Bawdsey Hall

I would describe the BnB as quirky. I didn't have the breakfast, which was part of the cost, so I cannot comment on the ground-floor public facilities other than the entrance hall. My room was spacious and very nicely decorated, with lovely linens and towels. The outlook from my big window was superb, overlooking the garden. David does Photography courses and has a hide/hides in his land with spotlights onto feeding stations. These are about 50 yards from the building and pointed down onto the station, so there was no light disturbance to my room. I was fascinated to actually watch what turned up, as on my first night, there were apparently photographers in the hide all night and I saw deer and tawny owls. I had a large bathroom to myself and useful amenities such as cotton wool make-up removal pads and shower gel/cream provided. I found the location superb as I was working just a mile along the road. Generally, it is remote, but if you like nature, countryside and exploring, it is a wonderful location. Bawdsey Beach and surrounding villages provide excellent walking opportunities, and East Lane, Bawdsey has history and nature opportunities galore. Bawdsey Radar Station is very close. The nearest shops are Alderton village stores, next village along, or Hollesey, a bit further. Great pubs within a reasonable drive. And the charming passenger ferry from Bawdsey Beach across to Old Felixstowe, which has been going since the early 1800s, I understand. I was able to book my second night on the hurry-up, as I had not planned to be in the area that long on this occasion. Overall, as a couple, it is good value if you have the breakfast; as a solo, it is expensive, but there are very limited places to stay in the area.

Because I was to be arriving quite late on my first night, I had managed to collect my keys and check in earlier in the day. But when I arrived and tried to get in, the front door is a heavy oak door with heavy rustic handle/fittings, which I struggled to turn and was unsure if I was doing something wrong. Despite phoning and sending a message to David, I got no reply and panicked a bit. In the end, it was simply that the door handle needs a lot of strength to turn (Im no weakling)! I respect that there should be no shoes worn once you get inside, and the carpets are cream coloured and lovely upstairs, but the entrance hall flooring is not very clean, nor the carpet up the first flight of stairs, and walking over it in clean socks or bare feet was not the greatest. There are tea/coffee makings in the room; the kettle had a leak, and there were no cups/mugs or teaspoons. David arrived at the bnb around an hour after me and provided me with a mug. There was, however, a fresh teabag lying on the windowsill in the bathroom next to the toilet! The bathroom windows don't appear to open; one was fixed open a couple of inches due to the plant growing up the wall outside. The bedroom windows open with a lot of careful pushing. When I checked out, I called out to Charlotte that I was leaving. I had not been given instructions for leaving, and I wanted to advise her of a small accidental spill that I was willing to pay for. She appeared after the second call and, whilst I understand the situation, told me in a slightly terse manner that she had been trying to get her child "down," as in to sleep. I was made to feel an inconvenience!

Really lovely setting. Fantastic room with a comfy bed. Great to see the wild life in the garden. A good place to get away from things.

Nothing.

Really lovely place to stay. Unfortunately, we were only there for one night but we will definitely return to do some of the lovely walks around the property and maybe do some of the wildlife experiences. Beautiful house and a very comfortable night stay thank you so much.

The room was comfortable and everything was well presented. It has a focus for travellers interested in wildlife and offers more than just accommodation. I would recommend this accommodation for its target market.

The bathroom facilities were not ensuite. There was a private bathroom opposite the room off the main hall way, which is inconvenient and unlikely to be acceptable for some travellers. As a B&B, there are no dinner facilities, but facilities are available (and detailed in the information provided in the room) within driving distance. The roads are rural, so care is required walking along these types of road in an evening without street lighting or pavements, etc. I found communication difficult with the accommodation. Contact was through the booking portal, e-mail or a mobile phone number, which usually went through to voicemail.

The beds were very comfortable & lovely bathrobes were provided. This is a quirky old property in a lovely setting. Nice view whilst eating breakfast in our room.

There was a lack of communication- messages weren’t responded to. The property is old & under renovation- and we were there on a stormy night so it was draughty

The location was ridiculously beautiful. Like staying in a nature reserve, but in luxury! Our host was fantastic, very helpful and friendly.

The beds were comfortable and the room was spacious. The bathroom had been refurbed recently.

The lack of communal space I thought was a bit strange. The breakfast could have been larger and hotter, the coffee wasn’t good. The hotel was stuffy / poorly ventilated, so while it was clean it felt a bit dated.

Breakfast was super

Excellent cooked breakfast. And nice having it brought to our room.