Melvin Cottage

34 Customer Reviews

• "Location, Location, Location!"

  What an amazing place to stay, such a privilege to be able to walk out the door onto the amazing beach. The property however is badly in need of updating. It is basic, which is fine but we were cold. Really cold at night. The temperature wasn't especially cold for December, but the old storage heaters just don't cut it. That coupled with the hard floors and flimsy curtains and thin duvets meant that we left a day early. If you have booked over the winter take logs for the fire and if you have any extra portable heaters take those too.

  Reviewed by Rachael3.1★Nov 2024

• "The property would be lovely in the summer but I wouldn’t advise anyone stay during winter months."

  The electric night storage heaters are not fit for purpose. You don’t expect to walk into a bathroom and bedrooms and be able to see your breath as it’s so so cold. The open fire is beautiful but only heats the one room. What a shame as it would have been a lovely stay if we had not had to leave early as we were so cold we had to sleep in the sofas to be warm. We were told we should have spoken to the owners about the heat but you can’t do anything with night storage heaters they are what they are I have had them before in a home I lived in.

  Reviewed by Kim3.4★Nov 2024

• "The cottage is in a beautiful position, the beds are comfy and kitchen well equipped."

  overall it is clean and tidy and comfortable for a base to stay, heating is good if your planning a winter stay the only negatives are it could do with an upgrade on the overall decoration - the electric shower did not work and had no hose attached - the sofas are comfy but would benefit from a slightly larger one. and defiantly needs a freezer or a fridge with a freezer compartment. towels are not provided although we found a couple in the airing cupboard overall we had a wonderful stay with stunning views over low newton beach

  Reviewed by Joanne3.4★Sep 2024

• "The property is in need of maintenance, decoration and a good clean."

  The location is fabulous and it seems the owners have become complacent which is a shame as it could be fantastic. Easy improvements would be a new fridge with a freezer compartment, an electric shower which works, a shelf in the bathroom. Shower curtain is unhygienic. The grass and hedges need cutting, garden furniture is old and uncomfortable together with the rotten garage makes the garden unusable. If the owners stayed at the property they would see the shortcomings. When did the agents last do an inspection?

  Reviewed by Samantha2.5★Sep 2024

• "The property is in a lovely position can’t fault it ."

  Comfortable beds and couches . However the garden furniture is very poor uncomfortable and needs up dating . Gardens and bushes are in need of care and attention . Tv is great on the walk but the wires hanging down is not what you would expect . The property could do with re decoration. Bathroom could do with shower screen not a curtain . And perhaps consider some way of having a freezer . These improvements should be carried out as the price its commands the standard should be improved. Hope this helps we did enjoy our stay .

  Reviewed by Vicky2.8★Jun 2024

• "Would benefit from a washing machine."

  Basic accommodation which is reflected in the price

  Reviewed by Julie3.8★May 2024

• "We loved Melvyn cottage, the location is to die for, and we found the cottage itself to be comfortable and well equipped."

  We certainly hope to return. It would be good if a new electric shower could be installed. The shower attached to the bath taps could sometimes run too hot even though the mixer tap had not been adjusted. A small freezer compartment in the fridge would be a welcome improvement for ice blocks for picnics and ice cubes in drinks Also the entrance to the drive is a little bit tight Guests with large cars may find it tricky.

  Reviewed by Lindsay4.1★May 2024

• "The views from the property were amazing Comfort sofa in living room window needing replaced dirty and stained I am glad I took my own throws to cover it as the ones provided had been used by precise gust and were stained and smelly."

  Overall upkeep of property not good and no dusting had been done bedroom side tables and lamps very dusty Not good

  Reviewed by Helen2.5★Apr 2024

• "Melvin cottage is in the ideal location, and was very clean, but could do with updating ie new kettle and radiator in the bathroom which was showing signs of rust underneath the bars, being short I could see it!"

  The wires hanging from the television. We understand that this cottage is in constant use and to find time to get around to maintenance must be a nightmare ! We had a well earned rest and have recommended the cottage to our friends.

  Reviewed by L4.4★Mar 2024

• "Stunning setting."

  Just beautiful. Lots of pros including well equipped kitchen and open fire. The location was the best thing. Useful info in the folder. On the down side it took us 2 days to get the house warm enough not to be really chilly. The pillows were incredibly uncomfortable/ past it and this affected my sleep. The hedge needs a very big cut back as I nearly ripped my coat getting between it and our car. Overall a nice stay.

  Reviewed by Anna3.8★Mar 2024

• "Amazing location, very warm and comfortable property with lovely views and easy access to the most stunning beach I've seen."

  Well within walking distance of a lovely pub with good food and of course amazing coastal path walking. Definitely would visit again and stay at Melvin cottage

  Reviewed by Melanie5.0★Jan 2024

• "Loved the stay, it was everything as advertised, remembering to turn the night storage down at the end of the evening took a bit of getting use to but worth it."

  will be returning

  Reviewed by Lawrence4.7★Jan 2024

• "Excellent cottage, well equipped, fantastic views just magical there"

  Reviewed by Margaret4.7★Jan 2024

• "The location is great."

  The property is however lacking. It is not well furnished, very tired in appearance. The main issue was the cold as storage heaters and an open fire were the methods of heating and weren't adequate for the winter. On first entering these were turned off and it was freezing. We never managed to get the property warmed up, despite the keeping the fire burning the whole time. Coal is not provided. We wore coats in the evening and clothes in bed. The hot water tank was limited in size so we had to share the bath water. The bed was rather saggy and squeaked everytime you turned over. I however understand electric portable radiators and blankets can be borrowed on request. We actually left after 2 days and rented somewhere warm for the same price.

  Thank you for taking the time to review the cottage, although I am disappointed to first hear about your concerns in an online review. We were in contact on the second day of your stay when you told me that you had to leave unexpectedly because your dad was ill. During this conversation you did not mention anything about being cold or any other issues. If guests contact me during their stay I always do my best to address any concerns, but if I am not told about issues there is very little I can do. The storage heaters are always on in the winter, and guests can adjust them to their needs. The nature of storage heaters mean that they can “run out” of heat by the evening if the output level is set too high, hence guests should adjust them to their preferences. There are always blankets available (i.e. not on request) and there is an oil fuelled portable radiator during the winter months. We further have a large 210 litres hot water tank and I have never had any complaints regarding the hot water running out. I am glad that you appreciated the property’s great location as it is in a wonderful and unique setting in beautiful Low Newton. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Johanna2.5★Nov 2023

• "Idea location, very comfortable and we felt well looked after."

  Reviewed by Sam5.0★Nov 2023

• "Fantastic location with wonderful walks directly on the doorstep."

  The beautiful beach of Embleton is two minutes walk. Cosy pub within a couple of minutes too. Basic no frills bungalow. Bedding in need of urgent replacement.

  Reviewed by Carolyn3.1★Nov 2023

• "Nothing fancy but just what you need in the beautiful Low Newton by the Sea"

  Reviewed by Guy4.1★Oct 2023

• "Great location Comfy bed Fab shower Other areas need a bit of TLC"

  Reviewed by Tracey4.1★Sep 2023

• "Cottage was just perfect for us."

  ...in terms of size,location and facilities.....the views were amazing. The kitchen was really well equipped which is just what you need for a week away. Other parts needed a bit of TLC but nothing to take away from the lovely stay and cottage itself. We can't wait to return.

  Reviewed by Lesley4.4★Aug 2023

• "Melvin is in an unbeatable location very close to the beach, coastal path and a very good pub."

  The property was very clean and well equipped, and would be ideal for a couple or young family. There is off-road parking for one car, although access may be difficult for larger cars due to a narrow drive entrance and overgrown hedge.

  Reviewed by David4.7★Jul 2023

• "Amazing location but the fit out of Melvin Cottage lets it down, the property feels unloved and tired."

  Everything functions but not that well. Not enough comfy seating and the shower is poor. A plug socket close to a mirror would be useful, cupboards to keep groceries in....details I know, but this kind of thing makes a stay so much better. We had a lovely time but mostly because of the location.

  Dear Lucy, thank you for your feedback. However, I wish you would have told me when we met so that I could have sorted at least two of the issues out straight away. The shower hose should be attached to the main bath tap and will then provide both good pressure and temperature range. The electric shower is temperamental and only there as back up. I will make sure that there is a note mentioning this going forward. Regarding cupboard space, we have now cleared one of the cupboards to provide space for groceries. There are two extension cords at Melvin and it is possible to use one of those to, in effect, get a plug socket close to a mirror. I am glad that you had a lovely time, as Low Newton is a wonderful place and Melvin is in an unrivalled location. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lucy3.1★Jun 2023

• "Let me say, right away, that we enjoyed our break at Low Newton."

  Not because of the cottage but because if the surrounding district. In estate agent's terms, the "kerb appeal" was not encouraging. The cottage was disappointing in many ways. To turn the car into a driveway that was no better than a muddy, puddle covered mess, was not a good start. We had to get in and out of the car on the road or risk stepping or slipping into the puddles. These puddles remained all week even though there was not a lot of rain. The car squeezed water onto the cracked path leading to the front door and the overgrown (and unnecessary) privet hedge made getting in and out of the car difficult. The garden was a mess, virtually untended. And then to enter the house to be greeted by a doormat, so worn that the base could be seen from above, didn't help the first impression. It appears that the cottage has been equipped to meet only the very minimum requirements. The furniture was cheap and not particularly comfortable. The fridge was not installed correctly so he door scraped on the floor, it didn't open properly and the ice-box had no handle. There was not sufficient cuttlery or mugs to run the dishwasher efficiently so we washed it by hand most of the time. In the cramped twin bedroom, the middle drawer of the chest of drawers didn't open properly and one tiny bedside table was quite unsatisfactory. Both the toilet and bathroom were useable but cramped. The cupboard, to the left of the fireplace was filthy and a bucket of ashes, left there, had not been emptied. In the double bedroom the bed frame needs sorting as well. The place gave the impression that the owners were not really bothered too much about how things looked. We have hired many cottages, over the years and this was the worst we have had. We spent almost £1000 on hire charges and still had to take our own towels which was very poor service I felt. I have to say I will be very careful about any recommendations I give people.

  Reviewed by F David2.8★Apr 2023

• "Location location location."

  Perfect spot, enclosed garden. Comfy and deceptively good shower! And great that the owner allows 2 dogs. Will definitely return.

  Reviewed by Anne-marie4.4★Mar 2023

• "We love Melvin Cottage and have stayed about 5 times now."

  Perfect location, with everything you need to be comfortable and cosy. We'll be back again.

  Reviewed by Leigh4.4★Feb 2023

• "Due to the extreme cold we had to buy copius amounts of wood and an extra heater ..."

  Due to the extreme cold we had to buy copius amounts of wood and an extra heater as the storage heaters just couldnt cope with the cold

  Reviewed by Michael3.4★Dec 2022

• "Well maintained and equipped."

  Lovely comfortable bed. Amazing sea views.

  Oct 2019

• "Lovely cottage in the most amazing location."

  Only 30 seconds to the beach!!

  Jul 2019

• "This Holiday cottage has everything you need really comfortable beds , good views lovely for a short walk to the beach early morning would book again."

  Jun 2019

• "Melvin Cottage has the most wonderful location overlooking the sweeping bay with views towards Dunstanburgh Castle."

  A lovely cottage and a wonderful place to stay!

  Apr 2019

• "Great cosy little cottage - lovely period features."

  Not the most high tech property but we liked that about it! It has a very friendly feel and we relaxed there very quickly. Very comfy bed too!

  Dec 2018

• "It is a lovely homely cottage."

  It is not high-end luxury, but that means you can relax with kids and dogs. The location is magnificent!

  Oct 2018

• "Second time in Melvin and we love our stays here in in low Newton - such a great location."

  Sep 2018

• "Lovely rooms, good simple furniture and kitchen."

  Aug 2018

• "The location of this cottage is fabulous."

  It was warm, clean and the kitchen was well equipped.

  Jun 2018

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