The credentials:
“The Gatehouse Lodge is a cosy, luxury, dog friendly cottage for two in Easton Walled Gardens at the heart of the Easton Estate in the Lincolnshire Vales, near the Rutland border. The Lodge is the perfect retreat for couples looking for a romantic getaway in these beautiful rediscovered gardens, or for anyone wanting to explore this unspoiled part of the country.
“The Estate is a two hour drive from London, and close to some of the finest market towns and stately homes in England. Experience rolling, tranquil countryside, picturesque stone villages, friendly neighbours, a popular pub with farm shop, beautiful gardens and picture perfect accommodation.
“In the early 1900s, the future US President Franklin D. Roosevelt described the gardens as ‘a dream of Nirvana……almost too good to be true.'”
Sleep:
Olivia: The lodge was small but perfectly formed. A tiny winding staircase led up from the kitchen to a spacious bedroom, with a large double bathroom on through from that. Downstairs there was a beautifully turned out sitting room with a large armchair and additional love seat, both elegantly upholstered. Double doors opened out to the cottage’s private garden with a rather lovely wrought iron table and chairs.
Alex: Perfect for sitting out in the sunshine with a glass of wine, watching the butterflies and bees around the garden! The private garden has a gate leading into the main gardens, so you can access them any time during your stay.
O: Everything is finished to a very high standard in the lodge, something I imagine is unusual in most holiday cottages, however picturesque their location. Attention to detail is excellent throughout, and lovely lighting, fabrics and finishes make all the difference.
A: I particularly loved the details such as the glass peephole between the kitchen and living room embedded with butterflies and the mini library of books and games above the desk in the corner of the living room. The selection of books was really well thought-out, with plentiful Wodehouse and classic mysteries. And the beds were impeccably soft and fluffy—the perfect place to pass out after spending the day outside.
Dine:
O: BYO. The hosts had very considerately left a bottle of sloe gin, wine, some good bread, butter, milk, and other accoutrements, but other than that, you’re on your own and a long way from a corner shop.
A: So come prepared—there’s a small fridge-freezer, an oven and other kitchen equipment available to make your own gastronomical delights. You can also buy more of the delicious cake, bread and other Easton treats (Easton sloe gin!) at the tea room a couple of doors down, which is open from 11am to 4pm on days the gardens are open.
O: There is also a gastropub restaurant on the estate, but it was fully booked and we have it on good authority that it’s booked up all summer.
Who goes there?
O: There are only two cottages for guests within the estate, so anyone craving a retreat in beautiful grounds far away from real life. There is croquet just a short walk from the lodge and all the picturesque hills, valleys, babbling brooks, stone bridges, formal gardens, wooden swings and horticulture one could wish for, all within stumbling distance of your bedroom.
Out & about:
O: The Lodge really is out of the way. If you were sensible enough to drive, or recruit an accomplice who drives, there are great houses, cathedrals and countryside dotted with limestone cottages a short drive away. If not, with rural taxis not working after a certain time of night and often requiring an hour’s notice, you’re better off enjoying the incredible grounds right on your doorstep.
A: And they really are incredible. Easton isn’t the biggest garden, but definitely one worth lingering over; the variety of the many different garden sections within its bounds is fantastic. You’re constantly surprised, stumbling on new areas with different characters, from the rose meadows to the woodland wildflower walk to the charming riverbanks to—my favourite for its unbelievable atmosphere—the old yew tunnel. It was like being in a natural cathedral, wandering through its lively shadows.
The worst thing:
O: The Lodge was fairly perfect. But, if I had to whinge about something, it would be the temperature when we arrived. It was a fairly chilly weekend in late spring and the heating and under-floor heating had both been left on. What’s the problem with that, you might ask? And the answer is nothing. Nothing at all. Except I’m the sort of person who enjoys all windows open in December and therefore a weirdo whose opinion shouldn’t be counted on such an issue.
A: Despite the seclusion, a little noise from the motorway on the far side of the grounds can be heard in some parts of the garden—though not the Lodge or the upper gardens.
The best thing(s):
O: The location and gardens. But see above re driving as you’re far from an uber.
A: The privacy makes it a true retreat from city life, and there’s something especially wonderful about having the gardens entirely to yourself to wander and explore when they are closed to day visitors. You can’t help but relax as you knock about a croquet ball or bask on a bridge, watching the effervescent water below.
O: The cottage is dog-friendly and equipped with dog bowls and pick up bags. My pug, Puppy, had the time of her life, and may not have forgiven me for taking her home. Special mention also goes to the Lodge’s individual back garden. Extremely scenic, with railings to contain Puppy and surrounded by magenta and green.
A: We also got to see a whole red kite family swooping and soaring in the sunshine on our first day, which is apparently not uncommon at Easton as they nest in the valley. They came so low at points we worried for Puppy’s safety! It was a spectacular aerial display, and a real high point for me.
