Swan Dyke Cottage

44 Customer Reviews

• "The listing is inaccurate as it says there is a DVD player but there isn't."

  Also, the TV needs retuning as there are not many Freeview channels. However, we watched BBC iplayer and the other catch-up channels. The central heating was a boon as it turned cold in the evenings and it quickly fired up and blasted heat all through. The shower was great, masses of hot water (just give it a little time for the hot to come through). There is no freezer and the freezer compartment in the fridge was very iced up and needs defrosting. There were no instructions for any of the appliances but it was fairly easy to figure out how to use them and they all worked. We would consider returning here as it's well-placed for exploring the broads and reasonably priced but next time will take some oven gloves, scissors and a can opener.

  Reviewed by Susan2.8★Sep 2024

• "The cottage was lovely it wasn’t posh but it had everything you needed."

  It took us a few days to get the heating on it wouldn’t work due to the batteries being flat, when we changed them all t worked fine. We cleaned the windows so we could see the lovely view. Apart from that we had a fantastic laid back break and would come back again. It was a shame we couldn’t fish because the water had too much weeds come to the end.

  Reviewed by Kevin3.1★Sep 2024

• "This cottage is in severe need of update."

  last up date seems to be early 1980's The inside was very clean but very dark and dismal , outside, the garden was well maintained. 1 Advertised 4 slice toaster = Very small 2 slice one that did not take a normal slice of bread 2 Advertised open log fire = we were supplied 2 small pieces of kindling and a couple of firelighters, no logs 3 Fridge and a tiny freezer compartment is totaly inadequate for 8 people 4 Not enought glasses only 3 large tumblers 5 Could not find a frying pan 6 Lighting in lounge abismal 7 1 x 3 seater and a 2 seater sofa for eight people ? 8 Upstairs Shower in need of repair. 9. Beds were clean and comfortable I know these are small points but all add up to a bad experience. But the worst part was the owners visit who turned up on Monday evening, asked me how the cottage was, then immediately spoke on phone, wandering in circles in the car park for 10 mins, whilst I stood at the door totaly ignoring me, then announced he was so busy and had to go,that is no way to treat an customer! I have never felt so humiliated in my life. As a retired procurement officer for a multi-national company, had any of my suppliers did that, they would be looking for a new customer! He then left without my feed back, leaving a buiness card . I will never recomend any of his properties! Please publish this & share this with Owner I look forward to his feedback Kind regards Mr Robert Douglas

  Thank you for your feedback which we do appreciate and which we have found very useful . We have heard all of what you say and are currently undertaking some much needed upgrading of the property. (New bathroom flooring, sofas, kitchen table, kitchen equipment, curtains, linen etc etc) Property Owner

  Reviewed by Robert2.2★Oct 2023

• "Property was clean and tidy but pretty shabby over all."

  Property in serious need of some updating with worn out carpets and furniture. Poe ty of room but a two slice toaster for up to 8 people ? No good for fishing due to duck weed and overhanging branches

  Thank you for taking time to feedback your comments on your stay at Swan Dyke Cottage. We have taken this on board and are currently upgrading with redecoration throughout, and replacement of sofas, bathroom flooring, kitchen equipment etc. The carpets have also been cleaned and new curtains hung. We are currently in discussions with the authorities about the duck weed and overhanging branches and hope to clear this up shortly. Thank you again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Andy2.2★Sep 2023

• "We booked this cottage last year and although it was less than clean and well maintained the weather kept us out and about and we had a reasonable week, however this year the cottage has deteriorated if anything."

  It wasn't clean, being covered in spiders webs and stains on carpets and furniture. The kitchen is barely adequately equiped, the downstairs bathroom verging on disgusting and there was dog dirt in the middle of the lawn when we arrived. The middle of the week was cold and wet and we needed some heat in the house to dry clothes and warm us up but the central heating did not work as described in the file provided. We could not get any heat at all so rang the number provided in the property and had to leave a voice message. We did not get a reply or a message fro this all week. I think we should be due to compensation for this as the description of this property and the service provided is simply not acceptable.

  Thank you for taking time to report on your findings during your holiday experience - we do appreciate this. We have acted on your comments and can confirm that new cleaning arrangements have been made, new kitchen equipment has been supplied, and new flooring laid in the bathrooms, plus new sofas, curtains, redecoration etc. With regard to the difficulty in reaching someone to assist with the central heating problem, I sincerely apologise. We do leave numbers for assistance which are normally answered promptly. We will double check the information. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Matthew1.3★Aug 2023

• "Although the property was accurately described as "Tired" this does not excuse the filthy and poorly presented nature of the house."

  We accept that facilities are dated and found exactly what we had booked. However the property had the following dirt issues.. 1. The pa oramic windows were too dirty to look through to enjoy the garden and waters edge. With mosquitos present from 4pm these windows had to be locked shut. 2. The outside patio has never been brushed 3. There were large dusty cobwebs behind the main bedroom headboard and also throughout the house such as on wall hung pictures. 4. The crockery and cutlery were dirty. 5. The pans are to disgusting to use. Along with this there were other issues. The property is advertised as "sleeps 8". However. A. The wobbly dining table only seats 6 B. There were only 5 soup breakfast bowls. Impossible to have a meal together C. There were only a handful of odd glasses. Two flutes, 4 wine, 3 tumblers and 4 mismatched plastic beakers. D. Upstairs shower has been removed. E. There was a washing machine (bearings sound as though they are worn out) but nowhere to dry laundry... no washing line or tumble dryer. F. Fridge was far too small to cater for 8 people. With the 6 of us we really struggled. In all were are far from happy with the facilities in the house, this spoilt our holiday and from comments in tehgurst book it was obvious no one was listening. We did not want our holiday to be interrupted by vague attempts to remedy the situation nor did we want to spend our holiday stressing over these issues. A full refund is due. Please arrange. I suspect all guests should be offered a full refund as well. Very cross at being ripped off. Take this property off your books and save your reputation. Paul Mercer

  We do appreciate your comments, have listened and taken action. For this summer we have upgraded the property changing it to an occupancy for 6 people. There is a new TV, sofa x 2 , cleaned carpets, new curtains and curtain poles throughout, new kitchen table, new linen in all bedrooms, new bathroom flooring, new dishwasher, new glassware and china/cutlery and kitchen equipment. New cleaning arrangements have also been made. Thank you again for your feedback. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul1.3★Aug 2023

• "The property is in an excellent situation, however it is in very poor condition and badly in need of maintenance."

  The outside of the house is run down to the point I nearly cried when we arrived as we had family from Dubai coming. Inside the floors are patched old vinyl, the curtains are hanging off in places and won’t draw, the bedding isn’t even fit for the charity shop. The house was not clean - the bathrooms were disgusting. The kitchen is well equipped but there is only seating for 6 people. One of the double bed frames is broken. I could go on but you get the picture. I am amazed that a reputable company like yourselves would even consider marketing this property. Go and check it out. And the price - ludicrous for such a place. Very very disappointing.

  Reviewed by Penelope1.3★Aug 2023

• "Very tired and run down property."

  The cleaners clearly do what they can to make it bearable. Both bathrooms need to be completely redone. Windows and and doors still the original 70’s when built so not insulating and therefore not a very sustainable place to stay. Very overpriced for the quality of the property.

  Reviewed by Caroline1.6★Sep 2022

• "Clean & spacious"

  Thank you for your feedback. and we hope you enjoyed your stay in Norfolk. Since then the property has undergone a refurbishment and for this summer now has new items throughout including curtains, curtain poles , sofas, TV, bathroom floors, kitchen table, bed linen, etc. Redecoration was also carried out. Thank you again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Roy3.8★Sep 2022

• "The location of the property is great."

  Very close to Wroxham for hiring a boat/exploring the Broads but also only about an hour from Wells-next-the -Sea/Holkham on the North Norfolk Coast. Horning itself has a useful shop/postoffice and a few nice eateries on the edge of the water only a couple of minutes walk from the house. This house itself is incredibly basic and needs a lot of work/TLC to justify even half the high price we paid for a week in August. (The price, I notice, is slightly more realistic for Sept/Oct weeks). Some practical points to note for future visitors - there is no freezer (only a tiny compartment in the (not-very-large) fridge) so we ended up throwing a lot away from the Tesco delivery as, in the amazing weather we had, the stuff had melted very soon after it arrived on our first evening. There is only one shower for 6 people. Also, it's over the bath in the upstairs bathroom which has a plain glass window so you need to put the blind down to avoid people seeing in. This dishwasher is pretty useless and we gave up with it after the first day and washed-up by hand. There is no barbecue - the listing particulars didn't say there was but it would be a useful (and welcome) addition. The house has the potential to be a great place but there is a lot of work to do.

  Reviewed by Nicola2.5★Jul 2022

• "This property shouldn’t be rent"

  Reviewed by Mark1.3★Jul 2022

• "Very disappointing."

  Started with a very rude greeting from the cleaner. Check-in was from 4pm. We arrived at 3:40 as we had shopping being delivered between 4-5 so wanted to be sure we were there. The Tesco van was actually there when we arrived. We saw the cleaner was still there (car on drive, house doors open etc), so we had no intention of entering the house until 4pm. She came out very aggressively and said “you’re not due here until 4pm”. She proceeded to tell my husband that she was running late because the last people checked out late, and then thought it was important to tell my husband that “they were coloured”. Shocking!! Problems in the home: Dishwasher didn’t work. It switched on but nothing came out clean. Dispenser didn’t release tablet So we washed up by hand. Upstairs toilet almost impossible to flush. The 2 problems above have been repeatedly mentioned in reviews but neither Sykes or owner have done anything about this. No shower upstairs although the property description says there is. Curtains particularly in upstairs bedrooms do not hang properly or meet in the middle. Problematic when there are young children trying to go to sleep. Patio table and chairs unusable due to being covered in pigeon excrement. Property is spacious but needs a lot of work to be suitable for a holiday home. I guess the owner is responsible for this but Sykes as the agent should be checking the property and insisting that the owner gets it up to scratch. I would not book this property again.

  Reviewed by Catherine1.9★Jul 2022

• "The property needs a lot of work done to it - very dated."

  Can’t believe instead of replacing one shower it was taken out completely. Leak under the sink and toilet upstairs did not flush without having to take the top off the cistern. Carpets dirty and stained, curtains don’t fit. The whole house needs some tlc and money spent in it especially when it is not particularly cheap to stay there. Location is great

  Reviewed by Carole1.6★Jun 2022

• "The property internally is very dated and in desperate need of redecorating and some tlc."

  The upstairs toilet broke on our second day, the heating and hot water failed on our 3rd day and after repeated phone calls and messages left to the contact number supplied we had to leave a day early with no heating or not water to shower. We were also informed that the dishwasher wasn’t working via a note left on a scrap of cardboard next to a cheap bottle of fizz in the porch which we found on our second day. We would consider this property Is not fit for a holiday let in its present state and for the same money a higher standard of property could be found.

  Reviewed by Karen2.5★Dec 2021

• "Excellent holiday home!"

  The cottage was perfect for our family of five, 2 grandparents & dog! Perfectly situated in Horning for access to shops & the bigger town of Wroxham (nice shops). The paddle steamer is 5 minutes walk down the road along with three nice pubs within another 10 minutes.

  Reviewed by Chris5.0★Oct 2021

• "Our stay was pleasant and though we realise that you get what you pay for, we didn't expect so many cobwebs, dust and hair in the plugholes (eugh)."

  The house was a good size for 8 people but there wasn't enough furniture or cutlery for everyone. The house smelled damp and combined with the murky windows, felt a bit like staying at someone's gran's. Location is good. Nice view of the water and near the pub. Wasn't bad, just kind of, meh.

  Reviewed by Karen2.2★Aug 2021

• "There's an old saying that says you get what you pay for, and we certainly got it."

  We knew from previous reviews that the property was basic, but the overall condition of it was pretty poor. Furniture and decor need a major update, as does the very small fridge that is supposed to support 8 people but in no way shape or form is big enough for that. There was a broken light in the upstairs bathroom and water in the same room leaked onto the floor after taking a shower (despite shower curtain drawn fully across). The vacuum cleaner was next to useless, blowing out more dust than cleaned up. No double glazing but secondary glass panels are fitted throughout. The space between window and panels were not cleaned. There were weeks of dead insects in the space. The curtains in the living room fell of the wall (twice) because the fixings were so old. The boiler packed up as well, and had to have someone come out to us to reset it. On the 3rd week a lady came to change our bed linen, appearing unannounced in the garden where we were all sitting. We knew she was coming, but to appear like that, walking through the property with all our belongings inside, without ringing the doorbell to let us know and let her in, was unacceptable. The only real saving grace for this property was the garden, but even the patio area looked like it had not been maintained in quite a while. This is no reflection on Sykes but the owners (who seem reluctant to to put their hands in their pockets and properly upgrade this property) need to get a grip. They are asking for nearly £1000 a week more for the same period next year (on one website), and that quite frankly is a MASSIVE mickey take, and is just pure greed. I cannot recommend this property to anyone, and we certainly will NOT be back.

  Reviewed by Ian3.1★Jul 2021

• "The location of the property is fantastic and the garden is very nice."

  The beds were very comfortable. However, we had to clean all the crockery and utensils having found food stuck between plates and on various other items. There was a pool of grease in the bottom of the cooker which I had to clean before use. There were numerous dead insects in the windowsill and the fire place area had clearly not been dusted. Bathroom floors were dirty and in need of a good clean. The curtains and rails were very difficult to operate as they were poorly fitted with some curtains not fitting the windows.

  Reviewed by Margaret Susan2.5★Jul 2021

• "The house is very tired and in need of an upgrade but location and grounds were superb,"

  Reviewed by S2.5★Jun 2021

• "We had a good week away despite the weather."

  However there are a few issues to point out. The cottage is in a lovely location, with a superb view from the cottage. The bedrooms are bright, spacious with plenty of hanging space. The kitchen is well equipped and having 2 bathrooms ideal. The place needs an upgrade generally, particularly the windows, which hadn't been cleaned. We assume we were the first guests after lockdown but the outside needed tidying up. The patio was a disgrace and anyone with kids would not have allowed them on it. The bathrooms need upgrading. The flush on one was poor and the shower head on the upstairs wouldn't always stay on.

  Reviewed by Christine3.4★May 2021

• "Home from home, had everything we needed."

  Would stay again if in the area.

  Reviewed by Wayne5.0★Dec 2020

• "Late September."

  Wonderful location with direct garden access to the water which was ideal for our kayak. Fairly easy paddle to Hoveton Little Broad (Closed in winter). Horning is quiet but has all you are likely to need for basic provisions (great deli) and very short drive to Wroxham for the big shop. House was spacious for our party of five, warm, open fire, adequate kitchen but some minor maintenance issues which suggest an updating might be due. The garden would be a real bonus in sunnier weather! We had a very restful week.

  Reviewed by Sarah3.8★Sep 2020

• "Would have enjoyed the view if we could have seen through the dirty windows."

  upstairs ok but down stairs not comfy for six or eight people. needs a new fridge as the very small fridge was inadequate resulting in food going in the bin because the fridge didn,t get cold enough and the rest was left out with the fridge being so small.

  Reviewed by Roger1.6★Aug 2020

• "Great for paddle boarding and kayaking from end of garden into river!"

  Reviewed by Sylvia4.7★Jul 2020

• "Nice house, lots of space for us( family of 5) and very comfortable beds and living room too!"

  Very good location, so close to Horning, which was very pretty little place on the Broads! I think the only way it could be improved is for the house ( windows etc) to be updated - it would be outstanding then! But had lovely break in a relaxing environment!

  Reviewed by Anne4.4★Jul 2020

• "The property was exceedingly well placed for Horning and Wroxham."

  The property had a few maintenance issues such as the bathroom light upstairs not working, clear glass in the upstairs bathroom window meaning ladies in the bath could be seen by all local community. The toaster that fused the rest of the house on occasions and rear double downstairs bedroom window that whistled badly when windy. Other than these issues the property was cosy and we enjoyed our trip.

  Reviewed by Simon2.8★Mar 2020

• "The cottage was in a great location and was very comfortable."

  It was a lovely setting in the back garden and had lots of facilities in the cottage. Sykes was very good at dealing with a fallen tree in the garden whilst we were away due to Storm Dennis. Thank you for your help and attention. Loads to do in the local area to keep you busy and a great spot to get out and about to those places.

  Reviewed by Karen4.7★Feb 2020

• "Lovely quiet location"

  Reviewed by R4.4★Nov 2019

• "I have stayed there before, that’s one of the reasons I booked it again."

  The only problem I had was no batteries in the remote control for the television. So a more of an inconvenience to be honest . I would definitely book again.

  Reviewed by Barry4.7★Aug 2019

• "Whoever manages the property should check the wall lights as we found only one bulb working."

  At this time of year not a problem! We do believe its about time the two sofas in the lounge were changed as they are far from comfortable and we couldnt work out how even six people could sit in them comfortably, let alone if the house was booked for eight. We did point out last June about the sofas i.e, 2018, and having already booked for next June 2020 would like to think the owner of the house could spend some money on new lounge seating. Apart from the above everything is fine - proved by the fact that we have booked for next year!

  Reviewed by David4.1★Jun 2019

• "We loved the position of the cottage and the views."

  The cottage was very clean and generally very well equipped with plenty of storage but it would have been helpful to have some more comfortable seating in the lounge as we had 8 adults in our group, 3 of which were elderly. We sorted this by bringing in 2 chairs from outside so we could all sit in the lounge area together. It was good to have 2 bathrooms and very helpful to our group to have 2 downstairs bedrooms. There was also plenty of private parking for the cottage, very useful as we had one wheelchair user in our group. We found the shopkeepers in the village very friendly. I would recommend this as a good holiday base in Norfolk. We enjoyed our stay very much and hope to return again to stay in the same cottage next year

  Reviewed by Susan4.7★May 2019

• "Lovely holiday home in prime location."

  The cottage was clean, the beds were comfortable and rooms spacious, plus bathrooms and dining area were very good. Lounge area was spacious but more seating is required and new sofas please. With thanks.

  Reviewed by Rita4.7★Apr 2019

• "I did contact yourselves during our stay - the property was not like the photos ..."

  I did contact yourselves during our stay - the property was not like the photos and was run down but also not cleaned very well and had some maintenance issues

  Thank you for your feedback. As a result we have spoken to the cleaners and attended to the maintenance issues. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah1.3★Apr 2019

• "Exactly as described on website"

  Reviewed by R4.7★Mar 2019

• "Just before we went on the holiday we read a bad review about cleanliness etc."

  , sykes were very helpful & assigned an agent to our case & cottage was given an extra clean. We were 5 adults in party & I would say facilities were adequate. We had to use dishwasher twice a day to make sure enough plates etc., as we did our own cooking.Cottage is in a nice situation & we toured around & local shops about 1 mile away in village.TV is very small if you want to watch films so we didn't use TV on this holiday. Everything else was great & we had a lovely week but I feel SwanDyke cottage does need some updating but accept it would cost a lot of money to put property in order. The property is very central for broads & not far from Norwich & we went to Evensong in Norwich Cathedral. Local people were very helpful & we had an enjoyable week. Would definitely use Sykes Cottages again Jo Wright

  Reviewed by Karen3.8★Mar 2019

• "Cottage needs updating, TV too small, needs double glazing, furniture needs replacing, settees old and tatty blankets covering them are covered in dog hair, sitting room curtains need replacing, fishing impossible, the photos of the cottage where misleading they were obviously taken many years ago."

  I always judge a cottage by asking myself one question "would I stay there again" answer definitely NO!!!

  Reviewed by Ronald1.3★Mar 2019

• "Nice position, comfortable, warm and homely accommodation."

  Reviewed by Michael4.7★Nov 2018

• "Dining room chair broken ."

  Armchair had a wobbly leg

  Reviewed by Amanda3.4★Oct 2018

• "It was like staying at grannys, a bit old fashioned but quite comfortable"

  Reviewed by George5.0★Sep 2018

• "It was very dissapointing with the river view and it was not very clean and very dated."

  Reviewed by Kathleen2.8★Aug 2018

• "The holiday cottage was amazing and made are holiday perfect."

  Would definitely recommend and visit again

  Reviewed by Trevor5.0★Jul 2018

• "Lovely cottage very peaceful."

  Very clean and had everything we needed. This is the third time we have booked a cottage via Sykes and again have not been disappointed. Would recommend this property and would book again!

  Reviewed by Twyla5.0★Jun 2018

• "Thoroughly enjoyed stay and already booked for next year."

  It is a shame that the sofas were rather shabby and not too comfortable but other than that would certainly agree this is a 3 tic cottage. Would take far too costly improvements for a 4 tic plus.

  Reviewed by David4.4★Jun 2018

• "Fantastic place ideal and wonderful surroundings great cottage"

  Reviewed by David5.0★May 2017

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