Shepherds' Retreat

36 Customer Reviews

• "The cottage was very nice and we really liked it."

  You have to know that you're really secluded, but that's exactly what we were looking for. We can only recommend it.

  Reviewed by Jerom5.0★Sep 2024

• "If you like isolation then this the property is for you."

  Quite remote and I think that this could have been explained better in the property details. If your life is controlled by your mobile then this property will also be an issue for you as no WIFI or phone signal. Cottage was generally in good order but bathroom could do with a facelift especially the radiator. Also the microwave has seen better days. Property just needs some TLC... I would suggest updating photos as I think they may be a few years old or update property to look more like photos especially outside! I do not wish to sound too critical as some people will absolutely love this property but unfortunately not for me and my partner and I should have conducted better research.

  Reviewed by Robert3.1★Aug 2024

• "Lovely 5 day stay here with the kids they really enjoyed it,views were ..."

  Lovely 5 day stay here with the kids they really enjoyed it,views were stunning,It was a nice switch off from everything,we will be back soon we did gortin forest,davagh forest for walking todds leap for adventure,zip lining and off roading sperring alpacas, lovely walk with them and got to feed them

  Reviewed by Samantha5.0★Jul 2024

• "WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED OUR HOLIDAY IN IRELAND."

  THE COTTAGE WAS VERY ADEQUATELY COMFORTABLE. THE OUTSIDE APPEARANCE WAS NOT AS PORTRAYED IN THE ADVERTISING PICTURE. NO GRASS HAD BEEN CUT MAKING THE OUTSIDE VERY UNKEPT IN APPEARANCE. THE BENCH ON THE PICNIC TABLE WAS NOT SECURED PROPERLY CAUSING A FALL FOR ONE OF US.

  Reviewed by Agnes4.4★Jun 2024

• "Lovely place to stay very peaceful, perfect if you like to be away from it all."

  Easy to find, follow the written directions they are excellent. Roads are bumpy but only in some places other than that are in very good condition compared to Northumberland! The cottage was very clean snd homely. Only internet was on the forest track 4g. Particularly appreciated the enclosed garden as we have a dog

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Jun 2024

• "Loved the Shepherd’s Retreat."

  Everything we needed was provided including the welcome scones, bottled water & generous logs for fire. Thoroughly enjoyed switching off from world and enjoying peace. Recommend using road from Draperstown to head into cottage as we tried all the various routes and it was by far the best road (watch out for sheep/lambs on roads). Only slightly negative feedback was from my friend who slept in double bed who said mattress could do with replacing as it’s sagging and too uncomfortable for good night sleep. Single beds were super comfortable though. Only addition I’d recommend would be putting in a phone for emergencies (locked against outgoing calls all but emergency ones) as if our families needed us they’d have had to wait for us to leave the valley to get in touch.

  Reviewed by Karen5.0★Apr 2024

• "Really enjoyed our short break inthe Shepard's Retreat, couldn't fault the house or the facilities."

  If traveling on my own I would have struggled to find the house as Google Maps left us literally on a narrow road in an extremely remote area. The address should be correct as we found three different post codes for the same address. Disappointed that the owners didn't contact me to see if we found the house okay. We had no contact details for them in advance of travelling. Information was in the house on our arrival. Considering how remote the house is, the owners contact details should be on the confirmation booking. Definitely enjoyed the break, but wouldn't be booking anything so remote in the future.

  Hello Evelyn Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. As the cottage is quite remote, we do try our best to provide as much information on the confirmation booking email. It has coordinates and some old school directions to help find the cottage. The contact information should have been included in your email and we will speak with Sykes to understand what information is given when booking and make changes where needed. Thank you again for taking the time to leave feedback and we hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Evelyn4.7★Dec 2023

• "Beautiful comfy cottage, with great open fire, well supplied with logs."

  Very remote, and in the winter when we stayed this was a bit limiting. If you want to really escape from the hurly burly this is the place for you.

  Hello Linda Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay and kept warm by the fire. We hope to welcome you back soon. Maybe a visit in the summer, so you can experience the cottage in a different season. Both so beautiful to experience. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Linda5.0★Dec 2023

• "It has been the most amazing experience ever."

  The cottage is situated just in the middle of the most amazing place on this planet. Congratulations to the owners for the idea of turning into a lovely cottage to allow others enjoy these breathtaking views. Magic and more magic A few days is not enough to heal the soul from the city, busy life, trafić but it is a good begining.

  Hello Anna Thank you for such complementary feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. It’s a great place to switch off and rejuvenate. We hope to welcome you back soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Anna5.0★Nov 2023

• "It was an amazing get away for us and the dogs."

  The fenced area is of perfect size to let them run free and play. The location is very remote, which is what we were looking for to de-stress from the hectic city life. The cosy house provides everything you would find in your own household. Would highly recommend if one wants to get away from it all :)

  Hello Rebecca Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. It’s a great area for dogs and walking. We hope to welcome you and the dogs back soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Sep 2023

• "A fantastic place very remote"

  Hello Leigh Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Leigh5.0★Jun 2023

• "Returning visitors."

  It was very nice to come back to Shepherd’s Retreat. We loved our stay last time and this time too. It’s an amazing place to relax and explore the woodlands area. Our dogs have an amazing time and many walks.

  Hello Matthew Thank you for your feedback, we are grateful you choose to return. It’s such a great location and we are glad the dogs had an amazing time. Hopefully you will return again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Matthew4.7★Jun 2023

• "The cottage was lovely and everything we needed was there and if you like walking and complete silence away from the biz then this is the place for you it's complete tranquility."

  A great place for gathering your thoughts as there is no phone signals or WiFi to bother.

  Hello James Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by James4.7★May 2023

• "The cottage is in a beautiful place, no neighbours."

  The scenery is beautiful, we enjoyed the birds ,and wildlife . Walking from the cottage is lovely ,along the river etc . Our downside is definitely the lack of broadband or mobile signal . We had to drive around a mile to get a signal . Maybe a payphone in the cottage would be good , enabling people to make a call to keep in touch with family in emergency...

  Hello Karen Thank you for your feedback. Due to the location of the cottage, mobile phone signals can be a little tricky to get. We’ve found that guests get a reception on the drive. Sometimes guests have found it a blessing that’s there’s no internet and difficult signal as it’s a great place to switch off. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay, the surroundings are amazing. We hope to welcome you back someday soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Karen3.4★May 2023

• "Another enjoyable stay."

  Definitely would recommend. The setting is stunning.

  Reviewed by Clare5.0★Sep 2022

• "Fantastic cottage, clean and well equipped."

  Very restful, amazing views, time flew. Great getaway.

  Reviewed by Yvonne4.7★Jul 2022

• "Lovely property ,really clean everything you could possibly need it is a very ..."

  Lovely property ,really clean everything you could possibly need it is a very peaceful setting the only downside you can't get an Internet connection although we were made aware of this I thought we could send a SMS but we couldn't however we really enjoyed it and we're very well rested

  Reviewed by Linda5.0★Jul 2022

• "Fantastic holiday we stayed for 5 days."

  We loved the house. It had everything except Internet and mobile network which was great Beautiful scenery and quiet. We will go back again and We will recommend to my family and friends

  Reviewed by Orla5.0★Dec 2021

• "This cottage was just everything But the roads leading there were very bad very ..."

  This cottage was just everything But the roads leading there were very bad very narrow and broken at sides also pot holes everywhere needed my wellies to open the gat someone kept closing the gat at night and it was very weird as there was no wind or anyone who lived near had a good time but dogs were scared of the dark

  Reviewed by David5.0★Nov 2021

• "It is a completely unique location and an amazingly lovely spot."

  The cottage is well thought out with everything needed being in place. Absolutely brilliant for anyone with dogs with even covers provided. I highly recommend this cottage to anyone who just wants to get away from it all.

  Reviewed by Christopher5.0★Nov 2021

• "Very quiet location."

  Lovely secure garden for the greyhounds to play and everything you need for a holiday. Definitely recommend

  Reviewed by Clare5.0★Sep 2021

• "Beautiful location bungalow well maintained met owner and was very friendly bringing more logs for fire."

  Highly recommend this place. Certainly consider staying here again

  Reviewed by Gwen5.0★Aug 2021

• "Great cottage, clean and comfy, no phone signal which we found as a positve, but loads to do in the area"

  Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Jun 2021

• "Super little cottage in a gorgeous location."

  There's so much stuff to do in the area that we've already booked to go back.

  Reviewed by David5.0★May 2021

• "No all very good, absolutely clean lovely cottage in a beautiful setting."

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Nov 2020

• "Shepherds Retreat is an exceptional cottage."

  Very remote with no mobile phone signal it suits anyone looking to take a break from everyday pressure. We have stayed here three times and we love it.

  Reviewed by Anthony5.0★Sep 2020

• "The location and quality of the accommodation"

  Reviewed by Stuart5.0★Jul 2020

• "As there is no mobile signal, it would have been better if there was a telephone in the property for emergencies."

  Reviewed by Jacqueline4.1★Mar 2020

• "There were only two good things about this cottage."

  The view and the heating. The rest was unacceptably bad.We booked this cottage after confirming by phone with Sykes from the owner that there was a gate on the property . No gate until we complained and was fitted Friday, did not fit so was adjusted Friday evening, too late for our holiday. They admitted trouble with contract cleaners and when we arrived late, dishwasher still full of previous week’s crockery, house very dirty. Cooker should be condemned. Pots and oven trays and toaster replaced Monday night, dispute over rest of cottage which I had spent time on cleaning so we could even sleep and eat there. I was unsure if sheets and pillowcases had been changed as smelt sweaty. Curtains off poles. Shabby furnishings. Shower drain no cover. Pans rusty and kettle so full of limescale that we stopped using it by end of week. Chopping board a health hazard. I am sure that they have done some very necessary work on this place in view of my many complaints but booker beware. This was the worst cottage we have ever stayed in over the years and I found Sykes to be slow with action taken, which wasn’t much. What isn’t mentioned in the information is that you are advised to use bottled water due to the high magnesium levels. However they did supply some bottles. Have not submitted a review until now as my husband taken I’ll on return from holiday.

  Reviewed by Sheila1.3★Sep 2019

• "Really nice cottage with fantastic views across the hills and mountains."

  It had everything we needed and theowners were always helpful and attentive when we needed them. Would highly recommend and hope to go back ourselves one day

  Reviewed by Gary4.7★Jul 2019

• "If you want peace and quiet, a lovely view and a wide range of walking locations at your door or within a 15 minute drive then this is a great cottage."

  If you are looking for night life, easy access to main roads and towns with a good variety of shops then don't choose this cottage. We loved it.

  Reviewed by Anthony5.0★May 2019

• "Lovely quiet setting, no internet so the kids went feral and also remembered that it is just lovely to sit and read a book sometimes whilst watching lambs running about in the fields."

  The main attractions are a drive away but only an hour or so and it is not like the roads are busy. Nothing not to like about this place and would be a great spot to go walking from in the Sperrins if we had stayed longer. Will definately be back

  Reviewed by Chris5.0★Apr 2019

• "After staying in a house with a lot of soul this house felt a little bit chilly."

  Both literally and figuratively. The heating took a long time to work, but in the end is was nice and warm. Wood and matches were provided same as for the rest of the necessary supplies. However, you could see that the house wasn't rented out for a while. Comfort wise the beds were of ok quality, but not extremely comfy. No cellphone reception in the house and hardly outside. So it would have been nice if WI-Fi was provided. For the rest, everything met our expectations. The views were outstanding.

  Reviewed by Dena4.1★Mar 2019

• "Fabulous location which is ideal for walkers with stunning countryside and idyllic landscapes."

  Perfect for anyone seeking solitude, to escape the madding crowd.

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Oct 2018

• "Lovely cottage very peaceful beautiful scenery nice to have an open fire which made it very cosy central for touring the superfine with some interesting towns excellent for walking the dogs ."

  Reviewed by William4.4★Sep 2018

• "Absolutely beautiful cottage and surrounding clean and tidy."

  One thing I would suggest is bring a good insect repellent as got bitten a lot . Had a wonderful stay.

  Reviewed by Ray5.0★Jun 2018

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