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"The property was very clean and tidy and the owners were very accommodating."
Reviewed by Martin5.0★Nov 2024
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"With regard to our recent stay at Chapel Cottage, we have some issues which we feel ought to be raised through
yourselves."
On arrival, as required, a phone call was made to the mobile number provided for the code to access the key. This was very brief, whereby we were asked if we had arrived & the code number was provided, nothing more. We later realised the owners of the property resided directly opposite the cottage.
The first thing on entry was to make a cup of tea but we found the mugs tea stained & the kettle in need of a descale.
Although on some of the sites managed by yourselves advertising cottages, this property was advertised with the kitchen having a fridge/freezer. In fact it was a fridge with an ice box. We had travelled with a cool bag & ice packs to provide us with frozen food for the freezer, a chicken, salmon, lamb fillets & some homemade fruit pies. These could not be accommodated in the heavily iced up & small ice box. Inevitably some had to be discarded.
Our plan had been to eat out for some lunches & for some evening meals to be taken in the cottage. This was thwarted somewhat & was compounded on seeing the condition of the interior of the oven, dirty. The baking tray & roasting dish provided were in also need of a good clean or replacement. We had to resort to purchasing ready meals for use in the microwave. Not something we normally do. The fridge must not have been inspected from occupation by previous guests. A shelf was stuck in place with solidified green gunge holding it in position. We were unable to remove it to clean it which should not have been the case during our occupancy.
When settled, we looked to access the WIFI via the password provided. Several attempts proved fruitless. I used the mobile number provided & spoke to Margaret explaining our difficulties. She informed us there had been a problem with the password for the WIFI the previous week but that there was a QR code in the information provided & to try that. This did give successful access to WIFI for the mobiles but we could not access it on the tablet, where we had stored details of daily excursions & other local information for our holiday.
The following morning we found the WIFI had dropped on both of our mobiles & extensive re use of the QR code or the password failed to connect us. I again contacted Margaret. She explained that after our first call about this problem she had turned the WIFI off & on again. This seemed to be why we could not reconnect. She visited the cottage a short time later that morning informing us that she had again turned the system off & then on, asking if we had access. Another attempt proved successful on both mobiles but the tablet would still not connect to the system trying to use the QR code. From then on the connection on the mobiles remained active. Although this may appear to be a minor inconvenience, we had made extensive searches & plans for our holiday in the Cotswolds prior to travelling & this was stored on the tablet which we couldn't access.
Having taken holidays in several self accommodation properties over the years we realise that trying to assess requirements for the property especially a kitchen can be difficult. However, we feel there are basics that should be in place & Chapel Cottage fell short in this area. Although there was a wooden bread board there was no other chopping board for preparing food. A bread board isn't suitable for chopping 'flavoured' foods on. Also the following kitchen items would be useful:- a tray, measuring jug, a sharp paring style knife (the one in situ was rather blunt), a clean wooden spoon (the one in situ was badly stained yellow from previous use), weighing scales, a rolling pin. There could be other basic items that may be useful. We point this out on the basis of the property description in advertising it, saying that the 'open plan kitchen/diner which remains in a farmhouse-style layout with all the necessary appliances needed for rustling up some delicious meals to enjoy at the dining table'. The lack of basic 'tools' does not assist in realising what has been portrayed in the advertising description. There were some kitchen tools in a container on the window sill but as with the oven, they were in need of a clean before use as were the place mats & coasters. We understand there is a reliance on previous occupants to ensure the property is left clean & tidy on departure but this cannot be counted on. The preparation of the property for a forthcoming visit should include a check ensuring kitchen accessories, tools & appliances are in good order & clean. The 4 slice toaster in situ only had 2 compartments working. There were many assorted types of drinking glasses in the cupboard, although only one specific wine glass. a corkscrew was provided so the expectancy was visitors would be consuming wine during their stay but only one of us could use the appropriate glass.
With the description of the bathroom including 'an elegant bath' the portrait was one of bathroom luxury. It was more than adequate for our needs but the bath was nothing more than a plastic roll top with visible claw feet which was somewhat discoloured at the tap end.
The wooden staircase was of good construction & looked good for the cottage atmosphere but here there was also cause for concern for people such as us who are not in their prime of youth. It included 2 twists whether you were ascending or descending. The downstairs light only illuminated the bottom half of the staircase so you walked towards darkness on ascending. During bedtime hours it was also a task should you have to visit the bathroom, when you had to proceed with caution. There was a note in the guests book indicating a couple had taken a tumble on the staircase. For safety on our part we felt we had to leave lights on through the night. Thankfully no incidents occurred.
This property is listed for advertising on at least 7 web sites some of which are be administered by yourselves. Anomalies appear in descriptions of the property, the main one being that the bedroom is downstairs. The fact that a fridge/freezer is said to be in the cottage when it is not, does cause a problem. Also the bedroom is described as having a walk in wardrobe. It is a cupboard converted to accommodate hanging clothes with a shelf that wobbles. We found that walking into it was impossible as you cracked your head on the sloping roof. This applied to myself & my wife who is only 5'2'' tall. We feel these & other points raised require attention.
Finally, we did find comments within the guests book of 'a warm welcome' on arrival. We felt we did not experience this as explained in the initial phone contact to obtain the key code for access to the cottage. Had it not been for encountering problems with Wi-Fi connection prompting a visit from Margaret, we feel there would have been no contact other than that initial phone call.
There were positives from our stay in that the cottage is ideally situated within a pleasant village location & has a good supermarket & news agency within a short driveable distance. The bed & lounge seating was comfortable with good off road parking for a vehicle.
Photographs are available to support our points.
Reviewed by Paul1.6★Oct 2024
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"Had a really nice stay."
Lovely cottage.
Reviewed by Sylvia5.0★Jun 2024
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"Lovely cottage."
Good facilities. Clean. Great location for walking the Cotswolds Way. Dog friendly.
Reviewed by Sharon5.0★May 2024
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"Very cosy cottage."
Shower head was very stiff to turn off completely.
Reviewed by Jonathan3.8★Apr 2024
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"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay."
Its a beautiful cottage, so comfortable and cosy. We would definitely like to visit again. The fresh eggs and milk from the dairy were gorgeous. Lovely owners.
Reviewed by Jane5.0★Feb 2024
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"We had a lovely comfortable stay at Chapel Cottage."
It was very quiet, rustic village, with Historic buildings. The nearest town is Stonehouse with shops. We liked this location as there were many interesting places to visit.
Reviewed by Vidya5.0★Dec 2023
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"The cottage was very nice, would have even better had there been a pub close by which served meals without having to drive."
The only pub that was close by is now a guest house and only served to residents for bed & breakfast only
Reviewed by Ken4.7★Jul 2023
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"Great location for walking the dog and getting out and about."
Would of liked access to cleaning products.
Reviewed by Robert4.7★Jun 2023
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"The property was fine."
Comfortable and well stocked with essential items.we had to leave a day early not because of any to do with the property. Our dog,Devon.chose to have dicky stomach
Reviewed by James5.0★Jun 2023
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"We arrived at about 3."
30 and were met by our host, full of smiles and shortly after met her husband. Our stay at Chapel Cottage was very enjoyable. The cottage itself is very pretty and well maintained. The work done by the owners is phenomenal. Our hosts were very welcoming and helpful, giving us suggestions as to where to eat and visit. We can thoroughly recommend others to stay here and have a very pleasant holiday.
Reviewed by Peter5.0★May 2023
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"We had a lovely stay at Chapel Cottage, it was cosy and comfortable however there were a few things that could be improved which is a shame as the cottage itself was lovely but when we chose this cottage we chose it mainly because we wanted to be isolated but also near a shop and pub so we didn't have to drive anywhere if we didn't want to, for a few days and totally relax but the local pub has sadly closed down and is now a guest house."
We couldn't find it despite it being a few houses down the road, as it was badly sign posted and had just literally reopened the day we arrived but it did open 9-4.30pm to the public, so we went in there one day and had a local cider and met the old landlord and staff who were lovely!!.
In the cottage, we found a piece of paper with a list that was outdated as it mentioned the local pub which apparently had been closed for a while now. The list was handwritten, basic and not clear or very informative.
There were no welcome instructions or note so we were in the middle of a very quiet place with no one around to speak to and we wanted to find the local pub and shop but we couldn't find them. Turns out the local shop is quite a walk away but there was a cute vending machine that sold local milk, honey, cheese, cakes and butter etc. handy for little bits but no bread etc., thankfully we could drive to places. We walked around and on the second day spoke to a couple of locals who were really nice and explained a few things about the area but its a shame the owners didn't say hello, despite them living opposite and driving past us a few times as we shared a drive. We didnt realise they were the actual owners. We texted them a few times (or at least Im guessing we were texting them as they didn't reply saying they were the owners or give us any names) and they were pleasant enough but just would have been nice to have a welcome or to say hello when they were reversing on to our drive area and we were literarily staring at them smiling and saying hello.
There was a shared outside area with the Chapel next door that also gets rented out but not clear what we could use, so we stayed in our area other than walking our little dog a few times very quickly. It did get a little loud at times, which was annoying. There was a bored teenager staying next door, playing with a football quite loudly just outside our cottage when we were trying to relax in the evening but with no clear boundaries, he may not have realised he was not to play there.
The overall stay was lovely, but we would not stay there again. The downfalls are the pub no longer existing and in the cottage itself, the amenities were very basic.. they didn't have enough glasses for two people - only had one wine glass and one pint glass, maybe have at least two if its meant for two people? Also the plates and glasses and tea cups and most utensils were quite dirty - perhaps check them in between guests as you cant just rely on guests cleaning things to a high standard. I had to clean everything that I tried to use. Dirty tea cups and stains on spoons and stuck on food on plates. I went to find ice cube holders to make ice and one of them had dead spiders and maggots in it! Not nice! It would be helpful to have instructions to explain where things are and how you want the cottage left when we vacated. I had to text to ask and it felt uncomfortable to do so.
Reviewed by Sonia3.4★Apr 2023
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"Really nice accommodation, and very friendly and helpful owners."
My wife and I enjoyed our stay very much.
Thank you Margaret and Trevor.
Best regards, David Hesp.
Reviewed by David5.0★Jun 2022
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"Exactly as anticipated and accurately described."
A very happy experience.
Reviewed by Geoffrey5.0★Jun 2022
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"Lovely cottage."
Great location
Only reservations are the lack of some information:
1. WIFI code not obviously accessible.
2. Lack of manual for microwave - had to guess how to use it.
3. Not clear how to regulate the central heating.
An information sheet giving these details would have been helpful and other information about nearest petrol stations, Post Office etc.
Reviewed by Michael4.4★Apr 2022
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"We were a litttle cold in the evenings as the blow heater in the fire didn't give out much heat but otherwise perfect."
Reviewed by Nola4.1★Mar 2022
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"A comfortable cottage in a nice location on the village edge."
Perfect for my time spent working in the area as a solo traveller it was cosy, very clean and generally comfortable. If I had been on holiday with a significant other I may have found the adjoining nature of the properties a little invasive (the description does not make it clear that only a door separates you from the larger chapel house holiday rental next door, and there is no sound proofing to minimise noise). The described 'communal' garden is actually the garden of the larger house which felt uncomfortable and awkward to use and it isn't clear from the signage whether the garden is all communal or just a small area of it. Kitchen reasonably well stocked with nice extras like a cafetière and gin glasses, although missing the usual tea/coffee/sugar/vegetable oil that most holiday cottages provide as standard and strangely no cupboard space for own food which was a little challenging! The hobs were difficult to use, in the end I resorted to the microwave instead. The wifi was also a bit hit and miss and repeatedly dropped out, each time needing the owner to reset from the adjoining house as you don't have your own router to reset it yourself which was a bit of a pain. Contact with the owner was efficient at all times which was great, although not overly friendly despite the fact that they live opposite and share a driveway. Instructions for when to take the bins out would have been helpful, as would a hoover to allow for better cleaning up after myself (only a broom provided). Overall a good stay though and I would definitely stay again if I was working in the area!
Reviewed by Elizabeth3.8★Feb 2022
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"We had a lovely stay over Christmas at Chapel Cottage, whilst visiting my parents who live nearby."
The cottage was clean and cosy. The Christmas tree and candles were a nice touch that made our stay feel festive, away from home. We were provided with a travel cot and high chair for our baby that made our stay much easier. The owners were very friendly and welcoming and we will be staying again in the future. Grant, Pri and baby.
Reviewed by Grant5.0★Dec 2021
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"Property has a small kitchen - don't plan to do much food preparation."
The stairs to the bedroom are unsuitable for anyone with walking issues. There is no real outside space except for a small cast iron table and 2 chairs.
The local area certainly isn't Cotswolds (as you would imagine it) and is quite urban. The access road to the cottage, funnily enough called The Street, is made difficult to navigate by the cars that are parked all the way along.
Other than those fairly minor points, it was a good base for Cotswolds exploration although we would definitely go for a more "Cotswolds area" next time we stay.
Reviewed by Scott3.8★Sep 2021
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"Beautiful cottage, home comforts, lovely hosts, close by, but not intrusive, would happily stay again, on the downside it needs less crockery and space to put food."
Would’ve like information of things to do in the area.
Village locality, pub very close but not fully functioning when we stayed, lovely farm shop with fresh milk and cheese.
Beautiful area loved walking and sight seeing a lovely we’ll earned rest in a lovely cottage in a beautiful area.
Reviewed by Chrissy5.0★Sep 2021
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"Just a lovely little cottage, nice owners, nice village."
Reviewed by Peter5.0★Aug 2021
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"Great little cottage for a quiet weekend away from the norm."
Thank you for having us!
Reviewed by Toby5.0★Jun 2021
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"Lovely cottage, and it's set back from the road so you have some privacy, though unfortunately because of the weather we didn't have a chance to use the outdoor furniture."
The cottage was spacious for two people, and kitted out with everything you'd expect. The hosts were friendly and helpful, and we particularly appreciated the space to store our bicycles. It was a splendid base to explore the lovely local area from.
Reviewed by Frank5.0★May 2021
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"The communal courtyard was perfectly safe for our little dog to roam and play (under supervision of course)."
Reviewed by Lesley4.7★Oct 2020
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