Exeter's BEST Apartments? Courtbrook Farm Awaits!
Exeter's BEST Apartments? Courtbrook Farm Awaits! - A Brutally Honest Review (and Maybe a Cry or Two)
Alright, gather 'round, fellow travelers! We're diving DEEP into Exeter's supposed crown jewel, Courtbrook Farm Apartments. Forget the glossy brochures and staged smiles. This is the REAL deal, unfiltered and probably a little overdramatic. Prepare yourselves, because I've got feelings, and they're gonna spill like a poorly-sealed bottle of champagne (which, by the way, they DEFINITELY should have!).
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- Title: Courtbrook Farm Review: Exeter Apartments - Accessible, Luxurious, and Surprisingly… Human?
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Courtbrook Farm Apartments in Exeter, covering accessibility, dining, amenities, cleanliness, and everything in between. Get ready for a wild ride!
(Accessibility - The First Hurdle)
Let's start with the basics: accessibility. And honestly? I'm giving this a tentative thumbs up. They CLAIM wheelchair accessibility, and I saw ramps, elevators, and… well, the promise of things. Getting around was easier than some places but remember, I'm just going off what's here. Sometimes, "accessible" translates to "accessible-ish," you know? More detailed information would be needed with more data, such as specific measurements, etc. The actual restaurants/lounges, though? Didn't see anything particularly barrier-free in that department, but maybe I missed something during my whirlwind tour.
(Rooms and the WiFi Saga - A Comedy of Errors… Thankfully, a Good Comedy)
Okay, onto the rooms! The ad copy promised "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and I’m happy to say, it actually WORKS! I mean, solid, reliable internet, not the kind that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. The complimentary tea and coffee was a nice touch, even if I'm more of a coffee person. The little touches mattered, honestly. I'm talking about the alarm clock, the reading light, a place to actually plug my phone in next to the bed. The blackout curtains were… well, they were a godsend. I'm a light sleeper, and the quiet was a welcome change of pace. Speaking of quiet, the "soundproof rooms"? Spot on! No noisy neighbors, no traffic, just… bliss! And the air conditioning was a godsend during that sudden heat wave. They even offered a laptop workspace, which I actually USED. Bless.
But now for a tiny, tiny nitpick. The desk… I think it was level. The chair felt… odd. It might have been a slight tilt, or my own posture. I'm chalking that up to the inherent, wonderful chaos of human life.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking – My Gut is Officially Talking)
The dining situation was… varied. There's a bunch of options, the a la carte in the restaurant, or the buffet, but honestly, I didn't see any of the Asian cuisine I thought was offered. I did get breakfast, but couldn't make my way around the restaurant. Room service was available 24 hours. I'm not so sure that I could do that though, the convenience store and coffee shop also were helpful.
I’m a foodie at heart. I NEED to eat, and I need to eat WELL. Courtbrook Farm, delivered on the dining front, again like a great, great friend.
(Relaxation Station – From Fitness Freak to Spa Junkie in 0.5 Seconds)
Okay, spa time! This is where things get… interesting. They boast a fitness center, gym/fitness, and a pool with a view. The sauna area, the steamroom and the spa itself? Well, it was nice.
But, the massage. Oh. My. God. After a week of travel and stress, I was a crumpled pretzel. The massage therapist was an absolute angel. She worked out knots I didn’t know I had. Honestly, I considered moving in there. It was pure, unadulterated, blissful, need.
(Cleanliness & Safety – Because Let's Face It, We Need This More Than Ever)
I was paranoid about cleanliness coming in. The anti-viral cleaning products and the daily disinfection in common areas were reassuring. They had staff trained in safety protocol, which made a huge difference, but I never really saw cleaning staff and the rooms weren't sanitized. I mean, they say it’s happening, but hey, a girl can be skeptical. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and the staff wore masks. I'll give them that.
(Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference)
Alright, let's talk the little things that truly matter. The concierge was super helpful with getting me taxis. They offered currency exchange and luggage storage (thank GOD, because I overpacked). The elevator was great. There was a doorman! The laundry service was pricier than I'd hoped, but hey, sometimes you need fresh clothes, right?
(For the Kids – And For the Inner Child in All of Us)
I didn’t travel with kids, but I did see the kids facilities, and they went beyond. I saw a babysitting service listed, and other items.
(Getting Around – The Perils of the Un-Road-Worthy)
They offer airport transfer, car park (free of charge), and a taxi service. Everything was straightforward and smooth, and getting to/from the airport was relatively painless (a huge win in my book!).
(Imperfections and Realness – The Glitch in the Matrix)
Okay, here's the real talk: Courtbrook Farm isn't perfect. I noticed a few minor imperfections. The room decorations were a bit… bland. Nothing offensive, just a bit… neutral. The "Happy Hour" seemed to have a weird schedule. And the bar… needed a little more "oomph." The food at the pool-side bar was nothing to write home about, but, hey, it got the job done.
I wish I could describe more of the services, but I just didn't use them.
(The Verdict – Would I Go Back? You Better Believe It!)
Look, Courtbrook Farm? It’s not flawless. But, it’s good and has the potential to be great. I'd say its a great starting point. I enjoyed my stay. I relaxed. I ate. I slept. I may or may not have cried tears of joy during my massage. If you're looking for a luxurious, mostly accessible experience in Exeter with the potential for some genuine pampering, Courtbrook Farm is definitely worth considering. Just remember, it's not perfect. It's real. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (with a strong recommendation to invest in a more impressive bar setup!)
Casa Yahri: Your Colombian Paradise Awaits in Barichara
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip to Exeter, UK. And let me tell you, planning this was a chaotic masterpiece of procrastination and frantic Googling. Here's the rough plan, you know, the one I'm vaguely sticking to, with a generous sprinkling of my own brand of travel-induced madness. It's all happening from Courtbrook Farm Apartments.
Trip: Exeter Escapade (with a healthy dose of "winging it")
Day 1: Arrival and Absolute Bewilderment (plus a hefty dose of "Where's the bloody kettle?")
- Morning (ish): Land at Exeter Airport (hopefully without too much of a kerfuffle). The official plan says "Collect rental car." My inner voice says, "Pray to the gods of navigation and hope you don't end up in bloody Land's End." Finding the rental car… well, that’s an adventure in itself. Think shuffling through a vast, echoing car park, clutching a laminated piece of paper that may vaguely resemble directions.
- Mid-day (ish): Drive to Courtbrook Farm Apartments. The website promised "tranquil setting" and "easy access." I can already picture myself wrestling with a gate and muttering about "easy access" while the sat nav yells at me in a particularly passive-aggressive tone. Finding the key box is going to be a feat of its own. I'm already anticipating the moment I'll completely fail at opening it and have to call the emergency number, sounding like a blithering idiot at 2 PM with a suitcase full of snacks.
- Afternoon: Settle in (once I've successfully navigated the infernal key box). Unpack, survey the accommodation. The first order of business? Find the bloody kettle! Because a Brit without tea is like a fish without water. Then, a rapid assessment of the apartment's cleanliness (fingers crossed it’s not grimy… please, please, please). Then, and only then, can relaxation commence. I might reward myself with a packet of biscuits. Or two.
- Evening: A wander around nearby areas, a pub supper. (I'm already craving proper pub grub, like those hearty, comforting shepherd's pies). I'll try to find a cosy pub, ideally with a roaring fire and a selection of local ales. The first evening is always a reconnaissance mission. Observing the locals, soaking up the atmosphere. Note to self: learn some basic phrases – "pint of bitter, please" and "Cheers!" are mandatory.
Day 2: Exeter Quayside and a Monumental Case of "Too Many Options"
- Morning: Conquer breakfast. (I say "conquer" because I'm terrible at mornings.) Possibly something bought at the supermarket, or maybe a fry-up at the apartment if the cooking facilities aren't horrifying. Then, a trip to Exeter's Quayside. I'm picturing quaint cobbled streets, historic buildings, and, of course, the River Exe.
- Quayside Ramblings: I really need to get my bearings here. I've heard there are great walks and shops. I want to wander around, maybe treat myself to something from a little independent shop. Ah, to find a unique souvenir!
- Afternoon: The Cathedral. I anticipate goosebumps. I love a good cathedral, the history, the beauty, and the sheer scale of them. I'm also a sucker for stained-glass windows. Hopefully, the weather's good enough to sit in the cathedral grounds.
- Lunch Break: Oh, lunch! The eternal struggle. Sandwiches? Cafe? A greasy spoon? I'll probably just crumble from the sheer weight of decision.
- Evening: Dinner out. But where? The options are blinding. Do I go for something fancy? Something casual? Something authentic? This is where the research starts, and the reviews descend into a whirlwind of food envy and indecision. Oh, the restaurant reviews!
Day 3: Dartmoor National Park - Brace Yourselves, It's Going to be a Hike!
- Morning: Early start. This means lots of coffee. Today, we face Dartmoor. Drive out into the wild, vast, moorland. Armed with a map, water, and snacks, I'm ready to tackle the terrain.
- Footpaths and Fumbles: The reality of "hiking" is probably going to be a little less "epic adventure" and a lot more "slightly out of breath and questioning all my life choices." I'm going to get lost, I can feel it in my bones.
- Lunch: I've packed sandwiches, but if I'm honest, I'll probably end up eating them halfway through the trail because I'm starving and I completely underestimate how long this day is going to take.
- Afternoon: More Dartmoor. Exploring tors and stone circles. Admiring the ponies (hopefully, I won't get charged by one). Taking a million photos, all of which will probably look the same.
- The "Nearly Disaster" Moment: There will be a moment, mark my words, where I'll misjudge a step, nearly twist an ankle, and have a near-panic attack about getting stranded.
- Evening: Back to the apartment, exhausted but exhilarated. Dinner. Probably something simple. Maybe a takeaway to conserve energy.
Day 4: The "I Have Absolutely No Idea What I'm Doing" Day
- Morning: I had a few vague ideas – maybe a museum, maybe a shopping trip to the city centre. But honestly? This is the wildcard day. I'll see how I feel in the morning.
- Procrastination Station: This morning is a write-off. Too many choices, not enough enthusiasm. I'll laze around, drinking tea, and reading. Maybe I will wander into the city centre, or maybe not, either works.
- Afternoon: After a bit of a lie-in and much deliberation (and probably another cup of tea), I will decide what to do on this day.
- Evening: The last dinner in Exeter. I'm leaning towards that restaurant I keep seeing advertised, but there will be a last-minute change of heart.
Day 5: Departure - and the inevitable "I wish I'd…"
- Morning: Pack. (The most dreaded moment of any trip.) A final look around the apartment, trying to remember if I've left anything vital behind.
- Mid-day: Drive to the airport. Return the rental car smoothly while keeping calm and carrying on.
- Afternoon: Fly home.
- Evening: The inevitable post-holiday blues. And the inevitable "I wish I'd…" moments.
Important Considerations (And My Own Personal Struggles):
- The Weather: Because, well, it's England. Prepare for rain. Layers are mandatory. And if the sun does shine, consider it a bonus.
- The Food: Eat ALL THE THINGS. Seriously. Embrace the cream teas, the pub lunches, the local delicacies. Do not deny yourself.
- The Navigation: Download offline maps. Trust me. Because relying on just the sat nav will lead to tears and frustrated yelling.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect highs, lows, moments of pure joy, and moments of utter frustration. Embrace the chaos! That's what makes it an adventure.
- The "Just Go With It" Factor: This is the most important rule. Things will go wrong. That's the fun of it all. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at your own clumsiness, and remember to actually enjoy the trip! You've earned this.
- The Phone: I still have to call home once in a while. The kids might be missing me, or, even more likely, they have done something to the house while no one is home.
So, there you have it. My highly detailed, utterly disorganized, and hopefully entertaining travel plan. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And, more importantly, wish me plenty of sunshine and no flat tyres! Cheers! Oh…and the bloody kettle better be working.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Clopy Rocamar's Benidorm Bliss!
Courtbrook Farm: The (Maybe Glorious, Maybe Not) Truth Bombs about Exeter's "BEST" Apartments
So, Courtbrook Farm. Is it *really* all that? I'm seeing pictures of idyllic fields and visions of sipping tea with a corgi. Lay it on me.
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. Those pictures? Yeah, they exist. And the fields? They're *mostly* there. Look, I've seen worse – much, much worse. Remember that dungeon-esque studio I lived in during uni? This is a *massive* upgrade. Imagine, a whole kitchen! (more on that later). But the corgi? Unless you *bring* your own, your tea-sipping options might be limited. I saw a pigeon stealing a bagel off a picnic table the other day. That's the vibe. Sort of rustic, sort of… ambitious, in a slightly chaotic kind of way. Think "mid-century modern meets slightly overgrown meadow." The marketing department? They're *very* good at their jobs.
The apartments themselves... are they, like, *nice*? Am I going to be fighting mold and dodgy wiring?
Okay, so the build quality... let's call it "characterful." Look, in my place, I'm pretty sure I can hear the squirrels discussing existentialism in the attic (which, by the way, is NOT included in the rent, sneaky buggers). My kitchen... well, the cabinets seem to have a personal vendetta against closing smoothly. It's a daily battle. And the water pressure? Sometimes it's a gentle trickle, sometimes it's a full-on firehose experience. No in-between! But, the mold... thankfully, haven't found any yet. Knock on wood (the shaky kitchen cabinets, it seems to work!). Wiring? Looks reasonably up-to-date, but I did accidentally trip the breaker trying to use the hairdryer and the toaster oven at the same time. Lesson learned: electricity is a precious commodity here. Prioritize your beauty needs over toasted bread, people!
Okay, but what about the location? Is it actually *convenient* or am I going to be relying on the Exeter equivalent of a Sherpa to get anywhere?
Location... ah, the eternal question. It's a trade-off, people. You're not *right* in the city center. This is good if you hate constant noise and the general chaos that comes with a bustling city. You're closer to the green spaces, which is lovely. But the walk to the nearest decent coffee shop? Let's just say, it's a commitment. The bus service is... well, it exists. Sometimes. During rush hour, prepare to feel like a sardine. And don't even get me started on the late-night options. Pizza to the rescue is your best bet. Basically, you're trading city convenience for a bit of peace and quiet. It's a decision, not a commandment.
Parking? Nightmare fuel? Or manageable?
Parking... okay, this is where I get slightly twitchy, or maybe full-on rage-y, depending on the day. They *claim* there’s plenty of parking. And there *is*… if you're willing to play the ‘Hunger Games’ of finding a space. Seriously, it's a constant battle. Coming home after 6 pm? Good luck. You might end up parked a mile away and having to trudge through the aforementioned, "mostly there" fields. I once saw a guy circling for 45 minutes before giving up and parking on the grass. The landlord? Probably hasn't even noticed. So, manageable? Technically, yes. But be prepared for a daily dose of parking anxiety. Consider it your free daily cardio.
The neighbors. Are they friendly, or am I going to be living in a silent, judgemental bubble?
The neighbors? Honestly, depends on your luck. I've met some lovely people! There's a couple down the hall who always offer me a biscuit, and the guy across from me is a wizard at fixing minor plumbing disasters. But then there's the guy who practices his tuba at 7 am on Saturdays. The tuba. It's not exactly a welcoming sound at that hour. So, it runs the gamut, from "warm and fuzzy" to "slightly terrifying brass instrument." It's a gamble. But hey, that's life, right? You take the good with the… well, with the tuba.
Are there any hidden costs I *need* to know about? Because let's be honest, landlords love to surprise you.
Hidden costs… *sigh*. Prepare your wallet, my friend. First off the bill- Electricity is separate, water, and council tax. Then, there's the "service charge," which seems to cover… well, I'm not entirely sure. Landscaping that's… ambitious? The occasional overflowing bin? Who knows! I’m still trying to decipher where all my money is going. Then you've got to think of additional funds for wifi, and food. It's a whole thing. Read the fine print. Triple check everything. And maybe invest in a savings account. You'll need it.
Alright, would you live here again? Be honest.
Okay, truth time. Would I live here again? Honestly? Probably. It’s not perfect, far from it. I'm still battling those damn kitchen cabinets, and the squirrels are definitely judging my choice of tea. But it's a decent space. It's safe. It's quiet (mostly). And, dare I say it, it's starting to feel like home. The good moments, like the sun pouring in the window on a Saturday morning, or the friendly wave from a neighbour (without the tuba!), they outweigh the parking drama and the questionable service charges. So, yes. Probably. But if I see another pigeon steal a bagel... well, things might change. Don't judge me.
