Guests say
Old High Hall is a historic, characterful cottage praised for its spaciousness, beautiful gardens, and modern amenities like good wifi and central heating. It offers a unique experience with its antique furnishings and period features, making it a special place for family gatherings and celebrations. Some guests noted areas for improvement, but overall, the property provided a comfortable and memorable stay.
Several reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, including cobwebs, dust, and the need for a more thorough cleaning before use. The kitchen and bathrooms were specifically highlighted as areas needing attention.
There is no specific information provided in the reviews about the location in relation to local amenities or attractions, hence a score cannot be given.
The property is described as comfortable and homely with ample space. However, some guests mentioned uncomfortable mattresses and the need for fans during warm weather, which slightly impacts the comfort score.
The property is well-equipped with a modern kitchen, ample parking, and good heating. However, guests noted issues with maintenance such as poor lighting, the need for decluttering, and the lack of walk-in showers and fans.
There are no mentions of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the owner or manager, so this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Unique, thatched cottage, heavily beamed, inglenook fireplace and open fires, ideal for couples and larger groups of family.. 2 steps to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Living room: TV, DVD Player, Open Fire, French Doors To Garden
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher
Living/dining room 2:
Utility Room: Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Bedroom 1: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 2: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Ensuite: Corner Bath With Shower Over, Bidet, Toilet
Bedroom 3: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bathroom: Roll Top Bath With Shower Over, Bidet, Toilet
Second Floor:
Bedroom 4: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Bedroom 5: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds.
Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Highchair. Large lawned garden with terrace and garden furniture. Bike store. Private parking for 5 cars; garage parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are two fenced ponds in the grounds. This property has a security deposit of £250.. Once used as a hunting lodge, this 14th/15th-century, heavily beamed, thatched cottage with later additions is now a unique holiday home. Surrounded by open countryside this is a quintessential detached English country cottage. Internally Old High Hall provides spacious well-furnished accommodation with many antiques, and open fires in both the living room and dining room. Outside there is a terrace where guests may enjoy a glass of wine, and two acres of delightful gardens (including two fenced ponds). Old High Hall is perfect for couples or family holidays.
The ancient village of Wickhambrook is made up of 11 greens which are believed to date back to Anglo Saxon times. With a village shop and local pubs it provides for everyday needs and is ideally located to explore the surrounding Suffolk towns and villages. Equidistant between the towns of Bury St. Edmunds and Newmarket, 8 miles, visitors can enjoy a day out at the races, a visit to the cathedral and abbey gardens or enjoy a play in the Georgian playhouse built in 1819. Also within easy driving distance are the picturesque villages of Lavenham and Long Melford and the town of Sudbury. There are several National Trust properties in the area including Ickworth House, 6 miles, and Kentwell Hall, 7 miles. Also less than half an hour’s drive is the city of Cambridge with its famous colleges, botanic gardens, museums and galleries. Horse riding and golf nearby. Pub and restaurant 600 yards.
Free WiFi
BBQ's are not permitted at this property due to insurance regulations of a thatched property.
There are low banisters at the property.
Families or couples only.
Holidaymakers only.
There is open water in the property grounds.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Reviews (9)
-
Confirmed Guest
Old High Hall is an historic, lovely looking place, full of history and interesting features. As a family of seven adults it suited us well for our pre-Christmas get-together. The rooms are large and comfortable and the open fires lent a very special air to our festivities. Those of a limited mobility however would need to consider the several different floor levels, particularly at the dining area which caught one or two of us out! There is also a sizeable beam to be manoeuvred over to access one of the bedrooms. Our stay was spoiled a little by poor weather so we could not really explore the lovely big garden and its pond.There is a small village shop a short distance away but you definitely need transport for more comprehensive shopping.We had a good time at Old High Hall but there were some points that we felt needed addressing.The kitchen was reasonably well equipped but we struggled to find enough crockery for our celebration meal that wasn’t chipped or insufficient in quantity.The linen in one of the bedrooms was so poor that that room was not used.The overall cleanliness of the property was certainly something that is in need of attention. Cobwebs hung everywhere, even between furniture and walls. Both bathrooms had to be cleaned before we could use them and dust covered almost every surface, including the tops of the radiators. Whilst the kitchen was generally clean, the floor was in desperate need of a good scrubbing.The big dining table was perfect for our needs but we had to sort through the dining chairs to find ones where the upholstery had not collapsed.Please don’t be put off by these comments. The property is a beautiful place and perfect for larger groups of people (though maybe not for small children). There is so much of interest within its walls that we spent a deal of time wondering what this was for or how that had been done and what part was the oldest. It’s in a lovely, quiet location and the area has much to offer.
-
Bill Lake
Old High Hall is a quirky, charming property. However, some of the descriptions of the property were not accurate - for example none of the bathrooms have a shower, there is a hand held shower attachment with the taps, not suitable for taking a shower due to low water pressure. The property needs some attention - it was shabby and some bed linen was in holes. The dining chairs are in desperate need of repair so not all were very safe/stable. On one occasion we had to contact the housekeeper regarding a non flushing toilet - she was very helpful and organised for a plumber to attend but he was unable to carry out a repair.
-
Cliff Faiers
Superb step back in time in this stunning thatched accommodation. Wonderful communication with the owner and manager as well as oodles of space to explore. Central heating was excellent as well, the house warmed up very quickly.