Last Minute Cottages in Bamburgh

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Alison - Verified booking

  We were surprised to find that this cottage is part of 4 cottages that face into a communal courtyard rather than being ‘end of terrace’.

  The cottage was disappointing from the start, the approach through the courtyard had not seen a broom in a long time and once inside there were long black dog hairs floating on the kitchen and living room floors and a musty dank smell in the living room which filled the whole of the downstairs. The cause of this smell was a filthy mop and old water left in a bucket tucked in the cupboard under the stairs. Our holiday was abandoned early Tuesday morning as we felt we could not continue to stay in the cottage. We had problems the first evening (Saturday) with the bathroom light flickering and this was reported to the manager straightaway, the flickering caused a strobe effect and so we had to use a torch whenever we needed to use the bathroom. The following day a blocked drain at the front of the property was again reported to the manager. The blocked drain poured water into the communal courtyard and across the front door. The owner contacted us on Monday to say an electrician would be in to sort the light (that day) and the gardener would ‘take a look’ at the drain when he was in some time that week. Sadly, the electrician did not turn up and so the light was not fixed, when the owner was notified that this had not happened and sent a video of how bad the flickering was by WhatsApp, he replied that these issues (drain and light) would not normally be considered urgent and was keen to point out that he had responded to our concerns and was dismissive in his tone. Yes, he had responded to the messages but had not sorted the problems out. The cottage was dirty with old dusty cobwebs hanging off the kitchen light, dirt accumulating around the skirting boards and across the sockets and storage heaters. There were dead flies and cobwebs at the kitchen window. There is a large gap between the kitchen floor tiles and cupboard kick boards which is full of dirt which is difficult to clean. There are 4 cracked floor tiles in the kitchen. The washing machine displays a PAT testing label stating it is due a test in 2013. There is a fire risk assessment in the information folder that is for a completely different property. The extractor fan and light is not working, and there is damage to the worktop. The owner had been notified of these problems back in April 2024 via on online Sykes review and he had replied that this would all be sorted forthwith, however all the issues raised back then remain untouched The bath panel is damaged and could easily cause significant harm if we had accidentally walked into it. There are also broken tiles to the bathroom walls. The shelf in the bathroom is so wobbly you cannot stand anything on it. The light shade to the landing light is so full of cobwebs and dust it looks horrible. When I go away on holiday, I do not expect to have to clean the minute I walk into a cottage, and I certainly do not find it acceptable to have to use a torch when using a bathroom or for my husband to shave by torchlight. After leaving early Tuesday morning and returning home the owner was notified and photographs of all the above was sent to him so that he could tackle the issues raised. He has chosen not to respond or even acknowledge receipt of photos. We have had no other option but to escalate this to Sykes.

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• Ian - Verified booking

  Great location with a secure garden, safe for dogs questionable.

  We arrived to find the freezer was solid with ICE and the door wouldn’t close not allowing the opportunity to place anything. Cleaner arrived to collect the dirty washing bags, we informed her who informed us that she had reported on a couple of occasions and kindly left with the washing bags. On the surface the property was clean and then when we moved the two single beds into a double the vacuum had to come out. Day 2 we left and upon our return we couldn’t gain entry due to the key barrel lock not working. We contacted the two owners on several occasions with no response. Due to having a six-year-old child we then contacted Sykes cottages who tried to contact the owners on several occasions, again no response. Two very kind neighbours who could see I had two ladies and a child who was in distress provided a contact number for a locksmith. I once again contacted Sykes cottages to inform them that I could have a locksmith within the hour which granted was the bank holiday Sunday to be informed that they do not manage the maintenance side and had no authority to confirm either way and asked if I could wait. It became evident that we had left an opener open in the first floor bedroom window. A neighbour kindly provided a ladder and I 68 years of age had to climb through the top opener of a bedroom window to gain access. After we had finally gained entry the owner text me to see if I had gained access and informed he had called on the house phone and left a message. We then had to wait 48 hours to allow I believe the locksmith who initially fitted the lock which was under guarantee to fix the door and to repair one of the two rear doors. A property with three external doors and only one working provides confirmation of maintenance that is carried out. Locksmith arrived and repaired the main door and managed to adjust the second door that along with the second rear door needed adjustments. Having previously read other peoples comments and responses provided by the owners, we did take photographs and yes we did report accordingly to the owners. The freezer remained as we found it apart from having to scrape ice of on a couple of occasions to allow the door to close. Lessons learned. I will definitely ask before hiring any future cottages who is in charge of the maintenance and to make sure my daughter isn’t taking a photograph of her dad climbing through a window. By the way went viral. Sykes cottages- need to look closely what they are managing and especially how they are maintained. Owners- need to maintain the property by planning rather than being reactive, have a system in place to check that the property is clean and make sure the facilities and amenities are in good working order and respond accordingly. I believe this is the very first time I have made any formal complaint. And I trust people reading my feedback is here to help support all concerned as like all of us we want to have a comfortable stay with all amenities that is stated.

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• Tina - Verified booking

  On arrival we found that our allocated parking space was taken, by whoever was staying at Avacet cottage had 2 vehicles, so 1 was parked in our space.

  When entering the cottage, we went into kitchen and noticed the glass oven door had not been cleaned. In the kitchen, there was a lack of kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plus oven trays. But especially missed a set of sharp kitchen knives. The overall standard of living was ok. When entering the garden and letting the dogs out in the garden, after a long journey, we were greeted by an overgrown and unmaintained. There were many overgrown bushes, which prevented you from fully enjoying the different aspects of the garden. The tree which is the very large vocal point in the garden, was that untamed, that the many overgrowing branches were obstructing the double bedroom window, nearly coming into the bedroom, when the window needed to be opened. Overall, the tree needs a tree surgeon to come and do a servere cropping of this out of hand tree, before any major structural damage happens. Unfortunately we feel we will not be returning to this property or it s. neighbour Avacet cottage. Has we have had negative experiences this year in both cottages, which we know is owned by the same couple. What is disappointing is that we addressed many issues with the garden when we stopped at Avecet cottage in June, communicating with the owners about the unkept and general maintenance of the garden. When we arrived at Dunlin cottage, we were hugely shocked to find his other cottage garden was in a similar state and nothing had been addressed by the owners, from June until August. We were very disappointed these issues had not been addressed with both cottages. Had our complaint been listened to, our overall, holiday experience would have been a more enjoyable experience. We will definitely not be returning to both cottages. Tina and Julie

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• Karen - Verified booking

  Nice cottage, spent a comfortable week here.

  Large enclosed garden with a gate to the barn at the back, dog friendly, super comfortable beds - we slept very well all week. Well equipped kitchen. Not much walking can be done from the door because even though it's in a quiet spot you turn onto a busy road with no paths, but luckily it's a 5 min drive to lovely Bamburgh and the amazing beach there. Many other highlights nearby including Ross Sands, Seahouses Harbour and Dunstansburgh Castle. Housekeeper contacted us on the first night which I thought a nice touch. No major issues although I do think the cottage could do with a little updating in a few places; trims on french doors missing, garden seems quite tired and not as appealing as the pictures, hob extractor only works on 1 switch and no light, Henry hoover with no pipe attachment and dustpan and brush wonky so we couldnt hoover/sweep up dog hairs during our stay which we normally would do for our own comfort. Also I used the washing machine once and it got so hot I couldnt touch it so that may well need replacing! Just small things, which didnt ruin our holiday at all, but need to be taken into consideration for future bookings.

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• Sally - Verified booking

  Beautiful comfortable cottage.

  Much larger than expected with fully enclosed garden which had a patio area with table and chairs to enjoy the large gardens.. great adventure for dogs! The garden gate leads to the river and onto the coastal walk. Fully equipped kitchen with washer and dishwasher essential pack of dishcloth washing up liquid and sponge provided as well as welcome pack of biscuits tea/coffee and milk. Patio doors from bright kitchen to garden also door direct from living room to garden. Sash window boxes give lots of light and wonderful views all through the cottage. Downstairs bathroom with electric shower over the bath and the only toilet. Spacious large double bedrooms very comfortable we all had great night’s sleep. During our stay we encountered cold weather and lit the well stocked log burner. The cottage has storage heaters in all rooms which were welcome. 7 minutes by car to Bamburgh to wonderful beach. Highly recommend Dunlin Cottage well thought out for dog owners (bowls provided!)

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