Reviewed by: TMC Co-Founder – Jessica Lawes

Overall thoughts

“I booked The Farmhouse at Wilderness Reserve for my 30th birthday with some friends and family. From the moment we arrived, I was made to feel special. A bottle of champagne in the fridge with a handwritten ‘Happy 30th Birthday’ note and a homemade Victoria sponge on the side meant this place was seriously ticking my boxes. I’m clearly more easily pleased than my husband would accept or believe. The grounds are beautiful, and the interiors are breath-taking. There’s also a huge lake you can row boats on, just like The Notebook, but with screaming kids. Set in the picturesque countryside, you get around on classic peppermint-coloured bikes. It is an Instagrammers haven *but luckily, we didn’t see any in the wild. Being in a big group made it for me, cooking feasts together and eating around the huge farmhouse table. Then once the kids went to bed, the party continued. It was just brilliant. My cup was filled. I absolutely would go again, but it would have to be for a special occasion to justify the cost.”

Was it good value?

“There’s no denying that a stay here is costly. But you get what you pay for. It is stunning and private. They can cater for every need: breakfast boxes, private chefs, paddle boarding lessons, fire feasts, spa treatments – the list is endless. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t refuse any requests, but it does come at a cost. That being said, you can just go and enjoy the setting. There’s the lake, bike rides and a very scenic outdoor pool and hot tub all included in the grounds. We lucked out and managed to walk past an archery demonstration where they let us come and have a go for half an hour and ate low of free snacks and gin. We managed to get it for free, but it would have cost £75pp if we’d booked. I did book the breakfast hamper for our stay, which gave us enough food for the following three meals (and we were catering for big rugby players). So, stingy, they are not.”