The Little White House

13 Customer Reviews

• "Do not book this holiday house if you value your money and your precious, family holiday time."

  If you have already booked, then I would seriously consider transferring the booking to another holiday let. Maybe my standards are too high but I have been holidaying with Sykes Cottages for years and stayed in some wonderful homes, three and four ticks, not necessarily all perfect but well maintained, clean, comfortable, inviting, offering many comforts including more than one TV, more than 1 main bathroom for the number of bedrooms and inhabitants, sometimes a hot tub, use of a swimming pool and sauna and even a BBQ hut. I have sent a detailed complaint with photos to Sykes twice and had the standard email receipt and nothing since. This house is nothing as advertised, the photos on the website are dated and I wish I had paid attention to the fact that the last review was May 2023! Comments in the visitor book are questionable, to say the least. We left early but not immediately because due to physical and mental health issues with some members of my family (we were five and a dog), we couldn't just turn around and go home. This house is dated and riddled with damp, black mould, signs of dry rot, dirt,cobwebs and clutter everywhere...over 100 mugs and cups in one cupboard!!! Yes, it is surfaced cleaned but maintenance is long overdue and one bathroom for 10 people, assuming 2 use the en-suite is not practical and the result of the state of the bathroom, plus the shower is actually dangerous (not a mixer, so scorching hot with unreachable taps once on, as the panel is siliconed into place). The outside area is a builder's yard! There is only one smoke alarm. There are not 3 double beds (zip and link style) but 1 divan and the others are singles pushed together with gaps and different heights. I could go on but basically, this holiday was our annual family holiday of three generations and it was a total nightmare, like a TV holiday swap programme from hell. I can't undo the experience and as a family we can't arrange another until next year, even if we are financially able to, due to commitments. I didn't contact the owner directly to complain about the state of the house, as nothing could be resolved in the week that we were there. I did contact him on the first night via text, to ask about the back door key, which was not in its' allocated place and he said he would contact the cleaner and let me know. By 11 pm I had heard nothing, so barricaded the back door, which was unlocked, with the dog's lead and two paddle boards, confident that our dog would let us if an intruder should turn up. I was given the whereabouts of the key the next evening and found it odd that the owner never asked if everything was satisfactory during these communications! With all past Sykes Holidays, whenever I have contacted cleaners or owners regarding an issue, they have always asked if everything else is OK. I can only surmise that he didn't want to hear my honest answer. This house should be pulled out of circulation and renovated. It needs a completely new bathroom and in my opinion, catering for up to 12 people, it needs an additional bathroom. Needless to say, I won't be booking another holiday with Sykes Cottages, as they haven't responded to my complaint.

  Reviewed by Melanie1.3★Jul 2024

• "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Little White House despite the building work going on next door which meant we couldn’t make full use of the off road parking facility."

  Cleanliness was as expected for a pet-friendly property and the facilities were more than adequate for the 2 of us (plus our dog).

  Reviewed by Martin4.1★May 2023

• "We cooked most nights and was odd kitchen with cooker in the other room but fine once we got our heads around it."

  Lovely big cooker and baked lovely cakes in it as well as our main meals. Even when dish washer full still loads of plate and glasses. Parked one car at the back easy and our people carer parked across from police station any time of day or night we found. So close for steam railway, water sports, swimming pool and a lovely walk way around Bala . Thanks to laminated maps left in welcome book so very easy to find our way. Nice little playground and football area with friendly locals to play with. This was a perfect base for us 2 adults and 3 kids. Would stay again.

  Reviewed by Nicole4.7★Mar 2023

• "Overall we were happy with our stay and the location was perfect."

  It was great for the ten of us and the layout suited us. Would have preferred not to have ‘bunk beds’ for adults but we managed. There were however some issues with overall cleaning (and a smell of dampness in family room) and the property is in need of some TLC. 2 of the sofas in the living room were very uncomfortable to sit on. In the double room with en suite the curtains are very thin and in the toilet in the en-suite was making an awful noise when flushed. I would still recommend the property for a base in that area, just feel that a good spruce up, attention to plumbing and some new sofa would be beneficial.

  Hi, Many thanks for your feedback. We have since had the toilet fixed & the sofas have been repaired. The dampness smell has now gone - following the replacement of front windows. Many Thanks Property Owner

  Reviewed by Carolyn3.4★May 2022

• "Just back from a wonderful stay at the Little White House."

  Set on the main road through Bala what a gem. Quirky spacious and ideal for our party of 10. Close to all local amenities. Parking behind for 2 cars and on road parking a street away. Warm Dry clean ideal. Ideal base for this part of Snowdonia. All beds comfortable and we all reported a good couple of nights sleep. Large Hob / Double oven meant we could cater for all. There is a myriad of local eateries I would book ahead for weekends. Recommend Cyfnod Cafe Bistro for a great Italian.

  Reviewed by Simon5.0★Nov 2021

• "This property was dark and smelled musty and damp in places."

  The main bathroom and front triple bedroom had clear patches of mould The windows were in need of repair in numerous parts of the house. The kitchen was disjointed in 2 sections and the photos of the outdoor area suggests a must bigger space. It felt cluttered throughout the property and is in serious need of renovation/modernising in most of the property. I would not advise anyone to stay here until improvements are carried out.

  Many thanks for your feedback. Since this stay, we have completely replaced the front windows with brand new UPVC windows. The House has been painted throughout and has been recently modernised with new furniture and lighting throughout. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tina2.2★Aug 2021

• "Lovely old house in the middle of Bala plenty of room all shops within walking ..."

  Lovely old house in the middle of Bala plenty of room all shops within walking distance as are a number of restaurants and takeaway food outlets,lovely small bar next door (STORI STOCKS LOCAL BEERS AND SPIRITS )

  Reviewed by Tony4.7★Jul 2021

• "Great house based in the centre of Bala."

  Very home from home. Had a couple of problems whilst there but the owner was fantastic and helped us straight away. My only slight criticism would be the pillows weren’t the best. But great place would definitely recommend. Thanks for a great holiday :)

  Reviewed by Gerard4.7★Oct 2020

• "The property was really well suited for our needs and communication between yourselves and the owners to discuss things like cots, highchairs & parking was met fast and accurate, we will definitely be looking to book again in 2021."

  Reviewed by Alex5.0★Sep 2020

• "The accommodation was great."

  Excellent location, good host communication, and perfect for a weekend away with friends.

  Reviewed by Heidi4.7★Nov 2019

• "Large cosy house with fantastic facilities."

  Set in right in the middle of Bala. Owners were particularly helpful with any requests we made , and called us before arrival to help with parking.

  Reviewed by Wesley5.0★Mar 2019

• "The holiday and the cottage were great, however |I had called before our arrival to ask that a double bed could be split into two singles."

  This did not happen

  Reviewed by Sally4.1★Sep 2018

• "We all had the most amazing time and the cottage gave us everything we needed."

  We will be looking to stay here again in the future and would definitely recommend Skykes Cottages.

  Reviewed by Harriet5.0★Mar 2018

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