Beach Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Wendy - Verified booking

  Captains Retreat in Christchurch was a perfect place for my 'work-play' trip to the UK from Canada.

  I stayed a total of four weeks but it didn't take more than a few hours to feel completely at home in both the cottage and the town. The cottage is so welcoming and tidy, with all the amenities I needed and is very 'user friendly'; everything is where you would expect and works the way you want. It was cosy and comfortable for my weeks there in January and February. I was having a solo trip but clearly having two bedrooms each with an ensuite would be great for a family. After long days hiking it was wonderful to soak in the tub and then have a great sleep in a very comfortable bed. And part of the advantage of staying in a cottage is to make use of having your own kitchen and in this case the kitchen is bright and large, making it an added pleasure to be having meals 'at home' regularly. If I ever had any questions, the owner, Keith, was very prompt and helpful with replies and also had many great suggestions concerning local sites and restaurants. Christchurch is an amazing combination of history and convenience. Everything I needed on a daily basis was within 5-10 minutes on foot, all within a town that has done a fabulous job preserving its historical sites and making them accessible. And then there is the natural beauty - I explored the old parts of the town, the harbour, Hengistbury Head (three times!), and Stanpit marsh. I hiked through Mudeford and along Avon beach to Highcliffe Castle. I explored the Priory several times, including Evensong and organ recitals, and went to movies at the Regent Theatre. Walking to catch a bus or train was so easy and was something I did regularly to visit Bournemouth, Winchester, Purbeck and the New Forest - not having a car was no hindrance to exploring this beautiful part of England. This truly was a 'home away from home' for me and I am hoping that I can come back again to stay at Captains Retreat, perhaps in a warmer season so there would be the added bonus of enjoying the courtyard out back with the lovely outdoor furniture.

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• Christine - Verified booking

  This is the second year we have stayed at your lovely property.

  The accommodation is ideal as so close to the harbour/beach and surrounding areas. Having a reserved parking space is a real bonus. This year the light in the bathroom, flickered throughout the stay. One night around 23.30hrs there was a very loud vibrating noise right across the apartment which seemed to stem from the bathroom ceiling the bathroom tap/fan was being used at the time. It did not stop for some time and not until the fan stopped. The whole block must have heard it. The towels provided were obviously new with is great but led to the towels fabric rubbing off and covering us and clothes etc. I had to wash and dry them before we could continue to use them. I did report the noise/light in the apartment. We were asked if it was ok for maintenance to attend whilst we were out, we were not asked to leave our keys so presumed they had their own set? I am unsure if they attended but if they did they left the relevant key code on the box without disguising it. The light was still problematic when we left and the noise settled but could still be heard from the adjoining ground floor flat. I would recommend Brewer's Retreat to any one, apart from the maintenance issue we had a great stay. Thank you

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• John - Verified booking

  Another good stay at Captains Retreat.

  House was very clean and tidy, beds and seating very comfortable. Plenty of cutlery and plates etc. Instructions for kitchen appliances in drawers if required. Clothes drying racks on kitchen radiator plus an outside line attached to the shed. Small garden is now completely decked over and has garden chairs ( cushions in shed ) and table .Walk to river front is just a few minutes away, so is the bus stop if needed. High street shops are not far either. Beaches are around fifteen minutes drive. Children’s playground just around the corner opposite the river. Interesting to watch the nearby rowing club in the mornings and there is a small ferry boat linking this area with Wick on the opposite side of the river during season. Two allocated private parking bays directly outside the house in private road. Neighbours quiet and friendly.

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• Matthew - Verified booking

  Our second visit to the house at this time of year.

  House is in a lovely location and overall we had an ok stay but I was extremely disappointed that the dishwasher was broken and there was no note to tell us, even though the owner and the cleaner were aware and still left a dishwasher tablet out like it was useable. House wasn’t very clean, kitchen especially and lots of cobwebs downstairs which we cleaned ourselves. Only half the spot light bulbs were working in the kitchen. Kettle is missing the filter so water pours out extremely quickly which was dangerous. Took a long time for water to drain away in shower, house needs a deep clean and maintenance issues need to be addressed. Also building work taking place at neighbouring property so woke up to early morning building work noises which is not ideal on holiday.

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• Selina - Verified booking

  We had a lovely time at The Captains Retreat.

  Parking is easy and directly outside. It is situated at very short distance to the local attractions, we would take a walk by the river most evenings which is 30seconds away. Everything was very clean and tidy when we arrived with all the necessary amenities and great Wi-fi connection. The outdoor furniture and patio area is lovely too. The owners were easy to contact if needed (I asked for restaurant recommendations and local places to visit with the kids). The only adjustments I would suggest is to maybe replace the tv remotes as they don’t work very well, and provide some thinner bedding for the children in the summer. Overall we had a fantastic time and really enjoyed our stay! :)

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