The Old Parlour

66 Customer Reviews

• "The Old Parlour is just perfect!"

  Thank you Andrew

  Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Sep 2024

• "This was our 3rd visit to Andrews beautiful property which says it all."

  Well located halfway between North and South Devon you can visit those areas easily most within 90 minutes. The property is excellent, huge and well furnished. The grounds excellent for dogs and people alike. Well thought out and extensive. All you hear are the occasional train and sheep. Ideal for recharging batteries. Top tips for visits include Cockington village, Brixham, Fremington Quay and Dartmoor. Local National Trust places nearby. Great fish and chips at Graylings in Okehampton can order online and get 10% discount for first order but you do have to collect ( about 20 minutes away) Would rebook here in a heartbeat

  Reviewed by Graham5.0★Sep 2024

• "Had a wonderful week at The Old Parlour - the best cottage we have ever stayed in!"

  Loved the beautiful surroundings & being able to wander the extensive gardens - so peaceful to hear nothing but birdsong. The cottage is clean, comfortable and very well-equipped, having everything we could possibly need. Loved the big patio doors, which let in so much light and that everything was on the ground floor, with extra space upstairs if needed. Large shower room & effective shower. Smart TV so you can use your own streaming services, and two comfortable sofas. Pub serving good food about 10 minutes walk away. Central location within easy reach of lots of great places to visit. Only minor niggle was the poor lighting in the bedroom, but we had a wonderful holiday & highly recommend this cottage! Thank you so much, Andrew.

  Reviewed by Hayley5.0★Sep 2024

• "A fabulous stay."

  Large cottage, well equipt, spaceous open plan & in superb condition throughout. Very tastfully presented with lovely fitted kitchen units & floor to ceiling wardrobes.The outside grounds were unbelievable. Acres of enclosed secure woodland. Paths leading off to themed areas, ponds, speciality plants & shrubs, enclosed areas of mature trees & bushes. Our dog was in his ellement exploring and running around with "Lombok" Andrew the owners pet collie. The entire estate is a reflection of Andrews hard work & attention to detail. Dont think we have ever been to somewhere remotely like this & probably not likely to find anywhere similar so we will be going back, Soon. Thankyou for an unbelievable experience

  Reviewed by Martin5.0★Sep 2024

• "One word amazing"

  Reviewed by Scott5.0★Aug 2024

• "Cannot fault anything at all, absolutely beautiful location and the old parlour is fabulous."

  Andrew very helpful and on hand if we needed him. If your undecided about staying here don’t be, book it you won’t be disappointed.

  Reviewed by Daniel5.0★Aug 2024

• "We had a wonderful holiday, the Old Parlour was amazing , Andrew the owner was such a lovely man , his dog came to greet us , the Parlour was immaculate, everything was provided , beds are so comfortable all funishings are top quality and the views were amazing, we were really sad to leave ."

  Would just like to say thank you Andrew for making our holiday a memorable one . Carol ,Martin and family .

  Reviewed by Carol5.0★Aug 2024

• "Fantastic property equipped with everything we needed and more."

  It was even more beautiful outside and inside than the pictures on the site. And the gardens were extensive and absolutely gorgeous. We travelled with a dog, and felt he was very welcome by both the owner and his lovely dog - as were we. This property exceeded our expectations on all fronts - we would definitely want to stay again next time we’re in that area.

  Reviewed by Ingrid5.0★Jul 2024

• "We had a lovely stay at The Old Parlour."

  Would recommend to anyone thinking of going.

  Reviewed by Jo5.0★Jul 2024

• "The property is beautiful and in a quiet and peaceful location, it is very comfortable and everything we needed was provided."

  The gardens are absolutely stunning and extensive and were lovely to walk round with our dogs. Andrew the owner was very welcoming and helpful and his dog Lombok is very friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return in future.

  Reviewed by John5.0★Jun 2024

• "Very comfortable and well-maintained property with hospitable and helpful hosts."

  A perfect retreat for an enjoyable and relaxing break.

  Reviewed by Richard5.0★Jun 2024

• "Me and my girls (dogs) had a wonderful time staying here, the gardens are amazing."

  The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped, the pub down the road does really nice food. I would recommend a visit to abbeyford woods just down the road and also Simmons park in okehampton.

  Reviewed by Steph5.0★May 2024

• "Can only review this from the perspective 2 adults and 1 dog, not the full complement of holiday makers."

  This property is top class for a relaxing holiday. We found every thing we needed was of excellent quality. The garden is a special feature of this property, if you like to wander and enjoy nature with your dog in complete safety, this you can do with the help of the owners dog. Well done Andrew.

  Reviewed by Peter4.7★Apr 2024

• "One of the best cottages we have visited, in a fantastic garden setting."

  The area has plenty to offer for people to explore.

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Apr 2024

• "A lovely place to stay, perfect for a relaxing break."

  Wonderful gardens, like having a mini Wisley just on your doorstep. Andrew, Gillian and the wonderful Lombok are great hosts. Can't rate it highly enough.

  Reviewed by Tony5.0★Apr 2024

• "A lovely property and a warm welcome on arrival from the property owner."

  We enjoyed our stay. 2 areas which could have been improved included. 1. On day 3 we woke to find a stream of ants running across the living room to the kitchen, some ants on kitchen work surface which wed wiped down the night before and despite using the outside bins for food waste or recycling etc. 2. On calling the property owner ahead of our arrival I was disappointed by the phone reception from a family member landline. When I explained the reason for my call advised by Sykes re arrangements for key collection. I was told rather dismissively 'it was pretty obvious. The key would be in the door'. Shortly after, I did get a call back from the property owner who was far more welcoming. Whilst we enjoyed our stay, the phone interaction with the family member meant if we were to recommend the property to others we would advise not using the landline number.

  Very sorry about the ants. You didnt say anything at the time so that could do something about them. I’m afraid I simply cant control the wildlife when it occasionally goes where we don’t want it. Sorry if it spoiled your time here a little and hope to see you again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Andrew3.4★Mar 2024

• "Beautiful, well equipped cottage with lovely views over the gardens."

  Regret I got the short straw as to the weather, but still a very relaxing week with a good book. Would suggest to future visitors, if you do decide to walk to the splendid village pub in the winter evenings - The New Inn, take a torch!

  Reviewed by Ken5.0★Oct 2023

• "Lovely cottage for the two of us plus our dog."

  Very clean and comfortable with a well equipped kitchen for all of your needs. What a garden! Has to be seen to be believed. We were lucky enough to have a week of lovely weather and a walk around the “estate” every morning and evening was a must.

  Reviewed by John5.0★Sep 2023

• "Had a lovely break."

  The Old parlour was beautiful and the grounds were amazing. The dog and girls loved being able to run around in the grounds at their free will.

  Reviewed by Joanne4.7★Jul 2023

• "Beautiful property with superb views of gardens."

  Comfortable beds. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

  Reviewed by Krystyna5.0★Jul 2023

• "Fantastic property in a fantastic setting."

  The garden beyond the immediate lawns is extensive and filled with interesting sub-gardens to sit and chat. So peaceful. Very accessible compared with similar homes. The owner was very attentive and responsive to our requirements. His dog, Lombok, was fun to watch and never an intrusion. A great, relaxing stay !

  Reviewed by Dp5.0★Jul 2023

• "We had a comfortable stay at this lovely cottage, with everything we needed, the cottage was spacious upstairs and down and the garden was huge and well looked after."

  The large patio doors gave good light to the property. We were met by the resident dog Lombok who is very friendly. The flowers were a nice gesture too. We did not have the weather on our side, but this did not spoil our holiday thanks to the comfort of the Old Parlour. Thank you to Andrew and all at the 'Old Parlour' We would definitely love to come back here again in the future.

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★Jul 2023

• "Thanks Andrew for another lovely relaxing time."

  The garden is looking fabulous and you get the rain you wanted for it .Overnight of course. Lovely place with everything you will need .

  Reviewed by Anthony5.0★Jun 2023

• "Second visit to this lovely property."

  Peace, tranquility, huge grounds for us and our dog Mabel. We could just open the doors in the morning and she could roam with no risk. A lovely property with everything you need. Andrew and his family look after everyone so well but not intrusively. If you want to recharge your personal batteries then come here and go home refreshed. Will be back

  Reviewed by Graham5.0★Jun 2023

• "The old parlour was as advertised light airy clean comfortable which is perhaps all you need on holiday ."

  .. but... this holiday home has a special extra ... the garden,the view of which is 'framed' from the inside of the old parlour (big glass sliding doors can also 'bring the outside in')so whatever the weather you have a great view (priceless)...exploring the garden is great ...lots to discover.... you can do a different walk everyday... Andrew... approachable pleasant and happy to help if needed... the owner was about in the garden most days (must be impossible to have the standard and size of garden without daily work on it). Andrews dog lombot was brill, typical collie says hello and checks your ok then hes off. Out and about we liked okehampton, as it felt welcoming and people friendly also enjoyed dartmoor national park, especially how the sheep looked after their lambs when in or crossing the road (took a few videos)

  Reviewed by Stephen4.7★May 2023

• "The property is unique!"

  Definitely got the WOW factor. Very clean and spacious! Kitchen well equipped, shower powerful and quality soft towels and I loved the loo roll - if you’ve stayed you’ll know what I mean! Gardens are immaculate and the grounds are a just as big as on the photo’s! We had some lovely walks in the sunshine! Host Andrew is friendly but not intrusive, gave us a quick tour of the cottage and is usually out and about in the garden. Lombod the collie usually came over for a tickle if we were outside and got on great with our two dogs. Had a couple of lunches in New Inn in the village great food and warm and welcoming owners. The Old Parlour was peaceful, relaxing and we certainly came fully re-charged! Look forward to staying again hopefully see the garden in full bloom! Thanks for a lovely week! Carolyn, Malcolm, Chewbacca & Bertie

  Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★Apr 2023

• "Property was in a very high standard and all equipment was all that you required."

  Highly satisfied with every thing.

  Reviewed by Trevor5.0★Apr 2023

• "It's a lovely place to stay if you want some peace for a while; just perfect."

  ..

  Reviewed by Nicholas4.7★Apr 2023

• "Wow what an amazing property and superb garden all in an area with so much to offer."

  We had a fabulous weeks holiday despite the awful weather. Just means we'll have to stay again!

  Reviewed by W5.0★Mar 2023

• "Wow what an amazing place to stay great accomodation fantastic garden so clean and laid out met all our needs ."

  Our dog loved the garden loved going into the maze with the hubster following and getting stuck all good fun. We had a couple of small problems but Andrew was there to sort them out immediatly. A brilliant location for all the touristy attractions but quiet enough to chill out in. Would defo recommend and would love to go back but not next year its all booked up for the time we wanted.

  Reviewed by Gary5.0★Oct 2022

• "This was one of the best holiday accommodations we have stayed at."

  In fact I would put it at the top of the list! It was everything you could ask for in comfort but what made it exceptional for me was the fantastic view looking through the sliding doors to the acres of landscaped garden, so even on a rainy day it was the most relaxing of places to be if you decided to give going out a miss.

  Reviewed by Jillian5.0★Sep 2022

• "Great week away, the owner is very helpful."

  The gardens are amazing and the location is peaceful and quiet.

  Reviewed by Rhys5.0★Sep 2022

• "An attractive, spacious and well equipped property set in glorious countryside within an attractive village."

  The vast gardens are stunning and you have total access to them. Andrew is an excellent host ably assisted by his fabulous dog!

  Reviewed by Jackie5.0★Sep 2022

• "A bright, airy and well appointed conversation with everything you need for a week away from home."

  Set in expansive and picturesque gardens, an ideal space for relaxing or exploring Devon. Andrew, the owner, was welcoming and lived across the farm yard, he was approachable and could advise on places to places to visit but was by no means intrusive. The welcome shortbread biscuits were a kind and appreciated gesture and Lombok, the farm dog, friendly and very well trained. The conversation is finished to a high standard, my only issue is that mattress was very soft, however I know this is personal preference (and just me being pernickety.) Thank you for a lovely stay, you have a beautiful home and gardens to be proud of!

  Reviewed by Allison5.0★Aug 2022

• "A very well appointed cottage, with everything we needed."

  The extensive gardens were absolutely lovely. The owner (Andrew) was very friendly and helpful. There was a very friendly Colly dog.

  Reviewed by Rob5.0★Jun 2022

• "The welcome on arrival was very friendly."

  The accommodation was of a good standard, but felt the bathroom could have been of a higher standard. The gardens were SUPERB and there were no restrictions for walking around. If there was a criticism it would be the arrival time being 3.00pm, as other places tend to be 2.00. Also the departure time being 9.00am was very early .

  Reviewed by David4.7★Jun 2022

• "This is a superb property with an extensive and beautiful garden."

  The owner and family also live on site but were away for most of our stay. If you are staying with your dog be aware the owner has a large, but friendly border collie (?) that runs free and sometimes also a Jack Russel is there. You never know when they will appear.Our cockerpoo is young and still learning to socialise, so our stay would have been quite stressful had the owners dog been on site all week. As long as you bear the dog matter in mind you will not regret choosing this property.

  Reviewed by Geoffrey5.0★Jun 2022

• "We enjoyed our stay and found the living space and beds comfortable."

  The gardens are remarkable and we appreciated such easy access to them - the photos don’t do the property justice and really should be updated. On the downside the kitchen and particularly the bathroom are overdue for an update. There’s no way of drying clothes or bathroom towels inside if needed so there should be a tumble dryer and heated towel rail installed as basic.

  Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you enjoyed the garden and your stay at The Old Parlour. We have provided a rotary line outside for guests to use, as well as airers placed in the property for drying clothes. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mark2.8★May 2022

• "First class."

  Garden fantastic.

  Reviewed by Brian5.0★May 2022

• "What a wonderful find."

  We booked this lovely cottage with Mabel our dog in mind. Very dog friendly indeed. Acres and Acres of gardens for her to play, run, jump. The resident collie Lombok was quickly her partner in crime and they spent many happy hours together. 5 stars for facilities, just as described. We wanted for nothing. The owner Andrew greeted us on arrival and went out of his way to make our stay a great one. Totally silent just outside a small village but Okehampton just 15 minutes away for shops, cafes, bars etc. Very convenient for North Devon beaches (Saunton our favourite) and South Devon resorts such as Brixham or Dartmouth. Wi-Fi excellent and comfy sofas etc. Huge bathroom with wet room style shower. I could go on and on. Book it now

  Reviewed by Graham5.0★Mar 2022

• "We had a wonderful relaxing week at the Old Parlour and Andrew (owner) was the perfect host."

  The property is just perfect and we'll be back again next year.

  Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Oct 2021

• "A return visit to this cottage, for us."

  Great accommodation, very comfortable, light ,airy and spacious . Ideal for dog owners. Amazing gardens. Simply stunning. We love it here. Owner is very friendly and helpful. My only suggestion would be a bigger fridge freezer ( as current freezer is very small) which could perhaps be situated where the broom cupboard is?

  Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Aug 2021

• "The cottage is amazing and has everything you could need for a home away from home."

  The quality of finish is exceptional and the small touches make it extra special. The gardens are incredible. Thank you Andrew for making our week special.

  Reviewed by Andy5.0★Jul 2021

• "The Old Parlour is a beautiful holiday home with stunning outside space."

  It has been furnished to a very high standard with comfortable sofas and beds, a kitchen with all mod-cons and a fabulous shower room. The location is perfect for exploring both the North and South coasts and ideal for Dartmoor. Even though the owners’ residence is next door, we hardly saw them but it was good to know they were close if we needed anything (which we didn’t). Andrew did inform us when there was some gardening work going on outside our property one day which we appreciated even though it didn’t affect us. This is the one of the most comfortable holiday homes we have stayed in. Based on the photos we had high expectations and we were not disappointed. I would have not hesitation in recommending it.

  Reviewed by Debra5.0★May 2021

• "The owners house was a little too close to the cottage ."

  Not a major problem but also does not offer total privacy . Also, because of the the owners work in the garden much of the day there was always a feeling somebody was around . Having said that the gardens were a delight and the cottage was superb .

  Reviewed by Paul4.7★Apr 2021

• "Property was excellent and finished to a good standard."

  Welcoming owner, who lives adjacent to The Milk Parlour. Gardens are an absolute joy, a bonus and a pleasure to enjoy with excellent space for dogs to roam safely. Ideal base and comfortable safe haven to explore Nth Dartmoor and local tourist attractions and beauty spots. Would definitely book here again. Have used Helpful Holidays numerous times over the past 25 - 30 years and appreciate that current times are difficult and different. However, e mail messages and text messages pinging on my mobile at 1.00am in the morning ( numerous times! ) from the middle of our week onwards reminding us how we should leave the property before we depart at 0900hrs on our last morning we found at best distasteful, distracting and annoying, especially given the stupid times they were consistently sent. Would recommend turning mobile on silent at night from middle of anyone's holidays onwards and assume this is a reflection on changes since being owned by Sykes Cottages? Might make us consider using again as never experienced this approach in all the years of previously using Helpful Holidays and never had any issues with the condition we have left properties in on departure previously.

  Reviewed by Mark4.4★Oct 2020

• "The hosts were very friendly and helpful."

  The garden was beautiful, exceeded our expectations. Easy access to most of it. The property was beautiful . Wonderful views out of the large glazed back doors. Very nice furniture. Comfortable beds. Our only problem was only one toilet which was in the lovely wet room. We did know this from the description but it did prove quite difficult with very elderly father who can spend long time in three. We had a wonderful break overall and despite weather. Millie the dog loved it.

  Reviewed by Margaret4.1★Sep 2020

• "The cottage was superb, it had everything quality furniture, bedroom was excellent, shower room was brilliant."

  As for the garden it was fantastic and as a bonus the weather was beautiful.

  Reviewed by Robert5.0★Sep 2020

• "The Old Parlour is an absolutely immaculate venue, beautifully presented ."

  In an idyllic location. The garden is stunning and the hosts very welcoming . A true gem of a property .

  Reviewed by Ann5.0★Sep 2020

• "Fantastic place for our family break in Devon."

  The house had everything we needed, our kids loved the space. Beautiful gardens and helpful and friendly hosts. We will return.

  Reviewed by Mathew5.0★Aug 2020

• "This was a really special cottage the gardens and outside space are spectacular- just what we needed after months of lockdown and homeschooling!"

  Everything we needed plenty of space, kitchen well equipped, privacy, clean and very comfortable- great base for exploring Devon. Host very friendly and Would recommend to others and would return.

  Reviewed by Sally5.0★Aug 2020

• "Everything was perfect, lovely cottage and beautiful grounds."

  would recommend this holiday cottage and we have already booked for next year.

  Reviewed by Brenda5.0★Jul 2020

• "From start to finish we were made to feel that it was our home for the week."

  It was stunning being part of the glorious acres of beautiful gardens. Spot loved the freedom and we loved everything. The wet room was ideal and the bed downstairs so comfortable. Never tired of the view and perfectly relaxed. Thank you x

  Reviewed by Deborah5.0★Aug 2019

• "This is an amazing property set in the most beautiful of grounds, everything was as described with probably an undersell on the owners hospitality and the amazing grounds he has created around the cottage."

  Our daughter loved the gardens not just the space but the different varieties and couldn’t get enough of the fresh plums. This was also perfect for our dog who made a friend for life with the owner but also it was perfect in terms of space and how safe it was, she wasn’t on the lead once all week. We will certainly return and as someone that has stayed in numerous holiday lets this is by far the best I have stayed in and we will certainly return.

  Reviewed by Jason5.0★Aug 2019

• "The access to the owner's amazing garden was a real privilege - it was like spending a week in the garden of a stately home, but seemingly for our private use only."

  Owner very friendly, helpful and insisted we partake of his courgettes and plums!

  Reviewed by Richard5.0★Aug 2019

• "The Old Parlour was a fantastic base to explore Devon and Cornwall, it was clean, spacious and comfortable."

  Reviewed by Andy5.0★Aug 2019

• "The cottage was lovely and surprisingly spacious."

  The pictures on the website didnt really show how much space there was on the upstairs gallery or how large the wetroom was. It was clean and very functional especially if you are taking a dog. The beds and settees were very comfortable. The cottage was furnished to a high standard. The gardens were amazing and it was lovely to wander through them. The owner was friendly and helpful but not intrusive. The village pub is within walkable distance and serves good food and is very dog friendly. The village of Sampford Courtenay has an interesting history . There is much to see and do in the area. We really enjoyed our holiday here.

  Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Aug 2019

• "This place is simply amazing as you stay in a very modern facility surrounded by such history and fantastic gardens."

  Getting lost on roads around here can actually be fun as you discover some areas you generally cannot see from ground level anyway; however, just stay on property and “lose” yourself in the gardens. If you fancy cats, then the farm cat will certainly be to your satisfaction. The local pubs are in close proximity and offer very good food, service and spirits or beers/ales.

  Reviewed by Gary5.0★Jun 2019

• "We really enjoyed the whole experience."

  The gardens are a joy. Owners friendly and welcoming. Their cat was a regular visitor she really enjoys milk and sliced turkey.

  Reviewed by Anna5.0★Jun 2019

• "This property is an absolute gem, set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens which are evolving."

  So peaceful, good excuse to recharge in a lovely rural part of Devon. It was appointed to an extremely high standard and has everything you'd ever need. We'll be booking again in the future.

  Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★May 2019

• "The cottage with surrounding gardens are amazing."

  The only thing that was slightly annoying is that work is still being done on the gardens by the owner at weekends, and occasionally this was a bit invasive of our privacy. But would definitely recommend the cottage.

  Reviewed by Beverley4.7★May 2019

• "Fabulous cottage, couldn't have asked for more."

  Kitchen well equipped, lounge layout very good, lovely dinning table and chairs with great views and incredibly comfortable beds. Gardens lovely and a special mention for the directions which can often be poor - these were spot in in very way from the M5 onwards - well done.

  Reviewed by Neil5.0★Apr 2019

• "Lovely property."

  The boiler had broken and we did not have enough heat. Once the owners were fully aware of the situation,they provided us with plug in heaters,which helped.

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Sep 2018

• "The day we arrived 15th Sept, the owners mother came to show us round, and said that the previous tenants had been experiencing problems during the holiday with the hot water and heating going off ."

  We had No Heating at all during the holiday!!! and the hot water was constantly tripping off , we had to go outside to the far end of the building into a barn to try and get the gas boiler to restart !! this was not very nice when in the middle of a shower !! also when it went off at night we had to get a torch to find our way to try and restart it ,we went to inform the owners mother and she did eventually get someone out , i had to show him where the boiler was etc , they didnt repair during our holiday ! We managed to find a very small electric fire and an extension lead so we could have a small amount of heat at least . This totally spoilt our holiday , i am 74 and my wife is 72 , i feel the cold badly due to medication following a heart operation some years ago ,

  Reviewed by Ronald and Ann3.4★Sep 2018

• "Property as described and surpassed expectations."

  Communication good and questions raised were answered in a timely manner. Really enjoyed our holiday and will use your site again for future bookings. Many thanks.

  Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Aug 2018

• "We've stayed at many holiday cottages, but the Old Parlour is the first time we've honestly been able to say you can get lost in its garden - a wonderful discovery!"

  Reviewed by Gregory5.0★Jul 2018

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