Rookery Lodge - Henley

Date of visit - 19/08 to 26/08/24

I don't normally review accommodations that we stay at, but thought I would make an exception on this occasion. We have just completed a stay at this wonderful property, near Langport in Somerset. This being our second visit, having enjoyed a short break in March, earlier this year.

At this point, I must add my usual caveat. I am looking at this property, primarily from the perspective of our party's needs and as such it may not be suitable for all - it should be pointed out that due to the steps into the entrance of the property and down from the decking to the garden, the lodge may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. There isn't wheelchair access into the lodge. There is a shower over the bath, with the required step over the side, to get in, which may be problematic for those with mobility issues too.

Rookery Lodge is a 3 bedroom wooden lodge, sat in its own enclosed, private garden. From the moment you arrive at the lodge you feel at one with nature, such is the remoteness. The owners house is close by, but you don't really notice, particularly when you sit on the decking and look out across the gardens, with its apple and pear trees in full fruit at the time of our visit.

Little One felt so at home here. He has taken to taking his clothes off at every opportunity, although he does keep his shorts on, which is a bonus, but shirts, socks and shoes are discarded at the first opportunity.

We felt more than comfortable to let him wander, in and out of the lodge, knowing he was safe and secure in the garden, with no hazards to encounter, save for the odd falling apple!

Again, while it is not an issue for us, one of the most striking things to notice here, is the lack of background noise, except for the cockerel who goes off at regular intervals throughout the day - letting everybody know he is there, like cockerel's do!

This would be a perfect location for someone who has a child who is noise sensitive as it really is so quiet, obviously taking into account the earlier mobility issues.

Anyone who has read any of my blog posts will know that our Little One loves water, he is drawn to it like a baby sea-turtle, hatching out in the shore line sands! I think you get the picture.

The other thing to note, the lodge has a superb hot tub. The cover is clipped for safety and it does take a bit of effort to lift the lid. However, it is something you might need to be aware of if water attraction is an issue. Fortunately for us, Little One seems to know that he will get his turn in the tub, so never made any attempt to go near it, save for his daily dip.

Obviously we are super aware of his water attraction, so kept a good eye on him at all times, the large deck space in front of the lodge acting as a perfect vantage point! 

I mentioned the apple trees earlier in this post. Little One was fascinated by the apples on the floor. He normally only encounters them in a fruit bowl, where he generally thinks they are a ball, rather than fruit and wants to pick them up and throw them. When we pay visits to family and friend's homes they normally have to hide the fruit bowl, visits to the supermarket are also fun, if they have loose fruit - one of the skills of being parent to a child with autism - having eyes in the back of your head, oh and being a good catch too!

Anyway, I had noticed that apples had been stacked under the trees in the adjoining orchard, awaiting clearing and collection. I decided to be tidy minded and did likewise with the apples that had fallen around the trees in the garden. Little One had obviously noticed me doing this, and clearly thought this was great fun, as he then spent best part of an afternoon picking up, and gently "throwing" the apples at the tree!

With the owners permission we brought our hammock with us, which Little One loves - my wife likes the hammock too, but fell in love with the egg chair while we were staying, she said it was so relaxing - so much so I had to order one for home! 

The online listing for Rookery Lodge gives more details regards the accommodation, which is of good quality. Of an extra note of importance to us was the fact the kitchen wasn't integral to the living space, as in other lodges we have stayed in, this made it easier for us to cook without fear of Little One being around the hot stove and hob.

As a final final thought, I would like to add what good hosts Carolyn and Wilf were. Nothing appears to be too much trouble. The accommodation was extremely clean and nothing was scrimped on. You are definitely made to feel at home from the moment you open the door! 

The lodge and gardens tick a lot of boxes for many children with autism, it was certainly perfect for us and our Little One!

 All things being equal, this is definitely on our checklist for a third visit next year...