops, as well as independent businesses, and every Thursday and Saturday a small market is held. Thetford Forest Park is just next door, the largest lowland pine forest in Britain, with opportunities for cycling, walking and a range of outdoor activities available.
Accommodation
All-ground-floor.
One bedroom: 1 x King size with en-suite shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting room with electric fire.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Electric fire.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle, and TV.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Lodge and veranda enclosed by fencing, and 4-acre site lodge sits on is enclosed by fencing.
Off road parking for 2 cars.
Sorry, no smoking.
Up to three well behaved pets welcome at £30 per pet.
Shop 0.4 miles and pub 0.3 miles.
Please note: Although inside the property is all one level, there are three steps up to the front door and you must step over the threshold.
Nearby points of interest
- High Lodge Centre
- Dad's Army Museum
- Greene King Brewery
- Oxburgh Hall (National Trust)
- St. Edmundsbury Cathedral
Reviews (72)
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Ken
The cottage was lovely and comfortable and the gardens were stunning. We would not hesitate to rebook.
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Nicola
Everything you needed there to make your stay great and little welcome treats when you got there. Couldnât fault it in that way. However, my only issue is the intense plane noise, and I mean intense, as I have a dog with severe noise anxiety, so for me it wouldnât be somewhere I would return to but that is no reflection on the property or stay. Just not for us. I had no idea it was so close to a RAF site. I do think maybe this should be stated in the advert of the property for people like myself who may have dogs with noise issues. As it did ruin the stay for us and we cut our break short. If you like planes and have no issues with planes noises from 7.30am onwards then I would recommend it.
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Sarah
From the moment we walked up the steps to the lodge met by the smell of wood we knew we were in for a treat. Loved the safari theme, and the place was so comfortable. Great to watch the rabbits, squirrels, birds and fallow deer as we sat relaxing outside on the balcony. A warm welcome from the lovely hosts Carol and Ron who were available if needed, were so supportive when we were caring for our dog, but always found the right balance between being at hand and giving us our privacy. Such lovely people. Great location to walk to Brandon station - 20 mins to the cathedral city of Ely. Had planned similar trips to Cambridge and Norwich but needed to stay âon safariâ so our dog could rest - couldnât think of a better place to stay when we needed to stay put. Thank you Carol and Ron for helping ease a stressful situation with our dog needing to rest, and sharing your beautiful property with us. We hope at some stage, weâll be able to return and enjoy it again, as well as go on the trips weâd planned.