Fishpond House, Sotherton

23 Customer Reviews

• "As other people have said , beds need mattress toppers ."

  Single beds are too narrow for adults. No ice cubes tray in freezer. No washing pods for washing machine. No extra bin bags. Deck and windows needed cleaning. Oven needs an extra tray. One of the trays was dirty so I scrubbed that - also oven not 100% clean. The downstairs bathroom began to smell of urine on the floor- not caused by anyone in our group as we were all women. The floor needs to be scrubbed very thoroughly and the tiles need to be sealed to prevent this from happening again. So note to owners- your house keepers are letting you down. We also arrived very late at night- it would be helpful for a larger floodlight to illuminate the car parking space Positives- love the house and location . Love the hot tub and log burner.

  Reviewed by Clare3.4★Oct 2024

• "Given we also rented the adjacent property WITHOUT HOT WATER TO WASH we had 8 persons to one shower which was in our daugters bedroom ensuite ."

  A Ghastly stay and an appauling inadeqate owner with no empathy for our position who had the audacity to offer £87 in compensation. Never will we use Sykes again or recommend to anyone we know who stays in sufolk.

  Reviewed by Adam1.9★Sep 2024

• "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!"

  Beautiful cottage and everything we needed. My kids enjoyed the wildlife and the hot tub in the evenings and we would love to come back!

  Reviewed by Victoria5.0★Aug 2024

• "The only negative I have is that I got no response to texts or emails to Best of Suffolk/ the owner."

  Thankfully, it was not an emergency but if it had of been, it would have been very poor. The property was lovely and just what we were after. I would suggest having a spare key in the house as only having 1 that opened all the doors was tricky. We lost it in the house so many times! Due to the above, what would we have done if we had locked ourselves in our out? Also would highly recommend getting some comfy sofas and replacing what is in the lounge. It made sitting down at nighttime very uncomfortable. Brilliant place otherwise!

  Reviewed by Sara4.1★Aug 2024

• "Overall the property was excellent."

  But hugely disappointed with hot tub. The water smelt musty. The bottom of tub was not cleaned properly and filters mostly blocked. We used it once and would like money back on it !! The outer door wouldn’t stay up and microwave too complicated Shower tray blocked but this was sorted promptly No ice tray

  We are so sorry about the hot tub - it is maintained and cleaned by a specialist spa & hot tub company so should always be spotless- they came out as soon as you reported the issue but the pump needed to be replaced which had to be ordered - Property Owner

  Reviewed by Martin4.7★Jul 2024

• "We have just returned from a week’s stay at Fishpond House and it was one of the best properties we have ever stayed in!"

  The location is surrounded by the most beautiful countryside, we spotted so much wildlife including owls, deers, frogs and not forgetting Monty the horse, the peacock, chickens and we had a particular soft spot for the Moorhens and their chicks! We were really lucky with the weather so we’re able to enjoy chilling out by the pond either reading, dining alfresco or enjoying the hot tub. It’s so peaceful yet you are only a 5 mile drive from Southwold which we visited a few times along with other places Suffolk has to offer like Sutton Hoo and Aldeburgh. We highly recommend this place as does our dog Teddy!

  Reviewed by Laura3.8★Jun 2024

• "The property was beautiful, peaceful and well maintained with lots of the essentials needed."

  The toiletries were first class, the furniture was in great condition, the beds were super comfy and the views from the property were always shifting with loads of interesting goings-on. A delightful spot for a really enjoyable break.

  Reviewed by James5.0★May 2024

• "Lovely cottage in a very quiet location."

  Monty the horse in the field next door kept us entertained along with Stephen the Peacock who popped in the garden every day to say hello. Do remember the rural location and that the farmhouse keeps chickens who wake up at dawn, along with the Peacock so be prepared for the dawn chorus. There is good wifi in the cottage but no phone signal unless you walk to the end of the garden. TV screen is 15" so tiny which made it difficult to watch for the older generation staying with us. Southwold is a 15 minute drive and worth a visit as is the local town of Halsworth that has a nice supermarket and a few shops in the high street. Tululas fish and chips are great, you can order online and collect.

  it was lovely to have you! a bigger tv is on the list - originally we wanted it tv-free but then sneaked that one in! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Ian5.0★Apr 2024

• "A really lovely place to stay, lovely sized rooms."

  Has everything you need, in fact probably a little too much, there are a lot of glasses on the shelf! Hot tub was good, although I think it may need the filter replacing or cleaning and the levels checking. Only thing I would say is that the sewage smell coming from the downstairs bathroom spreads into the main bathroom. There were plug ins and neutradol gel in the bedroom so it is a known smell but all had run out and to be honest, wouldn’t have been sufficient to dilute the smell anyway. The things I have mentioned did not ruin our break and I would probably stay there again but maybe could be looked at.

  Reviewed by Leigh4.4★Apr 2024

• "I feel it is important to mention that we traveled as a family with two dogs."

  It is a lovely cottage but we have mixed feelings about some aspects of our stay. The property is a gorgeous two-story house, clean and cozy but encapsulated in privately owned farms so there are no pathways, no walking routes, and no fields to take your pets for a walk. The location is fairly quiet and almost tranquil as you might not see a single human for a whole day but you will see some free-roaming birds and let me say that those buggers are a loud bunch. We were woken up every morning around 5 am by pheasants and peacock shouting on the top of their lungs, one big bird was constantly knocking on second-floor window and waking up our daughter :) As already mentioned - there isn't anything around the property but there are quite a few large shops 20 min away, as well as a beach, nature reserve, smaller towns and farm shops. Also, please bear in mind that even though towels are included, you are not allowed to use them at the hot tub and should bring your own which I don't recall reading on the listing. Overall, there are quite a lot of rules you need to follow and some felt like overstretch but I won't comment on them. One thing, we were definitely perplexed is the selection of art on the walls as it is very peculiar and unusual ranging from 19th century engraving Marriage a la Mode to some aliens, butterfly spine and many more. Lastly, I would like to suggest to the owners to consider buying some kitchen essentials for guests to use as I can't imagine anyone bringing foil and cling film to their vacation.

  foil and clingfilm bought ! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Julia3.8★Mar 2024

• "This cottage was super cute and cosy, had everything we wanted."

  However the rainfall shower didn’t work and the right hand sink had a leak (we reported this). I think the hot tub filter is broken, it got progressively more cloudy as the week went on and was quite gritty. All 4 of us got some form of rash / irritation to our skin. Cooking utensils were good but would have said to supply oil just to stop burning pans. A dead fly and some chewing gum was found in the upstairs double bed, and two empty bottles of vodka were in the roof space above the downstairs bedroom door. The mattress in the downstairs bedroom was very firm and there was a large stain on the red bed throw. The place was lovely we really enjoyed it but just little things let it down.

  Reviewed by Lily3.8★Mar 2024

• "We really enjoyed our few days here."

  It was very comfortable, loved the baths and hot tub and great situation. It’s quiet and feels in the natural world with the pond and owls at night. Appreciated the quirky nature of the art in the house which gave it loads of character. It was very clean, a few minor tired bits but felt lived in and cared for. We are planning next year!

  goody! please come back - planning a refresh in the autumn! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tim4.7★Feb 2024

• "Lovely property"

  Reviewed by Ioana5.0★Jan 2024

• "Property was well appointed, clean, spacious and comfortable, within easy reach of the lovely town of Southwold and perfect for exploring the Suffolk coast."

  We were visited daily by a peacock, woodpecker and a variety of small birds. Hot Tub was perfect and added to the enjoyment. A very relaxing venue.

  Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Dec 2023

• "Fishpond House was idyllic."

  The accommodation was clean abd tidy. It was well equipped and we enjoyed our stay. The beds were comfortable and proper blackout curtains were a bonus. The complimentary biscuits xnd milk etc were a nice touch and made us feel welcome. The resident cat was a hit and the hottub was fab. The only criticism was that the drains were stinky and left an unpleasant odour in the air.

  Reviewed by Catherine5.0★Sep 2023

• "Hot tub was out of order for our whole stay."

  The dishwasher was defective as the lid to the tablet receptacle was missing. The refrigerator leaked water daily probably from a blocked vent tube. The drains had an awful odour each time the toilet was flushed. The beds were comfortable and kitchen was well equipped. The pond and surroundings were lovely.

  Reviewed by Michael3.1★Aug 2023

• "Loved staying at fishpond house."

  House was very clean and well presented. We weren’t there for tv although our teenager felt a bit aggrieved that it wasn’t bigger but didn’t worry us. Hot tub took a few days to be ready but was dealt with quickly by the team and owner. Highly recommend close to beaches and walks but also very quiet and peaceful

  Reviewed by Paul4.7★Aug 2023

• "A lovely well equipped home but in need of some updating."

  The four poster bed mattress was very hard and the double bed mattress upstairs was too hard too. The living room furniture is very uncomfortable as are the dining room chairs. The glass sliding doors desperately need blinds or curtains, it was absolutely boiling hot when we tried to sit down for dinner. Opening the doors wasn't an option as we were bombarded by wasps. Being advertised as dog friendly I think the property would benefit from having a fence around the perimeter to stop the dogs from escaping. It didn't make sense that they weren't allowed on the furniture or the beds either? Overall a lovely property but just felt tired.

  so sorry to hear about the bed - bit confused as they were custom made and most people find them really comfortable but sometimes people say they're a bit hard - we put simba professional mattresses in the one next door Property Owner

  Reviewed by Samantha3.8★Aug 2023

• "Could not use the swing hammock too dirty."

  The BBQ could not be used too dirty. The fish washer could not be used as it was missing the cover to hold the capsule. No instructions for oven or microwave. The keys were in the correct box

  Reviewed by Natalie4.1★Jul 2023

• "This is, no doubt, a lovely cottage and was spotlessly clean inside."

  However, we found attention to simple detail disappointing in the following areas. 1. The TV was found not to be connected to Freeview, and it took a few hours to find out why. The aerial amplifier, hidden away in the electrical cupboard, was switched off and, judging by a comment in the guest book, had been like this for some time. The TV has now been re-tuned and left like this for future guests. 2. The microwave oven is impossibly complicated. Could not find a manual for it either in the cottage or online. We got it going eventually but not sure how we did it! The oven was a little easier to understand but a manual here would have been appreciated. 3. The twin socket in the kitchen where the toaster is plugged in was loose. 4. The toilet roll holder in the downstairs toilet is either not fitted correctly or broken, causing the roll to fall off and on to the floor. 5. The extractor fan in the downstairs toilet was blocked inside and outside making it ineffective. We have cleared all of the detritus blocking up the inside, and have partially cleared the mesh on the outside. It now works a lot better than how we found it. 6. The pull-switch on the extractor fan in the kitchen does not turn the fan off. This is achieved (if you have very long arms) by switching off the isolation switch above it. 7. Three of the hot tub cover securing clips were broken. This does not meet with the safety rules that have been documented in the cottage manual. 8. The black anti-slip pads on the decking outside the door and outside the downstairs bedroom doors, and also two of the chairs outside, were disgustingly and liberally covered in bird poo. I realize this can happen in the country, but this mess had obviously been there for a long time. I hope the fact that we took the time to clean up this horrible mess meets with your approval! Pictures of "before and after" most of the above are available if you wish.... Not sure if you want this feedback published... I've answered yes, but it's up to you.... In case you're wondering, none of the above ruined our stay at Fishponds.... we had a lovely time thankyou.

  Reviewed by Beverly3.8★May 2023

• "We had a lovely relaxing weekend celebrating hubby's birthday."

  Friends joined us on our last night and there was lots of champagne and bubbles in the hot tub. It was the perfect getaway, only 40 mins from home so didn't take much planning. Stopped for elevnsies at the Black Dog Deli in Halesworth on Saturday and grabbed breakfast at Coasters in Southwold (cute beech huts inc air con for those with dogs) on Sunday. Could not find instructions for use of microwave or cooker. I have only marked comfort down to 4/5 as the master bed was very hard and the dining table was narrow for seating 6 people.

  Reviewed by Heidi4.7★May 2023

• "My husband and I (plus our dog) enjoyed our stay at Fishpond House."

  It's comfortable, spacious and tastefully decorated. It's also in a beautiful setting, 'away from it all' but within easy reach of all the pretty Suffolk towns and villages worthy of a visit. The house itself is well equipped and the hot tub is a luxurious treat after a day of exploring the area. One thing I would say to anyone wishing to bring their dog is that you must be prepared to have him or her on a lead within the immediate grounds of the house as the whole area is open to neighbouring fields and meadows, some of which contain livestock. We were OK with this as our dog was pretty worn out from all the long walks each day. He was happy with a quick lead-visit to the garden for his bed-time ablutions, and we secured him to a sturdy post when we were in the hot tub. I'm really not sure what he made of the visiting turkeys and the peacock through the patio windows, but it was another reason he would only be allowed outside on a lead. I was quite surprised at how brave the turkeys are. In fact, they seem very comfortable in human company. I had the honour of some close-up chit-chat with them outside. My husband wasn't so keen, though. He couldn't understand how I could be so comfortable in their company! Proves we're all different! On the last day, on loading the car to depart, we'd left the front door open to come back and forth for bags, etc. Imagine the gasps of shock from the non-bird fancier when he discovered one of the turkeys had come inside the house to check we were leaving the place clan and tidy! This was followed by much hilarity as we tried to shoo her out!!! Thank goodness the dog was already locked in the car before this happened! The only thing missing for me was a dressing table mirror in the master bedroom. There was a big wall mirror behind the bathtub, but I prefer to sit down at a proper dressing table. I borrowed a chair from the desk on the landing so I could sit and dry my hair, do my make-up, etc. at the table near the window. It wasn't very easy with my small hand-held mirror, but I managed. We presumed the Freeview TV would give us all the normal TV channels but all we could get was on-demand programmes from BBC I-Player, etc. and Netflix. If it was something we were doing wrong, perhaps some instructions for future guests might be a good idea. All in all, though, we had a relaxing stay and would happily book again.

  Reviewed by Karen4.1★Mar 2023

• "We had a lovely stay at Fishpond House."

  It was everything we had hoped for, quiet and clean and the hot tub was great! Even better were the turkeys and peacock that greeted us through the window every morning! The location was great to get to many of the lovely market towns in the area and the coast, especially Southwold and Dunwich. Would recommend The Queen’s Head in Blyford for a Sunday Roast.

  Reviewed by Melanie5.0★Nov 2022

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