What’s Squirrel like?
This beautiful converted barn, which sleeps two, is one of two self-catering properties available at Hare Lodge in Peasenhall. It is attached to the main New England-style house, where owners Gary and Tracy live, and set in two acres of mature gardens. B&B accommodation is also available at Hare Lodge.
How dog-friendly is Squirrel?
Very good. Ernie and Stan had a little jar of treats waiting for them when we arrived and they loved exploring the enclosed patio garden, which felt very private. Dogs are welcome to explore the wider garden at Hare Lodge – which is secure when the main gate is closed – but we didn’t trust the boys to go off-lead! A separate dog poo bin is also provided just outside the property, which is handy. Up to two medium-size dogs are welcome to stay for an additional charge of £7.50 per night per dog.
Tell me more about Squirrel
This cosy one-bedroom property has a lovely feel to it, with floor-to-ceiling windows at the front allowing natural light to flood in. Despite this, it feels very private as you enter through your own little courtyard and are not overlooked. Patio doors open in to the open plan living and dining area, which has stone tiles and luxurious underfloor heating throughout. The compact kitchen is to the right of the room (keep reading to find out more) and on the left, you’ll find the lounge area, which is centred around an enormous electric fire.
There’s a comfy floral sofa in front of a flatscreen TV, a fluffy rug to dig your toes into and lamps providing soft lighting. Little nods to the namesake Squirrel can be found in everything from the framed prints to the cushions and there is also a wooden crate packed with information about local attractions. The shower room is on the ground floor too and boasts one of the most powerful showers I have encountered for a long time.
Upstairs you’ll find the spacious bedroom which, with its cream carpets and large chandelier, has a real opulent feel to it. The king-size bed with feature padded headboard is the main focus, but there is lots of storage too – and the luxurious bedding is a real treat to sleep in. Everything at Squirrel smells amazing and is spotlessly clean. The property is accessed via Hare Lodge’s main entrance gate and there is allocated parking for one car right outside. It’s also worth noting that we stayed over New Year and didn’t hear a single firework. Hurrah!
What’s the food like at Squirrel?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own but a few essentials like tea, coffee, milk and sugar are provided. The kitchen, which forms part of the open plan living area, is quite compact but it has everything you could possibly need to cook up a feast – and clean up after – including an oven, induction hob, microwave and dishwasher. Basics like washing up liquid and tea towels are also provided.
If you don’t fancy cooking though, there are plenty of dog-friendly options nearby. Weavers Tea Room, which is within walking distance of Squirrel, is a great spot for coffee and cake, as is The Black Dog Deli in nearby Yoxford. You can also walk to gastropub The Sibton White Horse Inn – but if it’s a pizza or burger you’re craving, be sure to head to The King’s Head in Yoxford.
Are there resident dogs at Squirrel?
Yes. Two Tibetan terriers, Billy and Cathy, live in the main house but we sadly didn’t meet them during our stay.
Where are the best dog walks near Squirrel?
Footpaths leading from right outside the front gate will allow you to explore the beautiful Suffolk countryside safely. As dog owners themselves, Gary and Tracy know just where to go and are happy to provide guests with information about local walks. It’s an easy 10 minute stroll into the heart of Peasenhall, where a stream meanders through the pretty village and you can also walk out to the ruins of Sibton Abbey.
The Suffolk Coast is well worth exploring though and Sizewell Beach, pictured above, is around a 20-minute drive from Squirrel. It is predominantly sandy, especially at low tide, and a big hit with dog walkers. You can’t miss the old nuclear reactor looming over the beach – a new one is being built nearby. The coastal walk from Sizewell to Thorpeness is a popular one and takes around 45 minutes each way. Grab a cuppa or bite to eat from Sizewell Tea before you set off.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Squirrel
Having some secure outdoor space, the complimentary treats, laying in front of the fire
What I loved about Squirrel
The quiet location, the cosy feel, the great facilities
How to book Squirrel
Three-night breaks start from £375. For more information or to book, visit the Hare Lodge Holidays website.
It would be really nice to find out about dog friendly accommodation with reasonable charges.
£7.50 per dog per night seems exorbitant to me.
I appreciate there may be a little extra cleaning if, unlike me, you don’t have non-shedding dogs.
However, £7.50 per dog per night indicates to me ‘dogs not welcome’.
Hi Jackie, thank you for your comment. I actually think £7.50 per dog per night is pretty reasonable, considering some hotels charge upwards of £25! I always mention dog charges in my reviews as I do think they are important… many places do allow pets to stay for free or ask for a small donation to a dog shelter or charity, and while it would be brilliant if that was the case everywhere, I understand why charges apply. I would hope that for longer stays of, say, a week or more, the nightly charges would be negotiable!