Appletree Cottage

13 Customer Reviews

• "We felt the property was disappointing given it was a premium rent."

  The kitchen was well equipped and laid out and probably the highlight of the property. There was a tired air in regards to maintenance and a lack of attention to detail. The property folder needs to have a list of what switches are what on them main light switch panel as bizarrely the back garden light is switched by the front door. The main bedroom is large with good storage but needs some mirrors. There was a problem with the property not being prepared for us on arrival but Selina the housekeeper was quick to put this right when we contacted her. She also very quickly managed a small maintenance problem during our stay. We feel that with more thought and attention to detail like upgrading the uncomfortable and worn out sofas for example and having easy to open bi fold doors it would greatly improve the comfort of the property. Not being able to adjust the heating is just plain silly. Without these issues being resolved it does not justify the premium rent. The location was perfect for getting around the New Forest and the surrounding area. The Fighting Cocks was very good and the New Pastures butchers is well worth visiting. Overall a well designed property (apart from bi-fold doors with carpets) but does not achieve its potential due a lack of attention to detail. We did raise some concerns with Sykes during the holiday but were given a brush off response from the owners which sums things up.

  Reviewed by Chris1.6★Oct 2024

• "Looks can be deceiving - this property isn’t like the perfect pictures shown."

  We had no heating for 2 nights, it then took another 24 hours to warm through. Not good enough when heating is covered in the cost and an 83 year old was the ground floor resident. Malfunctions can’t be helped but the situation was made worse when after a conversation with the engineer on the Monday, it was clear this was a known issue. We were advised they would ‘try’ and get an engineer out on the Monday if not the Tuesday of our stay (we arrived Saturday). There was no ‘try’ required, he was already booked to come out when some parts were available having been at the property the week before. After WE requested, we were provided with 2 small electric heaters which helped take some chill off but didn’t heat a property of this size as required. We sat wrapped in blankets confided to the dining room so the downstairs bedroom could also benefit from a heater and we had no heat upstairs, all of which resulted in an inability to dry anything like towels and soggy clothing after heavy rain later on the Sunday. We feel we should have been made aware of this issue so we could of made an informed decision as to whether to proceed with our stay. The upstairs bathroom had a filthy mould rimmed shower tray, damp stains on the wall from the roof window and someone else’s hair in the bath. The heavy glass doors didn’t close correctly between the entrance hall and dining room. There were multiple bulbs out - 3 out of 6 in the master bedroom, 1 in the kitchen and only 1 light in the back garden worked which made for a near death trap with significantly wobbly patio slabs, fallen bricks from the dwarf wall, a step and the jungle of a garden. A shrub covered the kitchen window making it dark inside. All windows were in need of a good clean. Chipped crockery - only 2 plates weren’t chipped despite this having been raised in other residents previous feedback. Washing line unusable as coated in green algae. Broken highchair left outside next to the back door. A dent in the lounge wall remains despite being raised by numerous others in feedback a year ago too and despite owners assurances many things were being dealt with - a year on they remain in disrepair. There is a tear in the dining room carpet with other marks. All Venetian blinds had a thick coat of dust. Ground floor bedroom blind won’t open - must have been known as left closed for when we arrived though all others open. No natural daylight for a week in the ground floor bedroom - also raised in other feedback over a year ago. Issues with some of the lounge blinds too and no cleats or breakaways on any blinds so cords left dangling near floor level. This breaks health and safety regulations. No mirror/s upstairs (apart from bathroom) so can’t plug in hairdryer etc and see how to style hair for example. One of the ovens wasn’t working. No advices on a pedestrian gate out of the property and when found was in the main blocked by the 5 overflowing bins and also brambles from which we tore a jacket. Slow wi-fi which we tried to avoid using as it was a holiday to get away and relax, but sometimes everyday life calls. This was far from a relaxing property in which to stay and we left feeling let down, stressed and exhausted after also having to empty the hoover bag which had been left full, to enable us to hoover before leaving. As we visited with dogs it was made clear we’d loose our good housekeeping bond if we didn’t which was an absolute joke bearing all of the above in mind. Probably shouldn’t have stayed the week and actually wish we hadn’t. Extremely overpriced at over £1,200 out of season due to the significant lack of care and attention. We had seen some of the previous feedback but assumed and hoped these repeated issues raised would have been resolved. Sad as we were looking for a property in which we would make return visits in this area. It’s a beautiful location and loads of potential to be absolutely stunning but this property falls short on standards of cleanliness and many aspects of maintenance and is not the usual standard offered by Sykes Cottages. We have provided 16 photos to Sykes to demonstrate the points raised and await their further responses whilst they also liaise with the owner.

  Reviewed by Andrew1.6★Sep 2024

• "Had a lovely stay will definitely return"

  Reviewed by Tania3.8★Jul 2024

• "We had a lovely stay and my 87 year old mother in law found the downstairs bedroom and shower room to be perfect."

  The only slight issue we had was there were no bath / floor mats and this made the shower and bathroom floors very slippery so we had to use the towels that were kindly left. At least we know for next time as we would definitely like to return later on in the year.

  Reviewed by Sharon4.7★Jul 2024

• "Lovely house in a beautiful location."

  The house is very bright and airy with everything you could possibly need in a holiday home. Great welcome pack which was very much appreciated. Garden very secluded and safe for dogs and a lovely place to sit and relax.Maybe some TLC needed with the paving slabs. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday especially the fabulous walks in the New Forest which literally start just outside the house. We will definitely return to this beautiful house.

  Reviewed by Sandra4.4★Jun 2024

• "Excellent location and a nice building with some high quality appliances."

  There were a few problems which could be easily rectified.. Broken venetian blinds in one bedroom - couldn't be closed. Also dusty. On arrival, fridge off - fuse tripped. Also the Hob fuse tripped so maybe check the electrics. Freezer broken - new one arrived Thursday evening so no ability to freeze food or have ice for three days. No wine glasses (!) Cleaning was so-so. Surfaces had been wiped but some were smeary. 100% polyester bedding does not match the price point. We opened 1 door to the garden (not bifold). Couldn't lock it again. It all just needs a bit more attention to detail.

  Reviewed by Jeffrey2.8★May 2024

• "A lovely comfortable house presented very well a nice local pub and plenty of horses very near we had the best weather of the year so far a very nice garden to sit in as well."

  Reviewed by Colin4.4★May 2024

• "Lovely cottage in a fab location."

  The cottage was big airy but yet cosy and inviting. Yes here and there needed a little TLC but what cottage doesn't near the end of the season! It didn't spoil or ruin our holiday we enjoyed being in the cottage as much as out . Yes the blinds were a problem (but we know owners are aware)but didn't make the slightest difference to our stay. Beds were comfy and cosy . Loads of storage. Loved bathrooms, front room and the conservatory/kitchen was wonderful. Enjoyed having our coffee sitting in there. We definitely will be returning . Thank you for a marvellous stay . ,

  Reviewed by Steven4.7★Oct 2023

• "We found it a beautifully furnished and equipped property and no issues with the cleaning or maintenance."

  There were a issue with the blinds in the bedrooms but the owner is on that and rectifying it. We will definitely be returning as great location. Great customer service from Sykes and the Property Management team.

  Reviewed by Diane4.7★Oct 2023

• "The property and its fittings are in need of uplift and maintenance."

  The bi-fold windows were unusable, virtually all of the window blinds were broken or in disrepair, the beds were uncomfortable, the bed linen (cheap) was either nylon or a very nasty and slippery polyester, the duvets seemed lumpy and not even. There was significant decorative damage throughout due to water staining around several of the glazed roof lights made the property feel unloved, hole in a plaster board wall - probably damage from a previous tenant but it could have been prevented with a simple door stop. The lawn area needs mowing as it had long grass (+4inches) and unkept planting. We appreciate its becoming the autumn but lots of leaves etc on arrival. The general cleanliness was poor with black mould in the shower, very aged cobwebs, dirty ovens and a greasy hob and extractor (yuk). The kitchen equipment had chipped plates, only 5 bowls for a 6-person letting, dull knives, broken scissors, no teapot all quite sad. During our stay the downstairs shower required repair, it literally fell off the wall, but fortunately the property manager resolved this promptly. The house manual has out of date details. With all of the other letting we have stayed at there has always been some form of welcome pack from a pint of milk a few tea bags and a packet of biscuits to more generous offerings, here nothing. The positives being the house is well positioned within the New Forest, it is large house and the furniture (not beds) quite comfortable., and a local pub is within 2-3mins walk. Having paid c.£1000 for a weeks off peak stay felt this was really poor value.

  Thank you for leaving your feedback, however, I would like to address a few points that could have been rectified easily. We make every effort to maintain the property to a high standard but have a few issues when some damages happen out of our control. The bifold doors are fully functional and you can find guidance provided on the Sykes webpage. Additionally, there are other doors and windows if ventilation is necessary. I have used all the beds and find them very comfortable. The mattresses are all good quality, this just seems to be a matter of personal preference. And the bed linens are all new and are Silentnight brand. There is a water stain around the dining room skylight which arose in the summer when we had a leak which was repaired as soon as we could get contractors on site. It has not been possible to repaint internally as the property has been continuously occupied but the work is scheduled for November. You are correct re the damage to the lounge wall, and this will be repaired in November. The lawn was a little long at the time due to the gardener being unwell. However, we have been informed that they are now better and can ensure this won’t happen again. The property manager who also attends to the cleaning tells me they found a small cobweb in one corner of the lounge when specifically asked to look for it. We have not noted mould in any of the bathrooms. The property manager believes that all the appliances are in good order, and we are presented in a state of cleanliness. We are not aware of any damage to the cutlery of which there is plenty or to the plates and bowls. It is possible that these have been broken but we were not advised. The property manager will check the numbers at the next visit and will replace them as necessary. The house is very clearly made available as a self-catering venue. We took sounding from guests whether they wished to see very attractive pricing or receive welcome gifts. It was a unanimous vote for the former. We will ask Sykes to add a note to the website to explicitly state that we do not provide welcome packs so future guests who expect something for nothing will not feel disadvantaged. We also supply toilet rolls, waste bags, dishwasher tablets etc to cover the guest arrival period. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your stay, however, thank you for providing me with this feedback so that I can take them on board. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Clare3.1★Sep 2023

• "Poor maintenance, both sets of bi-folding doors would not open due to carpet stopping doors from opening, patio lose flag stones, trip hazard, blinds on windows broken, outside tap and dog shower broken, No sun shade for garden table."

  Main gates do not close. Broadband went down for 3 days, called Sikes, said would call back but never did, Mobile blackspot so difficult to communications without broadband.. Under floor heating not controllable, 28.5C at night left 3 days early as unable to sleep. Light coloured carpet, not a good idea for dog friendly house, far to hot for the dogs in conjunction with the under floor heating.

  We do give instructions on the pre arrival key email about how to use the bifolding doors and would have assisted further but unfortunately we did not know you were struggling regarding how to use them. The outside shower has now been fixed and the plumbing and heating engineer has advsied there is no issue with the underfloor heating itself, but if guests try and change the temperature themselves this may have caused a malfunction at the time. The blind was unfortunately damaged on a previous booking and a temporary repair was previously done and we will be looking at replacing the blind with curtains in the near future along with the repointing of the outside slabs. We do not advertise the table as having a shade and the main gate while not closing, has a cattle grid. Regarding the broadband, the broadband service provider has assured me there is no issue and Sykes have reached out to you following your feedback to discuss this with you further as it is possible that one of the routers just needed turning off and back on again.Moving forward I will ask the housekeepers to check all three routers are switched on and operational on every changeover. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mark1.9★Sep 2023

• "A well-equipped and very comfortable, spacious, light and airy property."

  Brilliant for a family sleeping upstairs, with grandparents and dog downstairs. Large enclosed garden. Ideally located for exploring the New Forest. Highly likely to return.

  Reviewed by Bernard4.7★Jul 2023

• "Bi-Folds don't open."

  Leaking skylight in the Kitchen/Diner has mould growing. Master Bedroom Blinds don't work, so room bathed in light at 5am each morning. Master Bathroom had long black hairs dotted about, which is impossible to have come from any of us staying. Had to run virtually all of the kitchen plates, cutlery etc through the dishwasher before using them as not clean. Lounge has a hole behind the door. Carpet in hallway and dining area has damp stains throughout. We left half way through our booking as couldn't put up with the aforementioned issues any longer.

  The Owner has contacted us and disputes the points concerning the cleanliness as the changeover team are excellent. The blinds have been repaired. The Owner has advised there is a hole in the wall behind the door which was caused by a guest and will be repaired as soon as possible. The leak in the Sky Light has been repaired, there has never been any mould. There is a slight stain which will be painted when the property has free availability. There was no contact from you during your stay, if there had been any concerns raised, they had could have been addressed. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mark1.6★Jul 2023

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