Holiday Cottages In The United Kingdom

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Martin - Verified booking

  We have been delighted with Sykes Cottages before, and were therefore very disappointed with this one.

  It wasn't as good as it sounded in the description. We weren't impressed with the cleaning before our arrival e.g. Plates had been washed then put in the cupboard still wet, the oven knobs and bowls were very greasy and we had to wash them before they could be used. There was not enough washing up liquid, toilet paper or hand soap provided to see 4 economical people through a week, yet alone 6 as advertised. Therefore, we did have to use "a well-stocked convenience store for picking up any last-minute essentials". We had only expected to use the shop for newspapers, milk and food. It wasn't a "well equipped kitchen" for 6 e.g. only 3 egg cups, only 4 dessert spoons, only 1 shelf in oven, no lids for v limited range of pans. There were no cupboards for us to store our food. The space was used storing more wine & other glasses than we can ever imagine being used all at once. Not as comfortable as expected e.g. leaf of dining table sloped, and once the table was laid for a meal it was hard for people to pass to sit down. There weren't a matching set of dining chairs, we had to gather chairs from various rooms. The sofas were very low, there weren't sets of matching crockery etc. It was very difficult to "head out to the large rear garden" as back door was very hard to open, and side gate was very badly damaged before we arrived. Hard to "retire to the sitting room to relax" as there was only 1 small candle like light bulb in a light fitting that should have 5 lights. We wanted to be able to see so that we could read and write. The dining room only had 3/5 bulbs working. I found a spare bulb, but it didn't fit in either room. It looked like an "overhead shower.", but the fitment was broken before we arrived, so it could only be used as a hand held shower head which was awkward, especially as we'd been asked to leave the shower curtain draped over the shower screen. We eventually found the bath plug and ran baths instead. The bedrooms didn't have "plenty of storage for your belongings" as 2/4 cupboards in master bedroom were secured closed, and the other two cupboards already stored things like spare linen & clothes drier. In the back bedroom we couldn't turn the knobs to open either of the white cupboard doors, so all of us had to live out of our cases all week. However, we do agree that The Hawthorns is in "a prime location", "Tucked away in the pretty Cheshire village of Christleton", we did "enjoy leisurely strolls along the Shropshire Union Canal or around Christleton’s Duck Pond". We also appreciated that it was only a "short drive into the bustling city centre of Chester". It would have been nice to have some leaflets, bus timetables and maps available to read. We would also have appreciated information on basic things like which bin was for which rubbish - none of us came from Cheshire so we didn't know the system here. The wonderful location was the main reason for selecting this property as 40 years ago we had our wedding night in Chester. This holiday was to mark our Ruby Wedding Anniversary with our best friends. It was certainly a memorable holiday.

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• Josephine - Verified booking

  The holiday was disrupted from the start.

  The own phoned me 2 weeks before our holiday and asked if we would be willing to travel on the Sunday instead of the Saturday but we had an all day event to attend so couldn't manage so he said that would be OK. 2 days before our holiday Sykes phoned me and informed me as there was a leak in the bathroom could we travel on the Sunday instead or if not arrangements would be made to put us up in an hotel for the Saturday night which at that time we had no alternative but to agree. Trying to find out which hotel it was was another nightmare as nobody seemed to know and it was actually the day of travelling (and we were coming on a journey of over 400 miles from Scotland ) that we found out which hotel after numerous phone calls! We couldn't get into the Hawthorns until 12.45 on the Sunday which really disrupted our plans for the all day event we were attending. It was all very stressful and Sykes didn't appear to be concerned at all. As for the property itself that was big disappointment after some of the lovely properties we've stayed in. It wasn't very clean at all, kitchen dirty, TV didn't work properly, electric fires in both rooms downstairs had no plugs and just wires hanging out, underneath the seating in the living room was very dirty and dusty and the back garden was a disgrace. 4 cars parked outside the property which didn't add anything at all to neglected feel of the property. Very poor facilities and a really neglected air to the place. And also no sign of any work being done for a leak in the bathroom. I presume you do inspect these properties as there is a considerable amount of work needed on this house which could be lovely. Compensation was offered by the owner but never forthcoming and then to add insult to injury we were phoned about missing items which we knew absolutely nothing about. All very stressful indeed and I feel some sort of recompense should be offered by you or the owner. I'm so disappointed with Sykes and feel very let down after all the years we have been dealing with you. It's been a really stressful time for us both and your thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.

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• Philippa - Verified booking

  We had a wonderful stay at Hayloft.

  The cottage is lovely. It is in peaceful surroundings and is the perfect base for exploring the south coast of Devon and Dorset. We were welcomed by beautiful flowers from Diana’s garden and some treats too. Diana is friendly and helpful, even lending us a map to avoid some of the narrower lanes the sat nav wanted to take us down! This cottage is beautifully and stylishly furnished and we were very comfortable. It was easy to relax there. The details about the cottage on the website are completely accurate. It is maintained to a high standard, very clean with crisp white bed linen. The beds are very comfortable. We were there during the extreme heat and there was a fan in each bedroom with a super fan in the living area. This cottage does not have its own garden but we used an area of lawn in the large grounds of the big house. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need. We liked to cook our own meals most evenings. The fridge is under the counter, it is small so do not do an enormous grocery shop before you arrive! We did frequent visits to pick up fresh provisions from the local Sainsburys in Ottery St Mary. Diana also gave us recommendations of places to eat out which was helpful. Do visit the Otter Valley Ice Cream Field Kitchen. We had lovely outings to Charmouth and Lyme Regis amongst others. Would definitely return to this cottage.

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• Heather - Verified booking

  The house was immaculately clean when we arrived - thank you to Angie, the housekeeper.

  The fresh flowers, port and chocolates were a lovely welcoming gift as well. This is more a cherished home than a holiday let. All of the furnishings and artwork have been lovingly chosen to enhance the historical features of the house and there is every modern comfort that you could wish for. The kitchen is very well equipped and the super king sized bed was so comfortable. We were half expecting the house to be a little chilly, considering its great age and the size of the rooms, but the heating was very efficient and there was always plenty of hot water. We lit the log burner every evening and we were very cosy - there is also a plentiful supply of logs. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is an ideal location. Apart from the rooks nest building and visits from Clare's flock of sheep in the orchard there was no other noise. Absolute bliss. This is an exceptional property - the best we've stayed in - and we booked a return visit for the autumn as soon as we were home. Many thanks to the owners for a very special stay.

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• The J Family - Verified booking

  We had an excellent stay at Trevarrow Coverack.We loved the natural feel of the village and the surrounding area.The beach was so convenient for the kids once we had learnt to navigate the rocks and set our watches for low tide.Trevarrow was a comfortable and convenient base to explore the Lizard & had enough space for all to enjoy.We especially enjoyed eating & drinking on the front overlooking the cove.A handy tip is to keep a look out for the fishing boats when they return to harbour to buy lobster crabs & fish - Incredible value and delicious as you can't get any fresher.Other highlights were eating at the New Yard Restaurant which delighted with superb food matched with excellent provenance & sustainable ethics, Dinner at The Bay Hotel where Sam Jones is a highly accomplished Chef and offers good value & of course Elizabeth's Cornish Pasties (about 10 doors down Elizabeth makes & sells pasties from her own home) which are a must!We found the housekeeper most helpful & responsive.Overall and excellent stay!

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