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"We had a couple of little niggles."
A DVD player is listed on the facilities and we’d taken some films to watch, but couldn’t find the DVD player. There was mention of a red folder containing information but we couldn’t find that either. Also recycling is confusing, different instructions on the bin to what it says in cottage documentation. All these are minor points and rectifiable.
Blacksmith’s is well equipped and full of character. It’s a great location bang in the centre of Bamburgh, yet so quiet and peaceful, and it’s a great base for exploring further afield. The fantastic beach and castle are only a short walk away.
It’s great that pets are allowed, our greyhound loved it. Dog owners beware though, there is at least one resident rabbit in the garden! Luckily we saw it before the greyhound and managed to distract her. The garden facilities are very good along with the patio. The garden shed is full of goodies, including beach toys, wind breaks etc.
Overall we were really pleased with the accommodation and we had a lovely time, thank you.
Dear guest. Thank you for your feedback, we’re delighted that you enjoyed your stay.
There is a Sony DVD player in the cupboard under the TV, with all the DVD’s. Sorry about the confusion over the folder. The old red folder with various operating instructions was getting tatty and was replaced with a black one kept in the sideboard. I have also updated the separate NCCC welcome file with the Berwick County Council information on what can be put in recycle bin (no glass yet unfortunately) and the bin collection schedule.
Thanks again.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Hazel4.7★Oct 2024
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"It was very nice quite and in a great location ."
Reviewed by Andrew4.7★Sep 2024
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"We had a great stay the Blacksmiths."
It is a lovely space with gorgeous garden and outdoor patio. It is also incredibly well stocked and we had everything we could need. All three generations staying there loved it and we all agreed we would come back.
The only comment I would make it that there is a very strong damp smell (or possibly something else) in the main bedroom which overpowers the whole room and makes it quite unpleasant. The abundance of reed diffusers throughout the property also indicate that the property managers probably know there is a general smell issue. I did call the maintenance number after a couple of days to report the smell and they said someone would come and see to it but nobody came.
Dear Guest
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay.
I’m sorry about the misunderstanding with the maintenance team. I have spoken to them and they mentioned a problem reported with the WiFi that was resolved but appear to have missed this one.
We checked at changeover and have confirmed with current guests that there is no smell now but will keep an eye on this. The diffusers are not there to combat any specific bad smells, just to generally freshen up the place.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Kate4.7★Aug 2024
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"The patio area requires relaying entrance to door in courtyard muddy ."
Although plenty lighting lamps etc , the living area would be greatly enhanced with roof windows . The property is named the blacksmiths yet the fire surround its self does nothing for the property its very old dated and dirty . The bath looks great yet is not practical for adults to small , a wet room with shower would more comfortable . The sleeping area is more up to date , the living area should reflect this .
Dear Guest
Thank you for your feedback. Bamburgh is in a conservation area with restrictions on light pollution so large skylights are a no-no I’m afraid. However, the patio doors do provide a lot of light. The forge is Grade II listed and reflects some 200 years of use which we think adds character. We had to make some compromises with the bathroom due to its dimensions and decided to provide guests with the option of a bath (particularly for children) to compliment the shower in the second bathroom. We will take a look at the patio, when we last visited the cottage we gave it a sweep and tidy up.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter4.1★Jul 2024
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"It was a lovely well equipped cottage."
It was so clean and very comfortable. We were so near to Bamburgh Castle and the beach and also in a prime location to visit surrounding places. Our dog Archie loved the garden which was very safe and secure.
Dear guests. Thank you very much for your feedback. We’re delighted that you had an enjoyable stay at the Blacksmith’s.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Beverley5.0★Jul 2024
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"Our 3rd visit to this beautiful cottage (4-11 November) However it will be our last, this year we payed £750, the equivalent week in 2024 is priced at £942, a 26% hike I also agree with an earlier posting that the property is in need of a deep clean and freshen up."
The front door was jammed, the patio covered in leaves that I swept away from the door.
Dear Guest
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately we have had to make a disproportionate increase in the cost of out of season winter bookings due to the huge increase in electricity costs. The cleaning points have been passed on to Sykes and we encourage guests to raise any maintenance points with the team at Sykes who will resolve them as soon as possible.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Carol3.1★Nov 2023
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"Excellent location and well equipped with full range of kitchen equipment and lovely towels."
A few problems we had with lights and heating controls were dealt with promptly by Kenny. However there were considerable downsides, the double bed mattress was old, worn out and so uncomfortable we could not sleep on it so had to sleep in the spare single beds. The sofas were similarly old and uncomfortable and smelt ++ of dogs, we all had back ache at the end of the week with the beds and sofas which all need replacing. The main bathroom needs a shower as a hand held one is no good so we all had to use the en-suite one which was good.
The cleanliness of the cottage was superficial with dirty windows, cobwebs, spiders etc on all the ceilings and beams which we had to clean ourselves. There was dampness in the bedrooms. The patio doors couldn’t be opened due to swelling and the other windows in the lounge couldn’t be opened so it was impossible to air the room to get rid of dog smells. Would suggest you put up a notice saying “ Paws on the floor please not the sofas”.
Parking for two large cars was impossible and we had to park one in the village. Could not the garden be extended? We asked the Victoria hotel if one of us could use their car park but they said no.
I hope you will find these comments constructive and that you can make these improvements to give the cottage five stars. It was recommended to us by a family member who visited some years ago but it seems to have declined and we would not recommend it now based on our experience which is a shame as with some attention and upgrading it could be perfect.
Thank you.
Thanks for your feedback. The cleaning/maintanance points have been passed on to the Sykes team.
We’ve not had a comment about the comfort of the bed and sofas before but will certainly take a look at those. Unfortunately, some guests allow dogs on the sofa and we do have them cleaned regularly but it sounds like it is time to do that again.
It was not possible to put a full shower in the bathroom due to the ceiling heights and beams unfortunately. I agree, 2 big cars are tight.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Kaye2.5★Oct 2023
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"Having stayed here for over 10 years, this cottage never disappoints us."
Its single floor layout is more important then even for the now less infirm members of our party, with only one small step once in the cottage. Very central location with all you need in the village or close by in Seahouses. It’s completely dog friendly and even with a rabbit on the lawn our two small dogs couldn’t escape to chase it fully. Beds comfortable, well equipped, wonderful log burner in open plan lounge/kitchen with logs provided. We can’t fault it and would highly recommend. Enjoyed Sunday lunch at The Victoria Hotel, as always. Preordered all food to collect from Carters when we arrived. Walk to Seahouses along sea front or country lanes and get the bus back if you need to! Once at Blacksmiths, you really don’t need to use the car. Thank you for a wonderful holiday here, again.
Dear Guest
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Clare5.0★Sep 2023
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"The cottage is in an ideal spot for all the facilities in Bamburgh."
It is clean and comfortable and has all the equipment anyone could want. There is plenty of outdoor space, which is completely enclosed, so safe for both children and dogs and for adults to enjoy a drink, a bbq or an outdoor meal in comfort.
We would definitely return and would highly recommend the cottage for a holiday.
Dear Guest
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay at the cottage.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Donna4.7★Sep 2023
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"The Blacksmiths is full of character and atmosphere with all modern facilities."
It is very well equipped and comfortable, decorated to a high standard. We would thoroughly recommend it as the perfect base for a holiday exploring the Northumbria Coast.
Dear guest,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Richard5.0★May 2023
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"Love the cottage , parking for to big cars is a little tricky."
Housekeeping could be better .
1 Extractor Fan and filters greasy .
2 No mattress protectors on 2 of the beds ( middle bedroom)
3 No pillow protectors on some of the pillows
4 Cobwebs on beams
5 Glass lamp shades on lighting over kitchen table need cleaning
Having said all that the cottage is in a brilliant position walking distance to the pubs and beach and would stay there again
Dear guest,
Thank you for your feedback. Your comments have been passed to the Sykes housekeeping team.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Charles3.8★Apr 2023
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"We couldn't get hot water in the en suite shower."
Otherwise, a lovely cottage, everything you could need and a fantastic location. Loved it.
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased you loved the cottage and we’re sorry about the problem with the shower which has now been resolved.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Lee4.4★Mar 2023
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"Was Dirty - mould in the main bedroom, shower dripped constantly, half of the outside lights were off on arrival."
We reported these to you on the Monday , only one was resolved
Difficult to keep the lounge warm , due to night storage radiators
Noisy - due to Hotel car park , neighbours dog barked constantly
Paid good money for a poorly maintained property
Beds were uncomfortable - some of the furniture is only fit for fire wood
Generally not good
Dear Guest
We always welcome constructive feedback. Yours was quite a surprise as we always receive excellent feedback from our guests, many of whom return regularly. Taking each of your points in turn:
1.We have asked the cleaning and Maintanance team to look at the mould, we haven’t had this raised before but it is an old property and if the en-suite bathroom door is left open it can cause some condensation.
2. The shower seams fine now, I’m not sure how this happened but we will keep an eye on it.
3. I understand an electrician was called who fitted a new light bulb. We keep a stock of replacement light bulbs in the cottage.
4. The electric radiators (we replaced the storage heaters last year) can be turned up at the thermostat and the stove provides good heat but we will look again at the settings.
5. The hotel car park is some distance from the property and we have never had this comment before. The property is located in the centre of the village so there is the traffic one would expect but the thick walls of the cottage mean you don’t hear it inside. However, we will monitor this.
6. I can’t comment on the dog barking but the neighbours are very friendly.
7. The furniture is as depicted in the photographs. The bed mattresses are replaced regularly and we have gone for a retro/up-cycling look which many of our guests like. I appreciate this might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it would be an expensive bonfire!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Simon1.3★Feb 2023
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"Absolutely loved staying at The Blacksmiths everything we needed and more, top quality fixtures and fittings and furnishings, some areas needed a good dust and the patio area needed a good sweep/tidy up especially in front of the door as there wasn’t a mat or stone flag , instead there lots of loose soil and stones that carried into the cottage."
all in all we would definitely like to return
Dear guest. Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay. We will ask the Maintanance team to look give the patio a good tidy up.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jennifer5.0★Jan 2023
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""
Nov 2021
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"This is fabulous accommodation in a brilliant location."
It is so comfortable and well equipped that it was always way more than just a base- Indeed, it was a pleasure to spend time there. We particularly enjoyed sitting with the French doors open in the mornings and the dog just loved the garden. We are already planning our return.
Jul 2021
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"Fantastic house with everything we needed."
Really comfortable , lovely place to return to after days out.
Highly recommend . Would love to return again.
May 2021
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"Such a beautiful cottage with a lovely cosy atmosphere."
Dec 2019
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"Lovely roomy cosy cottage for a couple like us or a much larger group."
Nice big garden and patio area with the added bonus of private parking. Walks from the doorstep and a lot of local eateries.
Nov 2019
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"This was our 2nd stay at The Blacksmiths, it is so lovely clean and ha everything you can possibly need."
.. Very well situated and the log burner is amazing. Very comfortable beds, and all logs included. Perfect place to stay will be back next year.
Nov 2019
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"Great place, excellent location."
Feb 2019
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"This is a wonderful property to stay in for a week."
Beach on the doorstep with easy access to dog friendly pubs, and the large wood burning stove makes for cosy evenings reading or watching DVDs.
Feb 2019
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"Very central location."
Warm and cosy.
Feb 2019
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"Lovely open living and dining area, well equipped kitchen."
Enclosed garden for dog was great and in a fantastic location about 100 yards from a lovely dog friendly pub. Easy access to beach and wonderful village butchers and view of castle.
Aug 2018
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"We had a brilliant holiday."
The cottage was in an ideal location for everything, it was very clean, comfortable with lots of thoughtful extras. Would recommend to anyone.
Jul 2018
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"Excellent location, short walk to high street, castle and beach."
Jul 2018
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"Nice cottage close to The beach"
Jun 2018
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"Very comfortable accommodation in a fabulous setting, close to shops, pubs and beach."
Beds were comfy and the open plan living room/kitchen is a great place to relax by the large log stove after long walks. We even sat out on the terrace in February as it was sunny!
Feb 2018
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"Excellent property with plenty of space and very well fitted out."
Dec 2017
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