Stone Crouch Cottage

The driveway to this site was difficult to negotiate from the road and was full of holes which made the caravan bump all over the place. We stayed 2 nights and didn't see the owner once . We knocked on the door of the main house to pay our fee although this was begrudgingly as the standard of this site was poor. The toilet/shower room had not been cleaned in a long time and wasn't touched whilst we were there. It was covered in cobwebs and dirt. There was no toilet roll or hand soap. As this was a shared facility it was obvious that the fishermen were using the toilet and not washing their hands afterwards. The chemical waste disposal was in accessible. On the plus side, the site was peaceful except for the fishermen trotting back and forth and the grass kept short. Definitely won't be returning to his tired looking site.

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The site is pleasant enough, although if there is a lot of rain it can be difficult to get off. The access to the site from Rosemary Lane is tight, access is guarded by two enormous magnificent oak trees and if you have an 8 metre caravan it is extremely tight, great care should be taken going into and leaving the site.

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Last year this was a lovely site however the couple that were here last year looking after the place have left for personal reasons and you notice the change right away. First thing was the large potholes in the drive so much so that it flung open draws in the caravan as we entered. Also no welcome whatsoever. So we parked up and got settled. The overall look of the place is one of neglect. Long grass, dead flowers, dirty toilets. We walked around the lakes and noticed there were hardly any fisherman which was strange. Also the lakes were not tidy but tissue and rubbish was laying about. The next day we showered but had to clean the floors first also the bins in the toilets were full. Later we found human poo on the toilet floor which again we had to clean up as no one had been near the toilets to clean them. Hearing this the owner came to see what was going on. She thought perhaps a fox had done it and she said the grass wasn't cut because the mower didn't work and they were cutting back on expenses. We did notice her own lawn had been cut. By Wednesday I was fed up with the bins in the toilet over flowing so emptied them myself, the rubbish was clearly from the fisherman because it contained empty meat cans and drinks boxes and cigarette ash, we found out the day fisherman are no longer able to use the bins on site so that's why the toilet bins were full ? The owner came down on Thurs to clean the toilets which she did with one cloth and a spray, she cleaned the toilets and the sink with the same cloth. The floor and showers were not touched. Talking to the other people staying there they all said they wouldn't come back. It's such a shame because its a lovely site that's not being cared for. We left a day early because we had had enough. Sorry to say we wont be back either.

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Nb: Ignore the three stars for "peace and tranquility" ( below), as I feel it is nearer four on reflection. It does "feel" peaceful without being the most tranquil of cls (if that makes any sense)!

My conclusion: Excellent fair priced cl having particular appeal to anglers... In detail: All stated is true and the toilets/showers are excellent. Quite a pretty site and despite the very busy road at 100 metres and the noise from air traffic endemic to the area, noise cannot be heard unless thought about. It certainly didnt disturb my sleep in a pop top caravan, although I would suggest that those insisting on utter tranquility consider this. Most pitches are slight sloping, and popular angler lodges exist just over the low cl boundafy fence (as does a path frequented by anglers). My only possible negative comment is that the only water available on the actual field is right next to the chemical toilet disposal, has a short yellow hose attached, and is marked "not for drinking water" due to the unsavoury likelihood of the hose tap being inserted into a chemical toilet cassette for cleaning it. The only other tap is in the middle of the angling lodge area perhaps 20 metres outside of the camping field and often difficult to get to due to inconsiderate parking. Parking aside, not so difficult for those with aqua rolls, but far more so for the likes of myself who has a European caravan that has an internal water tank.. Carrying three 14 litre cans of water over a wooden fence and back to your pitch when the tap is blocked in by cars is no joke at all. Branching a clean use tap in the actual field from the one used for the existing chemical toilet point would easily cure this. I don't expect toilet paper to be provided at a cl that has toilets, as I am used to all French sites also not doing so (commercial or otherwise), and I do not believe the fair price of this cl warrants that. Because however most cls in the uk having toilets do actually provide it (and usually charge very well indeed), I would suggest remembering to bring your own with no detriment to this excellent site. I will definitely visit again :)

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This was our first stay at a CL site and prefer this to the club sites. We did miss the turning but after calling found it with ease. Yes the entrance is a little tight but not impossible and this makes it even more private. We were greeted by Vic who was so helpful. We loved the fact that we could choose where to park our van. There are no markers or rules telling you how to park, unlike the club sites. We stayed 5 nights and were sad to leave. The showers were clean and tidy. Vic and Sarah were always good for a chat and always there if you needed help or advice. The lakes are excellent and my husband will be taking his fishing stuff next time. We walked the lakes several times as it was so relaxing. Trees surround the site making it very private. This place is like a little family gathering and well worth a visit. Close to several villages which we explored and the museums nearby well worth a visit especially the one at Cranbrook and all were free. Cant wait to return.

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