Island Yurt, Beckford

We very, very rarely leave a negative review, however, we wish we had read between the lines of reviews on this and the booking sites, and noted the dates (often 8-10 years ago with few recent reviews), before booking the Island Yurt in Beckford. We have stayed in yurts before and each time experienced a wonderfully relaxing break in a beautifully furnished yurt, clean, cosy and welcoming, set in idyllic countryside. There are four yurts in Beckford, erected over 10 years ago in 2014 and they have evidently never been dismantled or refreshed. The photos online appear idyllic, however, sadly do not reflect our experience. Fishing from the tired decking and landing a larger fish would have been extremely difficult given the old gas BBQ, overhead construction and hot tub in the way. The surrounding water was inaccessible, very overgrown and smelt stagnant. Several reviews reflect the reality as politely as possible and mirror the need for a deep clean and refurbishment, items that require attention or replacement, ageing woodwork and decking and old fake grass matting are your first impression, fly and grime-covered light bulb, rusty BBQ, ancient spider webs, vegetation overgrowth and the acrid stagnant smell that permeates the yurt and surrounding area. The owners appear friendly and offered to call someone out to fix the hob that wasn't working. The yurt had been cleaned inside and clean bedding, towels and robes are provided by a professional company but the whole place is underwhelming and tired. For a neutropenic cancer patient approaching more surgery the risk of infection was too great for my husband, so we didn't even unpack the car and sadly returned home. Extremely disappointing and no refund forthcoming on the basis that 'the owners couldn't smell anything'. This place could be so much better with some dedicated TLC and investment in the guests' holiday surroundings and experience.

Completely isolated with nothing but the sound of birds. The yurt was really warm (temperatures outside were below freezing) and had all the amenities we could have hoped for and more. Everything in the yurt worked well and was good quality - loved all the little touches. It was so amazing to get away from the busyness and be in our own little paradise. Hosts were lovely and have a total respect for privacy - the whole place has clearly be designed for a complete escape. Views only of the private lake and only visitors we encountered were the birds/geese/swans. Hot tub was delightful, at a slight angle so you were looking down into the gorgeous lake and endless views of countryside. Lovely nearby villages and towns although we spent a lot of time at the yurt as it was so cosy. Projector was fab - links to a DVD player. Shower was lovely and the roaring fire was such a great touch. Recommend ear plugs if you are a light sleeper as the ducks can be loud at night and an eye mask if you are sensitive to light as the sky light in the roof doesn't have a blind. Cooking facilities were much better than we expected - we cooked at the yurt each evening. Lots of heating outside if you want to sit out in the evenings and a lovely platform you can climb for a good view. Cannot recommend highly enough - we will definitely be back!

Start of day 20 mins hot tub, 20 mins sauna, shower, beer fishing reading eating being lazy. End day 20 mins hot tub 20 mins sauna shower dvd on huge screen. Star gazing through glass roof is bliss Only saw one person when rowed out on Lake, BBQ and firepit. Black swans, Canada geese, white geese kingfishers herons ducks cormorant grebes moorhen coots bats, caught roach perch. Caught 35 fish,what more could you ask for. Visited Evesham, had lunch by River Avon. Also took in Broadway and Warwick, both lovely. Will be back soon.

We loved everything - the Yurt was lovely, the shower was great, the hot tub was amazing and the lake was wonderful.

It was a relaxing and peaceful holiday. There was some wonderful wild life and you got a great view of the lake from the windows. It was our 25th Wedding anniversary and we had a fantastic time.

What an amazing place; the pictures do not do it justice. The glass roof and balcony was a very pleasant surprise. We didn't see another person until we took the boat out and even then it's still very secluded. We are already looking to rebook as it was just pure relaxation.

We had a lovely stay, wished we could have stayed longer. The Yurt is very private, and the views over the lake from inside are fantastic. It is a place we would like to return to.

Cosy and romantic even though our stay was on the coldest weekend of the year so far, seating area/lounge is perfect to snuggle up on next to the fire while looking over the lake at local wild life. Plenty of places to visit outside of Beckford too, we went to Bourton on the water, Broadway tower and Burford which are all superb places. Hoping to definitely return in the future for another visit. Loved it.

Myself and my partner visited this yurt on the basis of wanting to get away from it all and to re-charge our batteries. We were both blown away by the yurt and the surrounding area (the pictures do not do this property justice) and its beauty. The home cinema, sauna, rowing boat and hot tub overlooking the lake made the holiday. I thoroughly recommend visiting the Beckford Inn whilst staying here, the service is exceptional and is located just up the road from the yurt itself (I would advise to book if wanting to eat here on the weekend). During our stay, we visited the likes of Broadway and did a cheeky bit of early Christmas shopping. It is hard not to fall in love with Broadway, it's beauty and it's enchanting selection of little shops and tea rooms. We also visited Sudeley Castle, another must for those wanting to explore and unravel some history. The views here are breathtaking as are the pretty gardens surrounding the castle. We both also really enjoyed feeding the ducks, swans and geese every morning over breakfast (something which us townies aren't quite used to) and spending the chilly evenings in front of the fire. Overall, I would highly recommend the yurt to anybody wanting some time out from reality and who are keen to explore. Thank you for a lovely stay, we had a cracking weekend and one we won't forget.

This is a really beautiful and unique property - completely peaceful and relaxing. Had gorgeous views and lots of wildlife to watch. We loved all the facilities available; the hot tub, sauna, dishwasher, and bathroom were all good. The bed is very large and comfortable. Perfect for a 'getting away from it all' holiday!

We stayed here on our honeymoon and wow!!!! We didn't want to leave, it was just perfect! All the mod cons mixed with its tranquil privacy was amazing, we will definitely be returning, can not rate this yert highly enough,we loved both the local restaurant the Beckford inn, but also a half hour walk away to ashton was a lovely pub the star, they were both brilliant, this is one perfect holiday home for any romantic break, and will always be our perfect honeymoon retreat :) it was fantastic x

The Privacy, the views over the lake, the hot tub, the gas fire, these along with the patio heater and fire pit were all very nice and very relaxing.

The Yurt would have been wonderful when first built. However, first impression was good but when downhill quickly. The Yurt was very grubby, windows dirty, cereal on floor, and the bathroom looked really grubby - the blind was not on the window (clear glass) so although a private setting still unsettling when in the shower or on the toilet. The bedding was thin and tired once again. Cobwebs adorned the dome. The was little storage (half a dozen hangers, in with the hoover!) no draws or cupboards so we lived out of the suitcase. On a positive the hot tub, fire pit were lovely. New towels and robes and ad lib logs. Setting lovely - enjoyed the atics of the ducks. Would love to have gone when it was clean and new, rather than tired and unkempt.

A beautiful place and a perfect getaway.

We went here for our honeymoon, stayed over Christmas. It was blissful, so unique and cosy. Uses all the facilities daily, even hot tubbed in the rain. I would say the yurt made our honeymoon the special week that it was. You must visit.

Amazing sitting in the hot tub enjoying the beautiful scenery!

The Island Yurt really is a perfect escape from everything! The Yurt was amazingly well equipped; everything from the bathroom and kitchen to the sauna and hot tub was clean and working perfectly. The views out of the windows onto the lake were stunning and the local wildlife was very friendly. The setting and surroundings are ideal to unwind and take a break from the stress and rush of every day life. Although there are other Yurts on the site, the way they are positioned means that you cannot see or hear them so you really do feel secluded. The glass dome in the roof meant star gazing could be done from the comfort of the bed with the fire flickering in the background - this really sums up the overall experience of the Yurt. Considering that the water, gas etc. was included, this really was great vale for money. All of this meant that after a romantic weekend away, we both returned fully relaxed. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway.

I took my partner away for her 21st birthday for 3 nights in late January 2015 The Island Yurt really is a perfect escape from everything! The Yurt was amazingly well equipped; everything from the bathroom and kitchen to the sauna and hot tub was clean and working perfectly. The views out of the windows onto the lake were stunning and the local wildlife was very friendly. The setting and surrounding are ideal to unwind and take a break from the stress and rush of every day life. Although there are other Yurts on the site, the way they are positioned means that you cannot see or hear them so you really do feel secluded. The glass dome in the roof meant star gazing could be done from the comfort of the bed with the fire flickering in the background really sums up the overall experience of the Yurt. Considering that the water, gas etc. was included, this really was great vale for money. All of this meant that after a romantic weekend away, we both returned fully relaxed. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway.

Just perfect; the location, property, uniqueness and friendliness of the owner, the little touches. Will definitely return. Many thanks.

Had an amazing stay! So relaxing and tranquil. Definitely coming back.

Island Yurt was fantastic, there isn't anything we could fault about it. It was a week of total relaxation in an amazing setting. Looking forward to booking again for next year.

Beautiful location, amazing yurt with the added luxuries of hot tub and sauna, which we used daily. Home cinema screen was amazing, watching a DVD in bed under the stars! Set on a quiet fishing lake the perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. And if you want to venture out plenty of beautiful Cotswolds villages around to explore.

A peaceful, relaxing getaway with a high end finish. We'd live there if we could; it was absolutely perfect.

A wonderfully relaxing get-away. This is an incredibly romantic, cosy yurt just right for two people. A perfect setting for total relaxation. We loved the hot tub over looking the lake & made good use of the sauna too. The yurt is really well equipped - a real home away from home. Perfect!

We had such a wonderful time enjoying the hot tub and sauna, and the home cinema was an added bonus! The lake was stunning and we felt so secluded and relaxed the entire time.

It was so good to finally be able to properly chill-out, in own little world as it were! If we weren't watching the new born ducks and geese from the comfort of the hot tub, we were having a BBQ! The sauna was superb, along with the DVD projector in the bedroom to chill out watching films! Would definitely like to come back .

The holiday was amazing, the Island Yurt was very secluded. The yurt was luxurious with the hot tub and sauna and home cinema all getting lots of use. The yurt is ideally located only half and hour drive to the beautiful Broadway and Bourton on the Water.

What a perfect romantic hideaway, quirky, luxurious and private. The owner has certainly put some special touches in. It was very well equipped - The hot tub, sauna, whirlpool bath and projector for DVD made the stay very enjoyable. Finished off with a trip round the lake in the rowing boat, bliss. Would love to visit again.