The Fort

46 Customer Reviews

• "We had a wonderful week in Bude."

  The location is absolutely stunning. The house provided plenty of space for us (5 people), everything worked nicely. We just can recommend it! Thanks a lot!

  Reviewed by Markus4.7★Oct 2024

• "The Fort is a beautiful property set in a stunning location, perfect access for the beach and local amenities."

  My family and friends returned home relaxed and rejuvenated, looking to rebook for next year

  Reviewed by Brian5.0★Oct 2024

• "A lovely house with great views of the sea, the beach and the cannel ."

  The house was very clean and comfortable We would definitely book to go there again.

  Reviewed by Lorraine5.0★Sep 2024

• "The perfect location overlooking the beach and sea pool."

  On a windy or rainy day sitting in one of the window bays to watch the world go by was endlessly entertaining- you can see from the window if the tide's in, if the sea pool can be used, if it's suitable for bodyboarding, etc. Being able to use the hot outside shower was great after the beach. Nice walk to Widemouth Bay along the cliffs, great walking from Boscastle too. Delicious tapas meal at The Bank if you want a treat! All in all, a very comfortable stay in a great location for an active holiday

  Thanks Adele for some clear and helpful feedback. We agree the new(ish) outside shower is a bonus and food at The Bank delicious. Stay active. Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Adele4.7★May 2024

• "A very well equipped house in an excellent location close to the beach and canal."

  A parking space was available at the foot of the steps leading up to the house; the property details made it clear there were steps. Everything in the house was clean and easy to use. A well equipped kitchen and useful boot room. The outdoor area is small but pretty, with table/chairs and separate bench well placed. Easy walk to pubs and cafes and the town. We were lucky to have a fab sunny week.

  Thankyou Angela for your feedback; glad you had a great time. Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Angela5.0★May 2024

• "Sadly last visit here ,,,,,NO DOGS…."

  .

  UPDATE Jan 2024 - DOGS NOW ALLOWED! I know the situation of the house is perfect for dogs, so we've made some alterations and are now accepting up to two well behaved (ie not upstairs or on the furniture) dogs back to The Fort. Hi Judith. Thank you for your feedback and I agree it is such a shame that we don't allow dogs (at the moment!). What we were finding were people were allowing dogs upstairs and on the furniture which is against our house rules. So at the moment, we have put a 'pause' on dogs at the Fort but I am looking at ways we can accommodate them in the future. Watch this space! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Judith3.8★Sep 2023

• "This is 3rd year in a row we've stayed at the fort ."

  Already booked for next year before this stay . Great location always enjoy our time here . Ideal place lovely views out of living room windows . Easy access to beach( our little dog loves it ) . Wish we could stay longer .

  Reviewed by Wayne5.0★Aug 2023

• "The house was in a very dirty condition upon arrival."

  Generally the property is in a tired condition. We subsequently received a vague accusation that we had damaged ‘something’ (we have never been told exactly what it had any evidence of this). This has then been sued as the reason to cancel a long held booking, paid for over a year ago. Poor behaviour.

  Thank you Steven for your feedback. I'm sorry you thought the house was dirty, that is your opinion and you made no mention at the time; our housekeeper of some time now, always in our opinion, leaves it fresh, sparkling and smelling lovely when you walk in and we have other feedback that states the same. The 'tired' comment has also been described as 'quirky' and on checking the photos of the Fort on the Sykes website again, they show an accurate reflection of the furniture – old & new – we have there. I view it as old/new living happily side by side and adding interest with unexpected or individual pieces, as the main attractions are outside with surfing, beach walks, swimming in Bude’s amazing 90m sea pool etc right on your doorstep. On speaking with Sykes Owner Relations team, they confirmed to me you were informed the damaged 'something' was the new bed frame. The damage was reported to me by my housekeeper when she came to hoover around it on the Saturday you left, and who was adamant there was nothing wrong with the bed on the Saturday you arrived. The evidence is my fault - my phone wouldn't or couldn't send over the photos from Whatsapp to Sykes by email. Consequently, I decided that a 'he said/she said' situation is never resolved satisfactorily with either party and the outcome of all this was that I did manage to get someone to fix the bed and replace the damaged fixings, so the bed functions as normal now. Not sure what you mean by ‘poor behaviour.’ Property Owner

  Reviewed by Steven1.3★Jul 2023

• "Property had everything needed for our stay and much more."

  The use of body boards available was a welcome surprise. As well as a great property, it’s in a perfect location.

  Thank you Michael for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the body boards and yes, I don't think you can beat the location! Best wishes Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Michael4.7★Jul 2023

• "The Fort is in a fantastic location."

  It is right by the sandy beach, the Bude canal, the river Neet, the SW coast path and a couple of restaurants. Shops and the town just a 10 minute walk away. The property is laid out well and very well equipped (better than most that I have rented). Plenty of room for 6 persons. Free off-road parking for 2 large cars. I would recommend having a king sized bed as some adults would find this more comfortable than a standard bed. Outside space (table & chairs) is ideal for people watching! Lovely welcome pack. Some may say the property is a little “tired” but I say LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! I hope to return.

  Thank you George for taking the time to feedback and I agree the location is everything. I am in the process of updating the property this winter and a king sized bed is on the list! Best wishes Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by George4.4★Jun 2023

• "It's a lovely place where we've stayed before and we'll stay again."

  It would be handy if there was a dust pan available so we can clean the floors. There was also only bedding for the double bed. There was two of us staying and it was assumed we wanted to share a bed rather than having separate rooms. There was also only 2 towels available, would need nice to have spares. One of the blankets didn't smell too fresh either so not sure how often they are washed. But other than these few points we love the location, it's a great property with most things needed for a holiday.

  Thank you Malcolm for taking the time to write a review. There is a dustpan and brush under the main kitchen sink that sometimes gets moved to the cleaning cupboard in the Boot Room. I must admit when the house is booked for two adults, the assumption (as highlighted by you) is sometimes wrong - in these situations just let Sykes, myself or Karen the housekeeper know before hand and we can sort beds for you. The towel situation is interesting. We now provide one large bath sheet per guest as from feedback guests prefer a larger bath sheet rather than two smaller ones; it is a matter of preference I suppose and again just let us know next time. I'll let Karen know about the blankets but a 'deep clean' and laundry was done on the property linen early March but I'll get her to review them again. Thanks again for your feedback. Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Malcolm3.8★Mar 2023

• "We have stayed in The Fort several times now, and it never lets us down."

  The house is very comfortable, well equipped, and clean. The location ,in my opinion, could not be bettered, hence our desire to keep returning. Family and dogs never want to leave! The position is perfect for discovering the many attractions of Cornwall.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Mar 2023

• "One of the best locations in Bude as it is right on the beach and in easy reach of shops/eating places."

  The Fort is well equipped and well maintained other than the gas flame effect fire which was not in use (the house was very cold on our arrival and being able to put the fire on would have made it more comfortable on our first night). I think during the colder months maybe the heating could be programmed to be in operation for longer but appreciate there may be a cost implication.

  Thank you Erica for taking the time to write the review and couldn't agree more that it is one of the best locations in Bude. As we all know, energy costs have gone through the roof so there is a cost implication for heating the house but I take on board your point of perhaps having the heating on longer, just to make sure it is comfortable. I was thinking of getting Hive which I could then alter remotely, so will gives this some more thought. Thank you again. Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Erica4.1★Mar 2023

• "This is a lovely property."

  The views are amazing. We loved being next to the beach and canal for Our dogs and fishing. The only recommendations I would give is the double bed had a very firm mattress. A tailgate would be recommended to keep dogs downstairs as requested - we brought our own some people may not do this. More security in the garden would make it better for children and dogs. However these are only small recommendations as the property is great.

  Hi Sharon. Thank you for your 100% feedback, that is great to hear and yes the location, I personally think can't be beaten either. Sorry, you thought the mattress firm, other people have said it's soft! But I understand it is personal choice. The tailgate is a hot topic with us as we um and AHH about it, as is the chain at the back patio. I hope you return. Best wishes Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Jul 2022

• "We have had several stays at The Fort."

  It is all about the location with this property which is why we return there. It is also dog friendly which is a bonus for us. There were only 2 tea towels left which wasn’t enough, we would have taken our own if we had known. The access up was quite overgrown with bushes this time and could have done with trimming back and the dead leaves picking up. It made carrying up our 16 month old grandchild difficult when it rained.

  Thank you Lyn for your feedback, always helpful to hear how we can improve the house. We have a new gardener who is just getting to grips with the routine, so I will mention that maybe the bushes need trimming more! I'm trying to remember when we stay anywhere how many tea towels we have been given - and think it is only two; if you book another time I'll ask the cleaner to put out more Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lyn3.8★Jun 2022

• "Fabulous property in a great position on the canal/beach side ."

  Always plenty to look at ! Well equipped kitchen. This was our second stay and I’m sure we will be back .

  Thank you Tracy for giving us 100/100 and so pleased you had a great time - please do come back! Best wishes Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★May 2022

• "A lovely comfortable house with the most amazing views."

  Very well equipped but perhaps the kitchen equipment could be scaled down a bit as some things needed to be thrown away after a long use. The boot room was perfect as we could put all wet and sandy clothing etc straight in there. Would certainly recommend this house we had an amazing time

  Thank you Christine for your positive feedback and to be honest you are probably right about scaling down the kitchen equipment - I think there is a utensil for every possibility! I'm glad you appreciate the functionality of the boot room too and I agree, the views are second to none. So pleased you had an amazing time. Best wishes Andrea Property Owner

  Reviewed by Christine4.4★Apr 2022

• "Little gem of a holiday house."

  Amazing facilities. Loved the outdoor shower and sand brush to remove sand from whole people and toes before entering the house. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place to stay.

  Thank you for your comments and I agree the outside shower is quite a revelation and the sand brush was an idea I picked up when I stayed somewhere and thought it was genius too! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Jul 2021

• "Fabulous place to stay and people watch from the patio!"

  Will love to return. One thing that would make it even better is for the windows that have blown to be replaced.

  Thank you for taking the time to comment and you will be pleased to know the blown windows have been replaced. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★Jun 2021

• "Stunning location."

  Clean & with everything needed in living/kitchen areas. Nice modern bathroom & downstairs toilet. Bit tired in places like the twin bedroom & conservatory. Most of the double glazed windows were blown in the conservatory which felt grubby but was clean, however we didn't use those parts. Shame that the middle pane of the double glazed window in the front double bedroom was blown which restricted the view in the morning but hopefully it will be fixed. Could do with a stair gate to stop the dog running upstairs, very difficult to stop her. Bude overall & the house is dog friendly so we all loved it.

  Thank you for your comments and we are slowly updating the house in amongst lockdowns and have now 'done' the conservatory with new windows and furniture, so hopefully no more 'blown' windows! The bedroom window has been fixed too. We've thought about a stair gate before and I am toying with the idea of a temporary barrier for when people bring their dogs but in fact the configuration of the stairs makes it quite difficult. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Janette4.4★Apr 2021

• "Very good supply of kitchen utensils and crockery."

  The utility/boot was ideal for the dogs and to store welly’s.

  Reviewed by Christopher4.7★Oct 2020

• "We have stayed at the Fort several times now,and it never lets us down."

  In this strange Covid affected year, it was so comforting to find the house exactly as you would wish it to be,very clean and sanitizers left for us to use. Perfect location for walking either on the dog friendly beach or cliff paths and commons,and great location as a base for travelling around this part of Cornwall. The owner and caretaker were very helpful when we had a self inflicted problem by one of our party managing to lock us all out, so many thanks to Andrea and Chloe. Dogs and occupants all very relaxed and chilled out and can't wait until our return next March.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Sep 2020

• "We have stayed at The Fort several times and it never lets us down."

  The location is fantastic being about 50m from the fabulous Summerleaze beach. Brilliant for walking the dogs,either on the beach or at the back of the cottage on Efford Down.Perfect location for discovering this part of Cornwall

  Reviewed by David4.7★Oct 2019

• "We had such a wonderful week away in Bude, highly recommend the fort."

  The whole process of booking our family holiday was so easy from the start. Such a lovely holiday home. Thank you so much!!!

  Reviewed by Tabatha5.0★Jul 2019

• "This has got to be one of the best rentals we have ever stayed in!"

  The location is stunning of course, which can’t but help. I minute to the beach is true, as long as it’s not high tide! Then it’s more like 20 but you adjust to that. The newly renovated bathroom is lovely, the decor tasteful and charming, bed very comfortable (we only used the master). Everything you want (or didn’t know you wanted!) is there except a mallet for the windbreak! We were blessed with fabulous weather so extra thanks for that. We’ll be back please?

  Reviewed by Gill5.0★Jul 2019

• "It’s the 4th time that we’ve stayed at “The Fort” which sums up how much we like going there."

  It’s in an ideal location for access to the canal, beach, the downs and a few minutes walk into the town centre. There is plenty of parking and the house and garages are full of useful equipment for a very enjoyable stay. We love that it is a pet friendly property as it makes going away with our springer so much easier. She also loves the location and Bude is very dog friendly. We’ve already booked for 2020 !

  Reviewed by Chris4.7★Jun 2019

• "This was our third visit to the Fort and have already booked to go again next year."

  The new bathroom is brilliant, it was the one room we didn’t like as the bath previously was very narrow and difficult to stand and have a shower in. Now there is a new bathroom with a wider bath plus a walk in shower cubicle. We love the fort as it’s very much like home. The views are amazing and even if the weather isn’t great just sitting in the lounge window watching the sea is perfect! Highly recommended!

  Reviewed by Kerry5.0★Apr 2019

• "A true home from home, holiday home - lovely accommodation and great sea views - what more could you want?"

  See you next year!

  Reviewed by Jason4.1★Apr 2019

• "We found The Fort to be well appointed in a wonderful location."

  We would definitely consider staying there again. The only downsides were: We found the double bed (for us) to be uncomfortably firm. The outside shower wasn’t working. The furniture in the TV viewing side of the living room was in a strange configuration, which, considering the property sleeps 5, only allows 4 people to see the screen. Please add the following guidance to your site details (from the welcome pack at the property) with regard to The Fort being dog-friendly: Dogs not allowed on any furniture. No dogs allowed upstairs under any circumstances, but no stair gate installed.

  Reviewed by Gary4.4★Apr 2019

• "Amazing property and fantastic location right by the beach and downs."

  We have already booked again for next year! The Fort was very well equipped and spotless. Scones and clotted cream were left for us on arrival too.

  Reviewed by Jacki5.0★Mar 2019

• "The Fort is our favourite destination."

  We have stayed there five times, and have two more bookings already. It always meets and even exceeds expectations. The owners always seem to be updating facilities, last year was new heating system, this year a fabulous new bathroom with walk in shower. The location could not be bettered, being a few metres from a brilliant dog friendly beach to the front, and access to clliff walks and open space to the rear.Within a few kilometres are many of the North Cornwall attractions. Bude is a lovely little town that has moved with the times,having many of the facilities of a modern town, but has not been over commercialised,so retains its character. Cant wait to return in October.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Mar 2019

• "This is a wonderful property situated in an idyllic spot."

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Feb 2019

• "The Fort has to be the best location that I have ever stayed at - it was wonderful to look out on such an amazing view over the beach, downs, canal, Bude town and everything else."

  However 'quirky' the house is (as described by many other visitors), it is better equipped than many cottages I have stayed in and the view trumps everything. And the instant access onto Efford Downs just behind the house and the beach just in front of the house is best of all.

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Sep 2018

• "The Fort is well equipped with everything needed for a wonderful seaside holiday."

  The boot room is a genius idea and the outdoor shower a new addition. Dog friendly accommodation which is a real boon.

  Reviewed by Celia5.0★Sep 2018

• "This was our second visit to The Fort in Bude, and we liked it so much that we’ve already booked a third visit."

  It’s an exceptional property in a beautiful location.

  Reviewed by Duncan5.0★Sep 2018

• "Fabulous location, for both the beach and town."

  Fantastic to have a warm outdoor shower to use when we got back from the beach. We will be coming back. Thanks

  Reviewed by Richard4.1★Aug 2018

• "Had a wonderful holiday at The Fort, couldn’t have been closer to the beach."

  Cream tea waiting, and milk in the fridge was a lovely touch. Wonderful views of the sea and the beach. I can highly recommend it

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Aug 2018

• "Third time we have used this property and we are returning next year."

  Great location. Lovely quirky property. We just love it there! Would be great if a few items could have some attention though please - Some window catches are loose and have missing screws, would be nice if all the windows could be opened and not permanently locked especially during the hot weather. Addition of floor standing fans would be nice for the summer period? Hedges /garden at both entrances would benefit from a good pruning back to enable easier access. In the details it states there are 2 sets of door keys but we have never found another set hanging up in the hallway. This time we did not have a welcome pack of cream tea and milk, which we missed ! Addition of outside shower was really useful. We liked the newly refurbished boot room too. Shame the seagull on the front porch has broken! Lyn and Chris Rouse with Poppy

  Reviewed by Chris5.0★Jun 2018

• "The property was very well equipped especially in the kitchen there were items that are not always available like cling film and foil."

  Lots of books, games and information about the surrounding area. A great deal òf thought by the owners had gone in to what was in the house for their guests to use. A lovely family house, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

  Reviewed by Gillian5.0★Apr 2018

• "We had a wonderful holiday at The Fort."

  The location and views could not have been better and the cottage was well equipped. The boot / coat room was very useful ensuring that the rest of the cottage remained sand free and tidy. Even with two children. Thanks to the owners and we hope to return in the near future.

  Reviewed by Craig4.4★Feb 2018

• "Ideal location for a beach holiday or as a base in cornwall."

  Wonderful views, fully equipped kitchen, WIFI,

  Reviewed by Ruth4.8★Jul 2017

• "The one and only thing to stop us booking again are the steps."

  The views are superb - sat for hours 'people and dog watching'. A truly memorable holiday. Thank you.

  4.0★Apr 2017

• "This cottage is in a fab location, a very comfortable 'home from home'!"

  Would definitely book this again.

  Reviewed by Julia4.8★Feb 2017

• "The Fort is,for us, probably the best cottage we have stayed in."

  It's location is perfect for dog owners, with the beach on one side, and Compass Point common on the other,each only a few metres from the property. The cottage is very clean, well presented,and well equipped. A lovely welcome pack with delicious home made scones. So good, we have booked already for next year.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Oct 2016

• "The Fort is in the most amazing location."

  The view was so beautiful from the property across the canal and river estuary to the beach, that we didn't want to go out visiting other local places so often, but explored the walks along the canal etc., and walked around Bude town centre, knowing we could return to the best view of all in Bude - our holiday cottage. The property is excellent, the kitchen well equipped, the lounge very spacious with low windows allowing the best possible views and the bedrooms are all well decorated with adequate storage space. Our dogs also loved their stay. Although there is no grassed area in the terraced garden, one only has to take a few short strides across the road to the canal and there is a lovely stretch of grass there for the dogs, and there is easy access up onto the cliffs or along the canal or river banks. Equally easy is the access to the beach over the lock gate of the canal. Absolutely perfect. I cannot speak highly enough of The Fort - this was definitely our best holiday ever.

  Reviewed by Pamela4.8★Oct 2016

• "Overall the cottage and location were superb."

  Perfect for a dog walking holiday. Struggling to find a criticism and the only thing I can find is the facilities saying a selection of books, games and DVDs. Could not find any DVDs. An extremely minor point. Apart from that, the Fort was the best pet friendly cottage we have stayed in. The location was perfect and Bude is one of the most cleanest and attractive seaside towns we have visited. Have booked again for next year already.

  Reviewed by Nigel5.0★Oct 2016

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