2nd May 2026

Our latest review from last week

Thank you Emma Mason

Review from a Fisherman's Wife:

There are some places that feel less like a holiday destination and more like an exhale. Old Castle Lake in Cheronnac became exactly that for me.

When my husband first told me he’d booked another fishing trip for us, I’ll admit my heart sank a little. Over the years we’ve stayed in some truly horrific places in the pursuit of carp fishing, the kind that leave you counting down the days until you can go home. But Old Castle Lake completely took my breath away from the moment we arrived.

Tucked away amongst the trees and birdsong, it offered the kind of peace you don’t realise your nervous system has been craving until you finally slow down enough to hear it. Mornings with coffee by the lake, evenings watching the light shift through the woods, and days spent reconnecting with nature, quiet, and ourselves. It felt wonderfully untouched by the rush of modern life.

Despite a very mixed bag of weather, mostly made up of dramatic thunderstorms that seemed determined to test everyone’s patience, the fishing was incredible. My husband caught a total of six fish during the trip, with three landing in the 40lb range, including an absolutely stunning mirror carp weighing just over 49lb. So close to that magical 50lb mark it almost physically hurt! He also had another five slip the hook, which only added to the stories and excitement of the week.

The quality of the fish was second to none. They are clearly exceptionally well cared for, and the level of dedication behind the scenes really shows. Every fish is microchipped to help track their growth and condition over time, which says a great deal about the respect and care given to the stock here. The peg layouts have also been very thoughtfully designed, giving everyone their own sense of space and tranquillity. One peg in particular, dedicated to a family friend, was an especially poignant touch that stayed with us.

The accommodation itself was beautiful. The windows looked directly out into the trees, making it feel as though you were living amongst the branches themselves. Waking slowly to birdsong every morning, with nature all around you, felt genuinely restorative. The lodge had everything we needed and truly felt like a home away from home, with plenty of room for the two of us to properly settle in and relax.

The veranda was another perfect touch, complete with seating, a table for outdoor meals or a quiet glass of wine, and a hot tub that became my favourite place to unwind after long days. Sitting there as the sun dipped behind the trees, steam curling into the evening air while thunderstorms rumbled in the distance, felt a little bit magical.

After 11 years of fishing holidays, this is the very first venue where I’ve immediately said I would return without hesitation, which honestly says everything.

Mark and Alex made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived, not like customers passing through, but like old friends returning. That warmth changes a place entirely.

And then there were the four-legged residents, who added even more charm to an already special stay. Plenty of cuddles from the cats, and their gorgeous pup Crystal regularly trotting over to curl up at my feet for an afternoon nap and affection. As a huge animal lover, I absolutely adored them all and their beautifully quirky little personalities. It’s impossible not to fall a little bit in love with the place.

The area around Peyrassoulat is stunning too, full of woodland walks (where you will stumble across Yew trees that are over 500 years old!), native wildlife, quiet villages, and that rare kind of stillness that settles deep into your bones.

We came home rested, rebalanced, and already talking about when we can return. In fact, we were so impressed that we’ve already booked to come back for a fortnight later in the year.

If you’re looking for somewhere that feeds the soul as much as the fishing, Old Castle Lake is something truly special. It certainly gets 5 stars from me!

Thank you Mark & Alex, for everything. We can't wait to see you in a few months! — with Mick Mason.