The Old Watchtower

38 Customer Reviews

• "What a lovely bolt hole!"

  And very nicely situated in Alnmouth with lovely views over the estuary I loved it!!

  Reviewed by Fiona5.0★Oct 2024

• "Lovely comfortable home."

  However I telephoned Sykes cottages three times to request a query I had to the owner. The first two just did not reply after speaking with them personally on the phone. The third replied via email with the answer. I did not think the customer service team were very good at all under my circumstances. (Bereavement). However meeting the owner when at the property she told me there was no phone call from Sykes Cottages whatsoever! My request was never mentioned. So I do believe they did not get in touch at all. (Honesty is the best policy)!!

  Reviewed by Diane4.7★Sep 2024

• "Enjoyed our stay."

  This is 2nd time in the property. Already booked for next year. Comfortable with great views of harbour. Most importantly it has a parking spot, which you really need in Alnmouth.

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Sep 2024

• "We really enjoyed our stay at the old watchtower, it is a beautiful building with gorgeous views, we thought it was a little bit tired but very clean, we were disappointed that the screen around the patio area had been taken down as there was no protection from the wind, which was very strong but was lovely and sunny, so if the screen was there we would have been sheltered and able to enjoy the outside space with the beautiful views."

  Unfortunately on our last night there was a storm and the shower room was leaking, it came through all of the electrical pull cords, tripping the electricity, so we were unable to shower before we left, after saying all of that we had a great week.

  Reviewed by Jayne4.4★Aug 2024

• "Lovely little property set in a wonderful village for getting out and about exploring Northumberland."

  Stunning views over the estuary, very close to the beach, golf course, shops, pubs and eating venues. Everyone really friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely return and recommend.

  Reviewed by Des5.0★Jul 2024

• "As soon as I stepped into the garden after arriving I fell in love with the Old Watchtower."

  The building is so 'cute' (sorry can't think of a better word!). It is an old building so we were mindful of that, but everything we needed for our week's stay was provided. The first 2 days were wet and cold and we suffered from a little condensation upstairs but the heating (and some open windows when we were out) sorted that out. The sun came out for the rest of the stay thankfully. Thank you so much for the welcome wine and snacks, they were gratefully consumed. We ran out of bin liners half way through our stay but my phone call was answered immediately and this was rectified. Amazing views of the river Aln and overlooking beautifully tended gardens (well done Paul). Thank you for our wonderful weekend stay in Northumberland.

  Reviewed by Jane4.4★Jul 2024

• "We have stayed in many properties in Alnmouth and this was, by far, the best."

  We loved its position and the wonderful views. and appreciated the off road parking. The kitchen was well equipped, though we ate out every evening. The only thing we missed was a freezing departure in the fridge. We hope to return again very soon.

  Reviewed by Barbara5.0★Jun 2024

• "Thanks As usual Wonderful week in the old watch tower J"

  Reviewed by Jenny5.0★May 2024

• "Thoroughly enjoyed The Watch Tower, the views where amazing, the location was ..."

  Thoroughly enjoyed The Watch Tower, the views where amazing, the location was outstanding and our private patio gave us a beautiful view over the gardens to enjoy our morning coffee and listen to the many bird choruses

  Reviewed by Linda5.0★Apr 2024

• "When we entered the property it smelt very musty, with heat this subsided."

  However I noticed significant signs of dampness around the windows in the lower floor bedroom. The bathroom heater was not working, I noticed this was first reported in December 2023 and is still not working. On the penultimate day I noticed that the lining to the downstairs curtai ns had mold on both sides of the window. I reported this to Sykes, I was informed that it was for the owner to deal with. As this is stated in the contract. The owner has neither been in contact, offered no apology or recompense. A very damp and dissapointing experience!!

  Dear Sue - I am sorry you experienced a problem during your stay. I was away that week but I will be getting your contact details from Sykes so I can reply to you direct. But for the record the fan heater had been replaced last year and a new one has been fitted again. The damp in the bedroom although a very small area has been addressed and is due to condensation. We normally advise guests to leave the window open slightly in the bedroom. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sue2.2★Mar 2024

• "An absolutely beautiful property with lovely views across the estuary."

  The owner met us on arrival and pointed out there was a broken shower room heater but this didn't detract from our overall stay. The only surprise was we weren't expecting a spiral staircase but we soon got used to it. During our stay we had a gorgeous sunrise to experience in this unique upside down living property.

  Reviewed by Andrew4.4★Jan 2024

• "Lovely cottage with great views over the estuary."

  We really appreciated the underfloor heating. It would be better to have more than two side plates and the heater in the bathroom cut out very quickly

  Reviewed by Alison4.7★Dec 2023

• "The Old Watchtower was great."

  Clean, warm, comfortable & well presented.If you are looking for a quiet getaway for 2 this is ideal.Nikki was helpful & on hand if needed.There was a cute little Christmas tree, a wreath on the door & goodies too which was very nice.

  Reviewed by Jean5.0★Dec 2023

• "A lovely location, great for two."

  Fabulous views. Bed was very comfortable. Kitchen is tired though with non matching items and only 2 large mugs. Could benefit from a jug and bowl to use in the microwave and a better teapot! Otherwise most enjoyable and the Christmas lights were lovely.

  Reviewed by Gillian3.8★Dec 2023

• "A lovely quaint property in a central location, renovated to a bight standard BUT the shower……impossible to regulate, it veered between freezing cold and scaldingly hot."

  We had to shower in between those extremes for a few seconds in what is a very cold room Sadly for that reason we will not repeat the experience!!

  Hello - we have tested the shower and it seems to be working correctly - sorry you had a problem but I was away during your stay and I could of helped you with this. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Wulluam3.8★Nov 2023

• "Thank you once again for a truly wonderful holiday."

  The Watchtower was well equipped, with everything provided for a comfortable stay. As we stayed for three weeks, clean linen was delivered to our door. The property was lovely and warm with underfloor heating in the living and kitchen area and a storage heater in the bedroom. The views from the windows are stunning. The location provides peace and quiet. We have already booked again for next year. Thank you again.

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Nov 2023

• "The first three days were hell."

  This was reported but no action has been taken by either the owner or management at Northumbrian Coast and Country cottages. An outside force was blamed when actually the owner could have easily avoided our hellish three afternoon/evening experiences. She avoided this discomfort herself by leaving the area on Friday until Monday (as did other permanent residents nearby) but happily taking our money and leaving us to put up with the situation that we had no means of knowing about. ‘Peaceful and relaxing’ it was not. As this property was booked through the agent we hold them responsible for taking our complain seriously on a human level and using a little imagination of how this property failed our need for the restful October holiday in lovely peaceful Alnmouth that we rightfully expected. We are certain that the individual staff of NCCC if finding them selves in this unprotected Tower right next to a tent with very loud bands and drinking people for three days would be complaining loudly. It is also worth mentioning that the owner, on hearing our complaint, instantly lied and said it was supposed to be an acoustic festival. We spoke to local people including a senior member of staff at the pub who has been involved in the festival for some years all who stated that the festival was very loud last year and previous years. The owner was aware of what was in store for us as she packed her bags for her weekend away. We had booked this holiday nearly a year ago and she could easily have mentioned that we might like to book different dates if we were not planning to be at the festival. DESPICABLE.

  Very sorry to hear this - for the record I had a long standing baby sitting commitment that weekend as I am usually here for the Beer Festival and have never had any complaints from guests in 10 years it’s been running. The music is normally on the Saturday night and was advertised as acoustic saxophone I was told. So many apologies and please let me know if you would like a complimentary weekend at another time. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Wendy Mathilda2.2★Oct 2023

• "Great stay at the Watchtower."

  Loved the private patio with estuary views and sun nearly all day. All in good order and clear instructions on how to operate things. An issue with the new heating was quickly resolved. Again lovely estuary views from lounge dining area. Great to see how the river changed with the tides. We have stayed at both the watchtower and the coach house and would recommend them both. Great location in the centre of the high street so good for shops and dining options. Private parking adjacent to the property.

  Reviewed by Chris4.7★Sep 2023

• "The Old Watch Tower is in a superb location and has beautiful views."

  The property was clean but the lack of maintenance (bedroom window wood surround urgently needs replacing, small issues with the oven controls and the dishwasher feed) was a drawback. There is very little ventilation in the bedroom because we were averse to opening it, this resulted in heavy condensation overnight. Northumbrian Cottage employees were prompt in replacing the old bedsheet which had small holes in it and attempted to rectify the hot water issue- either cold or scalding hot- this worked in the bedroom vanity unit but not in the kitchen where we had no hot water after his visit. Guidance/ instructions about how to regulate the supply of hot water would have been a great help. The employee also saw the wood surround for the bedroom window. He explained that in an old listed property such issues were to be expected. At the price charged for a week's stay we expected to have a smart TV- even though we were aware that not all facilities could be modernised. It is a lovely building and has much to recommend it but perhaps more suited to a younger and more resilient age group.

  Reviewed by Anne3.4★Aug 2023

• "Excellent position, lovely and peaceful location yet so convenient for both facilities of Alnmouth and the beach."

  Secure parking was also important to us. A unique property that is small but more than adequate for 2 people with useable outside space and cracking views. Thanks also for the welcome pack which was very much enjoyed. Would certainly stay here again, superb.....

  Reviewed by Janice5.0★Jul 2023

• "We had another great stay at the Old WatchTower."

  It is well equipped and the views of the estuary and the village from the living area are captivating. Fortunately we are still able to manage the spiral staircase! In short, it has everything we need for a comfortable stay and being able to park at the location is extremely useful in a busy village like Alnmouth.

  Reviewed by Glyn5.0★Jun 2023

• "Historic property in a prime location."

  Split level affords unbeatable views of estuary and beyond .Easy parking, well appointed and comfortable .Ideal for 1/2 people .

  Reviewed by Ian5.0★Jun 2023

• "We really enjoyed our stay here."

  Perfect for 2 people. The upstairs (living area) in particular was very cosy. Downstairs (sleeping area) was cooler; mainly because we found the storage heater a bit tricky to work. There are also quite a few cords (to operate the hot water for the sink, the shower, the extractor fan, etc.) that take a bit of getting used to. We loved the milk in the fridge and especially the bottle of wine (plus crisps) that were waiting for us on arrival. The location is very central yet very quiet. The view of the estuary is lovely - both from the window and from the excellent patio. Clearer instructions re. the rubbish / recycling (e.g. what to put in each colour bin) would have been helpful. More generally, it looks like all bookings through Sykes are rigid in requiring check-in after 4p.m and check out by 9a.m. - which isn't especially guest-friendly.

  Reviewed by Simon5.0★Mar 2023

• "A unique place to stay."

  Very thoughtful of the owners in regards to wine snacks and other essentials left for us. Stayed in March but place was easy to keep warm. Would love to stay in the summer and make the most of the patio and views.

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Mar 2023

• "A lovely characterful property, perfect for 2 people."

  We were there in snow and very low temperatures, the house would really benefit from double glazing (although can't imagine the cost of double-glazing those bespoke ground floor windows) but the heating was sufficient to keep us warm enough.

  Reviewed by Lucy4.7★Mar 2023

• "Problem with in-house instructions/advice re."

  pull cords in shower. The pull cords could be labelled which would make life easier. The pull cord for the shower required a very hefty tug which we only learned when a technician from Sykes arrived. The force required would normally cause something to break. Switch for blow heater in shower faulty -only works intermittently. Paintwork on windows/doors very weary. Keybox frustratingly difficult to operate.

  Reviewed by Charles4.1★Feb 2023

• "Great place to stay, small but comfortable."

  Reviewed by India4.7★Feb 2023

• "The Watch Tower was very clean and comfortable."

  Lovely views and a welcoming host.It was handy for good local eating places and accessing Northumberland’s beautiful coast and country side. We had a great holiday,A lovely, interesting well equipped cottage.Thankyou.

  Reviewed by Barry5.0★Jan 2023

• "The views from the property were fantastic."

  We loved the quirkiness of the upstairs living space and kitchen with the spiral staircase down to the bedroom. Very comfy sofa and bed. It was a super holiday in a great location.

  Mar 2022

• "Great character property and good location for heading up or down the coast."

  Feb 2020

• "Very comfortable small property ideal for two people who are OK with steps."

  Wonderful location by the river and very close to the excellent local restaurants/pubs and shops. Wonderful beach close by and Ideal location for visiting the sights of the Northumbrian coastline.

  Oct 2019

• "A delightful hideout with a magical view in a glorious and mysterious village."

  May 2019

• "A very comfortable and cosy property."

  The living room/kitchen area was small but very well equipped with everything you could conceivably need, as well as lots of local information (including an OS map). The bedroom was a good size with very good quality bedding and towels and plenty of storage space. The property is very handy for the local shop (which is bigger than it looks from the outside, and is also the post office) and all the amenities of the village.

  Jan 2019

• "We liked it."

  It was different and we enjoyed the property. Thank you to all concerned, including the owners.

  Sep 2018

• "Fantastic location with all the amenities of home."

  Take a look at the information leaflets in the basket as there are many walks and beautiful places to explore. Having the doors leading from the bedroom to the patio was so nice. The bottle of wine, milk in the fridge and chocolate biscuits left for us were a nice touch. Yes, this property is cosy small but offers a lovely peaceful get-a-way from the norm.

  Sep 2018

• "It was so different, it was an experience."

  Very quiet and the views over the estuary spectacular.

  Sep 2018

• "Lovely property, centrally located with excellent views over the estuary."

  Fully equipped with everything you would require.

  Aug 2018

• "Comfortable."

  Great location. Lovely views.

  Aug 2018

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