Rookwoods Essex

Our first day of a five day stay was completely ruined as the log fire did not work, there wasn't heating in the main bedroom and the WiFi wasn't working! Worse still, Sandra Robinson, the owner, refused to take phone was eventually calls and would only text which was very inconvenient and inhospitable. To my shock, I found out the next day that she was holidaying in South Africa and had not even bothered to delegate hosting to her housekeeper/someone else in her absence! As a result, we tried calling and texting at 6.30pm on Day 1, but did not get any 'help' until 8.30am the next morning (a very brief and unhelpful text message from an owner too busy holidaying to worry about our plight). By this time, my vulnerable, heavily pregnant wife, who suffers from sinus issues and is used to very warm rooms, had to sleep in a cold room we weren't able to enjoy even the basic amenity of Wifi and watching a movie on Netflix. We would have been 100X better off staying home!!! When we text back to explain she hadn't solved the problems, she took another 4 hours to reply! Claire, the housekeeper, eventually arrived in the afternoon of Day 2. She couldn't solve the kindling issue. It was only after we rang around friends to get ideas and suggested getting firelighter cubes that we were able to finally get the fire going at 3pm. Claire was brilliant. She would answer the phone and respond to messages within minutes. She fixed the Wifi, got us an electric heater for the bedroom, etc. She was the hostess Sandra should have been and salvaged the rest of our stay. Naturally we demanded a refund for our completely wasted and stressful first day and night when the owner was not available and was not able to solve our problems until well into Day 2. To our utter shock, she point blank refused to issue a refund, sufficing with the briefest and most indifferent of apologies ('I'm sorry for your trouble but...'). We were equally disappointed with Sykes who refused to refund from their ample coffers and don't even have the power to enforce a refund in such circumstances (even when their agents sympathetically agreed with us that the owner ought to refund). Pathetic. In 20 years of regular cottage holidays, I've never experienced such negligence or indifference from the owner or company. I just hope this review will warm holiday goers to steer away from Sandra Robinson, and I hope Sykes revise their ridiculous policies on this issue. They're more than happy to profit from our bookings, but stingily avoid responsibility when the holiday goes horribly wrong.

The cottage is everything we hoped for - comfortable beds, nice furnishing, a perfectly adequate kitchen and generally a lovely and cosy space. However, the real treat is the garden, which is very large and secure making it ideal for our puppy. The garden faces woods and fields - the sun setting directly facing it. Walking past the beautiful listed house and stables is a pleasure. There's a woodland walk just round the corner - the owner seems perfectly pleasant. We hope to return soon.

Rookwoods lodge proved ideal for us .. The rooms were spacious and well furnished , the beds were comfy , there was a generous walled garden for us to execise our two spaniels , two bathrooms so no conflict there . It was sited far enough away from the road to eliminate traffic noise , yet close enough to be quite convenient . Sible Hedingham had everything we could need , and was close to the family we had come to visit . We would not hesitate to recommend Rookwoods Lodge to all ambulant people - there are a couple of steps between the rooms which make it unsuitable for those who find walking difficult .

We loved staying at this cottage and exploring the area, and hope to return some time.. It was extremely peaceful and restorative, and the ESsex/Suffolk landscape is beautiful.

Absolutely fabulous cottage, would certainly recommend.. Kitchen facilities could be a little better. No washing machine, limited crockery & utensils etc.

Met all our needs.. We have been there six times, which should indicate our view of the property.

Rookwoods is a pretty little coach house tucked away behind the main house.. It was blissfully peaceful. The property is beautifully furnished with some lovely touches. The bed was extremely comfortable and linen and towels high quality. We went with our young dog who was extremely inquisitive but safe to play in the walled garden. The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed to cook/prepare meals for two. There’s a microwave, fridge, freezer and double oven. Plenty of crockery and cutlery too. We visited The White Lion in Sible Hedingham, The Swan in Clare and Lavenham Blue Tea room all of which are dog friendly. There is also a dog friendly cafe at Ickworth Hall and Flatford Mill and great walks. We would love to visit Rookwoods again soon

Made extremely welcome.. 5th visit to this property now, and plan to book again.

Beautiful cottage .. Nice and relaxing .found fantastic park for dog just five minutes away . At greys mead new estate leads to park .

Although it rained for most of the week we stayed at the cottage the space, comfort and facilities allowed us to really relax and enjoy the break..

We had a great week at The Garden Cottage within the grounds of Rookwoods.. It was finished to a high standard and exceeded our expectations. It is in a great rural setting and we found it totally relaxing and Poppy, our Labrador, really enjoyed the enclosed garden. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property and would certainly think about booking it again. Denis and Sally Cheeseman

This was a brilliant base for our exploration of the area.. Close to Cambridge Newmarket and Framlingham to mention a few. We loved the fact that it was so quiet and restful, the views from the cottage were lovely and included Cyril the Squirrel!! Our host was very helpful in answering the few queries we had and provided us with great recommendations for local experiences

The cottage, the garden and surroundings were wonderful.. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in the garden. The cottage itself exceeded our expectations and the facilities were great. We will definitely be back! What an amazing cottage!

Rockwoods is a beautiful cottage with it's own private enclosed garden surrounded by fields.. It's well equipped with a gorgeous shower (plus another bathroom) and kitchen necessities. The bedding and towels were lovely and everything had a comfy, homely feel. I'd definitely go back.

The above-expectation feature of this property was its beautiful rustic charm in very quiet, extensive, secluded grounds and garden, surrounded by fields, woods, and the owner's main property, with no other habitations visible or audible.. Re Sykes-too many marketing emails not related to our holiday! Otherwise no issues.

A beautiful cottage in a lovely location.. Host was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

We have returned to this property several times, which speaks for itself !

An absolute gem hidden away in the Essex countryside, yet close to all local amenities, so arrive, park up and leave your car and the daily rush away, as you can walk for the whole stay and relax in the peaceful gardens admiring the far views.. We loved our visit here and hope to return again.

This was our third visit to Rookwoods, and we hope to return again in 2019..

Rookwood Cottage is a delightful property and it was a perfect venue for 4 friends and a dog to enjoy a pre-Christmas get together in an area which was new to us.. It used to be the Gardener's Cottage by the old walled garden and has fabulous views from every window. The downstairs bedroom is amazingly spacious with superb furnishings and en-suite bathroom and at the other end of the property, a huge boot room - with underfloor heating- houses all the muddy footwear, coats and outdoor equipment out of the way. The main area is a large and yet homely space where everyone could chill out. The owner even came bearing a decorated Christmas tree to set the tone of our stay. We would love to go back.

The cottage was very attractive and the main bedroom excellent, the attic bedroom was generally suitable but it was not possible to read in bed as the attic roof was too low.. We had initial difficulty in accessing the cottage as the notice advertising the cottage was not in place although the directions indicated a notice was in place and we spent some time finding it despite our satnav. The lighting in the sitting room was inadequate despite many sidelights

Excellent cottage indeed.. I think it's one of the best I've ever stayed in (and I've stayed in a lot). Perfect for dogs too.

The holiday cottage was in a lovely setting and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending it as a base for someone to visit the area plus it is also nice to sit out on the patio.. Castle Headingham, Finchingfields and Lavenham are quite near and have good places to eat. The tearooms at Lavenham's Guildhall have a garden area which looked idyllic in the sunshine.

Very comfortable but lacked on a couple of things.. The tv was so small we had a job to watch it comfortably. The towels were so rough and hard they were like sandpaper but apart from that everything was ok and we had a good holiday.

Booking process was simple, cottage was good value for money..

This was a very nice cottage, the housemaid was very kind and pleasant.. If we would visit this region another time, this cottage ist our first choice.

The location is great for exploring some very interesting towns and villages.. We were very happy with the overall comfort and cleanliness of Rookwoods Cottage. It is a very relaxing place to rest and unwind. If you like to cook, rather than eat out then please be aware that the kitchen does not provide a 4 ring stove (only 2 ring). There is a dishwasher, which is handy because there is no draining board next to the sink - so we found ourselves using tea towels to make up for the absence of a draining board. The garden is large, private and not overlooked. The sun stays in the garden for much of the time and it's lovely to watch it set over the distant trees. Please be aware that there are no sunloungers/chairs at the property - only basic and simple wooden dining furniture. A lovely place to stay - it has been decorated to a very high standard with tasteful colour-schemes and fabrics.

Weekend breakaway with our dog ... Arrived late afternoon. The sign to the entrance road was missed, it's very small and faded. On entrance into the cottage first thoughts "oh this is lovely", ok so it's January you expect it to be a little chilly, we were advised that fuel for the log fire was available in the cottage, logs plentiful for a day, but with no kindling to light the logs ?. There was one wall mounted heater that despite its best efforts was not sufficient .. Needless to say back into the car in search of kindling to get fire started. More logs available from owner at extra price. Underfloor heating in bathrooms .. Yes ... We took the duvets from upstairs bedrooms for added warmth overnight as no other form of heating main bedroom. With the beautiful surrounds, it was a shame we could not wander around ... But if you take your dog the back garden Is the only place they can go, or a quick on the leash march through the owners land. It's not really the ideal place to take your dog unless you are prepared to drive out ... It may have been better in the warmer months, but way too cold to stay during winter with inadequate heating .. Needless to say we left a day early as was spending a small fortune on log fire

Can't understand some of the comments on this property on here- we found it to be nice and comfortable-very nice inside and out- very warm inside-beds were great-ok the cooking equipment could have been better-but who cooks every day on holiday-plenty of pubs etc nearby-good parking spaces- yes the TV was'nt 40"- but again who goes on holiday to watch TV?? we had a great time.

The cottage is charming and extremely clean.. We enjoyed a very comfortable stay. The host is lovely and friendly and also very helpful.

Very comfortable cottage-warm and welcoming- owner friendly and helpful-good parking outside front door-nice gardens-equipment ok- we had a great time..

This was the best Sykes Cottage we have ever stayed at and we have been using Sykes for the last 10 years ! !!!! - the accommodation was first class in every respect - the garden was secluded, we saw a wide range of wild birds - we will definitely return

Sign on main road impossible to spot, Issues with cottage and poor attitude from owner spoilt the break somewhat. Dangerously hot towel radiator burnt arm of my son, toilet broke on day 1 and both sons stepped on carpet gripper spikes on stair carpet. I have to say, things do happen but it is all about the response from the owner. Some hosts are happy to welcome guests and other merely tolerate them. The owner should really review the equipment in the cottage, no washing machine, minimal kitchen utensils, 4 guests but only 2 garden chairs?? and no garden umbrella for shade, a tiny TV [ok we weren't there to watch freeview but still]. The general refurbishment of the cottage was to a good standard BUT, can definitely do better. The cottage welcomes dogs [apparently] however they are not allowed anywhere on the grounds except immediately in front of the cottage, so we could not walk through the fields. An unfriendly feel to the place.

A lovely cottage, lovely area, lovely garden, lovely holiday. The bed was probably one of the most comfortable we have slept in while away from home. The rooms were all very clean and comfortable, and the owners were very helpful.

A lovely cottage, lovely area, lovely garden, lovely holiday.. The bed was probably one of the most comfortable we have slept in while away from home. The rooms were all very clean and comfortable, and the owners were very helpful.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Rookwoods. The cottage is warm and welcoming with lots of books, interesting pictures and nice comfortable chairs - a great place to relax. The garden is enclosed and was much enjoyed by our spaniel. The boot room is incredibly useful especially if you have a dog and walking boots. All in all, a beautiful and compact cottage.

Beautiful main ensuite bedroom with under floor heating. Very comfy beds in both rooms. Shower room and boot room also have underfloor heating. Cottage comfortably warm, we didn't need to light the fire. Hairdryer in the drawer was a nice touch but difficult to use as it has a continental plug. Kitchen poorly equipped with unmatched crockery. Only one sharp knife. Nearly useless tin opener. A soup plate cracked when we put soup in it. A casserole dish would be a good addition. There is a microwave but not simple to use. Hardly any cupboard space and fridge very small with tiny icebox. Extractor fan didn't work but we knew dinner was ready when the fire alarm went off. We opened the windows when cooking. On the patio a shabby two seater bench and and table. Garden is secure for dogs who enjoyed the new sniffs. Patio door difficult to close and only the outside door in the main bedroom has a handle on the outside. Steep steps to second bedroom which grandson loved. Owners dogs appeared at the door several times. Other than that the place is quiet. Area is pretty and the Bell in Castle Hedingham is dog friendly with good food and the Henny Swan is wonderful. Dogs were not allowed in the paddocks even on leads.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Rookwoods.. The cottage is warm and welcoming with lots of books, interesting pictures and nice comfortable chairs - a great place to relax. The garden is enclosed and was much enjoyed by our spaniel. The boot room is incredibly useful especially if you have a dog and walking boots. All in all, a beautiful and compact cottage.

We liked the location, the lovely huge double bed and superb enclosed large garden for our dog. Overall this cottage was excellent.

We liked the location, the lovely huge double bed and superb enclosed large garden for our dog.. Overall this cottage was excellent.

What a lovely week we have had. This was one of the most tranquil weeks holiday we have had. A jolly good week.

What a lovely week we have had.. This was one of the most tranquil weeks holiday we have had. A jolly good week.

We loved this cottage! I would definitely stay there again.

A five star property in the grounds of a real country house with stone walls, barns and own walled garden. The owners were friendly and on hand if you needed anything but also left you to enjoy their property. This is the best rental property we have stayed in and we have been recommending it to our friends. The high standard of accommodation was such a pleasant surprise.

"A five star property in the grounds of a real country house with stone walls, barns and own walled garden.. The owners were friendly and on hand if you needed anything but also left you to enjoy their property. This is the best rental property we have stayed in and we have been recommending it to our friends. The high standard of accommodation was such a pleasant surprise."

We had a wonderful stay - information was clear for initial access to property. The property felt private though still very much part of the owners wonderful estate. We loved waking up with pheasants in our garden and going to bed with the sound of an owl. Perfect location for exploring both Essex and Suffolk. What can we say - wonderful!

Excellent presentation - clean, comfortable and warm. Lovely well fenced garden for the dogs. Quiet position but handy for local shops and two pubs in the next village that served good food.

Excellent presentation - clean, comfortable and warm.. Lovely well fenced garden for the dogs. Quiet position but handy for local shops and two pubs in the next village that served good food.

Exceeded our best expectations in all respects. Would certainly be very happy to stay there again

The cottage was clean, warm and welcoming. It suited us as a couple, with a large well furnished bedroom and en suite. Our dog was able to roam free in the enclosed garden. We will return here again.

The cottage was clean, warm and welcoming.. It suited us as a couple, with a large well furnished bedroom and en suite. Our dog was able to roam free in the enclosed garden. We will return here again.

Exceeded our best expectations in all respects.. Would certainly be very happy to stay there again

We had a wonderful stay - information was clear for initial access to property.. The property felt private though still very much part of the owners wonderful estate. We loved waking up with pheasants in our garden and going to bed with the sound of an owl. Perfect location for exploring both Essex and Suffolk. What can we say - wonderful!

We had a great holiday and thought the Rookwoods was lovely - a wonderful location, lovely garden, very peaceful and beautifully decorated.

We had a nic Easter week at Rookwoods with a family of four (with two kids aged 9 + 11). The scenery was very quiet as the house is on the edge of the little town of Sible Heddingham and dthe garden looked into the countryside. We could park our car in front of the house - no problem. The kitchen equipment was OK - less than you have at home, but normal for a rented cottage I assume. The only strange thing to us was that we never got to know the owner, although she seems to live on the same property...

We had a great holiday and thought the Rookwoods was lovely - a wonderful location, lovely garden, very peaceful and beautifully decorated..

Whilst this looks to be a lovely cottage it did not live up to the write up in Sykes brochure. There was no microwave, a rotten bench was all that consisted of the so called garden furniture. It sleeps 4 yet had only 6 wire coat hangers, and no attention to detail for example no matching chinaware, not even any place mats, settee was old and worn out. I could go on, but to put the positive side the bed was comfortable and the two bathrooms lovely, and has nice views. We had to cut our stay short as to get to and from property meant passing owners large house where our car or our dog if on foot got chased by owners dog every time.

The cottage was lovely and close to amenities whilst still feeling like we were in the middle of nowhere. We spent a lot of time relaxing as well as enjoying long walks with our dog. A lovely weekend.

The cottage was lovely and close to amenities whilst still feeling like we were in the middle of nowhere.. We spent a lot of time relaxing as well as enjoying long walks with our dog. A lovely weekend.

The house was fitted out with care and with top class goods. There was ample space, lots of table room, lighting in the rooms and bedside was excellent. Homely and comfortable.

This cottage is really very, very nice, we had such a lovely time in front of the log fire. The area is beautiful, we will be booking again, a great holiday for time together.

Great hideaway location in rural Essex. Very peaceful setting but with amenities on hand at a short drive. Friendly and helpful owner in adjacent property. Would definitely return if we were back in this area. Works well for day trips to London and Cambridge.

The house was fitted out with care and with top class goods.. There was ample space, lots of table room, lighting in the rooms and bedside was excellent. Homely and comfortable.

Great hideaway location in rural Essex.. Very peaceful setting but with amenities on hand at a short drive. Friendly and helpful owner in adjacent property. Would definitely return if we were back in this area. Works well for day trips to London and Cambridge.

This cottage is really very, very nice, we had such a lovely time in front of the log fire.. The area is beautiful, we will be booking again, a great holiday for time together.

Lovley cottage, nicely decorated with a country feel with some thoughtful touches. Great places for walking the dog and a countryside break. Loved the open fire.

The cottage was absolutely amazing, far away enough from everything to seem in the middle of nowhere and close enough to not be too far away. Every room was beautiful and the use of space was great. I felt cosy and extremely comfortable at all times and am seriously considering visiting again next year!

The cottage was absolutely amazing, far away enough from everything to seem in the middle of nowhere and close enough to not be too far away.. Every room was beautiful and the use of space was great. I felt cosy and extremely comfortable at all times and am seriously considering visiting again next year!

We had a wonderful short break. The place looks and feels beautiful, and the interior has been thoughtfully crafted. Would love to revisit.

Very quiet location, and easy to find. Nice and homely. The downstairs master bedroom was superb, a fantastically comfortable huge bed, lots of space to spread out. The underfloor heating was lovely, and it had a very nice en-suite bathroom. The towels provided were lovely huge bath sheets too, which was great! The enclosed rear garden was a huge bonus. The owner was lovely and helpful.

Lovley cottage, nicely decorated with a country feel with some thoughtful touches.. Great places for walking the dog and a countryside break. Loved the open fire.

Very quiet location, and easy to find.. Nice and homely. The downstairs master bedroom was superb, a fantastically comfortable huge bed, lots of space to spread out. The underfloor heating was lovely, and it had a very nice en-suite bathroom. The towels provided were lovely huge bath sheets too, which was great! The enclosed rear garden was a huge bonus. The owner was lovely and helpful.

We had a wonderful short break.. The place looks and feels beautiful, and the interior has been thoughtfully crafted. Would love to revisit.