My husband and I dropped our daughter off like a sack of potatoes at Granny and Grandpa’s before we turned up at Bath Mill Lodge. I would have felt a twinge of guilt, but that was the whole idea of our stay here: Have a cosy couple’s getaway with access to the delights of Bath.
We were here to try out the facilities for couples at this self-catering property in Newton St Loe just 3 miles outside of Bath by staying in a Norland studio cabin. To do it justice, we had to divest ourselves of under-18s, if only for a weekend. The sacrifices I make in the name of journalism….
About Bath Mill Lodge
Hoseasons recently added luxury lodge park Bath Mill Lodge Retreat to its UK portfolio. It features self-catering accommodation, surrounded by landscaped gardens and woodland, and is aiming to be a spacious and convenient alternative to the city’s more conventional accommodations.
The £4.5m development’s two, three and four bedroom lodges have tasteful interiors and come with kingsized beds, flat-screen TVs and decking. There’s also a small on-site gym and bar and bistro.
It features accommodation for couples as well as families.
The look
Some things struck us straight away:
– The look and feel: You turn up a private paved drive and check in at a reception area fronted by colourful manicured gardens. We experienced one of the fastest check-ins ever – less than 60 seconds – then drove up to our accommodation, a prefab unit with a parking space. Inside, the colour scheme is sand and taupe.
– Your own space to “play house”: There’s a kitchenette including mini-fridge and microwave (note: there’s no cooker); a walk-in wet-room-style bathroom with rainforest shower, his-and-hers sinks and tub; and a living area with sofas so comfortable you might fall asleep there instead of the bed, as my research showed.
– Thoughtful details: The unit incorporates small touches that – like gestures from a lover – you weren’t expecting but appreciate. The exterior lights at the front door turn on automatically as you approach. But how many places use this technology for floor-level lighting in the bathroom? Stumble out of bed in the night and with a subtle *click* your way is gently lit from below. One end of the wardrobe features a full-length mirror — which I consider a must for women-friendly properties. In the kitchen, there are a few much-appreciated staples that many self-catering spots don’t provide, such as salt and pepper, sponge and washing-up liquid.
Rooms & bathrooms
The Norland studio cabins are ideal for a twosome. Imagine a much better studio flat than you ever could have afforded post-university: comfy bed, spacious bathroom, sliding glass doors that open onto a small patio. The view from the “deck” of the other units and the road linking them is more “sit here with your tea and your paper in the sun” than languish for hours, but the arrangement adds to the sense of space.
Location
We loved how easy it was to explore Bath – it’s a zippy 7-minute drive into Bath central. At the same time we felt ensconced in verdant surroundings.Our back windows opened out onto a steep hillside with wild plantings. There’s even a footpath originating from the entry drive, crossing a small burbling brook, for a walk.
Family-friendly factor
Our mission aside, you don’t have to leave the kids at home. We spotted a family in one of the larger Pemberly units, all companiably reading their respective books in their own sitting area. These have a cooker in the kitchen and 2 bedrooms. You can bring your dog for small fee.
What’s nearby
In Bath, we had dinner at The Olive Tree, a longtime standard of fine dining that lived up to its reputation.
Besides the delights of Bath, there’s a fantastic farm shop and café down the road. Pop into the Newton Farm Foods in Newton St Loe for perfectly cooked eggs at breakfast; burgers, salads and substantial mains at lunch; or gorgeous cakes for afternoon tea. We lingered in the attached farm shop for ages, buying individual pies (chicken and leek; beef and stout), chocolate and biscuits. There’s also a tempting butcher counter and fresh fruit and veg, for stocking up on your way home.
The verdict
I’ve already recommended Bath Mill Lodge to friends thinking of visiting Bath. It’s such a short hop out of the busy city centre (and within easy reach of city-central parking) but the quiet, landscaped surroundings make it feel miles away from the bustle.
A few minor improvements could be made:
- More hangers in the wardrobe. Strangely, only 2 were provided.
- A bin in the bathroom. It’s a minor issue, but as a woman, I like someplace to toss my cotton balls and other rubbish without having to use the bin under the sink in the kitchenette
- A soap dish. Is this nitpicky? Perhaps. But the beautiful, modern bucket sinks provide no ledge to place to put a slippery wet soap bar except on the counter next to my toiletry bag, leaving its bottom damp.
But ultimately here’s the challenge: When your child is stashed with friends or family, you’ve had an indulgent late breakfast and grabbed a newspaper from the shop down the road, you may find it tempting to linger on the bed like you did in the pre-children days rather making a stab at Bath itself, no matter what’s in store for you there.
It’s a real dilemma. What to do? While I think it over, I’ll just rest my eyes here a moment….
We stayed courtesy of Hoseasons in a boutique-style luxury Norland studio cabin at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, in Bath. All opinions are my own.
A three-night short break for 2 people in a Norland studio cabin costs from £235. One- and two-night stays are also available. To book go to hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 613.
My star rating – out of 5
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Pin for later
Bath Mill Lodge Retreat
hoseasons.co.uk
Newton Rd, Bath BA2 9JF
Where to eat
Newton Farm Shop
Newton Rd, Bath BA2 9JF
01225 873707
www.newtonfarmfoods.co.uk
The Olive Tree
4-7 Russel St, Bath BA1 2QF
01225 447928
olivetreebath.co.uk
Bath is a short train hop from Bristol, but so different. This sounds lovely. I can’t recommend Bath or the surrounding area enough. So much to do and so many lovely pubs, restaurants and walks.
Gemma, I agree. It has a distinct vibe and the architecture is stunning.