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"Had a great holiday."
After reading some of the negative reviews we were slightly anxious regarding our holiday at Small Barn. However, we found our accommodation very easily and although the lanes were narrow, we weren't unduly bothered. The barn was extremely clean and the kitchen had everything we needed. We brought food for the week which fitted into the fridge and cupboard. The cups/plates etc were in perfect condition and there was a teapot! The bed was very comfortable and the duvet and pillows were beautifully clean and fresh. We were in awe of the beams and ceiling and how gorgeous Small Barn was.
My only negative would be the sofa which has been mentioned before.
We hope to come back to stay again.
Reviewed by Janette4.7★Nov 2024
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"The cottage was fabulous."
We were very happy with our stay there. So cosy, clean and comfortable and had everything we needed.
The country lane leading down to the cottage was a bit hair raising and we were a bit worried about meeting on coming vehicles. Luckily my hubby is a confident driver ( I am not!) so we were ok.
Our only issue was being woken up on the Friday morning by lots of vehicles and dogs barking. Seemingly some kind of bird hunt?
The cottage was surrounded by 4 by 4's, people and dogs.
I get that it's the countryside but did not expect such closeness. Literally on the doorstep. We couldn't sit on the patio as there was a vehicle parked right in front with people milling about. Not really what you expect when you've paid for a peaceful, tranquil holiday.
We had thought we'd love to return to Small Barn but this as put us off a bit.
Reviewed by Joanne4.7★Oct 2024
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"We found it very difficult to find the property."
The one three words didn’t work and no one in the area knew where it was.Very stressful!
Aside from a stressful start we loved the barn and it was in a beautiful area and it was very peaceful. We enjoyed a walk into Staithes and a few trips to nearby towns.
Reviewed by Nicola4.1★Oct 2024
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"Had a great stay at Small Barn, plenty of cutlery, crockery, pots and pans for two people, spotlessly clean, decor very plain but suiting the barn."
Bed linen and towels spotless. Great views over the fields to the coast, peaceful. The let down for us was the seating very worn and tired sofa, one small easy chair which we had to take turns in as found the sofa so uncomfortable, otherwise had to use dining chairs, also comfy gardens would be much appreciated. Would love to visit again when reassured new sofa in place.
Reviewed by Jacqueline3.4★Sep 2024
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"We last stayed at Small Barn 10 years ago with our dog."
It is in a remote spot with lovely views. The single track approach is a bit daunting, but the hedges have recently been cut. We enjoyed seeing all the wildlife - partridges, rabbits and dozens of pheasants.
A couple of things need attention, in particular the patio doors, which are rotting and hard to open and shut. The sofa needs replacing, as the cushions have gone too soft, and hard to get up from with aging knees.
The barn was very clean and warm. We enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed by Carolyn4.1★Sep 2024
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"We had a lovely stay at the Small Barn
It was very comfortable."
Well equipped with everything we needed. The approaching road was a bit of a challenge,as it was quite narrow, and the hedgerows were overgrown. Regardless of that, we had a lovely time. Thankyou.
Hi Lorraine
Thank you very much for your message. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and we hope you can come again soon.
Many thanks
Esther
Property Owner
Reviewed by Lorraine5.0★Jul 2024
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"The cottage was lovely with beautiful views but up or down the single track lane proved challenging hoping not to meet another car."
Quite a bit of noise from the cottage next door as there was an adjoining door between the cottages so felt like they were just in the next room. Only 4 people hate to think what it would have been like if more people! Luckily they were only there for a couple of nights , would have spoilt our stay otherwise. The sofa could do with an update. Teapot and long handled brush needed as well as a mat to use in the shower. A nice stay but things need addressing.
Hi Beverley
I am sorry to hear you were disturbed by the house next door. We are looking into changing the adjoining door to hopefully reduce this. I have also passed on your other recommendation to the property manager.
Many thanks
Esther
Property Owner
Reviewed by Beverley3.1★Jun 2024
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"Property was A1 problem was location."
To get out onto the top road was a nightmare plus. Lesser persons would have struggled to get onto the top Road coming out of the blind junction. I know other traffic was minimal but still horrendous. Road down into Staithes horrendous. We went back onto A171 all but once. Booking we didn’t check but when it said Whitby we thought Whitby not 12 miles out. Property was great.
Dear Mr Hunt
I’m very sorry to learn of your difficulties as far as the location and access to the location was concerned. In future we must alert guests to the access issues and also state clearly that Whitby is 12 miles away. I am very sorry for the inconvenience this caused you.
I am glad to read that you found the actual property a nice place to stay.
Thank you so much for this useful feedback
Very best wishes
Johnny Sutcliffe
Property Owner
Reviewed by Dave3.1★May 2024
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"We booked a short stay for 3 nights and stayed for just one of them."
The single wood door between us and the adjacent cottage may as well have not existed. The people next door had very noisy children and tv on until at least 2.00am. Not blaming them as tey were just havingba good time but they might as well have been staying in our cottage as the noise insulation is non existent. WE couldn,t stay another night. I have lodged a complaint with the owners and Sykes cottages and had no reply whatsoever. Thoroughy disgusted with both and wouldn,t touch either with a bargepole. Beware and don,t stay in this cottage if you want a nights sleep.
Hi Alan
I am very sorry to hear you had a disappointing stay in the small barn. The connection between the two properties is something we are aware of and will try to find a solution ASAP. We have also privately responded to Sykes in this regard so hopefully, you will be happy with this outcome.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Alan2.5★Feb 2024
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"The cottage is a bit remote."
But lovely and comfortable. Clean and well equipped
Had a lovely relaxing week . Would highly recommend
Hi Sharon
We so glad you enjoyed your stay.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Sharon4.7★Jan 2024
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"Disappointed with standards, property tired and in need of updating & a spring clean, 1 patio door would not open the other very hard to open & close both warped and rotting!"
Crockery limited mostly chipped. Items in kitchen round cooker covered in grease. Hoover left in cupboard had a pile of black muck underneath it. Bucket and small hand brush set broken. Settee damaged, dirty and fraying in places and not comfortable. No bin bags or recycling bags. Struggled with other windows not opening and closing properly. Bathroom radiator not working shower head in fixed position ideal if your over 6ft! again bathroom in need of a good clean having found rogue hairs
Hi Sue
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about these problems and sorry we haven't got back to you sooner. We have had someone in to look at the doors and will be looking to get sorted at the earliest opportunity.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Sue2.5★Nov 2023
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"Loved the small barn, it’s so cosy especially with the fantastic log burner."
You don’t really need it as the heating is so good, but it’s lovely to cosy up to in cooler evenings. The views are stunning, right across the field to the sea, just stunning.
It does need a bit of updating; None of the doors open easily, the door to the garden is damp at the bottom and looks a bit tatty. The shower is above the shower screen and static so you can’t move it down, because the water pressure is so powerful - I turned it up a fraction with the hot tap and it shot hot water at me and soaked the bathroom. The fridge is quite small with only - a very iced up - ice box. As the cottage is remote we brought quite a bit of food with us, but there really wasn’t much storage for it. No dedicated food cupboard either. Most of the plates and bowls were chipped too.
The little garden was lovely and private until at 8.15am Saturday and Tuesday it was surrounded by cars and dogs - hunters coming to shoot the pheasants! It would have been nice to know about it, I was wandering around in my nightwear as I opened the curtains! Nothing against them but it does rather feel like an invasion of your privacy. Our little dog wasn’t keen on all the dogs running round the fence either. I think they should let you know if this is going to happen during your stay.
Also the large barn next door has a connecting door to the small barn which means if you get noisy neighbours it’s not very relaxing. Fortunately the ladies enjoying their singsong didn’t carry on late into the evening so we were fine with it.
All in all we had a lovely few days, if there were half stars I would give this 3 and a half, but as there isn’t i went for a 4, as most of the things wrong were little niggles really,
We both said we would probably return as it’s such a great location.
Hi Liz
Thank you for your response and we are sorry the property didn't meet your expectations. We are aware of some needed updates and are planning them as soon as we can. As for the shoots, we will see if there is a way of warning guests before they arrive.
We hope if you choose to stay with us again you will see some improvements.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Liz3.8★Sep 2023
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"Having read some of the previous negative reviews, I am not sure mine will make any difference but here goes."
Cottage generally very tired. Most of the limited crockery chipped! Not enough glasses - only 1 wine glass! Mismatched cutlery. Not really up to enjoying a romantic meal as described in Sykes description. Such a shame because, with a little updating and tlc it could be beautiful. The views are stunning! Come on owners - respond to the many suggestions made by us and previous visitors!
Reviewed by David1.6★Sep 2023
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"What a beautiful last minute find this little gem was."
Not the easiest to find, but when you do … wow just wow.
Beautiful, full of character, comfy and homely.
Our dog was immediately at home as were we.
If you are looking for a proper hide away, complete silence and absolutely amazing views, this is for you!
You will not be disappointed.
We did not want to leave, could have stayed here for ever.! We will return… Liz, Shane & Hunter
We are so glad you and your dog enjoyed your stay. We have to drag our dogs away every time we visit!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0★Aug 2023
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"Lovely place to stay."
So quiet and peaceful. Bed comfy, nice welcome gift (thank you), lovely area to sit out and enjoy the splendid view. The only downside was actually finding the barn as Sykes give totally wrong destination stop. Luckily, we walked up to the equestrian centre and they gave us directions, but this was after 20 minutes of searching around. The barn was generally clean, but we did have to clean cobwebs from the wardrobe area.
Watch out for the platoons of young pheasant if you walk or drive the road to Hinderwell. They are delightful, but jump out of the hedge quickly.
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay but sorry you found it difficult to find at first. We have been looking to get a sign as they old one was damaged.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Annie4.7★Jul 2023
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"In an ideal setting beautiful views and very good for a couple and doggy."
Plenty of places to go to nearby but need a car. Was hoping to walk from the cottage to local village / pub but lanes are to tight other than that was really lovely and would definitely go again.very quite and peaceful location.
We are so glad you had such a peaceful time!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Teresa4.7★Jul 2023
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"Lovely property."
Very clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was there. Enclosed garden was perfect for our dog.
Only thing not to complain about but to say - while we were out the bathroom window which was on a restricted runner came out of the runner due to it being very windy (we think) and the roller blind was knocked out of line and the chain snapped. We managed to seccure the window back on the runner and all was well.
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and are sorry for your experience with regard to the window. We hope it won't put you off returning.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Terence5.0★Jun 2023
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"Kitchen could be better equipped."
Garden overgrown and not secure for dogs.
Thank you for your feedback, we will look into your concerns.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Rosemary3.8★Jun 2023
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"Lovely cottage, although very basic it was very comfortable, a little extra ..."
Lovely cottage, although very basic it was very comfortable, a little extra would make a whole lot of difference, paintings/pictures on a few walls, drinking glasses migrate to bigger cottage when both cottages are used together, counting things back in when cleaning the small cottage would make all the difference, nothing is too much trouble for the ladies looking after it, I asked if I could borrow a wine glass for our stay and it was there within 30 minutes, the tiny garden would look so much nicer with a sort out, we spent most of our time out there watching all the wildlife, it was wonderful
Thank you for taking the time to comment on your stay, we will take them on board. We are so glad you enjoyed the wildlife.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Anjie4.7★Jun 2023
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"Fabulous place and location."
Only one thing which has been mentioned before, wine glasses should be provided. From reading previous reviews, I took 2 with us.
Reviewed by Pam3.8★Jun 2023
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"This barn is situated in amazing countryside with wildlife on the doorstep."
Beautiful beaches within a15 minute drive and so much to see inland too. The barn is very cosy and has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The only downside is that Little Barn is attached to a larger barn (sleeping6) and only has a locked internal door separating them, which allows quite alot of noise transfer, it would be good if some insulation could be put in place because it’s such a shame as it is such a tranquil place. Would still definitely recommend little barn.
Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback and we will look into your suggestions.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Susan4.7★May 2023
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"The cottage was a perfect break away."
Situated in such a beautiful, picturesque location. The cottage itself was gorgeous and very well maintained. The only downfall, was that the oven was broke, which meant I was unable to cook a lot of the food I had taken with me.
That said, it would not stop me from booking to stay here again in the future.
Thank you for your comments, I am so glad this hasn't put you off coming back again. We hope to host you again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Frankie4.7★May 2023
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"Lovely stay."
Could do with some wine glasses but apart from that nice spot, clean, settee and chair not very comfy but i can see on the reviews its not just me that thinks that. Had a lovely week, no one in the next barn so we were spoilt with the location, quietness and enjoyed the birds twerping in the morning on the dog walk. Apart from wine glasses there were lots of cutlery and pans which is good. Bed comfy and lovely views. Would book again. Thank you for a lovely stay
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we will check on the wine glasses. Many thanks
Property Owner
Reviewed by Elizabeth4.4★May 2023
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"Lovely little cottage great location only fault was the oven didn’t work i did try contacting owners"
Thank you for letting us know. We will look into this now.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Carie4.7★May 2023
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"Beautiful cottage in lovely location."
. Only improvement I would suggest would be smaller dinning table and addition of two easy chairs by French windows
Thank you for the suggestions. We are glad you enjoyed the cottage and area.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Philip4.7★Apr 2023
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"Small barn is an idyllic place to stay, perfect for the two of us."
The views are stunning and access to local walks couldn’t be better. So close to Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and other coastal gems too. We had a lovely week, thank you.
Thank you for the lovely review. We love all the local walks too. Please come back again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Terry5.0★Apr 2023
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"Fantastic cottage."
only one drawback , no wine glasses. we had to borrow some from the local pub.
Thank you for the feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your stay.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Moors5.0★Mar 2023
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"Lovely converted barn but lacked a few finishing touches."
Ideally situated to exploring North Yorkshire. Very quiet and peaceful location.
Hi Kevin
We are so glad you found the barn peaceful. We hope you can come back again and see an improvement.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Kevin4.1★Feb 2023
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"Small barn far exceeded our expectations, upon arrival it was very clean and cozy, like a home from home."
The property provided us with everything we needed during our stay, including a lovely welcome pack (thank you so much for that) and a lovely crackling log burner. The views are stunning with plenty of wildlife around as well. We have both thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and will definitely be returning to small barn in the future. We have already recommended to friends and family. Thank you so much for the perfect base for our holiday.
Dan and Sarah (Cambridgeshire)
Hi Sarah
Thank you for spending the time to review our little barn. We are so glad you enjoyed it and we hope you can come back to stay soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Feb 2023
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"We loved this property."
It really suited our need for our end of winter season break. The barn was very cozy and ideally located - in the countryside but close also to the coast. We have already been asked by friends about our stay and made recommendations - we would certainly stay again.
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. We can’t wait to host you again.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Jan 2023
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"Absolutely perfect, very comfortable and cosy."
Stunning location to enjoy and relax in. Lots of lovely places to visit nearby. The property was very clean and well presented and it suited us down to the ground. Would recommend the Small Barn to anyone to take in the character and ambience. It was also easily found with particular reference to a previous review. We shall return at the first opportunity.
Thanks to the owners and people that look after this beautiful property!
Anne & John not forgetting Ghillie the Cockapoo
Hi Anne, John and Ghillie
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay, and we hope to have you stay again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by John5.0★Nov 2022
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"The property itself is fantastic."
And as country people who enjoy country sports we enjoyed being in the middle of a great game shooting location. We woke to hearing the cock pheasants and enjoyed watching the fantastic variety of birds they raise. The shooting parties arrived twice during our stay, but they caused no problems, were polite and we enjoyed speaking to them. What was the biggest disappointment for us was the adjoining door to the main barn - which was not mentioned in the description. We had noisy people next door for the first two days/nights and we barely slept as they partied until after 2am. They also occasionally rattled the handle of the adjoining door - supposedly forgetting where it went? Sykes did respond to this well and we know they spoke to the guests - who thankfully left on our day 3. The next guests were much better - but we could still hear the TV and voices from next door through the day. Not really what you expect. What is also slightly daft is that we can relate to all the previous feedback - so nothing has been done about chipped plates, lack of dustpan/brush, greasy ovenware, hard to shut off taps etc. The says all the right things in response to the feedback but in reality does nothing in response. However none of the issues were a major problem - just a slight annoyance. If it wasn't for the noise issue, we would go back to this property as it is lovely in all other ways and suited us perfectly. However - noise from neighbours through partition walls and adjoining doors is something we would definitely avoid.
Reviewed by Steven3.8★Nov 2022
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"Very clean and comfortable, bed was amazing and great views (but see below)."
The welcome pack was a nice touch.
However we have the following observations that we think should be considered:
We woke on Saturday morning to people chatting outside and when we opened the French door curtains discovered the reason - we were surrounded by a large group of people, cars/vans and dogs, which turned out to be a shooting party. They left after a while but a lot of the vehicles remained spoiling the view.
The adjoining property has a connecting door which means we could hear a lot of our neighbours, and being a group were very loud on the Saturday evening. This wouldn’t normally be a problem as they too are on holiday but obviously with there being only a door between us it was like sharing our space.
Would highly recommend if the above issues were rectified in some way.
I am so glad you enjoyed the small barn, it does have beautiful views.
Thank you also for the feedback regarding the shoots and sorry to hear it disturbed your stay. We will look at some ways to stop this happening in the future so hopefully you can stay with us again.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Alan4.7★Nov 2022
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"Very good and enjoyed our stay."
Direction instructions coming from Barrowby could be improved as there was no "Low Borrowby Farm" signpost, as follows:
"Coming from Guisborouigh A171 and passing the BP filling station at Scaling Reservoir, take second turning left, signposted Borrowby. Take first turning right to Borrowby and after passing through village with some wheelie bins on the right, turn right down a steep hill with a “Gate” signpost on roadside. Follow the road which bends sharply left, then right and the barns are at the bottom of the hill on the right.
Thank you for your comments. I am glad you enjoyed your stay. We have worked on a map we hope to be available soon to help find the property. I hope you can come again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Oct 2022
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"The small barn was lovely."
The garden was smaller than we thought it would be but it was enough to let your dog out. The patio with the table and chairs would be ideal in the summer. The views are amazing. Its a shame the cleaners didn’t check the garden when doing housekeeping as previous guests had not picked up after their dog. Sofa was so worn out it was really uncomfortable.Holes in the seating and piping coming out the fabric. Could not sort the heating out. No instructions. A lot of cobwebs and harvest spiders . Did not want to complain but attention to detail needed.
We are sorry to read you had some problems with the housekeeping. I will talk with the cleaners to make sure these details are checked in the future and we will review the sofa.
I can also confirm we have had a plumber in to sort the heating out so hopefully this will be easier to use.
We hope you can stay with us again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Terry3.1★Sep 2022
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"The accommodation is very well kept and the views are fabulous."
We enjoyed our stay and the fenced area outside was good as we had a small dog with us. The only thing missing are a dustpan and brush (maybe there is one but I couldn't find it) and a couple of wine glasses. We would definitely recommend the property.
I am so glad you enjoyed your stay. I will check on the dustpan and if it is hiding, make sure it is easier to find.
I hope you can stay with us again soon.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Karen4.7★Sep 2022
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"Lovely location and stunning views."
Comfortable and clean apart from the oven where the trays had been covered over with foil to hide the grease. The taps in the Bathroom were a nightmare and very hard to turn off. The directions to the location were awful and the so called signpost to the place was non existant. The road to the Barns was not for the faint hearted ane pretty scary with so many blind corners on a single track lane with hardly any escape. Despite these issues though we had a lovely week in the Barn and the cows at the back, and the sheep at the front door it was a beautiful place to be and did not let it spoil our holiday and we loved the place.
Thank you so much for your visit. I am sorry to hear you had some problems with the taps but can confirm we have had a plumber in to sort these problems out. I will also look into getting the direction to the barns updates.
Thank again and hopefully you can stay with us again soon
Property Owner
Reviewed by Dennis4.4★Sep 2022
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"Absolutley loved the barn the location was superb the barn itself was lovely we ..."
Absolutley loved the barn the location was superb the barn itself was lovely we would love to go again the only thing I would say is that the plates and glasses should be checked as they had lots of chips in them apart from that everything was lovely
Thanks so much, we're delighted you had a good week. We will certainly check all the crockery and glasses and replace where it's chipped.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Kevin5.0★Aug 2022
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"Fridge not cleaned properly, ice box needs deforesting, sink blocking up after first use."
Hair in the bed .tea towel not clean ,this was not a good start.no phone signal but out side up the hill got Michelle and she phoned back when went to staithes got handy man out at 7pm sink sorted,cleaners left small barn and went next door as new curtains were being hung and did not come back to finish. Apart from a bad start we enjoyed our week.lets hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else .
We were sorry to read this as it was only a very small area of the kitchen which wasn't cleaned that day due to an unexpected delay in hanging new curtains. Michelle and her team apologised at the time and did their best to rectify quickly. Very glad you enjoyed your week nevertheless; some phone providers' signal work at the barns, otherwise our excellent WiFi means you can always use Facetime, Whats App or other social media apps to communicate from there.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Elizabeth3.4★Jul 2022
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"Loved barn but with been older found narrow lanes a bit difficult."
Glad I took my own duvet which is light but I always do. Have really enjoyed hols and the above we managed. We would definitely go with you again.
Reviewed by Denis4.7★Jul 2022
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"Have stayed at numerous cottages over 30year period so 3* is my rating compared to previous cottages."
Inside every you need and very clean. Biggest problem no window coverings on windows overlooking bedroom area. Reported immediately but no acceptable outcome. Externally garden area and furniture need some TLC. Last mile or so to the property is via very narrow roads with few passing places so may not suit a nervous driver. Location shown on map is some distance from the property.
Reviewed by Geoff3.8★May 2022
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"Nice holiday let ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday"
Thanks we appreciate your feedback and are very glad you gave us a perfect score for your holiday. We work hard to maintain high standards.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Giuseppe5.0★Mar 2022
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"Very pleasant stay and very relaxing would definitely go again."
Reviewed by Simon5.0★Feb 2022
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"It was an amazing little hideaway that was perfect for a week away surrounded by nothing but green hills and stunning towns."
Reviewed by Joshua4.4★Feb 2022
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"Excellent cottage, well placed and lovely additions to begin such as fuel for fire and tasty biscuits!"
Reviewed by Dan5.0★Feb 2022
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"Ideal property for the break we needed."
Beautiful building in a beautiful setting. The barn was fresh, clean and had a wonderful touch of a Christmas tree set and the heating on. It was just perfect.
Thank you so much for your comments, that's wonderful to hear.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Simon5.0★Dec 2021
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"Great little place remote and very homely lovely stay would go again no problem."
Reviewed by Mark4.7★Dec 2021
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