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"We had a 3 night stay in Swinhope View."
The listing on Sykes website was accurate. The steps up to the cottage from the road were ok for us as it was dry throughout our stay, but can imagine it might be tricky if wet as last “step” to road was just grass. This would become muddy in the rain making it difficult. Inside the cottage, the steps to kitchen are deep, as described, and need care. Maybe a hand rail on one side might help?
Having got the “negatives” out of the way, we had a fantastic stay. The cottage is set in a most idyllic spot with amazing views from the front. Inside is comfortable and you will find the basics you need. Both beds were very comfortable and the shower was good too.
We drove to Alston one day and then onto Middleton on Teesdale. The scenery was beautiful, a lovely route. The following day was spent at the cottage, relaxing, watching the rabbits playing on the field opposite. We were also visited by a hare (we think, as he was much bigger), who came and sat outside the kitchen window for ages.
We really had to drag ourselves away from this cottage, and its environs, and would love to go back again for a longer stay. Thank you.
Reviewed by Simon4.4★Apr 2025
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"It started when we arrived at the cottage, the front gate was locked &n we had to climb over the garden wall to get to the front door (we're both in our 70's)."
When we tried to light the log burner there was no fuel or means to light it as we don't smoke. We tried for 1 hour to start the central heating but failed so we spent the night with our overcoates on. When we tried to use the kettle we found the inside was filthy so had to boil the water in the microwave. We booked & paid for 3 nights but left after 1.
Thank you for your feedback Mr Scott . I am sorry that you had some issues but you should have contacted Sykes who in turn would have contacted myself and my maintenance man would have been straight round and sorted it all out for you.
The garden gate is never locked but occasionally is stiff so a bit of a push is all it needed
There is kindling and matches also a couple of lighters in the cupboard next to the fire .
The central heating runs off propane gas which I have just replaced so there shouldn’t have been any problems with it.
As far as the kettle being dirty,that would have probably been due to spring water but it definitely would not have been dirty.
I am sorry that you didn’t have a good experience but if you had contacted Sykes straight away all the issues would have been resolved immediately
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter1.3★Mar 2025
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"We had a lovely stay at Swinhope."
Although there were a few teething troubles with heating on the first couple of days, they were resolved by the neighbour. We would definitely recommend this property to others. Thank you John for a lovely stay.
Reviewed by Mark4.7★Feb 2025
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"Another fabulous relaxing week at this cosy cottage ."
Views never fail to disappoint irrespective of the time of year or weather .Amazing night skies . Cottage as comfortable as ever . We’ve already booked another return . Thank you .
Reviewed by Dawn4.7★Jan 2025
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"Another fantastic stay at this lovely cosy cottage with a warm welcome by the locals ."
If you’re wanting an away from it all holiday where you can recharge your batteries in comfort and take in all the wonders of nature then this ticks the boxes .
Fabulous walks from the door mean if you come well equipped you needn’t even drive anywhere , although we’d thoroughly recommend driving across the 5 county borders and amazing scenery that has to offer. The wildlife is amazing just sit and be patient.
We have read some of the less positive reviews and can only say remember this is a cottage I’m rural Britain. Before booking folks should read the details of the cottage as it’s a true reflection of the place and what it has to offer . We will definitely be back.
It would be worth the cottage details on the booking site noting that the off road parking is just down the road but you can park outside to load and unload carrying things up some natural steps to the front door . Therefore may not suit those with mobility impairments.
Thank you so much for your lovely review Mrs Hales I am so glad that you both enjoyed the cottage and the beautiful views with fantastic walks. And as always you left the cottage clean and tidy thank you and hope you book again next year.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Dawn4.1★Nov 2024
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"The cottage was warm and cosy
The location was great, very remote and quite
But."
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Blue bottles
Insects
Dust
Very low ceilings
Trip hazards on steps at kitchen
Banister wobbly and unsure if one could use
Decorated items very dated and just spoils a nice looking farm cottage
Just a wee step up, to make this place so much better
Allendale is a great village and shop, which was handy!
Thank you for your feedback Mr Eoghan as this is my first year of letting out the cottage I am always interested in any comments so I can make improvements.
The cottage is a very old Lead miners cottage situated in the county side and unfortunately we do get flies and insects in the country. The low ceilings are part of the character of the property together with the steps into the kitchen , which is stated in the Sykes description.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Eoghan1.6★Oct 2024
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"It was listed of road parking , but it was not of road parking !"
! My partner was disabled so I had to Carry things from the van up to the cottage .
The path way was not a good path for him as he’s unsteady on his feet .
The path was not a prober path slates just laid down .,
The floor in the lounge was uneven and see the damp proof showing !
We could not get a very good picture on the tv !
My partner nearly fell down the kitchen steps as they are to big and far apart . And he hurt his elbow .
The place had not been cleaned properly.,
The water was brown when ran it !
We was not told about that ! I found lots of bottle of water under the sink !
The only thing that worked for us was the four poster bed !
This is a place we would not stay again as there was no shops or Pubs close by like we were told about saying there were pubs around and an Indian which we could not find !!
It’s is quiet and Tranquil .
Reviewed by Debbie2.2★Sep 2024
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"No obvious instructions about whether to strip bed linen."
Heating controls sorted after finding in a drawer. I contacted you about 2 broken garden chairs. These were already broken when we arrived. Nothing should be deducted from my debit card that you are holding re good housekeeping bond. Cottage was left clean a d tidy.no freezer.
Lovely views and very quiet. I would book again with Sykes
Reviewed by June3.1★Sep 2024
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"Beautiful view"
Reviewed by Ivan4.1★Jul 2024
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"This cottage is a hideaway with fabulous views , very comfortable and the locals so friendly ."
It is exactly as described and therefore the expectations of previous people who reviewed were above and beyond what the listing offered . We are used to living off grid and so took our portable WiFi with us the reception was excellent . The garden is a gorgeous wild garden with various areas to sit out if the wind and enjoy the views , peace and quiet and bird life .
Reviewed by Dawn4.4★May 2024
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"We had a lovely weekend at the cottage."
The only thing we struggled with was the heating, didn’t have it on at all. However, underfloor heating and wood burner were great
Reviewed by Jane4.7★Mar 2024
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"Wonderful cottage with stunning views and dog friendly."
Had an issue with the heating, which was sorted straight away with the help of Sykes and the owners. The instructions for the boiler and cooker, which i found later, are in the kitchen.
Standing the tv ariel on a wooden log nearer the window also worked for a better tv reception as advised by a previous review.
Great walk available next to the cottage, with fabulous views of the area.
Visit the Golden Lion pub in Allendale, a lovely traditional pub, for a chat with the locals.
I would recommend more current leaflets on things to do in the area.
We would vist again.
Reviewed by Mandy4.4★Mar 2024
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"Stayed at many Sykes cottages in the past, this one was booked at very short notice but was the first time we have been disappointed."
There was no WI-FI and the TV was not a smart TV , both advertised as included so our plan to catch up on our TV programmes on the dark nights fell apart, furthermore the tv aerial was an indoor one which on arrival was on the window sill and provided no signal until I stood it on a log closer to the window , limited TV channels. Be prepared to live out of a suitcase, the cottage sleeps 4 but there are only 2 bedside cabinets in the upstairs bedroom, no hanging space anywhere. No instructions for the central heating which appeared to be set on warm and the day and time on the programmer were incorrect, managed to get some heat with trial and error fortunately there were plenty logs supplied for the stove. Car parking is away from the cottage in a small quarry area which is not a huge area but it also serves as the bin bay for approximately 12 wheelie bins some of which had toppled over in the wind. I spent the first day picking up litter including open food tins that could injure our dog , then worried the rest of the week about our car being damaged by bins blown over by the strong winds . Our holiday end day was Saturday but we packed up and left on Friday morning as soon as we got up. The cottage has lovely features and huge potential but a little more thought is needed regarding facilities…..the parking/bin problem is not the sole responsibility of the owner to rectify but I wouldn’t stay there again
Reviewed by Alan2.8★Jan 2024
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"Absolutely fantastic cottage."
This was just what we wanted miles from anywhere with lots of country walks with the dog. Would have been perfect if it had a upstairs toilet. Very warm and cozy for our winter break..
Reviewed by Vincent4.7★Jan 2024
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