Last Minute Cottages in Blandford Forum

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Clare - Verified booking

  We had a lovely stay in Pips Hideaway set in the stunning village of Milton Abbas.

  It was perfectly situated for exploring Dorset. It was also so quiet and peaceful and a joy to listen to the relaxing sounds of the birds singing and see lots of varieties of bird feeding on the bird table. We were slightly confused by the directions to the property as we didn’t come via the Blandford way so we had to go through the village of Milton Abbas (which is stunning) and turn around to follow the directions given. There is a very weak mobile/GPRS signal in and around this area so perhaps some directions from the other end of the village would also be helpful. The property is absolutely stunning. So well thought out, so very well decorated and so very clean and tidy. It has pretty much everything you could need in these sort of holiday properties. I didn’t find myself saying very often ‘I wish this had….’ (Although maybe a clothes airer for drying the towels and swimming costumes after days at the beach would be an extra bonus?). We absolutely loved the quirky layout of the house which is something of a trend we like to look for when finding holiday properties to stay in. The owner lives in the beautiful thatched cottage next door and on arrival had prepared lovely scones, jam and clotted cream and later in the week had baked a very tasty Dorset Apple cake and gave us some slices. Whilst she lived next door and we had a shared drive, I did not feel that we were in each others pockets or overlooked. It still felt very private. However, we did feel that if we needed to we could call on her and it was slightly comforting to know she were nearby should there be an issue. From this area you can visit most places in Dorset within 30 minutes to an hour. The closest beach is only 30 mins away. During our time we were able to visit: Dorchester, Monkey World, Dorset Falconry Park, Cerne Abbas (and walk to the giant), Weymouth, Portland Bill, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, swanage and Corfe Castle all within reasonable travelling distances and all great places to go. This property was ideal for our holiday in Dorset with our family of four and it was also well affordable. I would absolutely recommend it and would stay again if we return to holiday in this area.

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• Carole - Verified booking

  The property was spotlessly clean.

  There is a well equipped kitchen with all appliances you need to make a holiday easier. The furnishings were comfortable in the lounge and bedroom and were to a high standard. Lighting in the lounge could be improved as it’s quite dim for reading. A rug on the floor would be beneficial as the stone floor is cold and stark. A few ornaments and pictures would make the property more homely. The bedrooms could also benefit better lighting and power points which are located near mirrors. The second bedroom could have a zip bed system to enable the 2 singles to become a double for adults who are staying. The second bathroom is located through the corridor and then through the lounge so quite a trek to reach the shower or loo. The property is very remote so there is no opportunity to walk to the local shop or pub. A car is essential for getting about & there are no pavements if you wish to stretch your legs for a short walk. The housekeeper on the last day was very rude & was standing outside the front door with her cleaning materials before 10am. She informed us that we had 3 minutes to leave. She left the gate open and fortunately our dog didn’t escape as we had him on the lead. Had the front door been open a dog could have escaped. Advertising this as dog friendly accommodation the cleaners should be more aware of the precautions to be taken. Overall a high standard cottage, if you like remoteness and use a car for the entire stay. The property has a clumsy layout and could do with a few more home comforts.

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• Suzanne - Verified booking

  The location is lovely & the facilities were just what we required.

  The Owner was a very nice Lady and very prompt to attend to problem of why Hob not working when I was right in middle of preparing food for our 53rd anniversary meal with friends due(instruction folder had been put in tv drawer across room instead of located near the Hob) Previous Occupier had set the childlock and we are not savvy with induction hobs! Unfortunately as we were putting food away in the fridge the brackets supporting the glass shelves started to crack up as have gone brittle and there was a near miss episode with the glass shelf collapsing on to the floor which could have been dangerous as I am disabled with serious leg disability. Fortunately the shelf didn't shatter. The shelves need replacing although the fridge/freezer worked well! My Husband thought it would also be helpful if each of the many fused switched Spurs were labelled so as to identify Hob&Oven etc Also he says it works have been helpful to have an Covered outdoor 13 amp power supply for our Hybrid PHEV car, as we do not use the type of charge facilities in the carpark. We enjoyed our stay though very much and thank the Owners for helping to make our 53rd Anni a happy occasion. The weather was good so we could get out & about this beautiful part of Dorset and enjoy using our NT membership

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• Jill - Verified booking

  The cottage was not as clean as I would like.

  Basins in both bathrooms appeared to have had a cursory clean however dirt and debris behind taps. Shower had dust/sand in the bottom and around the outside ledge. Skirting boards in shower room were also very dusty. The sofas in the lounge were dreadfully uncomfortable, sagging and no support whatsoever. However we did report this and Sykes’s made the owner aware. She came to see for herself and was very apologetic but obviously was unable to provide replacements whilst we were there which we understood. We have stayed at Hedge End cottages previously but felt that they are now a little tired and in need of refurbishment. Definitely not worthy of a 5 ✔️ rating. On the plus side we did feel that both Sykes and the owner had taken our complaints seriously. Also a nice comfy bed. The cottage is surrounded by lovely countryside and is in easy reach of lots of coastal resorts and beautiful villages.

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• Elise - Verified booking

  Barn facilities very good.

  A secluded location and great if you want some peace and quiet-although that wasn’t always possible It’s a hard water area and the kettle needed descaling but I messaged the management and within a short time they popped around with the kettle descaler, which I think is good. Loved the games room. Everything was really well maintained, beautiful linen and quality feel to the rooms. Would have liked a bath sheet towel provided as well otherwise we would have brought our own - small face and body towel ok if you’re a size 10! I felt the double bed mattress was too hard and had backache- but I think that’s often down to personal preference and difficult to provide for all choices and preferences. Overall this was a beautiful barn and dog friendly with a great gated area for our pooch.

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