Reviewed by
Verna
19th June 2026
It was a very peaceful site with lovely views, especially nice in the evenings.
It has about 16 lodges/buildings, only a couple are rented at this current time, the others are purchased, but this doesn't affect your stay, as there appeared to be no owners staying in the ones near us during our stay.
We were a couple and stayed for 2 weeks in StagRead mores Retreat no 16.
The lodge itself was very roomy and bright, just right space for us. There are a few steps up to the lodge, and car parking space near the steps.
It had most things that you need during your stay, including instructions for using the equipment.
**Note, they do not give you milk in starter pack, nor hot tub towels anymore. They did leave dressing gowns and slippers, a bath towel, hand towel, and bath mat each.
There were 2 dishwasher tablets, with hand soap at every sink, washing up liquid, with a few random bits in the cupboard under the sink. Also a couple of tea bags and sachets, and salt n pepper grinders, foil, cling film, and grease proof paper in the drawers
In the nice sized fridge there was a bottle of wine, and a box of benedicks mint chocolates which were gluten and milk free, so I could eat them, both were lovely. I wasn't sure about whether the super button was for fast freezing, but i pressed it when I put fresh items in.
The lodge itself was mostly clean, with a few overlooked areas; Floor in lounge, toilet brush, behind the loo, towel rail, loo roll holder, high chair, bed room light (it was also a bit dim in the bedroom), had one bulb missing and 2 not working. The hoover dust collector was left quite full.
We had a little issue, which Nick did try a few ideas to resolve, these things happen.
I mopped the floor after we unpacked and settled, It was a pain as the one in the cupboard didn't fit in the bucket, when i folded it the pad fell off, so it was difficult and annoying.
We asked Nick for a mop that fitted the bucket during our stay, he did let us have one his cleaner likes to use, that has a flash spray, but the spray didn't work and putting it in water was not good for this mop it started to break up (like a gel in a nappy).
Nick told me since he has a round one now, but it wasn't at the lodge when we were.
The hot tub was nice, I liked the little protection fence around the side, it made you feel a bit more private and yet kept the view.
The double bed mattress was not the most uncomfortable bed we have stayed in by any means, and was ok. They used protectors which is great. The duvet is very warm, so if you get hot, you may want to bring a sheet. There were a lot of cushions on the bed, we just put them in the cupboard during our stay.
I always bring portable black out curtain, as I wake up when the morning light shines, and I did use it, but I usually do.
The bedroom furniture was attractive. It would have been great to have a long mirror though.
The en-suite was well designed, and easy to use, just a few missed areas.
The washer dryer was a little confusing to begin with but worked well.
We didn't use the iron or the board, but they were in the cupboard.
Dining table was a nice size and solid and chairs are solid a very clean, the best we have seen in any lodge to date.
The sofa was comfy and very clean.
Nice tv's, and the WiFi worked very well.
Although, you are asked to leave by 10am, they arrived just after 9am to empty the hot tub, which did make me feel pressured to hurry up and get out of the lodge. I felt bad as I had put everything in the dishwasher with a tablet ready to switch on before I left, but I forgot as I felt awkward to get out asap. On the way home I remembered, so I did text Nick to apologise and asked if he would switch it on, but I didn't receive a reply.
There is a really homely and traditional pub a short walk down the road, which was very good, so enhanced our stay.
Overall, we needed to get away and did enjoy our stay, the lodge was mostly very clean. The hot tub was nice. It was quiet. We slept ok on the bed. We had most things we needed. Hide