York Lodge — Local services in Test Valley

Prior to booking I contacted the lady as we have dogs who can get a bit boisterous around other dogs she assured us there would be no other dogs there. She was looking after her daughters dog but it wouldn’t be there when we arrived. She also said there was a fence that can separate the gardens if need be |Upon arrival her daughters dog was still there but she assured us it was going later that day in fact it didn’t leave till later the following day we therefore had to take our dogs into the garden on leads (not at her request but it was what we felt was best to do) seeing as there was no fence to separate the garden|We went out the following day and received a phone call saying our dogs were barking (this could be that there was visitors to the ladies house). Fiona (the lady that owns the property) then informed us that she doesn’t allow dogs to be left on their own we were told this was on the website. Having checked it is not mentioned on the website and was never mentioned during previous conversations, she said to me “I’m not running a kennel” rather rude I thought as we hadn’t asked her to see to the dogs. I told her the dogs will be fine as there are caged when we go out. Her reply was to question how long we leave them caged for. “Surely not more than 2 or 3 hours” she asked I fail to see what business it is of hers |This was very distressing and throughly spoilt our plans for the weekend. The accommodation offers a microwave and a two ring hob not enough to cook a proper meal and given that no one will deliver to the property how are we meant to eat as you can’t take dogs food shopping and you can’t leave them there because of a new rule that was suddenly made up !! |The property is attached to the house we thought it was a separate lodge. This meant there was an unlocked door in our lounge that led to their utility room. We were unable to lock this and being of a nervous disposition it was a bit unsettling. There was also a locked door in the bathroom that I assume led the the house again we had no control over this door. It does lead you to think that the owners can enter the property at any time |The rooms however were clean and the kitchen well stocked with pans, plates, cutlery etc. The garden is spacious although you do feel that you are intruding somewhat |Although there are two bedrooms one was locked after we arrived and we were not allowed to use it I didn’t understand the issue but there was adequate room in our bedroom|The issues spoilt our holiday and it isn’t a place I will return to as it was too restricting with the rules and was not what we expected. We didn’t really feel welcome we felt spied upon...

I visited York Lodge while working at the nearby Thruxton race circuit in summer 2018. This little place is a wonderful hidden gem, tucked away down narrow lanes in a beautiful little village. Host Fiona could not have been more friendly and welcoming, going out of her way to make sure my stay was as perfect as possible.||||My room was clean and perfectly furnished, wih towels and bathroom items provided, and an ample supply of tea and coffee and biscuits. There is no noise or light pollution at all in this location and it really is perfect for a good night's sleep. The resourceful Fiona also provided details and addresses of local pubs and eateries, as well as various guides to the local area. Breakfast was excellent too with a large variety of items available and all clearly freshly prepared.||||I am working at Thruxton again later this year and will be staying here again - the second of what will hopefully be many visits.||||Dave Goddard||Midland...

I visited York Lodge while working at the nearby Thruxton race circuit in summer 2018. This little place is a wonderful hidden gem, tucked away down narrow lanes in a beautiful little village. Host Fiona could not have been more friendly and welcoming, going out of her way to make sure my stay was as perfect as possible.||||My room was clean and perfectly furnished, wih towels and bathroom items provided, and an ample supply of tea and coffee and biscuits. There is no noise or light pollution at all in this location and it really is perfect for a good night's sleep. The resourceful Fiona also provided details and addresses of local pubs and eateries, as well as various guides to the local area. Breakfast was excellent too with a large variety of items available and all clearly freshly prepared.||||I am working at Thruxton again later this year and will be staying here again - the second of what will hopefully be many visits.||||Dave Goddard||Midland...