The Retreat

45 Customer Reviews

• "This is a lovely character cottage, warm and cozy and set in a wonderful location."

  The kitchen is very small, but ok for us. The lively could be improved is the fireplace was open, but this is boarded up, unlike the photos. Overall an easy 4 rating.

  Reviewed by Philip4.1★Nov 2024

• "We have stayed a few times and enjoyed, this time we found the stairs a bit unsafe it really needs some grips on the stairs very slippery and a better handrail rather than rope not safe really."

  We were upset to see the white fireplace so out of character and looks awful, I know from neighbour about rat problems, but we know it could be much more in keeping with the building, such a shame .we really hope it’s temporary x

  Thanks for your feedback. We are aware of the issue with the stairs and the need to sort out the fire place. Unfortunately we simply haven’t had capacity to sort these issues out as yet. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Janet5.0★Sep 2024

• "This is a genuinely old character property superbly located a few minutes walk from the main car park, pubs and shops of the charming North Devon village of Appledore."

  The ceilings are low, we loved the lounge's exposed beams and even accustomed ourselves to the sea like sloping floor of our bedroom! The facilities provided are good although given the age of the property, do not expect five star, 21st century fittings - this is an authentic property not a newly and completely refurbished let with all the character ripped out. We enjoyed evening meals at The Seagate and The Royal George (both excellent) and breakfasted at John's on the quay (also very good with an extremely tempting deli counter!).

  Reviewed by David4.4★May 2024

• "I love The Retreat."

  It was my second time staying. It suits me perfectly on my own there. It is a bit ‘rustic’ eg basic and small kitchen, bathroom downstairs, wonky bedroom floor, etc but not the poorer for it. It is a good price for a stay in a characterful lane in the centre of Appledore. I wish it had more natural light, and slightly stronger electric lighting in the lounge. Both visits I moved a lamp from spare bedroom to lounge but still wanted it brighter as I was trying to write. But I will book again ! Hopefully in the not too distant future! I feel very at home in the cottage, and in Appledore . And amazing walks on the doorstep.

  Reviewed by Claire3.8★Mar 2024

• "It was a nice location and the cottage was very warm, but it was scruffy and needs some work doing on it."

  Mould in the bathroom, Paint peeling off the wall, Loose wires, Cobwebs, Rotten window sills, rusty plug holes, Toilet light didn't work and the toilet roll holder came away off the wall in our a hands. All minor things wrong but so many of them. It is as if the owner doesn't really care.

  Reviewed by Simon2.5★Feb 2024

• "The property wasn’t clean, cutlery was dirty, dead flys in the bathroom just didn’t feel clean, cobwebs on the pots and pans."

  We arrived late on the Friday, had No hot water for entire weekend due to boiler issue, spoke with Neil the owner we tried to get it going with no success, heard nothing. Find this hard to believe if property was cleaned & serviced prior to our arrival with necessary checks. We’ve had no follow email from owners, or even a gesture of any reimbursement.

  we're really sorry to hear of your bad experience. As I understand it Neil did speak with you and the issues were resolved. The property would have been cleaned before you arrived. We have since instigated more regular visits to check on cleanliness and clear cobwebs which appear quickly due to the age of the property. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Jackie2.2★Oct 2023

• "As described, no mod cons, but comfortable and close to the sea."

  Great walk over to Westwood ho, fantastic beach.

  Reviewed by Debbie3.8★Aug 2023

• "Pros: Great location, Private & quiet Cons: Whilst general cleaning was done there was dust on light fittings that was very noticeable, the doorway was caked in cobwebs (I used the broom to remove them because they were excessive), the courtyard was very unkept, weeds & leaves everywhere, broken base on garden table, overhanging trees & shrubs which badley needed cutting back, I also found a mouldy dog poop in the courtyard (definitely wasn't my dog)."

  Window frames paintwork all peeling away & looked very tatty. Wide angle photos of courtyard were very misleading and made it look way way bigger than it was. Inside the cottage could also do with some general maintenance too (broken piece of skirting by one of the beams in lounge, sticky windowsill in kitchen, some pots & pans were sticky/dusty) Also my son got a small electric shock (he wasn't injured) from the grey cable secured on the beams in the lounge, he thinks he might have touched one of the metal clips that secured the cable. It wasn't the end of the world but it's not ideal. I wasn't sent any key details so I sent an email but with no response, so I then had to chase it up with a call, owners then explained why there was a lack of communication, but it would have been nice to have received a welcome message during our stay or a message after our stay, so communication was non existent I'm afraid. This cottage is very quaint fab location BUT needs a deep clean & a fair bit of maintenance which is a shame because it has alot of potential. Sorry to be such a negative nelly.

  Thank you for your feedback. Whilst we do everything we can to keep on top of the maintenance, it is only by customers contacting us directly that we are can respond to specific issues, and it would have been helpful if you had called to make us aware of these issues. The cottage is cleaned after every visitor and we have fed back to the cleaner to ask that cob webs , inside and out, are cleared on a regular basis. We carried out a maintenance visit this week and completed clearance of the courtyard and arranged and completed a professional carpet clean in the living room. In addition the kitchen window has been scraped back and repainted. The cottage was rewired throughout in January and has passed an electrical inspection fire safety inspection. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Claire3.1★Jun 2023

• "Lovely quaint old cottage."

  Has everything you need for a holiday but no mod cons which is fine. Cottage is clean and tidy and has a small enclosed area outside which gets the sun during the day. Only downside was the smell of dog in the living room. Had to buy a plug-in to disguise it. Other than that location was good for what we were looking for and Appledore a lovely village with pub/restaurants.

  Many thanks for your feedback. Really sorry to hear about the dog smell - we will arrange a carpet clean as soon as possible. We have carried out a maintenance visit over the weekend of 7th / 8th July and the carpet has been cleaned professionally. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Fiona4.7★Jun 2023

• "We left the property early."

  The kitchen was filthy and everything was greasy, some of the the things were virtually stuck to the windowsill in the kitchen, which is also almost unusable as it’s so small. The bathroom needs a complete makeover with rusting plug holes and black mould around the bath. The house stank of wet dog and was dog hair on the carpets still. The Wi-Fi didn’t work as it would not accept the password. The light in the toilet was temperamental and didn’t work half the time. The small twin bed bedroom had wallpaper peeling and the wall was seemingly made of paper and so offers no sound insulation and could hear everything in both rooms. Would never go back to that cottage as is badly described, it desperately needs a makeover and better cleaning. Completely ruined our break and we came home 3 days early.

  Reviewed by Jon1.6★Apr 2023

• "I would agree in every way with the review left by Richard in Oct."

  21, This is a delightful cottage. Kitchen is tiny and basically equipped, but suited our needs. Agree with parking comments - wonderfully central location. An instruction sheet would have been useful for bins, heating etc. Pubs v. expensive for meals, but delighted to find that delicious fish & chips could be delivered/eaten in the 2 smaller ones that didn't do food. Sheltered courtyard a bonus when fine.

  Reviewed by Janet4.1★Apr 2023

• "A great holiday cottage in a lovely reasonably quiet part of Devon."

  We had a great time. The secluded and enclosed courtyard was lovely to have a relax and drink in the open. Park in the Churchfields Car Park at the very far end and you are only a 100 yds away - do not even think about driving to the property. Had a great break and would recommend but look at booking restaurants BEFORE you come.

  Reviewed by Steve4.7★Apr 2022

• "Comfortable, Cosy, Quirky, Character Cottage."

  The enclosed outside courtyard a bonus. Entirely suited the two of us and our spaniel. Set back quiet location stones throw from waterfront and main town facilities. No vehicle access but no problem parking up just before turn in to Irsha Street and walking short distance. Enjoyed our stay here a lovely few days away.

  Reviewed by Kenneth4.4★Apr 2022

• "Small but comfortable."

  Great for 2 but would be a bit claustrophic for 4. Don't worry about the parking - the main Appledore car park is perfect and good value. Not a criticism of the cottage, but Appledore in general - Appledore is not a great place to bring dogs as toilet options of any kind are very scarce!

  Reviewed by Clive4.1★Mar 2022

• "Quaint little cottage close to pubs and restaurants."

  Reviewed by Michael4.7★Mar 2022

• "We have had the most relaxing and comfortable holiday at this beautiful cottage."

  The Retreat has everything you need, is very well equipped and spotlessly clean. Perfect for my dogs with the enclosed garden. Very peaceful location and just a few minutes walking distance from the best pub The Beaver Inn. We didn’t want to leave and will definitely be returning

  many thanks fr this positive feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Feb 2022

• "We found The Retreat to be a charming, characterful property typical of the village and perfectly located to explore the Pubs, shops and Cafes on and around the Quayside."

  I would agree with other Reviewers to the extent that it is a little tired and would benefit from a degree of refurbishment and updated appliances etc in the not too distant future. That said, three of us and a large dog were perefectly comfortable and had no complaints about the standard of cleanliness.It is perhaps just a bit rough around the edges but no more than might be expected in a property of this age, style and location. Downstairs is open plan but still cozy and the arrangement makes the most of what is a fairly compact footprint. To the front there is a decent sized private and secure courtyard which was great for the dog and would be a wonderful spot to enjoy breakfast during the warmer and drier months. Whilst there is everything you could need, the Galley Kitchen is very small and you would probbaly not want to spend too much time in it or produce anyting too grand from it. But all in all we would happily reccomend this as a very decent spot for a short break. We thouroughly enjoyed three nights for which both The Retreat and Appledore itself are ideally suited. Two top tips. 1. Much of Appledore does not do Mondays. 2. Parking. The directions in the property information are excellent so there is no need to deploy the Sat Nav, but I would take issue with the very end of them. Driving along Irsha Street is probably best left to the locals and it is not possible to stop close to the property without causing an obstruction anyway. My advice woud be on reacching the Seagate Hotel to turn right into the large car park opposite (Churchfields) and find a space as far down the other end as you can. You will then be within 100 yards of the property and the path to transfer belongings holds no terrors.

  Reviewed by Richard3.8★Oct 2021

• "Lovely cottage just off the main front of Appledore and set back with it's own courtyard with outside table and chairs."

  Being an older cottage, ceilings tend to be low and so at 6ft 1, I had to remember to duck which I did most of the time... Loved the cottage, only quirks were downstairs toilet/bathroom, which meant remembering to duck in the middle of the night and tiny kitchen, though space was well utilized to provide the necessary equipment. Wifi was provided by a Talktalk router, like any Talktalk router, there's a tab on the router you pull up for the code. Storage heaters are also present and electric plug in radiators in the bedrooms. Fortunately weather was fairly mild so mainly just needed a bit of heat from the fan heater/fake log burner. Appledore itself is a lovely little village, though very busy with tourists. Johns of Appledore has most grocery essentials though is more Waitrose prices than Asda. If you want to bulk shop, there is Morrisons and Tesco in Bideford and Asda just outside Bideford in the shopping outlet. Parking on the road at Appledore is FREE. We got in most days, if not Churchfields car park is a couple of minutes away and around £6 a day or free from 6pm to 8am. You can use the Ringo app if you don't have cash.

  Reviewed by Ian4.4★Sep 2021

• "Have stayed in this cottage a few times great little place,super town all great"

  Reviewed by Keith4.4★May 2021

• "On arrival at the cottage the owner had left milk , coffee,tea and biscuits which was a nice touch after a long journey."

  The cottage is old and quaint in a narrow street no parking outside but plenty of parking just up the road and a large pay and display car park which we never had to use . Walking distance is a shop , three pubs and a fabulous fish and chip shop . The cottage is well equipped however is it in desperate need of refurbishment and a very good clean. The whole of the cottage needs some love but the cleaning side needs urgent attention! However on the whole we enjoyed our stay and spent very little time indoors.

  Reviewed by Sharon2.8★Apr 2021

• "The cottage is lovely, really cozy, perhaps in need of a little TLC (re-decoration upstairs)."

  Beds comfy, but if you take kids be warned you can hear everything and they can too. Walls upstairs are paper thin! Despite the size of the kitchen all appliances and cutlery required is available. Nice to have tea, coffee, milk and biscuits available on arrival. If you are looking to park directly outside the property this isn't possible, but we managed to park close by which was perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you to the owners. Mr and Mrs Ryemill-Dickens

  Reviewed by Dave4.1★Oct 2020

• "A really cute cottage with everything you could possibly need!"

  The beds were super comfy which is always a win!

  Reviewed by Sara4.7★Sep 2020

• "A lovely little cottage with everything you need, great location."

  The only thing we wasn't happy with that they allow pets,all we could smell when we came in was dog's.Appledore is lovely.

  Reviewed by Tim4.7★Sep 2020

• "Lovely location parking would be tricky in the summer."

  Reviewed by Kevin4.1★Feb 2020

• "The holiday cottage did not have a fully enclosed space outside and when I let the owner know all he said was he was in the process of making it right, this did not help us as we only booked this cottage for this reason."

  Also the neighbour's were imposing and every time we went out they made a point of coming out and telling us of something we should or should not be doing. We feel we waisted our money and would like to put a complaint in and claim our money back.

  Thank you for your feedback. The issue with the fence will be sorted out this Saturday so there are no future issues with the fencing. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Peter2.5★Feb 2020

• "Fantastic setting, cottage well equipped set up for everything you may need."

  Reviewed by Derek5.0★Nov 2019

• "Appledore is just a great place to relax and unwind,great pubs / hotel(seagate hotel) all dog friendly."

  Frequent bus service to all local and not so local places all just great

  Reviewed by Keith5.0★Sep 2019

• "We had a lovely time in the beautiful village of Appledore."

  The Retreat is conveniently located on Irsha Street. It is a quaint little cottage and we enjoyed our stay there. The bedrooms are very small and so is the kitchen but apart from that we enjoyed our stay there.

  Reviewed by Nuala3.8★Aug 2019

• "The Retreat is full of character, very comfortable and has plenty of thoughtful touches."

  The kitchen is tiny but well equipped. We had a lovely week.

  Reviewed by Lucy5.0★Jul 2019

• "Cottage basically comfortable with two spacious bedrooms and decent lounge."

  Kitchen was very small - luckily there were only two of us staying, had there been four it would have been too small. Lack of a washing machine was an issue - it's the first time we've stayed in a cottage that didn't have one. Had we been a family of four, we'd have struggled to keep on top of washing. Location was good, handy for local facilities.

  Reviewed by Graham3.4★Jul 2019

• "We had a brilliant holiday even though the weather wasn't what we had hoped for!"

  We loved Appledore and would certainly return there. We have never been to a place so dog friendly. We were able to take our miniature schnauzer everywhere with us, all the pubs and cafes as well as the shops. Going over to Instow he had a long beach to go mad on - complete with loads of dogs to play with.

  Reviewed by Linda5.0★Jun 2019

• "Great small cottage just what we wanted ,super village , what a great place to relax would go again"

  Reviewed by Keith5.0★Nov 2018

• "A very clean and well maintained cottage."

  Much thought has gone into using the available space in the kitchen. Appledore is lovely and we really enjoyed our holiday.

  Reviewed by Peter3.8★Nov 2018

• "The cottage was so small kitchen you could not get two people in and you had to ..."

  The cottage was so small kitchen you could not get two people in and you had to make sure the front door was closed to us loo ,the bathroom so small you could not hardly turn round the stairs only had a rope instead on a rail made it had to get upstairs

  Reviewed by Karen1.6★Jul 2018

• "Appledore ist eine schnuckelige kleine Stadt direkt am Torridge, mit vielen Sehenswürdigkeiten und Pubs."

  Guter Ausgangspunkt für viele Aktivitäten. Alles schnell zu erreichen. Richtig schöner Ort.

  Reviewed by Petra3.4★Jun 2018

• "The cottage was lovely."

  Kitchen was a challenge. Hard to get 2 people in, especially when one wants to get to the bathroom after going to the toilet as you have to go through the kitchen to get to the bathroom for handwashing. The size should be mentioned i think. All in all we had a nice time, the only thing they could do with is a parasol. The garden is tranquil and a complete suntrap which was beautiful but a parasol would give you that little bit of shade. As for Appledore, its completely dog friendly. Brilliant.

  Reviewed by Brian & Sue4.7★May 2018

• "We had a lovely break even though the weather was poor but the whole country had snow, The Retreat was perfect for us and had all the facilities we required for a very relaxing break."

  Reviewed by Brendan5.0★Feb 2018

• "Nice cottage in a good location and everything provided good value for money"

  Reviewed by Marlene4.2★Feb 2018

• "Perfect location lovely cottage with everything you need withenclosed outside garden for the dog he loved it too"

  Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Nov 2017

• "Value for money great location near beach, pubs nearby, quirky and neat."

  Reviewed by Edwin4.4★Nov 2017

• "A lovely old and cosy cottage in unspoilt Appledore."

  Reviewed by Trevor4.6★Apr 2017

• "The cottage was quite comfortable and located in a lovely part of the world We ..."

  The cottage was quite comfortable and located in a lovely part of the world We very much enjoyed our stay it had I lovely homely atmosphere

  Reviewed by David4.8★Nov 2016

• "Great cottage in fabulous location."

  Kitchen small but a good pub, Seagrave, very close. Great walks and nice fishing village.

  Reviewed by Roland4.6★Sep 2016

• "Problem with the electrics following a storm on the first day we got there."

  Contacted the owner and an electrician was sent out the next day and sorted out the problem. The cottage was about the best equiped cottage we have ever stayed at. We needed to buy nothing other than our food;. Excellent.

  Reviewed by Robert5.0★Sep 2016

• "We have had an absolutely wonderful holiday in Appledore at the beautiful Cottage "The Retreat" so much so we were all sad to be coming home."

  The cottage is lovely and very quaint and my children fell in love with the neighbours lovely dog "Remus". Appledore is a beautiful place with friendly and welcoming people and we shall definitely return. Thank you.

  Reviewed by Lindsey4.4★Aug 2016

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