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The Old Pump House

The Old Pump House

4.7
out of 5
Ratings from 21 reviews
100% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.6
Comfort
4.7
Condition
4.5
Location
5.0
Value
4.7
Customer
Service
4.9

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A traditional cottage with original features full of character, The Old Pump House has everything you need for a family retreat off the beaten track. With a large, enclosed garden and trout pond, spacious but cosy living room and well-equipped kitchen/diner there is space for the family to spread out and find their own nook to relax in or gather for games and meals. Three bedrooms on the first-floor offer views out across the garden and surrounding woodland. Beyond the cottage, there are a myriad of forest walks and the opportunity to explore the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, and beyond.

A secluded getaway

Review submitted on Sat, 09 Nov 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We booked very last minute so there was only 2 nights available for our dates but we wanted secluded, peace and quite, pretty scenery, a little bit of luxury and somewhere nice to walk. The Old Pump house gave us all of this. The drive up to the property through the forest was idyllic.

The rooms were huge, all the beds and sofa were comfortable. The kitchen was large and had every utensil you could require.

We had a long drive and managed to get in slightly earlier and the house keeper was quick in responding and very friendly. The biscuits on arrival were a nice touch.

If I had to say a negative it was that the heating was on full heat when we arrived and was far too much and took a long time to get it down to a comfortable level, but underfloor heating was lovely!

Being secluded you do need a car to get to any amenities but we knew that before arriving and wasn't a problem for us.

We would definitely like to stay again.



October break.

Review submitted on Mon, 21 Oct 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The perfect setting to unwind and relax. The Old Pumphouse was very clean and comfortable.. Tracey the housekeeper got in touch to check that we had arrived and that there were no issues.There are woodland walks straight from the front door. Have already booked for next year.



A lovely break in nature

Review submitted on Tue, 24 Sep 2024
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had a lovely break here for a honeymoon with our dogs. It was completely secluded and nestled in nature which is exactly what we were looking for.
We go away several times a year with the dogs so if I am being picky there are a few areas that could be improved such as providing blankets to sit outside and personal touches would be nice. I mentioned it was our honeymoon so something as simple as a note to wish us a happy honeymoon would have been nice.
Finally, paying extra for dogs to come with us although they are not allowed on the sofa or upstairs so a doggy welcome pack should be the minimum requirement in my experience such as a treat and towels.

This would not stop us going back in the future but for the price I do believe these small things would make a big difference.



Bolthole Retreats replied 100 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at The Old Pump House. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, however disappointed to read the points that you have raised. Your feedback has been shared with the owner who has taken these points on board, and these will be looked into. We hope to see you again in the Forest of Dean soon.

Peace & Quiet

Review submitted on Sun, 01 Sep 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house is in a lovely spot in the middle of nature. Outside space is amazing where all you can hear is the birds which allows for complete relaxation. Would stay again, however, we did have an issue with the underfloor heating in the lounge where we couldn't switch it off or adjust the temperature which made for a couple of quiet uncomfortable evenings in the lounge. The house keeper was really helpful and responded quickly with the offer of a plumber to come take a look. We did actually think we'd managed to sort it ourselves on the first night, so said we didn't need the plumber any more. However, it was even hotter on the second night, which was probably our fault for not being as successful as we had thought with the adjustment of the thermostat/switching it off. No complaints with communication or responsiveness at all and, had we been there for longer, we are sure that the plumber would have sorted the issue. We had a very relaxing stay and our anxious dog also got to enjoy the quietness of the location where we saw nobody and no other dogs



Bolthole Retreats replied 119 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at The Old Pump House. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, however sorry to hear about the under floor heating. We have spoken to the property manager and can confirm that this has now been fixed.

The perfect place to relax

Review submitted on Wed, 28 Aug 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Fantastic cottage is perfect if you want to totally relax and de-stress.
Good kitchen and lounge areas.





Peace and quiet

Review submitted on Mon, 29 Jul 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We very much enjoyed our stay at The Old Pump House. We were looking for peace and quiet among the trees, and the house definitely provides plenty of that. Although we didn't see any of the famous wild boar, we think we heard them, and were treated to a mother and baby muntjac deer crossing over the track leading up to the house one evening, as well as regular sitings of the local buzzard. The house was clean and welcoming (apart from the infestation of flying ants in the lobby, which probably couldn't be helped!), the kitchen well equipped, and the living area huge and comfortable. The main challenge was the underfloor heating, which insisted on coming on, although we had picked the only decent week for sun of the summer thus far, and despite our attempts (and those of the housekeeper) to turn down the thermostat: the only option to avoid stifling temperatures was to keep the windows open, which is not the most environmentally friendly approach! We think the problem may have been due to the new smart thermostatic controls, so hope that this can be sorted soon. In other respects, we would thoroughly recommend both the house and its location for anyone seeking tranquility.



Bolthole Retreats replied 156 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at The Old Pump House. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay, however disappointed to read the points that you have raised. We have shared your feedback with the owner and housekeeper who have let us know that the flying ants have been treated and that the thermostat has been fixed.

Lovely Location

Review submitted on Tue, 16 Jul 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Excellent location, a tad expensive but a beautiful spot. Would go back there in a heartbeat and lots to do in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley despite the weather!



A wonderful escape

Review submitted on Wed, 10 Jul 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Old Pump House is a real gem - not too far from a local pub but hidden away in the forest. The building is wonderful and very well equipped. We were treated to the wonderful sight of bats in the evening swooping in over the pond and a short-eared owl visited a few times. The garden is lovely and ideal for dogs being totally enclosed.



Very nice place to stay!

Review submitted on Mon, 01 Jul 2024
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A very nice house at a beautiful location. Very quit and ideal for a stay with dogs.
Lot of walking possibilities in the area, Forest of Dean.



Peace and quiet

Review submitted on Mon, 20 May 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
If you love peace and quiet this cottage is perfect. In wooded surroundings and an enclosed garden so good for our dogs. Cottage very comfortable and spacious. Only the two of us plus dogs so we had lots of space.
Huge trout pond and interesting birds visiting the feeders we put out. Lovely to see the bats. Hope to return next Spring, it's a lovely part of the country.



Peaceful break

Review submitted on Sat, 30 Mar 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a very enjoyable break in the Old Pump House, and didn’t see another person the whole time we were there - bliss!



A weekend in the forest

Review submitted on Tue, 06 Feb 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This is our second visit to the pump house. We loved it so much we had to come back. The house is delightful, spacious and perfect for a sociable weekend with friends or family. Lots of beautiful walls and places of interest close by. We hope to come again next year.



Lovely Stay!

Review submitted on Sat, 13 Jan 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A large, lovely unique home in a beautiful area - well equipped kitchen and comfortable for 4 adults and two children. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, thank you!



Fabulous Escaoe

Review submitted on Sun, 07 Jan 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely secluded location, spotlessly clean and really well equipped. Dogs more than happy and really spacious for six guests. Will definitely stay again :)



Fantastic festive stay

Review submitted on Thu, 28 Dec 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a brilliant stay at the old pump house in December, the Christmas tree and decorations made it feel very festive. The house was perfect, a big space and in a great remote location. It had everything that we needed for a comfortable stay. Would definitely recommend!



Lovely property with a homely feel

Review submitted on Mon, 25 Sep 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely property with some nice features. Very quiet. Large enclosed garden which the dogs loved. Well equipped kitchen and the welcome pack was a nice touch. Whilst walkable, we drove to nearest pub to eat in the evening as very dark to walk in the country lanes (probably fine in the summer!). Only very minor things let the property down which could have easily been rectified hence the 4/5 (broken kitchen bin, tablet holder not closing in dishwasher, mould on bathroom blind, bedroom curtains not hanging/closing properly).




Excellent all round!

Review submitted on Sun, 17 Sep 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Fabulous in every way treats appreciated Tracey was marvellous. A real gem tucked away and a doggy paradise.



Happy return

Review submitted on Fri, 15 Sep 2023
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A terrific place for a getaway week. My wife and I plus two grown sons have returned several times just to chill.



Stunning

Review submitted on Mon, 19 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The property exceeded my expectations, absolutely beautiful. We had everything that we needed and more.
The pond with the trout was outstanding and very relaxing to watch. The Forest wraps itself around you and it is so peaceful.

The only negative was the second bedroom! It’s quite small and has very small windows.



Relaxing and peaceful

Review submitted on Fri, 12 May 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house is situated in the most gorgeous, peaceful position in the middle of the forest and at May time, carpets of bluebells. The house is a perfect home from home being very well equipped if eating in or well served by local hostelry. Would thoroughly recommend a stay here.



We found our dream holiday home

Review submitted on Sat, 15 Apr 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We spent a whole week in this cosy, super comfortable cottage set in the most beautiful tranquil setting. We loved all the features that house has to offer, with plenty of space for us to enjoy as a family and for each to have its own space to recharge when needed. Surrounding garden provides even more space to enjoy the nature and all its sounds. Both of our kids and the dog asking to go back. The week just wasn’t enough. In fact we already booked to return in summer!