Mallard Cottage

27 Customer Reviews

• "The property is in a great location on the quay of the estuary with fine views from the windows ."

  Ideal for kayaing etc . Cleanliness is good but the property is very tired needing maintenance and redecoration .One of the most annoying issues was the broken toilet seat. We have stayed in many Sykes properties but this is the first one with no welcome pack or useful domestic items ie not even 1 dishwasher tablet. If this was a budget property then this is not an issue but this property is quite expensive and I would expected better and consider it poor value for the rental cost.

  Thank you for your review, we always appreciate your feedback and the chance to rectify your issues for your next stay. The issue with the toilet seat was fixed by maintenance shortly after your stay. If we had know about this during your stay, we would have been happy to help. We are very sorry that a welcome pack was not left for your stay. This has been passed onto the cleaners to ensure it is not missed again. We hope to see you again soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by David3.8★Sep 2024

• "Seating was uncomfortable and both toilet seats loose."

  Storage heaters good but not all worked only main bedroom and lounge ok. ..mobile signal poor to use sat nav . Shame as nicely situated by river loverly to see wild life both local pubs good for food and relaxation.

  Reviewed by Terence3.1★Sep 2024

• "A comfortable well equipped cottage with stunning views, we loved watching the wildlife and enjoyed great walks along the river."

  Reviewed by Julie5.0★Jul 2024

• "This is a stunning setting and so peaceful."

  I have already booked again! The apartment itself has everything you need. It is spotlessly clean and comfortable with great views to watch the wildlife even when weather is bad.

  Reviewed by Lisa4.4★Jun 2024

• "The cottage could do with a bit of TLC, The carpet at the door way into the main bedroom is very badly stained We have had a better welcome pack in other cottages, just a couple of tea bags and a couple of sachets of UHT milk The info pack needs updating, the refuse collection schedule is for 2021 a little bit out of date."

  The location is excellent

  Reviewed by Stephen4.4★May 2024

• "Gorgeous position"

  Reviewed by Suzanne4.7★May 2024

• "Great location, next to a pub with good meals."

  Cottage needs some TLC

  Reviewed by Richard5.0★Apr 2024

• "Lovely location, good comfortable accommodation."

  Would return for another stay.

  Reviewed by Maureen5.0★Apr 2024

• "We had a lovely time and the accommodation was just right, but, I would like to point out some things we were dissatisfied with."

  No logs were supplied for the wood burner, (the guest information said there would be) only two dish washer tablets provided, one very cheap small washing up sponge provided, which was used to clean the dirty barbecue, only one black refuse bag provided, no sharp knife, (only one small kitchen knife and three bread knives) I believe these items should be provided and I had to go out and buy them.

  Reviewed by Nicola3.1★Oct 2023

• "Gud position noisy neighbors a bit tired as end of season wud go again"

  Reviewed by Jenny4.1★Sep 2023

• "Unbelievable location the weather wasn't very kind to us during our stay but we really weren't bothered as it was so nice just looking out over the river as it changed every day the cottage is also a perfect spot if you want to explore as there is lots to do around the area or equally just as good if you just want to chill out and do nothing we found ourselves out in the courtyard at night just staring up at the stars it was so peaceful and by far the best place we've stayed in yet."

  Reviewed by Neil5.0★Sep 2023

• "We met the owner and said it was a real home and beautifully clean."

  Everything was there to make a most delightful stay and we really enjoyed our stay.

  Reviewed by Izzy5.0★Sep 2023

• "We loved our stay at Mallard cottage and would love to visit again."

  It was a comfortable cottage with lots of natural light and there was everything you need for a stay. The location was stunning with views of the river from the windows and patio. There are lots of pubs including one next door ( very quiet and noise) to walk to depending on how far you want to venture. All serve great food and are welcoming. Dittisham is also a great place to walk or drive to and the lanes are fairly quiet, Totnes and Brixham are also recommended as places to see.

  Reviewed by Kerry4.7★Aug 2023

• "A comfortable apartment in a fantastic location with lovely views of the river."

  We were a little worried about possible noise from the pub next door, but it was not a problem and very convenient for a nice meal. The downsides were - the 2 small bedrooms overlook an alley making them very dark. Also the tv didn't work though the owner did compensate us for this. Overall we would recommend for a tranquil, riverside holiday.

  Reviewed by Sandy3.1★Jun 2023

• "Great holiday, thank you"

  Reviewed by Tracy4.7★May 2023

• "We loved our stay at Mallard cottage."

  The setting and views were just incredible. Such a peaceful corner of the world. We would recommend the cottage to anyone based on the views and proximity to the water alone. We really enjoyed having the pub close by and there were fantastic walks up the hillside too. The cottage was lovely and equipped with everything we needed and more. It was cosy and comfortable and we really liked the amount of storage space in the bedrooms. The Wi-Fi was intermittent at times. The floors are really creaky and the doors creak & stick which we found difficult with an infant sleeping. Had we not had a baby with us, this wouldn’t have bothered us. But it cost us sleep at times which was unfortunate! We were quite confused about the waste disposal, as arrangements are quite different in South Hams from where we live. We didn’t find the owners manual or info from coast and country cottages very clear on this. It would have been really helpful to have 2 kitchen bins - 1 for food waste and 1 for everything else. This would have guided us when we didn’t know how it worked. There were no extra bin bags provided to dispose of rubbish separately - thankfully we brought extra with us. Finally we wanted to mention the cleaners. They turned up just as we were leaving and were so helpful and polite. They had such a lovely manner about them that we really wanted to pass on how much we appreciated them and how they made us feel upon the end of our holiday. We had a fantastic stay and would love to come again.

  Reviewed by Hannah4.4★Sep 2022

• "Very relaxing location."

  Easy to get lost in the surrounding nature. IDYLLIC.

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★Jun 2022

• "Loved our cottage so much so we have rebooked."

  However felt disappointed that there was no 'welcome pack' only 6 sachets of milk and a few sachets of coffee and a few teabags. We have stayed in many rental properties and have always found a few groceries for the 1st night - this property is isolated and milk in the fridge after a long journey would have been helpful.

  Reviewed by Jennifer4.7★Jun 2022

• "Stayed at mallard cottage from 9th /16 June for my wife's 60th birthday couldn't of asked for a better location we had the pleasure to meet the owners guy & Emma at 1st we all though wrong move eyes will be on us not the case two of the nicest people you could meet very helpful nothing was to much mallard cottage is very homeley fantastic location would highly recommend only things you would need to bring are beach towels extra toilet rolls & tea / coffees everything you need is at the cottage."

  A big thank you to guy & Emma for making my wife's 60th birthday special ❤ 10/10. Helpful tips Maltesters arm next door try the king prawns and steaks cooked to perfection Watermans10 minute walk up the lane serves a lovely Sunday roast book early . If you fancy a Chinese takeaway Google little Asia delivery straight to your door food is so nice and cheap. Nearest shop is morrison petrol station with on site shop for all your needs again just Google . Hope this review is helpful and enjoy mallard cottage as much as we did. Again a big thank you to guy & Emma Hope to see you again. Yours thankfully John & family.

  Reviewed by John5.0★Jun 2022

• "An excellent cottage."

  . clean, well equipped and comfortable, in a great location. Far exceeded my expectations. Would highly recommend

  Reviewed by Ian Richard5.0★May 2022

• "Thank you so much for a wonderful stay in such a homely cottage in a beautiful location."

  Reviewed by Cherry5.0★Apr 2022

• "Comfortable holiday apartment in quiet riverside location The 3 bed ground floor apartment has everything you need for a few days of quiet in the dart valley."

  Expect country lanes. The property is next to the Malsters pub and is a ten minute walk from the Watermans. Having read a less than flattering review we came prepared. Bring wood for the log burner, loo and kitchen rolls and any food you need as they are no shops within three miles or so. It was very clean when we arrived and the heating was already on. We saw no signs of damp.  The shower pressure is low but tolerable. The kitchen units are in need of new finishes but everything works. The storage heaters get the place warm, the washing machine/tumble and dishy work fine. The Wifi is reasonable not brilliant. There is Freesat for the basic TV channels. There’s a cupboard of board games and a selection of books to read if you wish. The main bedroom was light and airy with single beds in the other rooms. The lounge diner is a very comfy space. Great for birdwatching as the tide ebbs and flows, or night sky views towards the east along the harbourne river. Bring torches as it’s very dark at night. A small enclosed front yard is great for a dog, but young kids would need supervision out front as the river quay adjoins the drive. We really liked this place and walked or drove to the local towns. If you seek peace and quiet then it’s a good choice. It’s like a normal lived-in family’s home and not all shiny and modern. If you expect that you can enjoy a real break from the bustle of normal life in a picturesque rural location.

  Reviewed by Jenny5.0★Nov 2021

• "Mallard cottage was fabulous."

  My husband uses a wheelchair and found it very easy to get around. We were very warm and snug thanks to the storage heaters and log burner and couldn’t have wished for a better position next to the water.

  Reviewed by Elizabeth4.4★Nov 2021

• "We enjoyed the environment and the homely attention the cottage was clean and ..."

  We enjoyed the environment and the homely attention the cottage was clean and well equipped with clear instructions We will be returning to the tranquil area Thanks thanks

  Reviewed by Navlet5.0★Nov 2021

• "We have had many holidays in your cottages up until now, but this by far the worst one we have been to."

  Alright, so we were next to the river, noted that the location is beautiful once you find it. We parked, as instructed, in front by the fence in front of the property. We had no sooner sat down when the occupant of the property above said we would have to move as we were in the wrong spot and we were blocking him in....not a good start! Also we have always had a welcome pack left for us which meant we had things to hand to make a cup of tea or coffee after a long journey.....not even so much as a teabag! We luckily had brought provisions for the same ourselves. We then had to find out where the nearest supermarket was. A post code at least WOULD HAVE Been useful. also one for the nearest garage as we read in the info left for us that. if we used any logs in the log burner they would have to be replaced by more which were available from most garages. Also we had to visit the local supermarket for toilet rolls as there was only the 1 in each bathroom. They had left some dishwasher tablets but I'm afraid I wasn't going to use the dishwasher just to wash 2 cups! There were no instructions left for the use of the dishwasher anyway, or the washer/dryer or cooker/oven. There was about a thimble full of Fairy Liquid under the sink. There were no toiletries at all in the bathroom and the towels were continually damp, we couldn't get the towel rail to work or the TV until we realised the TV wasn't switched on at the socket which was situated behind the TV. My husband found a long pole with which to reach and press it on, then, the next problem, The remote didn't seem to work, on inspecting that there were batteries were in there he saw they were totally corroded, such was the dampness in the property. So ... another thing to put on our shopping list! The property was in the dampest environment it could be with the most inadequate heating system you can get in the form of storage heaters. We spent a pretty miserable week in a damp, ill equipped cottage, it was even worse because of all the rain the area had for that time, we couldn't dry off coats. boots etc. Obviously, nothing can be done about the weather. We were to put bed linen and towels in a black bin back which would be left for us...WRONG, no bags left, so another item for the shopping list!! We were so fed up that we left the property on the 5th October instead of the 7th as we were so fed up of the constant fight to dry ourselves and our dog out . We do expect hot water to come out of a Hot water tap, it was cold, sometimes reaching the dizzy heights of lukewarm topped up with hot water from the boiled water from the kettle. To say we were totally underwhelmed with our visit is an understatement and we will NOT be booking a cottage with you again if this is acceptable standards in your eyes. Neither will we be recommending you to anyone else. We expected more considering the price of the property and regard our payment as a total waste of money and a waste of our time. There was no hairdryer in the property anywhere either

  Thank you for your feedback on your recent visit. All our cottages are self-catering properties and as such we do provide a starter supply of toilet rolls and other sundry items, but these are not provided for the duration of your holiday. We do provide a starter pack of tea/coffee supplies however this provision has been suspended since COVID began, although we are hoping to reintroduce this soon. We can confirm that the post code of the property is sent to all guests prior to their stay, and we have now added some further information about local shops. The manuals for the appliances have also been added. We have visited the property since your visit and confirmed that the heated towel rail is working and there is a tumble dryer available for your use. It is unfortunate that you did not contact us during your holiday as we certainly would have been able to assist with the Television, hot water, and heating. We can only apologise for the matters you have raised; however, we are glad that you enjoyed the property’s location and hope you enjoyed what the area has to offer. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan1.9★Sep 2021

• "There was no hairdryer provided, which was annoying."

  The road to the property was extremely narrow, if we had known this we would probably not have booked this property.

  Reviewed by Pam3.8★Sep 2021

• "A really tranquil and relaxing location for recharging the batteries."

  Watching the wildlife every day on Bow Creek on waking up, having a coffee on our private quayside, wiling away time after a pleasant lunch down the road in the Waterman’s Inn followed by an amazing fish menu at the Maltsters Arms n next door to Mallard Cottage and the lovely town of Totnes three miles away. Bliss. Sleeps two with plenty of space. Could do four but Six is pushing it.

  Reviewed by John5.0★Sep 2021

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