Blackbrook Lodges — Local services in Colchester

I recently booked to stay in the ‘duck house’ with @blackbrooklodges in Great Horkesley near Colchester, I booked via them directly using their website but they are on the air b&b website.

I had originally booked two nights for my daughters 15th birthday, it’s on a farm and has a private hot tub thought it would be perfect for alittle get a way for her.

However on arrival as you can see from the pictures it was very mouldy and very unclean, there was a note on the wall to strip bedding before leaving which we did only to find mouldy pillows and ripped bedding.

One of our baby toys went under the sofa and as you can see it didn’t look like it had ever been cleaned under there.

We stayed the first night, it was late when we arrived and took me an hour sitting outside the property trying to get in contact with them for access key codes to access the property.

We didn’t stay the second night because felt it too dirty and too mouldy

I have tried contacting the owners twice to request a refund as feel the property is far from what was advertised, But they have not replied to any emails or phone contact and it’s been...

We had the best time ever at this incredible house! The garden is absolutely stunning, with amazing views of alpacas, peacocks, and chickens – such a unique and peaceful setting. The kitchen is spacious and really well equipped, perfect for cooking for a large group.

We struggled a little with the TV and couldn’t get it to work, and a bit more outdoor seating would have been ideal given the number of guests, but honestly these were only small things in what was otherwise a fantastic stay.

There was so much to do – we loved the darts, piano, ping pong table, and of course the hot tub! We had a slight issue with the hot tub temperature, but Andy came out really quickly to sort it, and even topped us up with toilet roll while he was there. He was always super responsive and helpful, both during our stay and in the lead-up to it, answering all of my questions.

Overall, an amazing house where we made so many wonderful memories....

This has been my first break away from hospital since being diagnosed with cancer. It was incredible! We stayed at the willow, it was comfy and cosy like home but once you went into the garden was like another world. You had alpacas in the garden who would eat from your hand and were super friendly, everyday there was lots and lots of peacocks out front and if you walk around you see small goats, pigs, chickens, horses and more alpacas. We had the most fun and enjoyed being on a working farm. The willow has privacy away from the farm and you have areas where there is privacy and in a 2/3 minute walk you can join the fun and see all the other animals.We got 3 packs of eggs that were super cheap (6 for 1.50) and we bought extra food for farm animals. ( they do leave 2/3 packets at the lodge but we enjoyed hand feeding them) couldn’t thank the staff enough and look forward to...