Dorset Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• David - Verified booking

  We mainly enjoyed our stay at ways forge.

  it was quirky and the property had been nicely restored in a rustic way. The cottage seemed smaller than the photos showed but was big enough for three people and a dog. The parking outside was perfectly suitable so not sure what previous reviewers were complaining about. Always reverse in makes it easier to drive out. There was no traffic noise at night, so earplugs are not needed. There is traffic during the day but its a village and so people need to go about their business. it was not an issue. The beds were lovely and comfortable, as were the pillows but the double bed kept making a loud cracking noise when you sat on it or moved. We think the bed slats might need looking at. The shower over the bath worked really well, always plenty of hot water from the immersion heater for three people. There were no wardrobes in the bedrooms but there were two small rails fitted in the double room with some hangers. Our main issue with the property is the outside space. It shows in the outdated photos the area is well maintained with a shepherds hut. The hut has been removed and we understand from a previous review that the owners are establishing a wildlife garden, which we have ourselves. It appears overgrown and unkempt which would make sitting at the table and chairs provided a little difficult. The downstairs had an issue with beetles around the front door and having to remove them each morning but we think this was due to the wildflowers growing outside. We think the photos of the outside should reflect the changes to give people an informed decision when booking. Overall, ways forge is still lovely and a good base for visting. we went to lulworth, weymouth, lyme regis, cerne abbas, poole, bournemouth and dorchester. It was only a shame the weather was not better. The thimble inn is one of the nicest pubs we have been in, for drinks and food and the staff are lovely. very busy at weekends but ok during the week but phone for a table. We enjoyed our stay in spite of these minor issues and would go back.

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• Amanda - Verified booking

  I booked the Beach Hut in Lyme Regis for myself and my 81yr old mother (who has some mobility issues) as it stated it had amazing sea views.

  Check in was pretty awkward as keys needed to be collected from a different location which was tricky to find despite a very detailed explanation from the owner. It also had little parking so took some time to collect the keys. The chalet itself was immaculately clean and very tastefully decorated and we really appreciated the welcome note, wine & flowers left by the owner. That said the sofa & armchair & hob are looking pretty tired and probably need to be replaced. A microwave would also have been a helpful addition to the kitchen. The view was the main reason for booking due to mums mobility issues and although they were spectacular if you looked left or right, it was really disappointing that the frontal view of the sea was blocked by the roof of the boat building school. The description did say the chalet was behind the school but ommited to explain that it blocked the view. Mum was very disappointed about this which made some of the week very tricky. Perhaps a more clear & honest picture of the view would be fair. There was a picnic bench outside for our use which again looked onto the roof of the boat school instead of sea views and was often occupied by the neighbouring guest who said he sat there to use the beach huts wi-fi. For the reasons given I believe the beach hut to be a quite overpriced. Cannot fault the area though. Lyme Regis was brilliant. Beautiful beach front, eateries & gardens.

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• Rosie - Verified booking

  Perfectly placed with everything close at hand.

  Lovely welcome pack and overall clean. We had a wonderful time. Grandchildren loved it!….However a few things need attention; there was various patches of black mould in shower around edges at the sealant. More importantly when using the shower the water did not drain away. Very slow and needs unblocking. My grandchildren had to stand in the dirty water coming back up from the drain during a ‘quick shower’ only. Needs sorting as could be a health issue. I did explain to the cleaner who said it’s a continuous problem because of drains on site that council need to sort. So needs sorting or at least use of a drain unblocker! Afterall we are paying for good useable facilities during our stay and could only have brief showers as risk of shower tray overflowing. The skirting board and wall by the doors behind the curtain in lounge/kitchen area showing signs of water damage with black staining and cracked paintwork . Furniture needs refreshing/updating ; tv unit and kitchen table look shabby with damage to tops. Right hand door to double doors on lounge area needs attention gets stuck and cannot be opened easily signs of rust on bottom of door. Other chalets nearby have been updated and do make this one stand out as needing refurb. Including smartening up outside. Once these areas are attended too will be perfect!

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• Jonathan - Verified booking

  Fantastic little getaway, we know the area very well as we have friends North of the village.

  The old forge has been renovated very well and love the folder containing the renovation from start to finish. The property is very well heated with rads upstairs and under floor heating downstairs with the added bonus of a log burner which was great. Easy access to main roads Dorchester is 15mins away. Road is busy outside however that didn't bother us at all. The Thimble in is 5 mins walk excellent home cooked food well worth a visit. The main bedroom is great so large and welcoming, bathroom facilities were great as well. To be honest I have stayed in a few private properties and this is well up there for our liking. If I was going to comment it would be on two things, the waste bin in the bedroom was still full from previous occupants, tissues etc with present conditions I would have liked to see that empty, also not a game changer however if you needed to work on a laptop the internet connection is only a dongle vial a router I could have done with a fibre connection however no way a game changer. I also love the little notes left around the property giving instructions or information, hand writing not typed out(brilliant touch) For me a great little place lovely location I will defiantly return if the owners would have us.

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• Paul - Verified booking

  I have marked the property down simply on the basis of parking.

  When we arrived there was nowhere to park so I parked on the neighbour’s drive (no. 16) for a few minutes to unload our heavy cases and dog crate. The neighbour called down over his intercom to my wife demanding we move the car immediately. I ignored this but we were unable to park in Diments Garden during our stay and I was worried how I could load the car on departure. Luckily I was able to get a place on the very last morning so I avoided another confrontation- I was planning to park on the pavement outside no 16’s drive. During the week I didn’t see a single car on no 16s drive. If I owned Rooemakers Cottage I would see if he’d let people park on his drive for, say, 30 minutes for a reasonable sum. It would make a huge difference. We were able to park in Hospital Lane every day which wasn’t really a problem otherwise. Other minor points - my wife suggested a make up mirror would be good. Our granddaughter slept in the upstairs room on Sunday afternoon and my son thought the curtains were very thin so it was very light in the room. Otherwise everything was absolutely fine - clean and comfortable.

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