Guests Comments.
“We arrived with every intention of visiting the local villages, seeing the sights and walking the footpaths but it didn’t work out like that. We came under the spell of Borleymere and its fabulous wildlife. We spent hours watching the butterflies, dragonflies, insects and birds. The holiday reading remains unread, the magazines we bought un-thumbed. Instead we tuned into the squeak of the moorhen and the rustle of the leaves.”
-Pete, Karen and Bella the elderly Jack Russell.
“My husband found out he could spend hours in the hammock, gently swaying and listening to The Ashes on the radio while I read, I snoozed, I watched the dragonflies dance… so good for the soul.”
-Ann and Robert.
“The perfect way to spend our 10th wedding anniversary… an amazing escape from a busy city life with three children. You have thought of everything.”
-Paula and David.
“Absolutely loved every minute. Fires in the evening with dinner and fine wine, geese and ducks making their regular fly-by’s for our entertainment. Tuned into Smooth 70’s on the radio and just loved it”
-Geoff and Carol.
“The worries of life have lifted in one weekend as time stood still and nature embraced us.”
-Enrique and Jo.
“This secluded spot is so beautiful and will from now on have a special place in our lives as this place is where we got engaged!”
-J and J.
“It was so lovely to see the reed warblers building their nests just next to the hut and we enjoyed living out our Swallows and Amazon’s fantasies rowing the boat”
-Robyn and Jak.
“We read, slept in the hammock in the sunshine, cycled to Cavendish for a pint at The George and to Lavenham for a cream tea. Sat out till late with a glass of wine watching the stars come out. Really quite perfect.”
-Jo and Nick.
“Prince has been in doggie heaven enjoying lots of long walks and swimming in the lake then sprawling out in the sunshine to dry off”
-David, Jacquline and Prince.
The Shepherds hut, our shepherds pie,
The incessant ballet of the Dragon Fly,
The ugly slugs, the curious vole,
What in life is your role.
The lonely emperor of the mere,
Strutting colours, lucid and clear,
Fall asleep as a night of romance,
Dawn breaks signalled by the tap dance,
So we have to pop and get some morsels,
Have to work out the George Orwells,
But there is no big brother here,
Nothing to hide from, nothing to fear,
Now we’re back our bags are full,
Looking forward to our afternoon lull,
Now a dance, some spirit, some wine,
How can this be so fine,
Now to eat and watch stars appear,
We never want to leave here.
-Karen and Mitch.
“…. P.S. just seen a kingfisher while having breakfast, it was perched on the left hand column of the decking. Borleymere is indeed unique and magical place.”
-Colin and Julie.
Borleymere redefines luxury and has given us the opportunity to reconnect with what is important in life and reconnect with each other. Have we soaked up enough of it to lock in the feeling of tranquillity and keep it in reserve for when our busy 9-5 lives take over again – we hope so!”
-Sue and Geoff.
“Just as the drops of rain fall, we depart – after the most wonderfully perfect three days we’ve possibly ever spent in our 43 years together. The hut is beautiful, the bed sumptuous with its delicious smelling sheets, the shower welcoming and instantly warm. The kitchen is a pleasure to cook in and the brazier at night beautifully warm and cosy. From its inception to its perfection, this has been truly amazing.”
-Sue and Hugh.
“I suspect we are a little older than the usual visitors to Borleymere but just to give everybody hope that romance lives on (it’s 47 years since our honeymoon!) We’ve had an amazing time in this wonderful place. Fine weather, champagne and smoked salmon by candlelight (and the Archers Omnibus!). It’s obvious that this place is a labour of love. Also it’s on my list of 100 places to ‘peg-out’… that’s washing to you young things!”
-Mavis and Peter.
“After a disastrous honeymoon in a 5* hotel overseas my wife and I decided to have a mini-break as a bit of a second honeymoon. All we can say is wowee… I wish we had booked this as our original honeymoon. I cannot remember the last time we felt so relaxed, spending time here has been the tonic we both needed. We felt safe to be in love.”
-Sara and Hayley.
“This has been the most amazing holiday with everything so thoughtfully prepared. I would choose this over a 5* hotel any day and only wish I could choose it over my normal life”
-Misty.
“We have had the best time! Everything about this beautiful place is perfect – attention is given to every last detail. Our dogs have loved the freedom, exploring the woods and the local area, where there are some stunning walks!. This holiday has been everything we had hoped for.”
-Heather & Sam, Millie & Scruffy. April 2017
“This wonderful holiday has been perfect, it’s combined Lee’s love of camping and my love of creature comforts (soft warm bed). We ventured out in the rowing boat and saw a nest of ducks in the duck house. On our last night we had a lovely bbq and toasted marshmallows by the brazier under starlight. We will be back.”
-Jessica & Lee. April 2017
“This has truly been the most peaceful and relaxing holiday I have ever had and you really have provided every conceivable thing we could possibly need. The weather has been amazing and it feels like we have been transformed to a private oasis in the middle of nowhere.”
-Clare & Blade. May 2017
“Wow! Wow! Wow! A wonderful 27th Anniversary surprise from my husband, a beautiful setting and a secret haven. So lovely to be able to just sit around talking and not having to go anywhere else. Can’t wait to come back.”
-Jeremy & Charlotte. June 2017
“I travel a lot and this is one of the best places I have ever stayed. The thought that has gone into the Shepherd’s Hut is outstanding, everything has been catered for with lots of wonderful extras. Thank you. PS I saw the barn owl, he flew right past me towards the box.”
-Sarah. June 2017
“This is a special and magical place, we stayed here last year for the first time and fell in love with Borleymere and the surrounding areas. This year the addition of the gazebo over the decking has been great, you can sit outside when it rains! The only hard thing is leaving and saying goodbye for another year. PS Colin says your marmalade is the best he’s ever tasted! ”
-Julia & Colin. July 2017
“The tranquility, simplicity and closeness to nature made this a wonderfully relaxing break. Every time we though “wouldn’t it be good if…” we found Jeremy and Charlie had beaten us to it with all the details of making life as easy as possible.”
-Peter and Wendy. August 2017
“..Relaxing with the brazier in the evenings watching and listening to the bats….. cozy in the hut with the log burner…. bliss. As always we never want to leave, we so love it here.”
-Carole & Ty. September 2017
“Perfect Stay. Perfect Place. Perfect Surroundings. Perfect Hosts. It was exactly the relaxing break that we were hoping for. We lost the concept of time and with ‘No Mobiles’ had little contact with the outside world. A little piece of heaven, thank you.”
-Alan & Ellie. September 2017
“… Thank you so much for creating this beautiful place. This holiday was just what we needed, seeing the wonderful wildlife and generally just slowing down. We had a great time laughing at our crazy dog barking at the boat every morning. We would definitely love to visit again.”
-Bex, David and Murray. October 2017
“… This is the most romantic place we have ever been.”
-Nokolett & Tibor. October 2017
“… What a fantastic place to stay, we haven’t felt so relaxed in a long time. Shame about the weather but the log burner kept us warm and toasty. Perfect hosts and catered for every need, will deffo be back again!”
-Mark & Emma. April 2018
“… This has been one of the best glamping places we have stayed in. The setting is beautiful and the nature and wildlife just amazing. The little boat was a lovely bonus…. as was the fantastic weather! A great place to spend our first anniversary. We will be back, thank-you.”
-Louise, Ian and Bailey. May 2018
“… Of all the wonderful places in the world we have visited, your shepherd’s hut is amongst the most beautiful and certainly the most romantic of all. We loved the feeling of complete seclusion, snuggled under a blanket beneath the stars with the fire burning. We loved waking up and having breakfast outside watching the young ducklings on the lake. There was nothing not to love.”
-Matthew & Natalie. May 2018
“… The grounds are stunning and it was the most perfect way to relax away from the stresses of everyday life. Very impressed with all the extras that are supplied, everything has been thought of. Thank you so so much.”
-Becci & Joel. June 2018
“… We so admire the vision you have had to create this unique oasis. We loved every minute and the two of you made us feel so welcome. Thank you and au revior.”
-Anne & B. July 2018
“… Once again Borleymere did not disappoint. Very quickly your stress levels plummet and you soon become more concerned with spotting the wildlife….. its good for your soul.”
-Lew & Becci August. 2018
“… What a perfect 50th birthday surprise adventure. I hinted at tranquillity, escapism and solitude and the boyfriend scored Borleymere 10/10! Alfresco cooking, rowing, star gazing by the fire, ball chasing on lush grass (Ted!)… all in all peace and relaxation. Thank you, lovely times and lovely memories.”
-Annie, James & Ted the jack russell. September 2018
“… What an incredible experience you have given us, this was a surprise 40th birthday that Marion will never forget. We have been to many lovely destinations around the UK and this far exceeds anything that we have experienced before. We hope to come back again soon.”
-Maria, Marion & Toby the dog. September 2018
“… What a wonderful hidden gem. Such a lovely couple (thanks for that)… and the shepherd’s hut was beautiful, what a tranquil place to spend our anniversary. Every little detail has been thought of and I’m sure we will return.”
-Cindy & Simon. April 2019
“… Absolutely wonderful and a really great little woodburner. See you both soon.”
-Chris & Linda. April 2019
“… Our first weekend away together is going to be so hard to beat! Wow, what a magical, romantic, idyllic place this is. An absolutely perfect start to many adventures together. We will be back.”
-Louise & Anthony. May 2019
“… This is our second visit, it’s so nice to relax, away from our five children! Something that is needed in the mad world. Thank you once again.”
-Emma & Karl. June 2019
“… What an amazing place you have, we have had a fantastic break, just doing nothing. Thank you so much for sharing what you have created. We will be recommending you to everyone we know. Thank you again.”
-Dave & Colleen. July 2019
“… Reasons to be cheerful…. Part 1. vision of Charlie & Jeremy in creating this wildlife haven of tranquility, desire to make this financially sustainable has not been dominant in their decision to have only one shepherd’s hut, generositiy of Charlie and Jeremy in allowing us to share their spiritually uplifting space. Part 2. extremely comfortable bed, was totally chilled despite being the hottest July day on record, so much wildlife, home made bread, tasty home made marmalade, golden yolked eggs, no better place to celebrate my 60th birthday, birthday banners….. I could go on but I’m running out of space….. LOVE IT & Big thanks”
-Dorothy & Duncan. July 2019
“… Our fourth stay here, the perfect place to relax. On a very hot day we saw a mad hare run out of the woods and jump in the water, it swam to the other side, then sat in the sun to dry. Hopefully we will be back soon. x”
-Richard& Sue. August 2019
“… We could not have asked for a more perfect Bank Holiday weekend! A beautiful and tranquil hideaway, relaxation at its best. There are not many places that I feel I must book to comeback straight away, be we have booked our next stay at Borleymere already! Thank you.”
-Charlotte & Adam. August 2019
“… There are no words to describe the amazing time we have had. Den building, boat rides, arrow making, eating outside, star gazing cycling…. Quality time spent as mother and daughter. Priceless!! We will be back, we didn’t want to leave.”
-Natasha & Kaiah. September 2019
“… Thank you so much for creating my new favouite place. The perfect way to forget about the pressures of everyday life for a few days. Loved having my morning coffee looking out onto our very own Constable painting in reality. We will be back.”
-Nicki & Gianni. October 2019
“… Last guests of 2019, our third visit and it didn’t dissapoint. As soon as we come through the gate we totally relax… it is so peaceful and beautiful, even in the rain. The dogs really enjoyed themselves. Hopefully see you both again next year.”
-Linda, Ian, Frazzle and Wispa. November 2019
“… A beautiful and tranquil spot to relax and forget the madness of the world right now.”
-Nigel & Natalie. July 2020
“… Oh my goodness, we have found heaven on earth, idyllic & perfect… so glad there is only one shepherd’s hut so there is perfect tranquility. Thank you.”
-Teresa & Richard. July 2020
“… This is the best glamping experience we have ever had. We leave restored, regenerated and so happy to have spent a week here. We will be back.”
-Rachael & Steve. August 2020
“… What a wonderful weekend a welcome and peaceful escape from the city. We were amazed to find such a beautiful space all to ourselves.”
-Jodie, Alistair & Bill the dog. September 2020
“… We had lovely walks, food in front of the fire as bats wizzed by, played cards and watched the stars, fed the carp… and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you.”
-Chris & Pechai. September 2020
“… We woke up to a crisp frost and saw the mist from the lake and then the sun broke through… for a glorious weekend. Just Perfect. Many thanks.”
-Teresa & Richard. April 2021
“… What an amazing place you have created! We had had a wonderful stay surrounded by nature, it was perfect. Thank you.”
-Claire & Cedric. May 2021
“… I arrived exhausted, drained and stressed and left a different person. I swam every day, watched hares, deer, partridges and water voles. It is an amazing place of tranquility. Thank you.”
-Gemma. May 2021
“… Perfect surprise for my 60th birthday weekend. Unbelievable transformation of a bare agricultural field into a small slice of paradise. I particularly enjoyed swimming in the rain!…. homemade bread and marmalade – bliss. Thank you.”
-Sandra & Nick. June 2021
“… We loved going out in the boat and taking turns rowing. Blue dragonflys everywhere, a much needed reminder of the important things in life. ”
-Josh & Emma. July 2021
“… Blissful place – think we need an annual ‘fix’! The fact that most visitors are returners are testimony to just how bearutiful it is here. Thank you.”
-Dorothy & Duncan. August 2021
“… What a blissful escape from the realities of current life! We were blessed with perfect weather to enjoyr life at Borleymere to it’s full extent. We are now feeling relaxed and tranquil. A really wonderful retreat and we certainly hope to return soon.”
-Ann & John. April 2022
“… My second time at Borleymere and it did not dissapoint! Beautiful weather , magical wildlife, full moon, lovely swims and just peace. This is a truly magical and special place.”
-Gemma. April 2022
“… This place is magical and is surrounded by uninterupted countryside. Nothing could have improved our stay. This is heaven on earth!.”
-Tracy & Tim. May 2022
“… “so shines a good deed in a weary world” W Shakespeare….. See you next time.”
-Julie & John. June 2022
“… SUCH a lovely stay! We loved it so much last year that we wanted to come again. Thank you.”
-Josh & Emma. July 2022
“… I loved cooling off in the lake in the heatwave and just sitting and watching as the light changes through the day. The kitchen is perfect and you really have thought of every detail and still managed to keep it unclutered and so calming”
-Katherine & Max. July 2022
“… I first visited Borleymere for my honeymoon in June 2014, 8 years later I brought my daughter to show her the beautiful place mummy and daddy came after their wedding. It is everything I remember only beautifully mature. I will be booking again.”
-Rebecca & Beatrice. August 2022
“… Our third trip to Borleymere and a chance to witness a new season. We even caught a glimpse of the kingfisher! Looking forward to our return in 2023. Thanks again.”
-Liz & Sarah. September 2022
“… Thank you, thank you, just what the doctor ordered. What a perfect weekend. It’s our third time here and we never bore of it. Everthing is so thoughtfully provided. As always Charlie & Jeremy you are so welcoming whilst also allowing us to go into this beautiful bubble without intrusion. We will be back.”
-Sue & Andy. May 2023
“… A truly wonderful couple of days spent reading, relaxing and listening to the birds and wildlife. From relaxing on the jettty to watching the sunset, it has been a fantastic break. Congratulations on the re-wilding of the land, we will be back.”
-Louise & Hayley. June 2023
“… What a spot! We stayed for my birthday and it was so peaceful and relaxing. A wonderful base to explore the local historic towns and villages, if you can tear yourself away from base camp! You genuinely could just settle in and not move . Thank you for a wonderful break.”
-Matt & Debbie. June 2023
“… My fourth stay at this little hut and as ever it was bliss! Each time I see something new and this year it was the resident hedgehog and the beautiful tawny owls and I spent a very happy time watching the kingfisher…. magical. Thank you.”
-Gemma. August 2023
“… This was our second time to Borleymere and we love it so much! Waking up with the sun rising over the lake is magical. All my London stress melts away. Our dog thinks this is his personal kingdom and has had the best time. We will be back again”
-Maddie, James and Malachi the dog. September 2023
“… What a joy to return to the magical place where we spent our honeymoon ten years ago. From the warm welcome to the beautiful surroundings it is truly a place of happiness. Thank you for everything”
-Chris & Charlotte. April 2024
“… All the details to make our stay comfortable have been thought of, from the super comfortable bed and cabin to the fully kitted out kitchen and lovely hot shower. Our dog Dee Dee is the most relaxed she’s ever been. We hope to be able to visit again as this place is really one of a kind. Thank you.”
-Helen & Andrew & Dee Dee the dog. May 2024