The Moorings, Orford, is a quaint cottage praised for its excellent location and cosy charm. Guests appreciate the proximity to village amenities and dog walks. The property's character and the inclusion of a wood burner add to its appeal, though some guests suggest it's better suited for smaller parties. While thoughtful gestures like chocolates and champagne are noted, attention to cleanliness and maintenance is advised to enhance the overall experience.
Reviews indicate a mix of experiences regarding cleanliness. Some guests found the cottage spotless, while others reported it as grubby and in need of a more thorough cleaning, particularly in the kitchen area.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to local amenities, making it perfect for dog walks and village exploration. The nearby Jolly Sailor is a highlight for guests seeking friendly evening entertainment.
The cottage is described as cosy and comfortable, particularly for smaller groups. However, some guests found issues with the furniture and space, noting it may not be suitable for taller individuals or larger parties.
Facilities are well-equipped but several reviews mention the need for maintenance and better upkeep. Issues with paint peeling, dampness, and a shabby radiator were noted, alongside misleading information about the number of bathrooms.
Guests acknowledged the thoughtful touches like chocolates and champagne during the festive season, although it's mentioned these gestures are not guaranteed and the overall festive decor was found lacking by some.
You’re welcomed into a hallway that opens into the hub of the cottage with kitchen/breakfast room wrapping round to the cosy living room. The bright bathroom is also on the ground floor and stairs rise to the master bedroom with en suite cloakroom on the first floor. A wonderful ship’s staircase takes adventurous guests up to the twin room with a skylight view of the River Alde.
Guests have free parking in the car park 20/30 yards opposite (which used to be the harbour, hence the name The Moorings).
Ground Floor
The front door opens into a hallway with hooks for coats and room for footwear. There are doors to the bathroom and kitchen/dining room opening into the living room where a door conceals the stairs. There is hard flooring throughout the ground floor, with a large rug in the living room.
Kitchen/Dining Room
Combining old and new, this kitchen/dining room has a traditional brick and stone floor, feature brick wall, electric oven/grill at waist height, ceramic hob, dishwasher, and fridge with freezer compartment. Under the window is a sturdy table with four chairs so you can dine at home.
Living Room
A couple of steps take you down to the charming living room, giving a sociable living space which oozes character with low beams, especially the central beam which is an old ship's mast and cosy brick fireplace housing a functional wood burner. A couple of two seater sofas plus armchair give ample seating with occasional tables, good sized flat-screen TV with Freeview for your entertainment; high speed Wifi (particularly helpful due to the poor phone reception in Orford) and books and board games. One door opens onto the stairs and another takes you back into the kitchen.
Bathroom
The bathroom is on the ground floor accessed via the hallway, the bath has a hand shower over and there is a WC and wash-basin.
First Floor
Steep wooden stairs with wooden handrail take you to the first floor landing where a door opens to the master suite and ladder style stairs rise to the top bedroom. There are wooden floors throughout with rugs.
Master Bedroom
Sitting at the front of the house with a wrought iron king size bed under a canopy with chest of drawers and half height cupboard for your clothes and a chair.
En Suite Cloakroom
Conveniently next to the bedroom with a WC and wash basin.(Bath and shower are downstairs on the ground floor.)
Top Twin
Kids are sure to love exploring this bedroom with its ship’s staircase (handrails on either side and a stair-gate, on request, at the top for safety), climbing to the bedroom under the eaves and skylight. There are pine twin beds with a bedside unit, hooks for clothes, and additional drawers.
Outside
Guests have use of a parking permit to park in the Town Marsh car park on Quay Street opposite the cottage. There’s a small gravelled area across a path with gate and wicker fence for privacy; simply furnished with a table and chairs where you can relax in the sun.
The attractive, unspoiled fishing village of Orford is situated on the bank of the River Alde and looked over by its magnificent 12th century castle built by Henry II. The village is home to a hotel and restaurant, two pubs, village store, bakers and wonderful fish restaurant and smokehouse. Orford is surrounded by farm land and forest in an area known as the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Centrally located, just 12 miles from Woodbridge to the south and Aldeburgh to the north, and just 5 miles from the famous Snape Maltings complex. The village of Orford is steeped in history. Henry II commissioned a castle to be built in the 12th century which is a must see when you visit the area. Owned and maintained by English Heritage you can enjoy this wonderful 'keep' and from the top there are breathtaking views for miles on a clear day.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite with basin and WC, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room
Electric heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven, ceramic hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher.
TV, Freeview, WiFi, selection of books and games.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot.
Off-road parking a short walk from property, in car park with provided permit.
Enclosed courtyard with furniture.
Two well behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.3 miles, pub 0.1 miles.
Note: Entrance to the private outdoor area is across a path which provides access to neighbouring cottages.
Note: Low beams, ceilings, door frames and steep steps, this property may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Note: Guests have free parking in the car park 20/30 yards opposite.
The neighbouring property is having scaffolding erected which will be over the access path to the front door (although will not impede access) and on the patio area, this will be in place Mid October to early December
Ann
The TV mounting is unsafe and ridiculous. Whilst talking of unsafe⦠the log burner desperately needs a clean and service. The upstairs toilet has a mirror that you canât use and a leaking tap. Otherwise we had a great week and the location is brilliant.
Alison
He would definitely stay there again.
Carol
A review in June 24 said the same and a later review in July said spotless but we would go with the June review. Offers of top up cleaning were made but we declined as I had cleaned in our view through necessity as soon as we arrived.
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