Sanctuary Cottage

47 Customer Reviews

• "We had a great holiday."

  The cottage had loads of character. The location near to the town and the coast was perfect. The cottage was well maintained and equipped and comfortable.

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Oct 2024

• "My only issue with this lovely cottage was the linen - the duvet cover only had 1 (Cracked) button to hold the duvet in so it kept slipping out which made sleeping not easy."

  Pillows were really flat too. The towels had also seen better days. This was only in the main bedroom as only 2 of us stayed there. I think property owners should pay more attention to linen as it is quite a personal thing that is in good condition - as we would expect at home. I'm not one to complain but felt if I didn't mention it, nothing would happen

  Many thanks for letting us know. We appreciate the feedback. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Ann5.0★Sep 2024

• "Lovely place to stay."

  The only thing I would think will really improve it if something creative is done at the front to make it a nicer area to sit in. Other than that really quite faultless.

  Many thanks for the feedback. Actually the dogwood in the front was planted there because people said there was no privacy when they sat out. We try and keep it trim but things grow. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Jul 2024

• "Clean, well equipped and peaceful cottage, a short walk from the sea."

  Food and other shopping a few minutes away in Freshwater, takeaways in Totland itself, and cafe/restaurants on the beach edge. Nice place to stay, and from which to explore the rest of the island.

  Many thanks for the feedback Property Owner

  Reviewed by Martin5.0★Jul 2024

• "Property was very clean, well fitted out."

  perfect. Garden was overgrown with weeds, table and chairs very dirty. An hours work.A few extra slabs. Some flowering shrubs. and a smaller table and a couple of chairs would make it look more inviting.

  One of the reasons we covered the gardens in slate was to try and keep the gardens weed free. Alas the little devils grow around the edges. We have no control over birds and weather on the garden table and chairs. Our cleaner gives them a wipe down when she sees they are mucky (birds rain, dust etc) Yes the shed has seen better days and will be replaced at the end of the season and that part of the garden is due for a refurb Many thanks for the feedback Property Owner

  Reviewed by Janice4.7★Jun 2024

• "We had a lovely stay in your beautiful property, very comfortable and we can’t think of anything that would make it better."

  Hoping to come back next year.

  Many thanks glad you had a nice time Property Owner

  Reviewed by Gill4.1★Jun 2024

• "We had a lovely stay, the cottage is beautiful and decorated and furnished very well."

  I was impressed with how well equipped the house was, particularly the kitchen. Great location, close to local amenities and all the places you want to visit. Would certainly recommend.

  Thank you so much. We're glad you had a great time. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Vanessa5.0★Jun 2024

• "On the whole we enjoyed our stay during the second half of May 2024."

  The cottage was clean and the indoor facilities were as you might expect. However, we were disappointed with the outdoor space. There was a table and chairs but they were very dated and the area in which they were positioned was not very conducive for evenings outside. I think this front area needs to be refreshed or even completely redone.

  Sorry the space wasn't up to how you'd like it but there is a photo of the space on the site so you could see before you booked. . The table and chairs are quite new and are undamaged. We try and focus on the inside and it is very comfortable. Thanks for coming to Sanctuary Cottage. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Stuart3.8★May 2024

• "Comfortably, thoughfully and practically furnished."

  Excellent quality furniture, kitchen well equipped. Beds very comfortable. Only problem was the Velux bedroom window is difficult to close and lock. Mentioned this to housekeeping on our departure.

  Thanks for the feed back. I always find Velux windows a bit difficult. We have them here and there is a knack when you get used to them. Glad you had a nice time and thank you for coming to Sanctuary Cottage. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Elaine5.0★May 2024

• "Thank you for an excellent stay at Sanctuary Cottage - it was very comfy and a brilliant location too."

  The cottage was brilliant stocked for everything we needed to cook and clean and the beds and towels were excellent as well. The dog basket and towels etc were a lovely surprise and very well received by our dog too! We will be back for sure!

  Thank you. We hope the weather wasn't too disappointing Property Owner

  Reviewed by Joanna5.0★Oct 2023

• "We had a lovely week in Sanctuary Cottage, using as a base to visit various attractions on the island."

  Good local facilities in Totland and Freshwater. A very well insulated building, we were surprised how warm it was returning from our visits. It was especially appreciated as the weather was not the best, we made the most of our time on the island, a nice relaxing break.

  Thank you for your kind comments. Yes the walls are very thick cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We're glad you had a nice time despite the weather. Thank you for coming to Sanctuary Cottage. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mavis4.4★Sep 2023

• "Sanctuary cottage is exactly that…."

  A delightful sanctuary, a home from home. After traveling from North Wales we were expecting to have to find a local shop to get some milk for a much needed cuppa so we were delighted to find fresh milk in the fridge on arrival…such thoughtful attention to detail ! Also everything provided for the dogs, bowls, blankets etc. The kitchen is very well equipped with plenty of crockery, cutlery, pots & pans etc. One minor issue…we couldn’t get the vacuum cleaner to work ! It was on charge when we arrived & I’m not normally baffled by domestic appliances

  Glad everything was OK and you enjoyed yourself Thanks for letting us know about the vacuum cleaner. A "Halo" and just out of its 2 year guarantee. I always thought it would have lasted longer. We hope you come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★Sep 2023

• "Great property excellent location nice and comfy house very well equipped"

  Many thanks for your kind words Property Owner

  Reviewed by Marzena5.0★Aug 2023

• "A wonderful holiday home with all the character of a church."

  ...very well equipped too!

  Pleased everything was ok and you had a good time. Hope you come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sara5.0★Jul 2023

• "Lovely place to stay."

  Very well equipped. We only found the recycling information on day of leaving so it might be worth putting that in your folder along side any leaving instructions. Was an absolutely great place to stay near buses & shops, so we had everything at close hand. Will definitely be back.

  Recycling information is usually kept in the kitchen so it will not get lost in the instruction folder, It's kept in view for all to see. Looks like it wasn't where it should be Glad you had a great time Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mary4.7★May 2023

• "A comfortable, stylish accommodation with everything needed and more."

  Biscuits and milk a very welcome touch. Our first time on the Isle of Wight Sanctuary Cottage was a perfect base to get out and about from, look forward to my next visit.

  Very many thanks Property Owner

  Reviewed by Karen5.0★Oct 2022

• "The cottage was a bit more hemmed in than we thought."

  It was very clean but the lighting in the lounge was poor. Not able to see to read, etc. The beds were up against a sloping roof so impossible to read in bed and the window in the second bedroom was difficult to open even with a pole as it was so high up and heavy. The upstairs windows only opened a little way so in an emergency it was difficult to see how to get out. It was a very nice stay but next time we will choose somewhere other than Totland.

  Sorry you had some discomfort. It is a converted church. I have never had any problems reading in bed. and this is the first mention in eight years of anyone having problems with the Velux window. There is a Fire Safety document in the visitors information pack on what to do in case of fire. It may be useful when visiting your next holiday destination that you read theirs. It could save your life. Many thanks for visiting us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Penelope4.4★Sep 2022

• "While a nice looking place we found the accommodation extremely dark and needed the lights on all the time even with them all on in the lounge it was difficult for everyone to read especially at night."

  The twin room is Very small and impossible to get to wardrobes without moving a bed. The sofas have had their day and have no support we had to bring down the large bed cushions and put them on the sofas to sit on. However was lovely and clean inside. Outside the patio set was filthy and had to wash it down. You have to share the entrance and side garden walkway with neighbours who continually left gate open which allowed our dog to escape. So definitely not the best place we have booked

  There are two large floor lights each with three bulbs to illuminate book readers. The sofas are just fine and soft and comfortable , we've even had requests from tenants asking where they can buy them as they are so comfortable.My cleaner who does a wonderful job tries to keep the patio clean but cannot stop birds from doing their business on chairs etc and she has no control over the wind blowing debris . We have dogs and we always look to make sure the gate is closed before letting them out.so they don't escape down the road. Sorry you were disappointed but thanks for coming. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Diane3.8★Sep 2022

• "We stayed in 2022 but just found out we could review."

  This is a lovely cottage but it is described as having an enclosed garden. What it doesn't say is that it is shared access so neighbours walk through the garden to access their property, making it an unsecured space for children or dogs to be in even for a second without close supervision. You would have to go out in the garden first before letting out a child or dog in case the gate is left open. Whilst our dog would never be unsupervised I would normally go out with her at the same time, not have to check the garden is secure before going out. Also to keep watch in case the neighbours came through the gate. The garden was a very small dungeon like space and not really pleasant and our dog had no space to be safely off lead at all for the week. There are issues with parking as the shared access neighbour parks across both spaces. Also there is an old peoples' home across the road so visitors park all up the road. We found it difficult to park in the road on a few occasions. However, it's a beautiful character cottage and the Smart TV was a bonus. The location is fabulous providing access to all the places we wanted to see. Nice touches were providing paw towels and dog bowls for canine guests.

  We have dogs and we let them out . There are gates and we check to make sure that the gate is closed as I'm sure you do in your own home Yes my neighbour does use the path. The garden is small but you must have seen that when you looked at the photos of the property. Like most people I have no control over parking. The area is better placed than other areas as there are no restrictions like parking charges or double yellow lines. The retirement home opposite has its own car park and there are spaces allocated for visitors. The increase of cars maybe due to one of the residents having a birthday. I'm so pleased you liked Sanctuary Cottage. We try our best Property Owner

  Reviewed by Denise3.4★Sep 2022

• "We really enjoyed our stay in this property , it was very comfortable and clean and we would like to return again soon ."

  very many thanks Property Owner

  Reviewed by Martin5.0★Jul 2022

• "One of the best self catering properties we have stayed in."

  Very many thanks Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sheila5.0★Apr 2022

• "Lovely place!"

  Immaculately clean and tidy, thoughtful touches everywhere. Highly recommended

  Very many thanks Property Owner

  Reviewed by Hayley5.0★Apr 2022

• "Lovely place with all essentials and more."

  Fantastic location and easy to reach costal and other paths. Lovely walk to Colwell Bay and round to Totland Bay. Weather mixed but did not affect stay or walks. Truly beautiful area.

  Many thanks, glad you had a great time Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Oct 2021

• "Very poor wifi or it would be too marks."

  Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry the router broke down, had we been aware we could have sorted this. We hope you enjoyed your stay. Kind regards Property Owner

  Reviewed by Rosalyn4.4★Jul 2021

• "Sanctuary Cottage is a beautiful place to stay with excellent walks and amenities in very close proximity."

  The Cottage is charming, spacious for 2, ideal for 4 and I’d guess a tad cosy for 6. Facilities are fantastic and kitchen In particular is exceptionally well appointed. Only slight criticism relates to plumbing fittings - toilet seats cheap and loose, shower head slider broken, sinks small and one had a broken plug; this might sound bad but it is all usable, just not as good as the excellence elsewhere and could be fixed for a low price. We would thoroughly recommend Sanctuary Cottage to couples and families alike.

  Reviewed by Philip4.7★Oct 2020

• "The property is well equipped and clean."

  The beds were very comfortable. Very dog friendly. A most enjoyable week. The Waterfront restaurant a short journey away - well worth a visit.

  So pleased we came up trumps Property Owner

  Reviewed by Valerie5.0★Oct 2020

• "The cottage cleanliness was fine, although there were a considerable number of cobwebs in the property."

  Also the kitchen sink was quite brown and I had to clean it with bleach to bring it up to the standard I would expect. Cottage was well situated for our needs and we enjoyed our stay.

  Since you posted this we have got new cleaners and are really pleased with her standards. Property Owner

  Reviewed by David4.4★Sep 2020

• "Yes the bread bin had been overlooked in cleaning and the bath non slip mat was very mouldy, I put it in the washing machine before using it and it came up cleaner, I need a slip mat as I am waiting for a knee replacement."

  We would be interested in a cottage all on one level for future visits, we had a fab time. Thank you

  Since you posted this we have got new cleaners and are really pleased with her standards. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Diana4.7★Sep 2020

• "Just fab, thank you!"

  I'm so pleased you enjoyed the Isle of Wight Property Owner

  Reviewed by Denise4.7★Aug 2020

• "Good: really nice touch to have the dog stuff, but it would have been good to know in advance so I didn't bring the same with me, in an already packed car!"

  Nicely equipped kitchen and the house was really comfy for us. Just a shame there is not more outside space! Needs improvement: had requested both beds to be unzipped, as requested, but one was not, which meant I had to sleep in a bunk bed all week. There was no bathmat in the main bathroom, which meant we had to use a towel. Please make sure there is one as it was a bit tricky for my elderly mother to use the bath without a non-slip mat. The parking was difficult. In addition to the cars for no.6, someone from the flats opposite regularly parked their 20 reg blue Renault Captur outside Church House. They told me it was none of my business when I queried why they couldn't park in the flats' car parking!

  We are really pleased you had a good time. Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sara3.8★Aug 2020

• "Overall the cottage was fine, good facilities and location, however, the place could have been a bit cleaner."

  There were still drink stains on some coffee tables, the skirting boards were quite dusty and there also plenty of cobwebs in most rooms. Well equipped kitchen with washing machine and dishwater and plenty of crockery. Comfortable beds. Could have been a 9/10, but on this visit 7/10.

  We got rid of those cleaners. Found one of them was registered blind (I jest not) New cleaner is wonderful and can see , a big help. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Barry4.1★Jul 2020

• "We love sanctuary cottage we stayed last year so came back again it suits our family needs ."

  Well equipped even down to the dog

  Glad you had a good time. Please come again . Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★Oct 2019

• "Sanctuary cottage is a lovely holiday home with everything you need for a great stay."

  Only a short walk to the beach and local shops and pub and perfect for dogs. The only slight thing was we didn’t realise it was shared access with the next door house this didn’t prove to be an issue though as the couple who live there were really lovely dog friendly and helpful. All in all a lovely stay.

  Reviewed by David4.7★Sep 2019

• "Lounge was very dusty (tv stand, windowsills, cooker hood)."

  Lounge had a slight wet dog smell. Children should be provided with large towels as well as small.

  Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We will have a word with our Caretaker. On good dry weather people leave the doors open and it dust does roll in. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Bryan4.4★May 2019

• "Fabulous place and I’ve rebooked for September"

  Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Feb 2019

• "The cottage was very lovely, and the addition of a Christmas Tree to meet us on arrival was a kind thought."

  Nothing was lacking in the facilities, indeed I believe your description did not do it justice. The only downside was the comfort of the beds in the twin room, perhaps the owners might like to address this for the coming season. We will be back to the island and despite ample accommodation being available for tourists we will return to Sanctuary Cottage.

  Reviewed by Stephen4.7★Dec 2018

• "Lovely quiet location, with easy access to some beautiful beaches, walks and restaurants."

  A beautiful dog friendly property that quickly felt like home. Probably could have been ever so slightly cleaner as there were cobwebs everywhere and the bathroom upstairs was in need of some TLC. The wall clocks weren’t working and there was only one bulb working in the staircase hallway (however with the height of the ceilings I expect this is easier said then done). In reality though these were only tiny blemishes on a beautiful warm home that we would happily return to, and to be completely honest we were incredibly sad to have to leave.

  Yes we heard what you said and we sacked our cleaner / caretaker. We now have an Angel of a cleaner. Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Katie4.7★Sep 2018

• "The cottage was very clean and really well equipped."

  It is located in a quiet village with a delightful beach, which has a lovely pier cafe and a great restaurant on the waterfront. Unfortunately, the cottage design upstairs wasn’t good for my husband who is over 6 foot, as he was regularly banging his head on the sloping ceilings of the main bedroom and bathroom. The downstairs is very dark, even on a sunny day and lights are needed all the time to use the kitchen. The outdoor area is right next to the road, and wasn’t very comfortable for siting out in as it only had a small picnic table. As the path to the entrance is shared it doesn’t feel very private or relaxing to sit outside.

  I too am over six foot and have never banged my head. It's a converted church so the roof is always going to be a bit quirky. Yes it can be a bit dark downstairs probably due to the stained glass. It would have been a shame to have had it ripped out. Since you came we planted a "Dogwood Hedge" that gives privacy while sitting out. The road is unadopted so very little car traffic uses it.. Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul3.1★Aug 2018

• "Great location for seeing the island, short walk from a lovely beach and cafe"

  Glad you had a good time. Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Fiona4.4★Aug 2018

• "The cottage facilities were excellent"

  Reviewed by Dawn3.8★Aug 2018

• "Lovely holiday home, close to the sea."

  Great for dog walking, lovely neighbour. Small bedroom mattresses need updating for comfort. House has all you need and lots if parking outside. Would visit again x

  Just seen this . The mattresses are the state of the art. Very expensive and extremely comfortable. If you mean the bunk bed mattresses. Those are for little children and not hunking big kids whose feet stick out the end of the bed. Glad you enjoyed yourself . Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah4.1★Aug 2018

• "Beautiful cottage, wonderfully restored in a superb location."

  ..an ideal break especially with the dogs and the beach being such a short walk away.

  Reviewed by Jane5.0★Jul 2018

• "Sanctuary cottage is a gorgeous place to stay."

  Everything we needed was at hand and the locality was perfect.

  Reviewed by Virginia4.7★Jun 2018

• "It was great."

  The cottage felt like home and it was wonderful to be able to take the dogs with us. They felt at home too. The location was ideal and the whole experience exceeded our expectations. Thank you!

  Glad you had a great time. Please come again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0★Sep 2017

• "The cottage was perfect."

  It had everything we needed and more. Checking in with the key code was so simple. Will definitely be using sykes cottages again!

  Glad you had a great time. Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Ann4.8★Aug 2017

• "Spectacular accommodation."

  Lovely people next door. (Owners).

  No the owners do not live next door. Glad you had a great time . Please come again Property Owner

  Reviewed by Trish5.0★Jun 2017

• "Lovely converted church in a great area near Totland Bay."

  Would recommend.

  Glad you had a good time. Please come again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Neil4.8★Apr 2017

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