Holiday Cottages In The United Kingdom

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  the whole cottage needs a thorough clean and furnishings very old and worn .When we arrived Mr Sinclair was just coming out of the cottage saying the TV wasn't working and he would be back. He did return a few minutes later and sat in the room trying to fix the TV. What a start to our holiday trying to unpack with a stranger sat there. The bathroom door wouldn't open properly, old rusty bin, light over mirror not working, heater in bathroom full of dust, old rusty tin of air fresher, shower screen on bath had black mould along the bottom. The kitchen had dirty cutlery trays and all utensils in them were very old. cupboard handle broken, dead beetle between the melamine plates, spider and web in a cup. No icebox in fridge so Mr Sinclair said to use the freezer where the dogs were kept in a separate outhouse which was disgracefully dirty. We were told not to shut the curtain in the hallway as the rail was broken. This meant when we left the bedroom to use the bathroom, we were on view up the lane. The single beds were very hard with child size quilts. furniture old, random old xmas decorations etc in draws which needed cleaning out. The carpets and flooring all needs changing as it is so old. there were dozens of flies every day due to the cottage facing the horse stables. We bought fly killer and were constantly spraying them. My partner honestly thought I was going to say " take me home" but because he had booked it for my Birthday I tried to make the best of it. We left 2 leg rest from our reclining sunchairs in the cottage shed by mistake, and after a call to them the day after our return, the daughter said she would get Mrs Sinclair to ring me. I have a friend in Ayr and though I could collect them when visiting my friend later in the year but I haven't had a call back and that was a week ago. I would have contacted you before now regarding how upsetting and disappointing our holiday accommodation was but I am just recovering from Covid and haven't been up to writing. On a positive note, we loved the areas of Rockcliffe and Kippford and would like to see other areas of Scotland. Baring in mind our bad experience at Tumbling Banks would the company give us some form of compensation for not only how upset we were but also for such poor accommodation as we would use Discover Scotland again but would suggest you think twice about using this accommodation to future clients in its present state. Kind regards, Susan Harwood

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• Abby - Verified booking

  Thank you for a lovely stay.

  We had such a lovely time, despite almost constant rain! We’ve been to the village several times before and it is still as beautiful. The house is really cosy and perfectly located. We would stay there again in a heartbeat and our little one declared it “his new home” within about a day of being there. We did lots of (soggy!) walks, a visit to the copper mine (walkable from the house) and some time in Criccieth and a trip on the steam train. Some things that might be helpful to know for fellow dog / child owners! * I think the listing says there isn’t a stair gate - but there is! Very hand to have for keeping dogs and toddlers where they should be! * There are dog bowls provided. *Yes, a travel cot fits in the room with the twin beds! We were concerned it might not, it’s hard to tell from the pics, but it just squeezed in. *Beddegelert is possibly the most dog friendly place on earth. Almost all pubs welcome dogs. Our dog loved it there and was very cosy in his bed by the fire. The back garden is enclosed on the lower level but if your dog is the exploring type I wouldn’t leave unsupervised as they could definitely scrabble up the hill at the back. *It’s also very kid friendly. The Prince Llewelyn in particular was so welcoming and a really laid back place to go with a toddler. As others noted - no there isn’t a washing machine. It would be handy, especially with children, but it’s not the end of the world. The fridge is pretty small so don’t do a huge shop! There is no freezer either. Limited utensils and basic supplies in the kitchen but we were able to make meals fine. The local store is lovely but incredibly expensive! We didn’t use the shower in the bedroom - seems a bit random having one in there! I don’t think it’s needed?! But the shower in the main bathroom was great. Heating is really effective. Thank you!

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• Amy - Verified booking

  Location great, beautiful views and village to stay in.

  When we walked in through the back door, we nearly couldnt get in, the door mat was wedged behind the door, and the floor was discoloured and had water damage. Our first night was spent cleaning the kitchen and fridge out, the worktops looked clean but to touch they weren't, dog hairs in the fridge and on the side. Opened the cupboards in the kitchen to use the utensils/plates and there was a funny stale smell. Nothing felt clean had to wash cups etc before using. Cobwebs in the corners in every room, window ledges full of dust in the living room. Cushions and throws smelt old and musty. Upstairs was better, beds were clean and comfortable but TLC needed to bring the property back to a good condition. Damp patches in the second bedroom. Could do with an extractor fan in the main bathroom, no window to open so ends up very damp. No bath mat for the floor, had to use a towel as would have slipped stepping out of the shower. Used the wood burner on the first night and it was rocking on the floor, it was loose to the flue going into the top of the wood burner, didn't feel safe using it after that. Outside the garden really needed maintenance, loads of weeds and moss not like the photos. I've stayed in properties before that allow dogs and we think this was the main reason for the smell downstairs but haven't noticed it in other pet friendly cottages before. Overall we were out every day and only back at night and decided not to cook any meals there because of the above reasons so we ended up just using it as a Base. We think with the above things being sorted and just investment putting into the cottage, it could be an amazing place.

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• Jane - Verified booking

  Nice cottage, lovely location.

  However Within minutes of arriving at the cottage we picked 2 fleas off our dogs. As they were both up to date with their regular flea and worm treatment from the vet I emailed Sykes immediately to alert them but did not ask for any action as I was thinking that it would not be a big problem as both dogs were treated. Unfortunately as the week went on we picked off more fleas - dying because the chemicals in the dogs blood stream was killing them- and humans were bitten. When notified - and with photographic evidence- the owners said the fleas must have been picked up from somewhere else as they had just had the house fumigated. So apparently somewhere on the nonstop 2 hour car journey….. so whilst the owners admitted they had a flea problem they have refused to admit that they might still have a flea problem. We are out of pocket as we had to buy spray from pets at home on the way home to avoid the potential of bringing home a rogue live flea as advised by our vet and wash all dog beds/ shampoo the dogs/ spray the cars… not a relaxing end to the Christmas break. I wouldn’t say it spoiled Christmas- but very upset at no attempt at finding a reasonable resolution or even reassurance that they will treat the cottage again to ensure other dogs don’t suffer.

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• Patricia - Verified booking

  We had a lovely comfortable stay at Encil Cottage.

  Extra information folders a bonus and very useful for walks. Would suggest install washing machine, dish washer and bigger fridge/freezer as the one at present is very small. Top main bathroom taps on sink too far back and you knock knuckles on sink whilst trying to hand wash. Hot water for shower goes cold very quick and so you have to rush. Would love to have relaxed in Bath after long mountain walks but no bath installed. Also shower in bedroom we weren't feeling it as it makes bedroom and bedding feel damp. Sink in main bedroom cramped and shoved in corner so not practical. We would rather of wardrobes in main bedroom. However saying that cottage did have homely feel to it and very quirky which we loved. Throws an extra which we appreciated as leather couch cold and welcome pack also very handy idea. There is no parking outside cottage as its double yellows and bays opposite always full so we parked just down road. This was advertised though so not really a problem as we were aware beforehand. Cottage great for us for a long weekend however we would not stay longer unless updated facilities.

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