1 Forge Cottages

20 Customer Reviews

• "The cottage was absolutely filthy dirty, The whole house could only be compared to faulty towers."

  I have never been so badly treated in my life. I’m awaiting a response from the owners, regarding some sort of compensation. I have another holiday booked with Sykes in November for nearly £800. I’m now looking at ways legally to cancel this. I have been told by a member of the team at Sykes I can’t cancel. I’ve since contacted a company called Irwin Mitchell. I’ve sent lots of evidence and pictures to them yesterday as I did Sykes I’m awaiting to hear back on my complaint with Skyes, Mr S Hunt

  Thank you Martin for your comments I am sorry to hear of your disappointment. We have a new team of cleaners who have been excellent and we have been getting good comments recently. We have inspected the property after your departure, which we had also done prior to your arrival and we are unable to find anything to justify your comments. We are waiting for some information from Sykes. which they have attempted to send, but not in a familar format; I am sure that this will soon be resolved or failing this, attached to an email. Sadly we not not meet during your stay or make contact with us, so I do not consider we are guilty of treating you badly. Your booking in November is nothing to do with us so we fail to understand why you mention it. Sorry it is not possible for us to help you with this. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Martin1.3★Sep 2024

• "Needs a bit of TLC A shower would be a great addition We had a lovey time though & location opposite park was perfect for our little dogs."

  Reviewed by Karen2.8★Sep 2024

• "I had a lovely stay in this sweet cottage."

  Beautiful setting and amazing local pub which was so welcoming for a solo traveller. Good location for getting on walks. Thank you

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★Sep 2024

• "Hello, We recently stayed in mid August for 3 nights and my only regret was that we didnt book additional nights."

  An absolutely lovely little cottage that oozes character, charm and comfort. Clean, welcoming, off-road parking, very quiet and peaceful. I will definatley book this cottage again next year, and such a breeze to book on last minute cottages. Pure brilliance, my only regret was that i had to leave. Thanks to you guys, we really didnt want to leave. Brilliant Thanks so much Kind regards Kevin Curran

  Reviewed by Kevin5.0★Aug 2024

• "Outstanding location, shame the cottage didn't match."

  The kitchen was still dirty when we arrived we had to wash all the cutlery n plates before we could use them. The dishwasher just doesn't work and we noted from other people's reviews they had the same issues. There's a lovely weed growing in the lounge from the front door, the whole house could do with a deep clean it just seemed the place isnt well cared for, nice collection of spiders. The wooden step in the kitchen is loose n needs fixing, both front n rear gardens need attention as both are overgrown. We certainly won't be returning.

  Thank you for your comments I have now taken advise from 3 different property professionals who specialize in Quality, Maintenance and Cleaning they have inspected the cottage seperately, who have informed that the cottage is in an acceptable condition and not how it has been decribed. Regarding the dishwasher, thanks for kindly reporting it. Broken pieces of an oven dish were found. Concluded that either the dish was not suitable or it was not loaded correctly into the dishwasher, it has now been removed. It is agreed that it has been previously mentioned a year ago but hardly surprizing it did not function correctly then when the water company had turned off the water supply to the village to enable them to repair a leak. The lounge searched and no weed found. Spiders are a menace in Suffolk, they are removed and a repellant is provided. The Kitchen step, with wooden cover is held in place, with several screws but still moves slightly. Due to the weather the garden did become overgrown, many were effected by this the garden has now been attended to. Regardless of all efforts to date, new cleaners have been found and waiting to start their work Property Owner

  Reviewed by Roger1.6★Jun 2024

• "Lovely old fashion cottage."

  Well positioned for exploring the coast and in land. Handy to have a pub just 50 yards away.

  Thank you it is great to hear that at least some understand an old cottage full of modern stuff would not suit Property Owner

  Reviewed by Keith4.7★Jun 2024

• "Needs a good clean and updating."

  We have stayed in many Sykes properties and this is probably the worst. For comparison there was no salt and pepper (containers there but empty), few sheets on the toilet roll (luckily we brought our own), no kitchen roll, no welcome pack and no instructions folder (as most Sykes properties have). Had to clean the limescale out of the kettle too. The nearest shops are several miles away so just be warned! On the plus side the pub opposite serves really good food!

  We are all sorry to hear that the cottage needs cleaning, under the impression that we were achieving good results between lets and when time has allowed additional tasks are undertaken. We have taken advise prior to your stay and been informed that it is acceptable. However wishing to provide better we are now seeking a professional cleaning company. It is an old cottage and advertised as such and we feel that updating it will destroy its character.. The salt and pepper pots were empty they are provided for use if you wish but when filled they went un used. As the pots are not air tight the contents reacted to the environment had had to be disposed of. Toilet paper, only a little provided for you but I am sure there was plenty in visible storage. Kitchen roll is not provided as not considered an essential item and the property is not advertised as providing a welcome pack but we do provide some additional extras. Two folders containing appliance instructions also other useful cottage information , while the other holds local attractions etc. The kettle is frequently cleaned for limescale but now a new kettle has been provided. The nearest shops are several miles away as you correctly mention and this is shown in the property details. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Alison2.2★Jun 2024

• "The property is in need of lots of TLC Why was there no guest comment book?"

  . The bathing felicities are poor to say the least. Shame we didn't see the lack of a shower and poor access into the bath before booking. My wife and I really struggled to use the bath. We came home a day early due to not able to bathe properly. We were disappointed to find two half rolls of toilet paper.

  The Bathroom is clearly shown on the website,which shows that it has recently been repainted Sorry that you did not consider there to be enough toliet paper. Property Owner

  Reviewed by James3.8★May 2024

• "A cosy but run down cottage in a lovely location close to facilities and tourist attractions."

  The cottage faced onto a green space and a lovely pub providing delicious meals. Unfortunately the cottage had not been cleaned following the previous guest's stay. I was distressed to have to clean toothpaste spit from the bathroom sink and taps and clean the toilet. The kitchen, though it was tidy, had tea splashes in the sink, bowl and on the worktop edging. Also stray crumbs on the counter. Under the sink was a large bin bag of smelly used wash cloths/sponges! The electric carpet sweeper was clogged with dust and needed to be emptied and the filters cleaned before I could charge and use it. When we arrived my husband informed you by telephone that the cottage had not been cleaned but you told him that in your opinion the previous visitors had left the place in good order. I'm sure this is true but it is expected that a general clean be carried out between guests and this had not been done. I suggest the owner contact the cleaner to discuss this omission.

  Thank you for your feedback, we feel that the pictures accurately show the property and we do feel that the vintage themes throughout ties in well with the whole character of the cottage. You are correct that I spoke with your huspand who I informed that I and the cleaner had just completed the cleaning regardless of being highly impressed by the previous guests efforts therefore we are very sorry you had issues. Under the sink is where we store our cleaning clothes for the property, which were not dirty or smelly and sometimes guests have spills and we do not feel it appropriate to leave people with nothing should they have an accident also was a stock of new washing up sponges and cloths, one of each provided to guests. we can confirm that they will need to be replaced as we found they had been disposed of during your visit. We do check the hoover regularly, to ensure that it is charged and emptied and ready for use. Regards. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Christine2.8★May 2024

• "This was a lovely home from home."

  Despite the unreasonably cold weather (ice on the car in late April!) the storage heaters worked well and there were also two fan heaters if needed. The cottage itself was quaint, and delightful and the location ideal for someone like me who likes to explore the Snape/Aldeburgh/Dunwich and Southwold areas. I very much hope to return.

  Robin So pleased to hear you enjoyed the Cottage and the area. Agreed the weather was so cold, more like Winter than Spring glad this did not spoil your stay. It was lovely to meet you and I will look forward to your return. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Robin4.1★Apr 2024

• "The property was in a very good location ,a nice village with a pub/ restaurant,which served good food."

  The property needs a deep clean and some decoration ,there are damp patches in a few places and cobwebs.A lack of a shower or a shower attachment to the bath taps would have been useful when washing hair ( a jug was left for this purpose)

  Thank you for your comments. We were fortunate emough to meet on your arrival, as your long journey proved easier than ou expected. ou informed me that the cottage was to your satisfaction and that you liked it. You understood increased maintenance levels with old properties having lived in such. A shower attachment for hair washing is a good idea, hope care is taken so the bathroom does not get a soaking. Your list of holiday activities was very impressive, which also included meeting up with your family. I hope this all went well. Prior to your stay the Property Manager from Sykes attended,who also came before the cottage appearing on the website, less than a year ago. On both occasions passed the cottage as acceptable. I wish to at least maintain this standard. Since then the offending areas have been re treated and decorated. How long it will last this time, not sure but will untake to repeat until solved. You were greatful for my assistance in sorting out an error with your booking fee. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan2.2★Apr 2024

• "For the price didn't expect the world, however, the cottage was dirty, the sofas were uncomfortable and under the cushions was enough food debris to make a meal, a baby's feeding bottle was found in the bedroom under radiator, goodness knows how long it had been there."

  Medication found on the bedroom floor, having two dogs could have been dangerous for them. The bedding is old and tatty, the bathroom has mould on the all around the taps, the ceiling in the bedroom is water stained due the roof leaking when it rains, I could go on!!! The ceilings are covered in cobwebs. The floorboards upstairs are so noisy, but the main problem during the night is the fan in the toilet, it takes forever to turn off, again disturbing others sleeping. The owner said she had approached me to see if everything was ok when we were there, NO YOU DIDN'T!!!! I wouldn't know you from Adam. A simple acknowledgement that the property was dirty would have sufficed, but to make up an excuse that you had asked us if everything was fine when you had not been near the property is totally inexcusable. As I said we didn't expect the world, but we did expect it to be clean and fit for purpose, which it most certainly isn't. The strip of wood on the step from the dining area up into the kitchen is extremely loose, may I kindly suggest that you repair it before someone has a serious accident.

  Glad that you found the price OK and that you did not expect the world as I only wish to provide reasonable country charm type accomodation.. Under the cushions agreed there was some crumbs will try to ensure it does not happenagain. The baby's bottle a total mystery as no baby has stayed Any disregarded medinines are carefully disposed of. I apologise if any were missed. I have 2 dogs also I do not believe your dogs were at risk as they know what not to eat. Your dogs should not have been in the bedroom. Sorry that you did not like the bedding. To my shame some mould was missed, caused by the long wet winter . The water stain was in fact caused by a plumbing disasterr after the water company repaired a supply pipe to the village. Many attempts to cover the stain had been made but still it returned believe that we have now suceeded. The fan has been adjusted. Spidersare a constant menace a repellant is provided Some of the floorboards do make more nise than normal because orginally it was a trap door. We seem to have different opinions as to whether we met or not but I am sure you had contact details A manager from Sykes inspected the property at the start and again shortly afteryour stay I was not led to believe the Manager shared your opinion. The wood on the step is held in place by several screws. Thank you for staying at ForgeCottage. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Julie1.3★Mar 2024

• "I had a really lovely relaxing stay for 4 nights from the 27th October."

  I loved the location, nice and near to Aldeburgh beach and a great pub opposite too. Good heating and plenty of hot water

  So glad you had a good time it was nice to meet you and your dogs Property Owner

  Reviewed by Debra3.8★Oct 2023

• "It's good value for money."

  Everything worked (tv, heating etc). It suited us - a couple, with 2 small dogs. The garden is fenced in and they couldn't run away. The door key being accessed by a 4 digit code was vital, as the owner couldn't be there because of flooding of roads. The pub just across the road was friendly and lively. We went to Dunwich heath, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Sutton Hoo, Snape maltings, and Orford castle and had a lovely time.

  Glad that you and your dogs enjoyed it and consider it good value so important, when times are hard for many. Sykes are the experts in this. Unfortunately I was unable to met you, my road home was so flooded. Pleased that you got to the cottage O.K The owners of the pub work hard with the catering and special events they hold. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Neil4.1★Oct 2023

• "Could do with a lot of updating."

  The floor boards upstairs were SO squeaky that moving around was painful! I fact as we are both of a certain age that we need to get up in the night, we manage to wake each other when we had to go to the toilet!! So my husband even recorded how noisy it was. Also bathroom bin not emptied, baby socks in draw in the bedroom, and dirty tea towels left on the kitchen worktop.

  Many thanks for your feedback and for bringing this to our attention. We always recommend that you contact us during your stay to give us the opportunity to rectify any issues for you. If you would like to discuss your feedback further, please do not hesitate to contact us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan2.2★Oct 2023

• "Lovely cottage exactly as listed but unfortunately as both of us are tall we were unable to use the bath so we were only able to have washes all week due to the lack of height and space in the bathroom."

  Perhaps the toilet could be made into a shower room and the toilet out into the other room and take the bath out. Just a suggestion. Otherwise a lovely stay.

  Pleased that you enjoyed your stay and the cottage From advise taken not sure about making a shower room Property Owner

  Reviewed by Diane3.8★Sep 2023

• "Very disappointed."

  A whole week with no hot water, despite electrician coming once and plumber twice. Both told us problems at the house are ongoing. The dishwasher did not work, plumber said the owner had already been told that and he was asked to disconnect it. Roof in main bedroom leaked water close to the bed when it rained heavily, owner told me this could not happen but I sent you a photo of the buckled paint on the ceiling. We were offered a full refund if we went home after 3 days but we live 7 hours away and were not going home from Suffolk. Also offered alternative accommodation in other places but none suitable. Downstairs in cottage dated but pleasant but much work needs doing before someone else stays here.

  Thank you for your comments. We can confirm there was hot water on your arrival, the plumber attended to this and fixed this for you and you had hot water at the end of your stay. A note was also left asking you to call the plumber if you had any further issues. None of the problems reported were present prior to the water company working in the area. We have tried to contact the water company several times by email following the work done to the lake. We also recall you reported to us that the plumber said there were major problems with the tank, so we contacted the plumber immediately, and they clarified that there was no problem with it whatsoever. We were told the dishwasher was in working order and is classed as safe; it may have stopped working temporarily due to the limited hot water supply whilst this was an issue. The roof leaked due to storm damage in the winter which may explain the staining on the ceiling, however everything has been replastered and is dry to the touch. We and Sykes did our very best to assist you, both with resolving the issues and with finding alternative accommodation at short notice, even offering a refund, however these offers were declined and you chose to stay at the property. We apologise that you were unhappy with your experience and thank you again for letting us know your thoughts. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Yvonne2.2★Jul 2023

• "Cottage needs complete updating."

  Without hot water for two and a half days. The floor upstairs is extremely squeaky, and wakes others up when using the toilet at night. Need to keep refilling the upstairs sink as the plug doesn't work and the water drains away.

  Thank you for your comments. As I explained to you the Water company had done some major works in the area which when the supply was turned on again pressure and the air got into the pipes causing the water heater fault. Both the electrician and the plumber who worked very hard and turned out at short notice I consider this excellent service and you were offered other accommodation. Squeaky floor boards typical of an old property and various trades people have advised nothing can be done to correct it. The taps and plug on the sink are modern with the orginal plug remaining. Any other updating will done done with care as not to destory the character of the cottage which was not orginally built with human habitation in mind. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Barbara1.9★Jul 2023

• "A quaint old property in a very pretty village well located for Aldeburgh and the surrounding area."

  Pretty small garden lovely for meals.Literally opposite there was is the Friston Chequers pub which provides fantastic food and is the centre of village life well recommended Generally the location is quiet apart from farm traffic which unfortunately seemed to passing at all time of the day and night but this is probably due to the time of year The property is quirky and the bathroom and kitchen facilities are basic but well maintained. However access to the bath itself is very restricted due to the sloping ceiling and would not suit all folks Overall a lovely property in a great location

  Thank you for your kind comments You are correct thelocal farms are all very busy due to the time of year. I understand that the bath is not ideal but taken advise from traders who were unable to suggest any solution. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Thomas3.8★Jun 2023

• "Just returned home from our holiday at this perfect cottage, the surrounds are lovely, with gorgeous walks n lovely friendly locals n village pub."

  Would highly recommend, especially if you have fur babies with you. It was total peace n quiet, apart tractor. We may well return in the autumn/winter so we can light the gorgeous log burner. The owner was there to meet us, n very friendly indeed. Gave us tips on dog walks ect. Thankyou for a perfect holiday.

  It was nice to meet you I am glad that you all enjoyed your stay, your dogs are delightful. Hope you do manage a return visit. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★Jun 2023

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