Last Minute Cottages in the West Midlands

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• David - Verified booking

  The property was comfortable and adequately equipped but our stay was completely ruined by the presence of a wasp’s nest in the roof of the property.

  There weren't just a few wasps there were hundreds of them. We couldn't open the windows in order to keep the wasps out and with the weather being hot and stuffy it made the interior of the property very uncomfortable when we were there. We had to exit and enter the property at breakneck speed in order to prevent wasps getting in through the door. I should add that both my wife and I have been brought up in semi-rural areas so would expect there to be some insects around a property in a rural area such as this one. However, this was different. We had to deal with quite a few wasps that had gained access to the inside. The owner had tried to deal with the situation by putting powder round the nest entrance. It didn't really work. The nest entrance was just above a second entrance door out through the main bedroom. This had to be used in order to leave the property secure. The owner should have got a pest controller in to have the nest removed altogether. If the time scale was such that this couldn't be done before or during the time of our stay, then some form of compensation should have been offered to acknowledge the inconvenience and discomfort caused. No compensation or even apology has been offered and I am writing this review two weeks after our departure from the property. I have given both Sykes and the owner plenty of time to address my complaint in a meaningful way. Sykes don't seem to be able to do anything about the situation. The owner doesn't seem to care that he charged us full price for a four-night stay that was seriously affected by the wasp infestation. It's' not a matter of city types causing a fuss but of being unhappy at being charged full price for a very substandard and unenjoyable experience. I will not be booking any of this owner's properties in the future or using Sykes site for any other properties.

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• Richard - Verified booking

  The Lookout is a modern self contained flat with plenty of room in a romote and quiet location.

  The main feature is the window wall at one end giving a fantastic view over the adjacent properties and on to the fields across the valley. Access was via a short drive to a private parking area with a grass area for relaxing on good days and steps to either the bedroom or main entrance to the flat. The living area has a dining table and comfortable chairs for lazy days with a good log burner and plenty of logs provided for colder days or evenings. The kitchen is small but easily sufficient to make basic meals or cooked breakfasts without being cramped in. The bedroom was large with the modern bathroom attached and storage enough for short stays. The grass area had a small table and chairs for relaxing in and allthough a small pool is availible just below the property, we did not use it due to the time of year. We had two dogs with us and at no time were we crowded in with space for thier bowls and beds in the main living area opposite the kitchen. We were made to feel very welcome by Ian and Sally as well as their dogs who mixed and played with ours!

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• Lisa - Verified booking

  A super property, with far reaching views.

  Furniture and furnishings all enhance the impression of comfort and it was lovely to have a cup of tea or glass of wine and just watch the scenery from the huge window. Any queries we had were immediately responded to by the owner, who gave us lots of helpful tips and recommendations for places to visit too. Obviously, the property does need a car to access further travel, but once back onto the main roads, it was extremely easy to reach Ross, Hay, Monmouth, Ledbury, Malvern and Hereford etc. Transport links further into Wales were easily accessed too. We also had several drinks and a meal in the local pub-The Royal Arms. The owner was very hospitable. A tasty breakfast in the friendly cafe, Woods, in Whitchurch was a great start to one of our day trips too. Apparently, they do good cakes! Overall, apart from two soggy days, we've had a great week and the apartment was certainly a nice place to avoid bad weather! We didn't have time to use the swimming pool but it looked enticing.

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• Sue - Verified booking

  The Lookout was beautiful and Ian, the owner, was kind and helpful and even sorted me out when I got lost on my way there.

  There were lots of extra unexpected touches like delicious cake and everything to make a cuppa on arrival, slippers and shower cap in shower room and unlimited fuel and help with the log burner. The best bit though was the wonderful countryside view from the triangle window at the end of the property. There are smashing walks straight from the door, though walking boots or wellies were needed in November, and poles a good idea as it is quite hilly and some of the paths are a bit stony. The paths are well sign posted and I had some great walks. The pub is not far down a country lane but the shop is 2 miles down a hill so really needs the car. It was well stocked, did the freshest battered Friday fish and chips that I have had away from the coast and a good choice of homemade scones, cakes and pastries. The only downside for me were the narrow, single track lanes which seem common over the whole area, but everywhere around here is so beautiful that it is well worth it.

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• Juliet Michelle - Verified booking

  We loved our stay at the Lookout.

  I think it’s our favourite Sykes Cottage stay ever. The view is so epic - who needs a TV when you have that to watch! We saw a pair of Buzzards, deer and pheasants and watching the weather change in the valley was mesmerising. (Only once it’s dark do you bother to watch TV!) The facilities of the property are great with all you need for your stay. The cake and milk on arrival are a lovely touch. The property itself is spacious, to a high spec with beautiful furnishings, comfortable bed and all you need to live comfortably. The dogs were totally at home and loved the freedom with many footpaths to immediately explore. The swimming pool is a fab extra too. We can recommend Woods of Whitchurch and Ye Old Ferrie Inn for food and drink. Watching the river even in the rain was mesmerising and the walks by the river are great to explore. One of our favourite mini breaks and would definitely come again. Thanks so much for making our stay so special.

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