The Old School

37 Customer Reviews

• "Party of 5 age range 86 to 16 booked as attending family funeral."

  Arrived at 1600 hrs to find cottage had not been cleaned, wet towels and used bedding on beds upstairs. After finding phone signal by pond call number on booking this number does not connect (it’s an old number) in welcome pack there’s is about 4 numbers to call re cleaners! Eventually get hold of cleaner over 1/2 hr, who says they have no notice of booking, so not been to clean but they will come over. Over an hour later they arrive to clean, our booking was in their junk mail!. By now we are hungry can’t cook as kitchen needs cleaning so have to go out to eat (party of 4 adults & 1 child) £100 bill. The mattress in large twin room bed on right could do with replacing and there is no socket for the bedside lamp. You have a lamp but nowhere to plug in! Advert makes big deal of log burner but logs not supplied you have a bring with you, or purchase locally 5 miles away, at over £538 for 2 nights I expected them inc. I await refund for inconvenience.

  Reviewed by Elaine2.8★Oct 2024

• "The fridge didn't work at times the ice maker on freezer didn't work to."

  The door to shower in the bedroom didn't close.

  Reviewed by Penny1.3★Sep 2024

• "It was a little disconcerting to arrive at the property to find a "for sale" board attached to the fence, but we soon settled into this quirky, spacious and well-equipped house."

  Sadly there was no welcome pack waiting for us. Yes, there are cobwebs, but that's to be expected in such a location. The duck pond was fascinating and we took great delight in watching the young ones grow during our stay. The pub across the road gave us a very warm welcome and it was nice to be able to reflect on our days out while supping a pint! Lots of things to do in the area and plenty of good places to eat. A warning to future holidaymakers, the local RAF station does send its pilots out quite early, so you may be woken to the sound of low-flying jets...

  Reviewed by Tracy3.8★Jun 2024

• "Great place to stay, we were very comfortable in your lovely home."

  Thank you for the thoughtful welcome hamper - even something for our little pup! 2 very simple things would have made it 5/5… A new kettle Someone to fix the en-suite shower Many thanks!

  Reviewed by Jean4.7★May 2024

• "What a delightful property , we had a great time."

  Lovely quiet location with a very welcoming pub.

  Thanks for your positive feedback, much appreciated. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Keith5.0★Dec 2023

• "We enjoyed our stay in this spacious, quirky cottage."

  It was lovely and clean and generally well equipped. A couple of additional hand towels for the bathrooms, a pan scrub and a spatula would be helpful. The beds are very comfortable and there's plenty of hot water. The garden is enclosed and, although its not large, we managed to play ball with our dog. There is a large utility room which is perfect for washing and drying wet coats and muddy dogs. We couldn't get the en-suite shower to work, it kept going hot then freezing, the downstairs shower works well but isn't very powerful but it does the job. There is a massive range cooker but the numbers around the controls have worn away so it took some working out and you definitely need to refer to the manual. Perhaps these could be painted back on?? The lounge and dining kitchen are beautiful but the central heating doesn't warm them up and the huge lounge windows are original and draughty. We stayed in December and had to build a fire every evening (and use the blankets provided) so you need to be competent at this or the lounge would be unusable in cold weather. As logs etc aren't provided this is an additional essential cost. A couple of free standing heaters would help particularly in the dining kitchen. The setting is lovely and convenient for exploring the area. The pub is seconds away, very welcoming and does good pub meals. We would be happy to stay here again but the additions mentioned would make things easier and more comfortable.

  Dear Susan Thanks for your comments and feedback. We supply towels according to the number of guests declared at the time of booking. The welcome note in the folder has details for the housekeeper who can be contacted for additional towels, linen or anything else guests may require. The electrical en-suite shower was serviced and is supplying a steady flow of hot water. For the cooker, we have managed to find an original set of Rangemaster dials/numbers and fitted them. The heating system require some adjustments in the individual rooms as they all have their individual thermostats. It is well explained in the welcome letter. We have added hints ref the kitchen where the heating is underneath the built in bench and by opening the doors underneath, heat streams out and we turned up the thermostat for that area. In addition a free standing electric heater has been purchased. We hope this explains and close out your queries. We would love to welcome you back! Thanks and best wishes. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan4.1★Dec 2023

• "We spent a very enjoyable week in this characterful and well-equipped cottage."

  The downstairs accommodation in this converted village school is especially spacious with large kitchen, sitting room and dining room. There are three bathrooms with modern fittings. The setting, in the heart of the village overlooking the church and duck pond, is lovely, and there is an enclosed sunny garden for sitting out. A previous visitor had commented adversely on cleanliness but housekeeping arrangements have clearly been changed since then as we found everything clean and satisfactory, and we were greeted with a lovely welcome hamper. Taller guests, or those with impaired vision, may struggle with the sloping ceilings in the bedrooms and upstairs bathrooms - one of our party bumped his head in the en-suite bathroom a few times. Beware of a small step down in the hall which can catch you out, especially in the dark. The only odd thing that happened was that the leg fell off one of the (very comfortable) sofas on the first day while a guest was sitting on it, but there were other sofas available so this didn’t impact our overall enjoyment of the stay. In spite of these small idiosyncrasies, we would be very happy to return or recommend to others.

  Dear Catherine Thanks you for the detailed feedback. It is much appreciated, especially after the problems we had with previous housekeeping and cleaners. And for informing us about the sofa. It will be fixed promptly. We will include your 'watch-outs' regarding upstairs sloping ceilings in the welcome letter and place a security light near the step in the hall downstairs. Also thanks for leaving the place so tidy. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Catherine4.7★Jun 2023

• "Fabulous"

  Reviewed by Gail4.4★Nov 2022

• "The cottage was in a perfect location and very pretty."

  It was warm and comfortable. However, the cleanliness was awful. There were numerous black bin bags which had been broken into and contents strewn around the drive. The showers had thick mould around the plugholes and matted hair in them and the tap bases were filthy. They obviously had not been cleaned in months. The shower mat was mouldy and there was mould on the tiles. There was no wood for the woodburner despite being advertised in the book and there were empty soap bottles and washing up liquid bottle. There had been superficial quick attempts at cleaning only. The owner tried to sort it out but is abroad and the cleaner returned but in the end I cleaned the basin myself and avoided the shower! It didn't spoil our holiday but I suggest the cleaners are changed.

  We were very disappointed to hear about your experience. At the time you stayed we lived abroad and used a Sykes recommended cleaning and housekeeping company. The standards you experienced were not acceptable and we apologise for that. Despite trying to resolve issues with the cleaners they failed again and we had no choice but to terminate the contract after Christmas and informed Sykes who has also taken action. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Jacqueline2.8★Nov 2022

• "Everything was."

  first class .. However the kettle leaked badly and was scaled . Not a good look for such a fireplace .

  Thanks for your comment and pleased that you otherwise enjoyed your stay. Norfolk has very hard water and it takes its toll on kettles which needs frequent descaling which in turn weakens the metal. A leaking kettle is unacceptable and we apologise for this. We had unfortunately not been informed by the cleaning team. The kettle was replaced immediately after your comments. Property Owner

  Reviewed by John4.7★Oct 2022

• "Lovely property and we were very comfortable there."

  its amazingly well equipped - everything you could want (and more!). Its in a very pretty, very quiet, village. We'd happily go again if we had the opportunity.

  Many thanks for your nice words ;-) Property Owner

  Reviewed by Pamela5.0★Sep 2022

• "The Old School House is situated a beautiful spot in a perfect little Norfolk village and is deceptively spacious inside."

  Overall the property is clean and well kept with comfortable beds and sofas. We very much enjoyed our stay and the amazing weather was a real bonus . Not really negatives but thoughts for improvement. The brown bedding and towels are a real letdown, just a depressing colour and not great quality. The pillows are the worst quality we have had in a rented property, real cheap and nasty . Also a small welcome pack of milk, butter, bread would have been appreciated. A tray of sugar sachets and UHT milk seems a little cheap in a property like this. Also thought Sykes customer response could have been better.

  Reviewed by Anna3.8★Jul 2022

• "The property was very clean."

  And very well equipped with everything you could want or need. Beds very comfy. Lovely garden fully enclosed great sun trap. The only thing we had an issue with was the tv's couldn't get them to work. Would stay again and recommend highly.

  Thank you for your positive feedback. We don't understand what happened to the newly installed tv screens and will have them looked at by a specialist when there is a gap in the bookings. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0★Jun 2022

• "Only problem we found was working the TV's."

  Cottage was extremely well equipped and was in an exquisite setting. Very friendly villagers.

  Thank you for your positive feedback. We don't understand what happened to the newly installed tv screens and will have them looked at by a specialist when there is a gap in the bookings. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Kelvin5.0★Jun 2022

• "We had the most wonderful stay at The Old School!"

  ! The house is spacious, kitchen has everything you need and is perfect for a family or group holiday. Just the most wonderful holiday home and so comfortable. The Village is also wonderful, with such friendly residents and we enjoyed going for our morning runs and meeting the people of the village. Also the pub across the street is friendly and wonderful place for a drink or dinner. Communciation with the owner was smooth also and there was a lovely complimentary treats, which we really appreciated. We highly recommend The Old School and would love to go back to stay there again. Thank you so much, a very special place indeed!!

  Thank you so much for your feedback, much appreciated Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mariko4.7★Apr 2022

• "We much appreciated the welcome and the welcome pack and the daffodils, the property was ideal, lovely outlook across the duck pond to the pub."

  We were extremely lucky with the weather and even warm enough to have our Sunday dinner in the nice private garden which was also very safe for Milo the dog, would definitely stay here again.

  Many thanks ;-) Property Owner

  Reviewed by Ralph5.0★Mar 2022

• "Brilliant location, lovely clean and spacious accommodation."

  Will go again.

  Many thanks ;-) Property Owner

  Reviewed by Linda5.0★Mar 2022

• "The old school is a lovely character place with plenty of space for several cars."

  Spacious with a very well equiped kitchen. We stayed in January, and although it is not the warmest downstairs in winter, character comes with some drawbacks! The small garden was secure and just right for our dog, which we are grateful that they allow . I would really recommend the old school as a base to see more of Norfolk.

  Thanks for your feedback. The heating system and hot water is set to twice a day. The control panel is in the cupboard on the upstairs landing. Here you can change the times or set to continuous. There is an electric heater in the hot water tank for the supply of hot water which is sufficient in the summer months. Most radiators have individual thermostats which gives you the opportunity to have different temperatures in the rooms. And turn off the ones where heating is not required. In addition, we supply some wood briquettes for the wood burner which is very powerful and should ensure plenty of heat downstairs. In the kitchen there is a hidden radiator under the built in dining bench. You can open the doors under the bench which allow the heat to flow out faster. I will include this detail in the welcome pack which already explains how the heating system works. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah4.4★Feb 2022

• "I am fully happy with my stay at the old School house."

  I did not expect a washing machine & dryer in the utility room! However the sitting room & dining room were a bit cold.

  Thanks for your feedback. The heating system and hot water is set to twice a day. The control panel is in the cupboard on the upstairs landing. Here you can change the times or set to continuous. There is an electric heater in the hot water tank for the supply of hot water which is sufficient in the summer months. Most radiators have individual thermostats which gives you the opportunity to have different temperatures in the rooms. And turn off the ones where heating is not required. In addition, we supply some wood briquettes for the wood burner which is very powerful and should ensure plenty of heat downstairs, especially in the sitting room. In the kitchen there is a hidden radiator under the built in dining bench. You can open the doors under the bench which allow the heat to flow out faster. I will include this detail in the welcome pack which already explains how the heating system works. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Stephen4.7★Nov 2021

• "Cleanliness was poor, certain areas in need of a deep clean."

  Toaster had weeks of breadcrumbs in the base, microwave had food residue, oven was dirty, cobwebs and dead flies everywhere, found a pair of socks under cushions in the living room. Difficult to watch television in the kitchen and living room. Did not like the quality or colour of the bedding. Always suspicious of cleanliness when bedding and towels are dark colours. No poles to open and close windows which were too high up to reach. Need blinds on windows in kitchen, utility and dining room. No bin bags left for rubbish, there was no vacuum cleaner or long handled broom. No light in the garden area. On the positive side, the property is in a nice location, building had character, plenty of heating and hot water, well equipped kitchen and plenty of space.

  Thanks for your feedback. This is the first time in nearly 3 years we have had negative feedback about the cleanliness. I live abroad and use a professional cleaning and laundry service company nominated by Sykes. When we are busy they place more people to do the cleaning and handover. At the time you complained we spoke to them immediately and have not had any other issues since. The School is in the countryside, originally from 1876 with minor gaps in windows and doors that may allow some insects and flies through and our guests should expect this as part of living near fields and farms. We continue to make improvements to the property and have taken your suggestions on board. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Carole3.4★Oct 2021

• "The Old School was a perfect setting for our week away."

  The kitchen was probably the best equipped of any place we have stayed. Every room was comfortable and well presented and the owners made sure to check in with us to make sure everything was okay.

  Thanks, We live abroad and did not take much with us, so you should find just about everything you need. We have had comments about there being too much, too many glasses etc. and whether it was all being cleaned every time. There is not time to do this for every change over and in general guests have been good to use the dishwasher and only clean utensils are placed back in cupboards and drawers. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Ashling5.0★Oct 2021

• "The cottage is well situated in the village just opposite the village pond and the cottage is very well equipped and very comfortable."

  However in your photographs on the website it shows the bedrooms as having white bed linen and pastel colours when in fact the bed linen is brown coloured sheets and very dark maroon duvets which looked as if they had previously been stained I didn't like them at all and wouldn't even donate them to a charity shop! The garden furniture also looks as if its seen better days. But apart from this it is a lovely cottage in a great location..

  Reviewed by John4.7★Sep 2021

• "Superb central location in the very pretty village of Wereham."

  The accommodation is spacious and well equipped.

  Reviewed by Sylvia4.7★Sep 2021

• "The Old School was lovely and the village is idyllic."

  The exterior of the property is beautiful and central to the village, it has the church to one side, the pond to the other and the village pub just passed the pond, the only blight was that they were dredging for the entire week (unfortunate timing). The interior is wonderful, well furnished and spacious, the pictures don’t do it justice, in pre-teen terms it’s epic! Travel to the northern coast is 30-45 minutes and the east coast 120 minutes but travel is not too bad. Kings Lynn has Tesco, Sainsbugs etc, The Foldgate Inn has excellent food and service.

  Reviewed by M5.0★Aug 2021

• "Was a really good home in a great location."

  Pub 100 yards away, village pond and many local walks on footpaths and near deserted roads.

  Reviewed by Roland4.4★Aug 2021

• "Had a fabulous time."

  Well styled, well equipped, very comfortable. The hosts were fabulous too. Will definitely be returning. 10/10

  Thanks ;-) Property Owner

  Reviewed by Julie5.0★Apr 2021

• "Great property had a fantastic time!"

  !!!!!!

  Reviewed by Nigel5.0★Oct 2020

• "We have just returned from a week at the old school."

  It's a lovely building that has been restored to a very high standard. It was bigger than expected. Everything you could possibly want is on hand. I would however recommend that you take an extra pillow if you like 2 on your bed as the singles only have 1 pillow, the beds are very comfortable though. There is a walled garden so safe for your dog. The George and dragon across the lake does not open every day, but down the road is a lovely pub called the Foldgate, this does excellent food and a brilliant Sunday carvery roast, you won't walk away hungry. We would definitely return again to the school house.

  Reviewed by Shirley4.4★Aug 2020

• "The property lived up to its pictures and description."

  A very spacious property with plenty of character. There were a few minor issues that we were able to communicate direct to the owner by email and although these issues were not rectified while we were there a maintenance man turned up by appointment on the morning we were leaving. We had a very enjoyable holiday in relaxing surroundings and felt very much at home immediately.

  Reviewed by John4.4★Aug 2020

• "My family and I had such a wonderful holiday in Norfolk."

  The Old School had so much character and was a lot larger than we anticipated. We had relatives come to visit whilst we were staying there ( all 13 of them!) and there was ample space with 3 large rooms downstairs !. The kitchen was extremely well equipped, with everything you could think of, apart from two little things, a tin opener (which we purchased and left there) and a potato masher!, the Kettle really needs de scaling, lots of lime scale build up, tried to clean it as best as we could. Bedrooms were also very good sizes, as were the bathrooms. All in all we had a very good holiday and would highly recommend the old school house. Beautiful position overlooking the duck pond and a lovely little pub over the other side of the pond. My boy's enjoyed playing pool every evening !...

  Reviewed by Elise5.0★Feb 2020

• "Excellent weekend break, lovely house with everything we needed."

  (Only one thing missing, utensils for the woodburner but we managed :-)). The pub across the road were very welcoming. A good weekend had by all.

  Reviewed by Miranda5.0★Feb 2020

• "Quirky cottage with lots of history."

  Very comfortable with everything you could possibly need. The log burner warmed up the lounge quickly and made it feel cosy, even thought the ceiling was so high. Very clean, with nice bedroom linen. The pond directly in front of the property had lots of ducks on it, they enjoyed the grain that we fed them. Very nice pub across the road, with very reasonable food prices, good quality ingredients used and they made us feel welcome. All in all a property we will recommend.

  Reviewed by Beverley5.0★Jan 2020

• "Always book our cottages through sykes never disappoints."

  Reviewed by Gaynor5.0★Jan 2020

• "Absolutely beautiful."

  The owners have very recently started to let the house and they have got it so right already! If you want traditional quiet Norfolk then this is for you. Log fires, a quaint pub opposite and beautiful views.

  Reviewed by Patricia5.0★Nov 2019

• "We had a great stay !"

  The property was really spacious, comfortable, quirky, stylish and clean . It is in a nice location by the duckpond and just across from a friendly local pub ( which does decent and good value food) and masses of parking. The only minor point I would mention is that, whilst the property was generally extremely well equipped, there was barely any toilet roll provided (literally none in one bathroom) - which isn't great for 5 people arriving in the evening and there being no shop ! Ditto matches for the fire, which we were unable to locate even though firelights, paper, kindling and some logs were thoughtfully left. These are small things in themselves but would have been helpful. But we loved the property and were sorry to have to leave its comforts.

  Reviewed by Serena5.0★Oct 2019

• "We have stayed in countless holiday cottages but the old school far exceeded any of them so much so we have already re-booked ."

  Everything about the old school is wonderful. And the village is a quintessential English village. Loved it loved loved it.

  Reviewed by Oliver5.0★Sep 2019

• "A fantastic place to stay,a part of Norfolk we haven’t stayed before,a lovely enclosed back garden which our dog loved and us,a very well equipped kitchen everything was thought of also the king size bed was very comfortable and the village was very quiet and peaceful,the local pub was great and the play park nearby was great to exercise our spaniel,future guests will not be disappointed in this place also it was very clean and we would love to visit again in the future."

  Thank you for your positive feedback Property Owner

  Reviewed by Neil3.8★Sep 2019

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