Flink's Barn

32 Customer Reviews

• "Flink’s Barn is a lovely property."

  The welcome items were much appreciated and the vase of fresh flowers a nice touch. The cottage is well equipped with lots of nice little extras such as books, magazines and games. It is well placed for many interesting visits around the area. The owners greeted us personally and we enjoyed chatting to them. Everything about it was most relaxing.

  Reviewed by Janet5.0★Aug 2024

• "When we arrived the cottage was lovely and warm, with an excellent welcome pack."

  We found the location very handy to visit the nice villages around and spent a lovely week there. The owner was very nice and helpful.

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★Mar 2024

• "We had a warm welcome from Christine the owner, saying if you need anything just let me know."

  ....glad to say all we needed was there. We had a problem with the shower but a new one was put in the following day, so fixed very quickly......I have mobility issues and move about a lot in bed so for that reason a king size bed would have been great but that's my problem.....the little things left in the cottage like tea, coffee, milk. and chocolate chip biscuits....was a good start after a long journey. Thank you Christine for making us welcome... (I will add that I read a not so good review on your site but could not see any sign off the the things said)

  Reviewed by Susan4.4★Mar 2024

• "The property had alot of faults."

  ...The old mattress you could feel the Springs and it's well past it's use by date, The kicten Utensils etc needed cleaning before using as wasn't Hygienic at all, The kicten sink had No hot wash to wash up with, The shower was the worst ive ever used it dribble a very little bit of water out only used it once as it was that terrible and i shower every day at home and the toilet seat was broken and glue back together very poorly so i wouldn't rate this place to anyone til they sort it out

  To-day (3/01/2024) I received from Sykes my ‘Forward Arrival Schedule’ containing comments from previous 3 day visitor. He left a note outlining various problems including ‘fan on oven wouldn’t work’. I felt he deserved an explanation. So I attach word for word my email to him : I’m mortified that you were very disappointed with your stay at Flink’s Barn. I came down four times to check on your requirements, as I do with all visitors, but your car was either absent or the lights out. I wish you had approached us as we were on site and there are three numbers for contacting us. Addressing your disappointments, the toilet seat was broken by a very recent visitor who stood on it to switch off the wall fan. Another is on order. The shower strength is poor due to the hard water and lime scale and we replace the head regularly.Other people have mentioned how comfortable the bed is. We have only been operating the let for three years so it’s not old. Had I known you were not happy you could have moved to the new let upstairs. The oven is not a fan oven. It’s a brand new water heater and I had to previously put warning signs in the kitchen and bathroom that the water was very hot. We adjusted it slightly and used it for cleaning and it didn’t appear cold but had you told me it only needed a slight turn of the dial to raise the temperature. Utensils are washed between visitors but clearly not enough attention given - I can only apologise. We have many visitors returning - one five times another two, 3 and 4 times. Others have asked to stay on and use the accommodation upstairs. It took barely 5 minutes to replace the shower head with the spare and to tweak the hot water dial. I do so wish you had contacted us, it might have made your visit less disappointing. I’m so sorry that you were unhappy. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul1.9★Dec 2023

• "The property is within a lovely part of Essex countryside opposite stables."

  Thaxted is a 20/30 country walk away, and the cottage has a lovely pub just around the corner. Saffron and Cambridge are also close by and worth a visit.

  Reviewed by Stuart5.0★Oct 2023

• "A lovely clean cottage with a nice welcoming tray with fresh milk & cookies."

  Not a place to stay if you want a private garden as it has a big yard where the stables are but we were not upset by the comings & goings & enjoyed watching the horses. Also watching the very low airplanes coming into Stansted Christine & John good hosts & made us feel welcome.

  I don’t think the visitors realised there is a quiet garden at the back of Flink’s Barn with table and chairs, loungers and swing hammock/seat with both sunny and shady areas to suit. Well used by visitors in the better weather. Also a bistro table and chairs out the front where people like to sit with their bottle of wine watching the sun set, the sheep and the horses. We have many returners who enjoy watching the lambing progress and later the shearing. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lesley4.4★Oct 2023

• "Christian and john are very plesant and welcoming host the flat was very clean ..."

  Christian and john are very plesant and welcoming host the flat was very clean and comfortable with milk and cookes ihad a problem with my cay and christine could not have being more helpfulwould stop there againthank you again daid and kath

  Reviewed by David5.0★Jun 2023

• "LOVELY COTTAGE WITH LOVELY OWNERS We have just returned from a lovely week staying at Flink's Barn."

  We had no issues with the property and would happily return. The owners Christine and John are very friendly and considerate. Flink's Barn was very clean and Christine had provided a lovely welcome package, including tea, milk and biscuits, perfect after our drive to the cottage. We found the cottage both spacious and very comfortable and had everything we could possibly need for the two of us. We also found the bed very comfortable and spotlessly clean towels and linen for your use. We noted a previous guest had an issue with the TV, but we had no problems and received perfect reception via Freeview on a flat screen TV. Looking at the guest book, it shows many returning visitors to the cottage and many favourable comments left by guests, positive testaments indeed. Sheep in the field and perfect sunsets with bird song reminds you of the lovely countryside setting. There is also a welcoming pub about a two minute walk away and the village of Thaxted is only a few miles.

  Reviewed by Ted5.0★Jun 2023

• "This is a good place If you love the country for walks or just the stunning views."

  Good parking with a very short walk to a good pub for meals or just a drink in a beer garden. Our hosts were so lovely, they left us eggs, coffee, tea, juice, biscuits and fresh milk. Got a problem, sorted. Very quiet and a comfortable bed for a good sleep.Good access for challenged people like me, and I suggested handrails in the wet room which they listened to. We had a good stay with drives to many wonderful places and about of hoses on the property!

  Reviewed by Christina3.8★Jun 2023

• "On first impression a very nice spacious unit but soon realised that the one and only wall cupboard with crockery and so forth was to high so could only just reach the bottom shelf."

  Not enough room for food storage as there was only one small floor cupboard. Not all people can afford the luxury of dining out all the time, specially now.. Not enough work surface area as taken up by small stand alone freezer, despite there beeing plenty of room for an upright fridge freezer 500 or 600cm at the end of the unit. This would have freed up space for a more accessable wall cupboard and a floor standing food cupboard, plus by moving the washing machine into the very large wet room, a dishwasher could be installed as draining area not sutable. Anyway who wants to do washing up when on holiday. The shower room is first class and the bed was very comfatable. However all of the seats of the lounge furniture have collapsed requiring a cusion to support the seats. The TV is old fashioned, not smart type and very poor as unable to get ITV and had to spend a lot of time going through unusable channels trying to find a watchable one. We did speak to the owner who is a very nice approachable person

  I’m always open to suggestions and, as such, would like to address the comments above. Kitchen - Please see pictures on Sykes site showing 2 double wall cupboards (one with meters at top) 1 single and three double floor cupboards. I’m 5’2” and can comfortably reach first two shelves. Standard steel sink and drainer. Adequate work surface including a low portable cupboard with surface for wheelchair users. Putting a humming fridge/freezer in the designated lounge area, against the arm of a sofa that doubles as a bed/settee, I don’t feel would work. Moving the Electric washing machine into a Wet Room would surely be dangerous and difficult for wheelchair users. Sykes site shows clearly there is no dishwasher and is priced accordingly. The TV is a large flatscreen with Freeview (I have watched ITV - BGT one evening with friend). I always check on visitors’ requirements and would willing have lent them our Amazon Fire Stick had it been mentioned. One chair may seem soft if you prefer an upright hard chair but the two settees are as they should be. Over the past three years we have had an excellent occupancy with many many 100% scores, this year alone having already welcomed 5 returners and stayer - ons in our overflow accommodation. A lovely Dutch couple visiting a second time for 3 1/2 weeks and booking again at the end of August. Another couple having just completed their fifth stay since 2021 Sadly the visitors I’m replying to had health problems and never left the cottage all the time they were there, leaving to seek medical advice. I accommodated these visitors’ requests agreeing to change their dates 4 times over three years despite loss of revenue. I do wish these visitors well and hope their health issues improve. Please read Sykes other reviews - Booking.com rate us at 9.7 and mark us as ‘Exceptional’ Property Owner

  Reviewed by Marion2.8★May 2023

• "No- we were fully satisfied with the level of comfort provided."

  Reviewed by William5.0★May 2023

• "Very nice owners and where helpfull."

  Clean and tidy. Welccome goods.

  Reviewed by Stephen4.4★Apr 2023

• "Lovely comfortable barn conversion in an interesting area = lovely countryside with interesting towns and villages in easy reach."

  Hosts gave a very warm and friendly welcome - we really enjoyed our week and hope to return someday.

  Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0★Oct 2022

• "Perfect for the two of us and we didn't need for anything."

  Would stay there again.

  Reviewed by Martin5.0★Jun 2022

• "The wet room does mean that couples sharing must be good friends!"

  The owners are pleasant approachable people and the accomodation is excellent overall.

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Jun 2022

• "We really loved Flinks Barn it was an idyllic escape very relaxing and the sheep ..."

  We really loved Flinks Barn it was an idyllic escape very relaxing and the sheep and horses and nature all around a big bonus the owners are very helpful with anything you need a real home from home highly recommended

  Reviewed by Janice5.0★Jun 2022

• "We had a really nice week at Flink's Barn, and the owners Christine & John were lovely."

  Watching the sunset over the field with sheep in the evenings with birdsong was tranquil. We had lovely days catching up with our family and friends we hadn't seen in 3 yrs. Thaxted has many memories for us as a family, my late father in law painted the windmill around 1936 which had sails then. Highly recommend visiting this beautiful part of Essex, which has hidden gems. Flink's Barn is well situated for exploring the countryside, and interesting places to visit like Colchester, Saffron Waldron, Lavenham, go for a boat ride at Bishop's Stortford. Flink's Barn was spotlessly clean, comfortable and very welcoming. We had a lovely welcome pack of chocolate biscuits, fresh farm eggs, milk, tea, and a beautiful vase of fresh flowers and herbs that made me feel at home. Also very impressed with the rack of spices and herbs and cooking oil, it certainly felt like home from home. Thank you Christine & John for a lovely stay, our trip back to our former home county has been memorable.

  Reviewed by Annie5.0★May 2022

• "Superb little place is Flink's Barn."

  Very clean & homely. Everything thought of to make an easy holiday. Property very well insulated, so very warm. The hosts are wonderful people who impart local knowledge, also have the perfect balance on checking all is ok. This like for so many will be a return visit for us.

  Reviewed by Joselyn5.0★May 2022

• "Cottage is situated in a pleasant rural position with a few of sheep grazing."

  Owners could not be nicer and are on hand if you have any problems. Pub is less than five minutes walk.

  Reviewed by Joy4.4★May 2022

• "Well equipped, comfortable and spacious with friendly owners who made me very welcome."

  They included many little extras like eggs, milk, squash, cooking oil etc. I enjoyed my stay and would be happy to return.

  Reviewed by June5.0★Apr 2022

• "Lovely holiday Barn."

  Clean, warm and comfortable. Good location, local shops and nice pub in walking distance. Great hosts, very friendly and accommodating.

  Reviewed by Paul4.7★Mar 2022

• "A perfect place to slow down and unwind , hosts very helpful and polite."

  Will definitely return there again.

  Reviewed by Philip4.7★Feb 2022

• "Lovely little place to stay, friendly owners."

  Convenient for local walks. Final instructions need to be amended to say the property is just off Folly Mill Lane off the Monk Street address.

  Reviewed by Claire5.0★Dec 2021

• "Christine and John are very welcoming hosts, lovely place, so cosy and comfortable, it puts it's arms around you as soon as you arrive."

  Pretty view over a valley, fresh flowers, fresh eggs, fresh veg, we didn't want to leave!!!! We love animals, so being able to stroke a horse (Tango) and ducks around the yard made it special. Do not miss staying at this place.

  Reviewed by Clive5.0★Sep 2021

• "Peaceful, quiet location in a very picturesque area."

  Comfortable, home from home feel. Excellent hosts, doing all they can to make the stay an extremely pleasant experience.

  Reviewed by Pamela5.0★Jul 2021

• "Very comfortable stay."

  Very well insulated property. Warm and cosy in chilly weather.

  Reviewed by Patrick5.0★Jun 2021

• "Well appointed accommodation in a beautiful area run by a lovely couple."

  Reviewed by Richard4.1★Jun 2021

• "The moment we entered Flink’s Barn we felt at home."

  It is spacious, cosy, clean and comfortable with plenty of storage and an ideal base for a holiday with beautiful walks right on the doorstep. Thaxted is a lovely old village and is set in wonderful countryside yet it’s near to local amenities and transport links and there is a great village pub literally round the corner from the cottage. We would definitely return and highly recommend. Thank you to Christine and John our hosts who were so friendly and helpful and allowed us to see the lambs on the farm when our granddaughter visited.

  Reviewed by Maureen5.0★Apr 2021

• "Lovely welcome, tea ,coffee, biscuits and spring flowers."

  Spring lambs, country walks and a pub offering take aways, excellent food reasonably priced on the doorstep. Comfortable living and very nice hosts.

  Reviewed by James3.8★Apr 2021

• "Christine and John were excellent hosts."

  Flink's Barn was the perfect spot for me to perform my necessary self-isolation upon arrival in the UK. It is situated on a 30 acre farrm with chickens, geese, horses and the River Chelmer runs along the edge of the property. Christine was readily available to answer any questions. Christine knew I would be working remotelyfor the duration of my stay she even put a second desk in, prior to my arrival and without me asking, to give me more workspace. The space is well laid out and very comfortable and clean. Fresh farm eggs, biscuits, tea and coffee were all complimentary upon arrival. I couldn't have found a more perfect place to stay. I will definitely be back should the need arise.

  Reviewed by Caroline5.0★Dec 2020

• "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Flints cottage."

  It is extremely well equipped and a lovely warm place to come back to after a day visiting the beautiful villages in Essex.The nearby village of Thaxted is definately worth a visit. Thank you to Christine for the welcome pack of milk,eggs tea ,coffee and biscuits much appreciated. The weather wasn't kind to us but we were happy to spend time in our cosy cottage reading,sewing and playing board games etc and having a lovely relaxing break.

  Reviewed by Jacqueline5.0★Oct 2020

• "The two of us very much enjoyed staying 4 nights at Fink's Barn, which is nicely set in a farm in the Essex countryside, and ideal for a walking holiday."

  The ground floor flat was very well appointed, with kitchen-diner/living room, TV and nice lighting. The bathroom is well fitted out as an open annex off the 2 single bedroom. Lovely views across the fields from the barn door. We enjoyed 5 days of walking in lovely country, and a visit to Thaxted - not to to be missed - with a splendid church which should be visited. We also enjoyed a visit to Duxford Airfield and Museum (IWM), which should not be missed. Altogether a relaxing and refreshing holiday.

  Reviewed by Melvin4.7★Oct 2020

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