Christmas Cottages in Devon

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Nigel - Verified booking

  At my recent Sykes holiday cottage I paid for the use of a communal freezer and washing machine facilities for use for me holidaying alone and perhaps the owners of the property next door.

  Upon my arrival I was instructed NOT to use either of these facilities due to the Covid pandemic! - Very slightly possibly a wise precaution but it was very inconvenient and a questionable excuse considering I was by myself and cleaning clothes half way through a week’s holiday and having purchased frozen meals to avoid too many shopping trips in the low infected Devon region away from my home area flew in the face of total self sanitation and self isolation was made that more difficult! Considering that at a similar Sykes holiday cottage where I paid a similar price just a month earlier and where both these facilities were provided I felt I was owed a reasonable refund? My only other complaint for this cottage and several others that are advertised with Sykes as having TVs is that I often have to load my own reasonable sized TV into my car to connect up and swap over with the unreasonably small TV provided by the particular cottage I have just stayed and very many others that I have experienced or indeed discounted after the picture shows a pathetically small TV. At my retired age with less than 20/20 vision, I feel discriminated against for not being able to enjoy a large screen TV of at least 46 ins that would easily fit most cottages and are so relatively cheap these days to purchase in bulk - and are very pleasing to watch for mature patrons when the weather is so bad in Mid Devon! There was a lovely 65 inch one at my previous cottage in North Yorkshire in cold April! I can add that without children to bath and holidaying outside seasonal summer ‘global warming’ affected weather we DO NOT need or find good value for money any cottages featuring these expensive luxuries!! According to your ‘holiday experts’ since returning from both my recent holidays I have been removed (inexplicably to me) from my preferred email contact preference so apparently I was unable to be supplied my ‘Level 3’ loyalty reward of £40 discount on my intended next booking with Sykes that was advertised by email to use within a set time after my return from both my holidays and the offers have now expired! I have complained twice now by phone and after the second complaint was assured a return call that did NOT materialise so I am VERY disappointed this early into the holiday season! It also appears to me that some of your cottage owners are hiking up their prices for the same week next year compared with what was advertised this poor year? I do realise that it has been very hard for holiday businesses during the past two seasons and in respect of self catering holidays perhaps somewhat unreasonable restrictions were imposed but I do not feel it is fair to make the loyal customers who also suffered disappointment or maybe illness or bereavement to have to help recoup the losses felt by Sykes or the cottage owners. Please consider replying to my criticism by email.

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• Jake - Verified booking

  Internet only available if sitting in kitchen as WiFi is in next door owners property No sign of any recent PAT testing Sockets and light switches probably 40 years old which was slightly worrying.

  The lovely Aga shown is not available to cook on Furniture very outdated , uncomfortable couch or single old armchairs to watch tv ( couch does not face tv) not very “romantic” Not a single carpet , all flooring is carpet tiles which is not very comfortable underfoot , especially in the bedroom. 2 mattresses joined together with 2 single duvets does not a double/kingsize bed make , nor does it add to the advertised “romance “ There is no washing machine in the property (Sykes listing says there is) it is in the owners house Towels need replacing , they are hard and rough. “Sky Tv “ is a bit misleading , free to air sky is only channel available . Stunning location with large garden and paddock to use at rear .( Garden not enclosed as gate on drive always open , just an observation ) Could not contact owner to let us in when we arrived as no key there , she was very friendly and helpful when she did arrive. It is worth noting that although the property is dog friendly , Seaton Beach is not , Seaton , Beer , Sidmouth and Lyme Regis all lovely places to visit Perfect location to explore from . We expected better , it was not a bargain price. There seemed to be notices everywhere , telling us not to do this or make sure we do that . If the heater in the bathroom is a potential fire hazard if left on , it should be removed ? This may sound very grumpy but is is not , just hugely disappointed …..

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• Jonathan - Verified booking

  Trill is an absolutely beautiful house set in beautiful rolling countryside.

  Beer and Lyme Regis are a few minutes away in a car and the local pub is friendly. Basics were to be found at the local garage, either a five minute drive or a highly recommended and beautiful walk away. There are a few bit that could be better but overall it was a beautiful base for a lovely holiday. Some of the furniture was broken (although usable) and the lack of usable Wi-Fi made itself felt with two teenagers in the house. The road in is pretty awful too, but take it slowly and watch out for the potholes and you’ll be fine. Don’t let this put you off though, being a bit off the beaten track puts you right in heart of the countryside. The local wildlife was a constant joy, with red deer, birds of prey and a menagerie of other species all making an appearance in the beautiful grounds. For eating out River cottage is just around the corner (if you haven’t been, go, it’s incredible) and the local pub serves good honest food too. Faultless? No but the positives of Trill far outweigh any of it’s faults. Highly recommend!

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• Snezhana - Verified booking

  We felt the property was perfect for what we wanted - a cosy feeling, all the essentials + a few extras for us to come back to after exploring the area during the day.

  We enjoyed the special touches added (some milk, juice and biscuits at arrival). Nice to see the drawers are equipped with many supplies, so if you were staying for longer and were caught on a rainy day - you could even bake a cake! The cottage is built on top of a garage, and while the owners try to be as considerate as possible, it can be a bit loud in the morning if you are a noise-sensitive sleeper and want a lie-in. I personally struggled with the pillows as they were too soft and gave me a neckache, however, my partner had no issues with them. The view from the cottage is so beautiful and picturesque, it was a delight to have your morning drink at the table or at the outside area. The location was convenient enough for us to drive into Totnes, Brixham, Torquey and Dartmoor. We have already recommended Orchard Loft to relatives and would definitely come back again!

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• Daniel - Verified booking

  Really enjoyed our week long stay at Orchard Loft.

  The owners are welcoming and friendly. The place was very roomy and clean. It is central to everywhere we wanted to go, such as Dartmoor National Park and some of the local seaside towns (Dartmouth, Bigbury-on-sea) so was perfect for what we needed. Luckily the weather was on our side for mid November and were able to go to everywhere we wanted to see, including a number of the Tors across Dartmoor. On our first night we went to the local pub "California Inn", which we'd highly recommend. Our only disappointments were to find out the Freezer and Washing Machine are in the garage underneath the loft and were inaccessible (due to Covid restrictions) which should be stated on the listing. We also found the bed, especially the pillows, to be uncomfortable. But these shouldn't put you off staying at Orchard Loft and we would very highly recommend choosing to stay here.

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