We booked the caravan because we like to stay in quirky places but found the experience somewhat disappointing and left early. The caravan is located in a tucked away corner of the property next to the road. It is quite dark and damp and the fencing around the van means that the windows are all party blocked. The outside area is a confined weedy patch and it’s proximity to water means that the sandflies are thick. Where we live is famous for its sandflies but I have not been so comprehensively bitten for a long time.
There is a parking space right next to the van, but we still had to park on the road as this is reserved for other guests. This means that there is very little privacy. The bathroom facilities have clearly been provided for these other guests and they are very close to their accommodation. Using the toilet and shower felt like an intrusion and we ended up showering at the local campsite.
Inside the van was really tired rather than being vintage. The beds were not at all comfortable and the bedding, whilst clean, was very worn. The pillows were so flat that they might have been non-existent and cushions and upholstery were all a bit grubby.
In short, we felt like an afterthought in an uncared for, dark corner of an amazing garden. Whilst we realise that the van is old, it could have been made much more comfortable and inviting. I can see how the camp kitchen is supposed to work, but again it was not an inviting space and there is a difference between charmingly retro and knackered.
Shanti was not especially happy with our reasons for leaving and told me to “suit yourself”, which is not what I would expect from a host. I don’t consider myself fussy or difficult and I spent my childhood holidaying in caravans. I also spent 4 months living in a tent and a month living on a Greek beach when I was younger. Recently I have lived in very simple accommodation in rural Nepal. It is rare that I struggle with accommodation, but this time I did.