The Courtyard - Hilltop Barn

38 Customer Reviews

• "Hill Top Barn was a delightful place to stay for our holiday in a hidden gem of a lovely village."

  Nice and quiet, away from traffic and no light pollution from any towns at night. The owner who lives nearby was extremely helpful in more ways than one, very friendly and approachable. Also thank you for the welcome pack to. My wife, sister and I had a wonderful stay.

  Reviewed by Colin4.7★Oct 2024

• "We had an enjoyable stay at The Courtyard - Hilltop Barn."

  We were met on arrival by the owner who gave us a brief run down on where things were and how they worked. The welcome pack was a nice bonus. The accommodation was very clean and well equipped and the towels were soft, something we had not had this year in our previous five holiday lets. The location was quiet and well positioned for visiting places such as Poole, Swanage, Weymouth etc. Would be happy to recommend.

  Reviewed by John4.7★Sep 2024

• "We loved Hilltop barn and Bill was very helpful."

  There were 2 big issues with the property which were the sofa was very uncomfortable (appeared framework is broken) which meant we struggled to relax in the evening after being out all day and the double bed was also very uncomfortable and leans to one side. When you turn over it’s very noisy which kept us awake.we didn’t report this during our stay as these weren’t things that could have been rectified for us. If these items were replaced we would love to stay again. Thank you Bill and Shan

  We are sorry that you had problems with the settee and bed during your stay. It is such a shame that you did not tell us during your stay as we would have dealt with the issues . Had anything been broken we would have replaced them from the furniture in our Barn opposite. In terms of the bed We have subsequently tightened all the screws in the bed frame and moved the frame from the skirting boar to eliminate the noise. We recognise that the settee is harder than some, and whilst there is nothing wrong with its frame we are now providing additional cushioning to provide both a higher and softer experience. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Diane3.8★Sep 2024

• "Excellent"

  Reviewed by Den5.0★Sep 2024

• "A great weeks stay in Courtyard."

  Lovely location to base ourselves from to explore Dorset. The property is well furnished and has everything you need, lovely location and nice and peacful to enable you to be able to relax of an evening. Would reccomend a stay here.

  Reviewed by Peter4.4★Aug 2024

• "This is a lovely property run by charming owners."

  They were helpful and friendly without being intrusive. An excellent holiday, thank you.

  Reviewed by Philip4.7★Aug 2024

• "A lovely spacious cottage in a great location- a very pretty village and a good place for venturing out and visiting lots of lovely places in Dorset."

  The cottage was clean and well maintained and Bill was very friendly and helpful, particularly in recommending things to see and do in the area. We would definitely recommend Hilltop Barn to others.

  Reviewed by Colleen5.0★Jul 2024

• "The owners were friendly and helpful."

  We had a very enjoyable stay helped by good weather. The property is very spacious for 2 of us and well appointed. We particularly appreciated the electric charger for our car and the Sky Q for the TV. Suggestions for improvement are: — The sofa and the chair nearer the main door in the main room aren’t very comfortable . — The outside private area was rather disappointing/ but could be improved with a little work e.g. pruning the vegetation , pressure washing of the paving and providing ,a couple of deck chairs. — ( General point for Sykes cottages detailed descriptions ). Like a significant number of retired guests I have a pacemaker . I can’t go close to an induction hob . It would be useful in the property details to specify if electric hobs are induction rather than coil or radiant , which look the same .

  Thank you for your comments and we are pleased you enjoyed your stay. Regrettably the weather during week before you arrived was so poor we could not get to the garden area to allow us to thin out the vegetation. We normally carry this out during the small window we have between bookings. Unfortunately this was not possible. Your comments about the sofa and chair are noted,. The electric hob is NOT an induction hob. Property Owner

  Reviewed by William4.1★Jun 2024

• "We did give feedback to the owner at the time of our departure"

  Reviewed by Jacqueline4.4★Jun 2024

• "A warm welcome from Bill and continued contact throughout our short stay ensured a great holiday."

  His recommendations for dining out worked well. A very peaceful location with excellent facilities.

  Reviewed by David5.0★May 2024

• "A beautiful well equipped house in a lovely rural location but not far from the main roads."

  Several pleasant eateries are nearby. We had a very enjoyable and comfortable stay. We were warmly welcomed by the owner, and enjoyed the comfortable beds and general layout. Everything was provided and we had no issues throughout our stay. Our son particularly enjoyed having his own space upstairs. The cottage is well situated for visiting nearby attractions such as Swanage Railway, Corfe Castle, the Tank Museum, Monkey World and Dorchester and Wimborne Minster.

  Reviewed by Gillian5.0★Apr 2024

• "A perfect situation on the edge of an idyllic village."

  The owner was friendly and helpful, and we throughly enjoyed our too-brief visit. The converted barn was comfortable with an idiosyncratic style. We would be happy to return.

  Reviewed by Margaret5.0★Mar 2024

• "This was a delightful week's stay in November 2023."

  My wife and I would very happily return here. The location was excellent for us - in the tiny and "Best-Kept" village of Winterborne Zelston: duckpond, ancient church, etc, and yet only five minutes by car from the main Bournemouth - Dorchester dual carriageway. A recent barn conversion, to a very high specification, and with impressive views from its hilltop location on the village outskirts. The cottage was excellently furnished and equipped, and spotlessly clean. The owners - who live twenty metres away, across the courtyard - were excellently helpful and friendly. No negative features at all, and - to repeat - we would very happily return here.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Nov 2023

• "A great property with space and comfortable beds, well appointed and perfectly situated in a pretty village, and for exploring Dorset."

  Beautifully clean and warm …. The owner was helpful, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Definitely recommended.

  Reviewed by Judith4.4★Oct 2023

• "The property was very comfortable and very well equipped, tastefully decorated and spotlessly clean."

  The location is great for you to get to all the coastal areas. The owner Bill was very welcoming and was available if needed. Would highly recommend your stay here.

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Aug 2023

• "Bill was very welcoming and helpful if we needed anything just ask can't be better than that ."

  The barn was perfect for me and my mum . We will be back .

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★Jul 2023

• "Linen and towels were not up to standard."

  Shower was poor with very low rate of flow. Downstairs bed was very creaky.

  We are naturally very disappointed reading your review of your stay with us. We are sorry if the cottage was not at the standard you expected. We do ask our guests to raise any issues during their stay, so we can rectify any problems, at the time. It is difficult to know what quality of linen and towels you expected. These are 100% cotton matching sets and are regularly replaced during each season. These were also changed during your stay. This has never previously been an issue or mentioned before. We supply all cotton linen and towels and would have to strongly disagree with your opinion. I was unaware of any issue with the downstairs shower during your stay, had you mentioned this at the time we could have investigated the problem, However, there is currently no problem with this, and it is functioning properly This is not advertised as a Power Shower and runs off mains pressure. The upstairs shower is working fine and is a power shower and offers an alternative. As far as the bed is concerned, we did discuss this during your stay and had thought we had rectified the issue, which was merely caused by the bed leg rubbing against the skirting board, having been pushed back against the wall. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Chris3.4★Jun 2023

• "Delightful cottage in a perfect location with friendly hosts, just perfect."

  Reviewed by James4.7★May 2023

• "Fantastic accommodation in a lovely village with lots of things to do and see all within easy reach of the barn."

  Bill and Shan were wonderful hosts. Thank you so much for looking after us.

  Reviewed by Anne5.0★Oct 2022

• "Bill was a fantastic host, always on hand for any issues or questions."

  The accommodation was great, very comfortable and well equipped for a self catering holiday. There were a couple of pubs nearby that served delicious food - The Botany Bay Inne and The World’s End. If you want a great location for your stay in Dorset, Hilltop Barn is the place to book. Thanks for a lovely week from Jane, John and Lorna

  Reviewed by Jane5.0★Jul 2022

• "The property was very comfortable, clean and had everything required for a happy holiday."

  The village is picturesque and peaceful making relaxation an easy option.

  Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★Jul 2022

• "The Courtyard is in a secluded, countryside location, which was ideal for us."

  Local facilities and shops are a drive away. It was exactly as we expected based on the information previously provided. We had no issues during our stay. Very peaceful, very quiet.

  Reviewed by Leslie5.0★May 2022

• "A fabulous space, thoughtfully and tastefully done."

  Lovely owner, Bill. Could not be more friendly and helpful. Would most definiteley recommend.

  Reviewed by Jacqui5.0★Mar 2022

• "What a beautifully designed barn conversion!"

  We loved staying here for the week. The property is converted to the highest standard - the underfloor heating was particularly welcome. Winterbourne Zelston is a lovely quiet rural location within easy reach of pubs and other amenities. We would highly recommend

  Reviewed by Philip5.0★Dec 2021

• "A lovely quiet countryside escape."

  We’ll quipped and super comfy bed. Great pub a shirt walk away and easy access to Dorset’s attractions .

  Reviewed by Geoffrey5.0★Nov 2021

• "Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Courtyard."

  The accommodation was well located and well equipped bar missing a few useful items in the kitchen such as wooden spoons, scissors and other larger utensils. Water pressure in kitchen very low and found it very difficult to get water to stay in sink (washing up bowl would help) Bed very comfy and lovely decor throughout. Bill and Sian very friendly.

  Thank you for your comments, it is such a shame you did not mention them during your stay. The "missing items"" were in the drawer under the hob. The hot water pressure is lower than the cold water pressure (main pressure). We will be addressing this during the winter by connecting the supply to a pump and this should resolve the issue. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Wendy4.7★Nov 2021

• "Hilltop Barn is a beautiful property, perfectly located in the Dorset countryside with an easy short drive to all the big local tourist attractions."

  Bill made us very welcome and was very helpful with our queries. The Barn had all we needed for our week's stay, and was very clean and extremely comfortable. We will definitely look to stay again!

  Reviewed by Anna5.0★Oct 2021

• "We had a great week here, unobtrusive but available hosts, great location, as described and clean as a whistle!"

  Thank you.

  Reviewed by Kieran5.0★Oct 2021

• "The Owners were on hand for information and advice when required."

  The cottage is in a quiet location, very tranquil and relaxing. Good internet, but poor mobile phone signal (O2). The facilities were to a very good standard. The master bedroom was large, but the layout restricted access to the king sized bed. Hot water pressure to kitchen sink needs improving. A very enjoyable two weeks holiday. Ideal location for our trips off walking, seaside, National Trust and coastal paths.

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Sep 2021

• "Wonderful facilities and great hosts."

  Had a very pleasant stay with my family.

  Reviewed by Judy5.0★Aug 2021

• "Fantastic location in a beautiful picturesque village."

  So quiet and peaceful, exactly what we wanted.

  Reviewed by Sam5.0★Aug 2021

• "Bill and Shan were great hosts."

  The Courtyard was just perfect. Clean and well appointed. Very well situated for exploring Dorset. We had everything we needed for our stay - BBQ was great and the surprise of eggs, juice and milk on arrival were much appreciated :-) Loved the walks/runs from our lovely holiday home and the Golden Fox pub was the icing on the cake! Such a lovely place to stay. Thanks! We had a lovely holiday

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Jul 2021

• "The accommodation was really high-spec, with everything we needed."

  There was a welcome pack when we arrived, which was really appreciated after a 3 hour journey. The dressing gowns were a really nice thought as I always forget mine! Bill and Shan were helpful about local places to visit and where to eat etc. A great place to stay!

  Reviewed by Tamsin5.0★Jul 2021

• "Lovely stay, very comfortable bed and easy access to the coast."

  The hosts were very friendly and the welcome pack was a nice touch. The only small improvement would be a decent non stick frying pan. Other than that the amenities were great.

  Reviewed by Stephanie4.7★Jul 2021

• "Get another bed downstairs."

  Hence the mark down on comfort. Other than that we had a great holiday, and would certainly recommend you to our friends. Thanks again.

  Reviewed by Desmond4.7★Jul 2021

• "Lovely accommodation well located for exploring the area."

  Enjoyed days out at Corfe Castle, Studland bay, Kingston Lacy, Lulworth Cove, kayaking from Wareham & coastal walks. Would recommend, great place for UK holiday.

  Reviewed by Susie4.4★Jun 2021

• "Very comfortable accommodation in a lovely quiet location."

  Spacious for our granddaughter to crawl around. Private back patio ideal for bbqs. The kitchen lacked enough cutlery, crockery and casserole dishes to stop washing up all the time to be able to fill a dish washer. Bill was very helpful and was willing to take on board the lack of kitchen equipment.

  Thank you for your comments. Whilst we understand your comments regarding the crockery and cutlery, we would state that the cottage is equipped with 6 sets of everything, which should be sufficient for 4 people and the kitchen has been fitted out in line with the Sykes Cottages guidelines. However we do accept this could be insufficient if you are entertaining larger numbers of family and friends. As we live opposite the cottage, we could have helped you with the additional requirements had you mentioned them at the time Kind regards Bill and Shan Many thanks Bill & Shan Property Owner

  Reviewed by Angie4.7★May 2021

• "High scores but a tiny BUT."

  We had the worst weather ever for this holiday which was a walking holiday. The accommodation had underfloor heating but it proved very difficult to find enough drying areas to dry out our very wet boots and outer clothes. Several nights we laid wet stuff on the floor to get it dried. The barn owner came to our rescue one evening and took our boots in for drying.

  Reviewed by Richard5.0★May 2021

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