Ingrid and Kevin, Hertfordshire - October 2023
‘We found Gamekeepers Lodge at Lockley Farm on the Best Residential social media site and the rental process was very professional and well handled by Kelly and Stuart.
We lived at Lockley Farm for 14 months and from day one our amazing landlords were so hospitable and welcoming. Any queries were dealt with immediately. We had a very memorable time here and the Lodge itself was exceptionally homely.
The Lodge consisted of 3 great size bedrooms, bathroom and two shower rooms. The lounge was spacious with a beautiful fireplace and log-burner for the winter months. The kitchen and utility room was very well equipped. The dining area had a lovely feature fireplace. The views from every window were outstanding with far reaching countryside views. The wrap around garden and large patio areas with built in BBQ were perfect for us and many hours were spent outdoors.
We will always remember our time at Gamekeepers Lodge with great memories.’
Sue and Ray, Hertfordshire - July 2022
‘We thoroughly enjoyed our just under 3 years stay at Gamekeepers Lodge, Lockley Farm. Everyone was so friendly and lovely to live alongside. All four seasons help to make it a wonderful place to live and we would both highly recommend living there to anyone.’
Tina and Family, Welwyn - January 2022
My family and I (2 adults and 2 children) recently stayed at Lockley Farm in the Shire Barn for 17 weeks whilst our home was being refurbished (September 2021 to January 2022). I would wholeheartedly say that our experience was exceptional! Liz and Marinus are wonderful hosts and made us feel welcome and very well looked after.
The Shire Barn was a perfect home from home – warm, cosy, well equipped with everything we needed and spotlessly clean. A couple of minor issues were dealt with quickly and efficiently, without fuss. I was never made to feel like I was a nuisance and they clearly want all their guests to be happy.
Anyone who has attempted a house renovation will know it’s a stressful time, and Liz was extremely supportive and flexible when things overran. It was one less thing to worry about and thoroughly appreciated.
The setting of Lockley Farm is absolutely gorgeous – peaceful and idyllic. It was wonderful seeing the cattle, horses, pheasants and rabbits on a daily basis. It was also lovely to be able to buy fresh eggs from the farm hens and my children enjoyed being able to feed them our vegetable scraps.
Liz took the children and I on a tour of the farm which my boys absolutely loved (especially the tractors!) and we learnt so much about a working farm. She didn’t have to do this, and given how busy farm life is, I very much appreciated the personal touch.
Thank you, Liz, and Marinus for a wonderful stay.
Dr. P. Dixon, Lancashire - April 2020
‘I enjoyed three very pleasant stays at the Gatehouse: January, 2004 to February, 2007; June 2010 to December 2015 and most recently; November 2016 to March 2020. The Gatehouse is a charming cottage with bags of character and handy transport links to A1, Luton Airport and railway to London and Cambridge. After a busy day in London, it was always a pleasure to walk, through woods and fields, from Welwyn North station back to the barn. There are many good local walks to enjoy on a Summer evening or at weekends. The Gatehouse was very comfortable and well equipped with everything I needed. Liz and Marinus were always quick and efficient in fixing the few minor problems I experienced. I count myself extremely lucky to have found this relaxing and peaceful place. ‘
J. Grimwade, Hertfordshire - April 2020
‘Shire Barn is a charming cottage in a peaceful rural setting. The original character of the barn has been thoughtfully retained to make a very pleasant, comfortable, clean, well-equipped home. I felt welcomed by Liz, who was a consistently friendly and attentive hostess whenever I needed anything.
As I was walking over the fields today I looked tenderly up the hill at your farm where I’d spent happy weeks in Shire Barn. I remembered the rabbits scuttling from my headlights as I made my way up the long drive, and the brightness of the moon and stars over the fields and woods around me. I recalled the walks that I’d recently enjoyed on the footpaths which stretched in several directions over your land. And then the return to the warmth of the cottage. I think fondly of climbing the steps to draw the bedroom curtains and be greeted by the horses in the field.
Liz, thank you so much for everything.’
Kelly and Debbie, Menorca and Wales - January 2020
‘We stayed at Lockley farm during the winter of 2018 and again in 2019.
Our accommodation was Shire Barn. It was very clean cosy and comfortable. The barn is spacious and well equipped, and has a good WiFi connection. Outside space to sit when the weather allows and plenty of parking. Tranquil, peaceful setting with nice walks right from the front door. Good general location for major road routes, train links and Luton airport. Friendly, helpful hosts who have a good knowledge of the surrounding area.’
Jo Hussey - June 2017
‘We stayed in Shire Barn whilst our home was being renovated. Liz is an exceptional host. The Barn was spotlessly clean and very well equipped. Would definitely recommend.’
Clare Nepal, Creative Director at Yumi - June 2017 Photoshoot
Creative Director at Yumi’
The Kaur family, Welwyn Garden City - May 2017
‘We stayed here between March to May 2017 during a house renovation. The hospitality was above and beyond, Liz and Marinas were absolutely brilliant and made us feel so welcome it was like going from home to home. Would definitely recommend this place, a great spot too and views!’
S. McIntosh and Family, Knebworth - December 2016
‘We stayed at Lockley Farm for 3 months whilst renovating our house and were very pleased we did. The house itself was lovey and cosy, spotlessly clean and the layout gave us ample room with our 3 kids.
Liz was on hand whenever needed and always pleasant and proactive. As always expected on a longer stay little things go wrong every now and again but minor issues were dealt with very promptly and without fuss. Liz was always understanding and put us at ease.
The farm itself is so convenient for transport links. I continued to travel to London daily for my work whilst enjoying the sanctuary of the farm!
Would thoroughly recommend Lockley farm.’
Lynne and Mark Hillhouse - October 2016
‘We stayed in Gamekeepers Lodge from May to October 2016, while between addresses. It was superb. The accommodation was excellent and any issues eg iron not working, it was replaced immediately. Beautiful views and great fun watching the different animals from the farm cattle and horses from the pheasant to the rabbits, hares, the one antlered stag, local deer and the different birds and especially the hawks. after work coming off the road onto the drive was a very peaceful transition and by the time we drove to the Lodge, all the cares of the working day had left us.
Liz was very helpful regarding any enquires about the accommodation or local area -mainly how to walk to places – to be honest usually pubs and the walks to the pubs were not too far and very interesting, with a nice drink or meal at the end of it. Although we had lived in the area for 25 years we did not even know the farm existed until we made enquires about staying. We would recommend the farm without hesitation for a long term stay like ours or even a short stay. All our friends who visited us loved it as well and should we return to the Welwyn area, for a visit, we would certainly try to book the farm again – if it is available of course. Lynne and Mark Hillhouse’
The Simpson Family, Welwyn Garden City - June 2016
‘My husband and I and 8 year old daughter, spent a lovely 3 weeks in the gatehouse April – June 2016. The cottage had a lovely historical character, good facilities and was scrupulously clean. It’s surroundings were really peaceful and quiet and we particularly enjoyed being so close to nature. Sightings apart from the ubiquitous pheasants included muntjac deer, fox, sparrowhawk and pairs of red-legged partridges and hares. Gorgeous sunset views and walks. Loved the free range eggs!
Booking and paying arrangements were made easy. Good value for money.
Liz, and her family could not have been more helpful especially when things went pear shaped as we tried to move into our new house. I particularly enjoyed the farm tour and my daughter loved riding in ‘driving’ the tractor etc!
Would highly recommend.’
Annie and Family, Harpenden, Hertfordshire - December 2015
‘Autumn at Mill Farm Barn, what a treat. A charming location, but close to all the local amenities too. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the amazing wildlife- the pheasants racing alongside the car in the morning, the cows being on the drive, hare and hawk spotting too. We found the barn spacious, beautifully warm with ample space for the children and a good wifi connection. The games room next door was great fun for the family to enjoy after a late afternoon walk through the local woodland and villages. Our hosts were attentive and nothing was too much trouble, including extending our stay. Thank you Liz and Marinus.’
Kelly and Debbie, Menorca and Wales - December 2015
‘So here we are again in lovely Shire Barn. 8 years now. It’s almost like our 2nd home. Great peaceful location that keeps up sane during the Christmas period. Homely and comfortable, always spotlessly clean on arrival! Equipped with everything we need. Thanks to Liz and Marinus for looking after us again.’
Frank, Germany - October 2015
‘Wonderful stay, barn very clean and tidy- excellent facilities. Hosts great. Will highly recommend Lockley Farm, hope to return next year with my wife rather than work!’
Myka and Debbie, Kent - September 2015
‘We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Shire Barn. Beautifully presented, a peaceful, idyllic setting. There is so much for us to still to explore in Welwyn and the surrounding villages. Thank you Liz and Marinus for your warm welcome and hospitality.’
Lisa and Family, Hertfordshire - June 2015
‘We loved every minute we were here. Liz and her family made us feel so welcome. The Courtyard Barn was everything we hoped for. We will miss the cows, shetland ponies, horses, chickens and even the pheasants in the morning. We will miss the terrific walks and amazing views. Lockley Farm is tranquil, friendly and the girls loved every minute. Thank you Liz for making us feel at home. We are sad to leave but would recommend staying at Lockley Farm to anyone, we cannot praise it enough. It’s the best kept secret in Hertfordshire- I am so glad we found you.’
The Evans Family, Hertfordshire - February 2015
‘Highly recommended. Liz we found to be friendly and approachable. The twins loved the whole experience of staying here. We would highly recommend to family and friends. Home from home- 5*!’
The Wright Family, Canada - January 2015
‘Thank you Liz for such a wonderful stay, for us your farm has become our UK home. We hope we can stay again in our next UK visit as we simply adore it here. We would tell our friends but then again it is our secret sanctuary! Thank you, thank you!’
The Webster Family, Welwyn, Hertfordshire - April 2014
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality and letting us share your beautiful farm. We have all had a lovely time and enjoyed the lovely countryside and it’s wildlife. We would recommend your accommodation to anyone looking to stay in the area.’
