Middle Lypiatt Glamping and B&B — Hotel in Stroud

Upon arrival on the Saturday, I noticed that there was a car in the driveway with its lights on, I asked my partner who was in communication with the owners, to inform them of the lights, and the owners replied with a simple and polite thanks. Inside our cottage, a home manual mentioned a portable heater that was available to us, however we couldn’t find it, upon asking where it was via the online chat, the owners by replied saying unfortunately there was not an electric heater available, but they had prepped the main stove with wood, and we should use that. Whilst the fire provided some heat, it took extremely long to heat the property, and we were still cold, especially upstairs in the bedroom. The stay itself was mostly pleasant and the grounds were nice to explore. The rooms could do with a good clean, and not just a going over which is how it felt, as there were lots of cobwebs in every corner and layers of dust on the bookshelves, board games and furniture.

We checked out of the cottage a few minutes past 10am on the Sunday morning. My partner and I decided to explore the grounds before setting off, and in doing so we both tried out a trampoline. Our first experience of meeting the owners in person, was a visibly angry man shouting down at us from the house, telling us not jump on the trampoline with our shoes on, we apologised and the man walked away to try and start his car which had a flat battery.

Upon driving up the driveway to leave, the man emerged from his car to ‘watch’ us, moreover, there was a very distinct smell of animosity in the air. The man was visibly distressed or disgusted with our presence, and I felt like his hostility may be something to do with the fact that we were both men, or that my partner was black, I therefore felt this situation required further interrogation. I stopped the car and asked the man if there had been a problem with our stay, as I was feeling some discomfort and clear animosity from him toward us. The man, introduced himself as one of the owners, Matt, and went on to explain that we had checked in an hour earlier than advertised in the listing, and then we used his trampoline with our shoes on which made him more cross. I immediately apologised for the check in time confused, I had believed it was 3pm, and didn’t realise it was 4pm, this was my fault and I fully accepted it once he had been informed to me. I also explained that I assumed the trampoline was for the various guests on the grounds, and I couldn’t see any signs to inform me that it’s use was prohibited with trainers on. I went on to explain that the manner in which Matt had shouted across at us was dis-respectful and extremely rude, furthermore, it was not the best way to greet guests, even if they had upset you by arriving an hour earlier than expected. Matt understood my point, and apologised for his behaviour, explaining he had had a busy weekend. He informed us that his partner was rushing off to pick up a relative, and then he asked us about our stay, which we said was nice, despite how cold it was, as we had reported to his partner online. I still felt there was something else frustrating Matt, and that his anger didn’t feel proportional to the infringements of arriving an hour early and jumping on a trampoline, but I thought nothing of it and we departed on acceptable terms.

My partner made the booking, and he didn’t think the interaction egregious enough to leave a negative review, so felt it better not to leave one. 2 weeks later ‘Susie Thomson’ left the below review on his account.

“Marcus and his boyfriend arrived over an hour early and left late. They decided to help themselves to my kids trampoline without asking and took offence when asked to take their shoes off. Suggestions for next time: Ask before showing up early, check out on time.”

Susie and Matt: Yes, I took offence given how disrespectful you were to me and my partner. Please clean your cottage and to treat others as you want...

Really good place. This was our first time glamping and we did not come home disappointed. Only 2 tents on the whole site which are well spaced so it was very peaceful. The hot tub sold it for us and what a luxury it was, sitting under the stars in the comfort of your own personal tub. Fantastic. Great memories made as a family. It would have been good to have internet so we could research places to visit etc but it was also good for the kids to disconnect from technology and experience outdoor living. Well done to the hosts for creating such a...

I cannot recommend Middle Lypiatt Glamping highly enough. I've been to a few glamping sites over the years - but this one stands out. Superb facilities, incredible location (so private and so beautiful) and super friendly hosts Susie & Matt - who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was very special and could not have been more helpful. The attention to detail in the Glamping Tent makes it so homely and the duvets were so warm - all very cosy. Lovely walk to local pub. The tent was spotless, and had everything we needed. All in all a...