Gardener's Cottage is a perfect weekend getaway in beautiful surroundings for peace and quiet. Great location, easy walk to the high Street for dinner or along the river. Great for watching wi... See more
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Group Retreats provides large-group high-end accommodation in unique and beautiful country houses. Recognising that large groups often struggle to find appropriate accommodation and that luxury housing for such groups was in short supply, we set out to find the perfect country homes for our customers to enjoy. Our vision is not only to provide your group with a comfortable stay, but to give you an unforgettable experience of staying in a quintessential English country home. You will discover unique settings for a family break, corporate function or a milestone celebration; which you can enjoy in your own way. Typically, our properties are large historic listed buildings with extensive grounds and beautiful gardens. Swimming pools and spas are features in most of our places, along with games rooms packed with snooker, pool and other games. Our properties are generally in quiet, isolated locations, surrounded by countryside – perfect for exploring. At Group Retreats we can help you plan an unforgettable trip.
23 Lower Brook Street, IP4 1AQ, Ipswich, United Kingdom
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We booked to stay at Ashfield Place over Christmas and absolutely loved it! Was the recharge our family needed after a hectic year!
My son loved it and my wife was over the moon with how relaxed and friendly all the staff were in accommodating our needs.
The hot tub was awesome and the grounds complimented the whole stay experience.
We will definitely be returning!

Reply from Group Retreats
Where do I begin!
Amazing stay at Glentworth Hall. Such a fabulous property.
Expectations were exceeded, not just with the property, with the customer experience from beginning to end. This company truly cares about it's guests. Regular updates, nothing was too much trouble. What an absolute gem the caretaker is too. Went above and beyond for our group. Seriously nothing was too much trouble. Not that we had any major concerns.
I do think it is incredibly sad when guests leave such negative comments as this has such a huge impact on bookings. I would highly recommend anyone booking through this company, to call them and speak to their staff. They are super helpful and extremely knowledgeable.
This is the second property we have had the pleasure of staying in with Group Retreats and will definitely be booking again.
I can't rate them high enough!

Reply from Group Retreats
We recently stayed at Glentworth Hall with our entire family and could not have imagined a better stay.
The property was amazing and the entire process from initial booking, to arrival and leaving was seamless.
We are now planning and looking forward to future stays at their other properties.

Reply from Group Retreats
We recently stayed at Alward House near Salisbury for the Christmas week. The house and grounds were stunning and it felt a real treat and privilege to be able to stay in this magnificent house. The team at Group Retreats were very helpful at every step and the maintenance guy (Duane) was super helpful when we had a short power cut that stopped the flow of gas. Definitely recommend this beautiful house to others.

Reply from Group Retreats
Got all the extended family together for a pre Christmas gathering. been a long time since we all managed to be together in one place as there are so many of us but group retreats had a property with ample room for us all and it was great. We all agreed it was a real old fashioned traditional Christmas, long walks, playing games, eating together at the very large dining table, sitting in front of an open fire chatting. Property had everything we needed and more, couldn’t have been better. We’ve decided we will try to do it every year from now on. Thank you group retreats.

Reply from Group Retreats
Great house! We can’t wait to come back! Big thanks to Allison and Lia for answering all our questions.

Reply from Group Retreats
Fantastic stay in early December at Glentworth Hall. Special thanks to the caretaker for going above & beyond at our extra requests which really meant the world to us!
Beds were comfy & the kitchen had literally everything we needed. We will certainly be staying again in the future.

Reply from Group Retreats
Lovely house with bags of character. Great service, and communication. Would recommend, and will be booking again

Reply from Group Retreats
Had an early Christmas with all the family, property stunning and the surroundings even more so. House had everything you could need, lovely and clean, beautifully decorated for Christmas, open fires and well appointed rooms. There were a few minor issues, nothing worth mentioning and a quick phone call and all was sorted with minimal fuss so no impact whatsoever on our experience. Have to thank all the staff at group retreats for making our stay so wonderful and stress free. Will definitely be back.

Reply from Group Retreats
I stayed at glentworth hall a week ago and i found my stay appalling, the water pressure was horrible if multiple people used to showers at the same time, i had to use a bucket and re fill the bucket in the sink of the bathroom over and over just to keep my self clean and scratching the surface of just being hygienic. The house it self was beautiful but the floor was sticky on my arrival and barely keeping up with cleaning standards. I had found a foot cream, dentures and tweezers in between and underneath the seats in the cinema room. I had cut my self on my finger and went to the first aid kit and it did not have basic necessities such as plasters and bandages so i had to wrap my bleeding finger in an arm bandage. I had opened the draw in the kitchen to get a knife out and cut my self on a knife in the draw that did not have a handle, the house did no have basic requirements and poor cleaning standards.

Reply from Group Retreats
We had the best time ever! The house is amazing and the host was very responsive.
We can’t wait to come back in the summer for our next trip.

Reply from Group Retreats
I had an absolutely terrible experience .From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the place was not at all what we had expected. The customer service was nonexistent .The photos on the website were completely misleading, creating the illusion of a beautiful, well-maintained retreat space, when in reality, the property was run-down and neglected.
The rooms were outdated, and in desperate need of maintenance. It was clear that they hadn’t been properly cleaned or cared for in quite some time. The carpets were stained, the furniture was scratched and chipped, and the bathrooms were grimy with moldy corners. It was honestly one of the least clean places I’ve ever stayed. To make things worse, there was a constant musty odour throughout the house that was impossible to ignore. It made the entire stay uncomfortable. The misleading advertising, lack of cleanliness, terrible customer service, and unjust accusations made for a miserable retreat. I would strongly advise against booking this place—there are far better, cleaner, and more professional options available.

Reply from Group Retreats
I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend at the Castle in Castle Eden, and it was an experience I will never forget. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning architecture and the breathtaking surroundings. The castle itself is an impressive blend of history and luxury, with every corner offering a glimpse into a rich past, while also providing modern comforts.
The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive, making sure every detail of my stay was perfect. The rooms are beautifully appointed, with tasteful décor that combines traditional elegance with contemporary amenities. I particularly loved the spaciousness of the suite, which offered a magnificent view of the castle grounds.
The grounds surrounding the castle are equally remarkable. The gardens were lush and serene, perfect for a peaceful stroll, while the nearby woodlands provided a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing day outdoors. I also had the chance to enjoy some of the local attractions, and the area around Castle Eden is filled with charm and history.
Overall, my stay at Castle Eden was truly magical. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a historical getaway, or simply a place to indulge in luxury, I can’t recommend this castle enough. It’s the perfect escape for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to return!

Reply from Group Retreats
Stayed at Ashfield Place Farm and it's absolutely stunning. I enjoy peaceful weekends away with my family in authentic country houses surrounded by nature and this was one of our best stays so far. The staff went out of their way to assist myself and my wife during our visit. Very pleased.

Reply from Group Retreats
I was initially excited about booking a stay through Group Retreats, as I thought it would be a great opportunity for a peaceful getaway. However, before confirming my reservation, I decided to do a bit of research by checking reviews from previous guests to get a better idea of what to expect.
Unfortunately, what I found was extremely concerning. There were numerous 1-star and negative reviews, many highlighting issues such as poor customer service, cleanliness concerns, and mismanagement of bookings. Several reviewers also mentioned that they felt misled by the descriptions and photos on the website, which did not match the reality of the property or the experience they had.
After reading through the feedback, I realized that proceeding with my booking could lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. I would strongly advise others to think twice before making any reservations here. It’s clear that this location may not be up to the standards that one would expect from a reputable retreat.
At this point, I’d be better off booking a stay with Skegness Butlins! Definitely not worth the risk or the hassle of dealing with potential issues that others have faced!

Reply from Group Retreats
My stay at Glentworth Hall was nothing short of a nightmare, and I regret choosing this place for my trip. From the moment I arrived, it was clear the property was severely under-maintained, and things only got worse from there.
First, the showers were a complete letdown. The water pressure was barely a trickle, making it impossible to enjoy a proper shower. To add to the frustration, the beds were broken and uncomfortable, leaving us with no rest throughout our stay. It felt like everything was falling apart.
Cleanliness was another major issue. The sofa had tweezers stuck inside it, and cobwebs were present in nearly every corner of the rooms. It was obvious that the cleaning staff weren’t doing their job properly, and we were left feeling uncomfortable in a space that should have been welcoming. The jacuzzi bathtub was also a huge disappointment — it was broken, and when I tried to use it, dirt came out instead of water.
The washing machine and dryer were both out of order, which made doing laundry impossible. Even worse, the Aga wasn’t working, so we were unable to use it for cooking — something that was promised as part of the experience.
To add to the overall discomfort, the lights in several rooms were constantly flickering, which made the environment feel unstable. We also experienced a serious lack of privacy in some of the bathrooms, which was a real concern for a group hoping for a relaxing, private stay.
Lastly, the internet was absolutely terrible. The Wi-Fi barely worked, leaving us disconnected and frustrated.
In short, Glentworth Hall was a massive disappointment. It’s clear the property is not being properly maintained, and the promised luxury simply isn’t there. I would not recommend this place to anyone, and I won’t be returning.
Please do not book for your own sanity

Reply from Group Retreats
I had some concerns during my recent stay at Glentworth Hall that I feel should be addressed. Unfortunately, the property seemed to lack basic maintenance and cleanliness. A majority of the showers were not functional, which was disappointing.
In terms of cleanliness, I noticed torn duvet covers, dirty floors, and cobwebs in various areas. Additionally, the mattresses appeared worn out, with springs popping out, which affected my comfort.
I also felt that the caretaker's engagement with the property could be improved, as it seemed that there was a lack of attention to these issues.
03/01/25 -I disagree with your assessment of the property’s condition during our stay. It was clear that the property had not been properly maintained for some time, as several basic cleanliness standards were not met. This impacted our overall experience and left us disappointed.
As for the damage deposit, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. There was no clear or significant proof provided that the damage, including the alleged smoking, was caused by our group. I also feel it’s important to point out that a family business should strive to maintain transparency and fairness in their dealings with guests. I am disappointed by the false accusations and believe that the full deposit retention was unfair under the circumstances.

Reply from Group Retreats
Disappointing Experience at glentworth hall
I recently stayed at glentworth hall and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory.
Firstly, the most critical issue was the lack of running water during my stay, which made it extremely difficult to maintain basic hygiene. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connection was non-existent, which was particularly frustrating as many of us had planned to work during our visit.
The lighting in the unit was also problematic, with flickering lights that created an uncomfortable environment . To make matters worse, I discovered a dirty tweezer lodged between the cushions of the sofa, raising concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of the property.
Furthermore, the caretaker was essentially non-existent, providing no assistance or support throughout my stay. This lack of attention to guests' needs was disappointing and added to the overall negative experience.
I hope these issues can be addressed for future guests.
please do not book!!!

Reply from Group Retreats
We’ve stayed at a couple of AirBNBs. One was outstanding and we gave it a great review. The second was a huge let-down, (Glentworth hall). Caretaker was clearly a “don’t give a damn” person.
Bed that felt like plywood furniture, dish washer smelled when opened, no pressure from the showers had to resort to one shower for the whole family to use, washing machine and dryer kept on coming up with error codes contacted the care taker no show no surprise there,
internet felt like we were back in 1993.
Bunk beds had broken planks, unsafe to sleep in. tried to sleep in the spare beds, but caretaker couldn’t provide any duvets. Absolutely appalling service, will never be booking with Group Retreats again!!!!

Reply from Group Retreats
I arrived @ glentworth hall on the 17th dec 2024.
The place looked beautiful but unfortunately soon as I entered. I was disgusted with the cleanliness of the rooms, it took us multiple hours to clean it. I have no idea what your maids are doing. The kitchen floor was that dirty my slippers were sticking to the floor. WiFi was absolutely terrible. Showers were horrendous too. The worst shower I have had ever.Furthermore, i was injured by the bed which was worse as I have chronic back pain. We asked for more duvets and we were ignored. I do not recommend this place and will not be staying here again.I don’t normally put a review up but I’m pre warning anyone else who wants to stay @ this place.

Reply from Group Retreats
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