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"This charming cottage has so much potential."
It is situated in the heart of the small village within walking distance to the local Pub and Shipley Park but what a disappointment! This is the third time we have stayed here and probably the last. Housekeeping standards get worse each time. The accommodation corresponds (on the surface) to descriptions on rental websites but lacks tender loving care and is need of a thorough clean, blackout curtains and maintenance.
When we arrived, the internal temperature was 16C. The heating was switched off. Since there is no welcome note nor information as to how things work it took quite some time to get the heating working. We tried telephoning Sykes on all the numbers provided but no one answered (you have to go through Sykes to contact the owner).
The biscuits, fresh milk and bread left for us were appreciated but not the opened butter with toast crumbs which we found in the fridge. We also found opened food in one of the cupboards that looked as if it had been there a long time – greasy oil bottles.
The kitchen is well-equipped, but the knives and forks are of sub-standard, of very small size, the type suitable for children. The forks bend when used. The light over the gas hob doesn’t work. The oven works fine but the function indicators have been rubbed off so it’s a question of guesswork.
The freezer needs defrosting and elements in the fridge are missing. The dishwasher works well, but the upper rack is broken which causes a problem when pulling it out to fill and empty. The smoke detector in the kitchen was not functioning. Someone had opened the casing, probably because the battery needs changing but didn’t do so. We found dirty saucepans, glasses, plates and mugs in the cupboards.
The downstairs bedroom is not at all private (a car is often parked by the window) and is disturbing when the owner leaves early or returns late. The lack of blackout curtains in the bedrooms is a real problem. Automatic lights from neighbouring houses come on and off during the night waking you at all hours.
Two dirty pillow cases were on the downstairs bed and one pillow was very smelly. The bedframes of the two double beds rattle at the slightest movement and need tightening.
There was no hot water in the upstairs bathroom – tepid at best and the radiator in the bathroom did not work either.
The downstairs toilet had visible dried urine streaks on the outside of the bowl and the ventilator is black with filth – obviously not been cleaned for over a year. Used bars of soap had been left in the small vanity cupboard.
The washing machine works well, but the empty air fresheners that were there last year still get in the way. I fail to understand why they haven’t been discarded.
None of the doors in the cottage close properly/easily and the hinges need oiling.
The windows have not been cleaned for over a year, neither has the terrace.
The lounge is spacious and comfortable, and the smart TV is appreciated. The open fireplace is a nice feature. An internal door mat would be a good idea to protect the carpet when entering from the dirty terrace.
Reviewed by Gillian2.5★Mar 2025
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"A lovely property that was also quiet (a must for me!"
), private and very comfortable.
We weren't sure where to park initially, but a very helpful neighbour gave us some advice. The potholes are something else though...but we appreciate it goes with countryside living
The cottage was well equipped and the welcome pack of bread, butter and milk was most appreciated. Thank you..
Reviewed by Lesley5.0★Mar 2025
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"The directions to The Cottage supplied by Sykes are incorrect - they appear to be under Owner Notes but the owner is next door?"
The photos don't give a clear layout as the dining room to the lounge there is a large step up to negotiate each time.
We couldn't find the thermostat but it was cold in the evening with no heating yet the bathroom & lounge radiators sometimes came on in the early morning only.
We couldn't takeover the Cottage for an extra hour due to the cleaner being called late I believe.
Very happy with the supplies left by the owner, very handy.
Maybe a grab handle could be added in the bathroom shower & by the lounge door.
The TV system was 5*
Overall we were happy & comfortable in the cottage & were out everyday.
Thank you
Reviewed by Bryan3.4★Sep 2024
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"Listing of the property is spot on but direction may need updating."
We spotted the red phone box (library) before anything else. Please consider using that as landmark as the Cottage is on the same side. Based on direction on booking, we ended up driving a narrow lane between properties across the road.
Reviewed by Leng4.7★Aug 2024
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"It is really IMPORTANT that the owners do something about the lack of blackout curtains in the bedrooms."
It is impossible to get a good night's sleep due to neighbour's automatic external lights switching on and shining into the bedrooms several times a night. This was already pointed out following our stay three months ago. None of our previous comments have been taken into account by the owners!
Reviewed by Gillian3.4★Jun 2024
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"This delightful, comfortable, cottage is situated in the heart of the small village within walking distance the local Pub and Shipley Park."
The access road to the property is poorly maintained and full of deep potholes. No welcome message or instructions are left by the owner.
The accommodation itself is as exactly as described on the rental website but is need of thorough spring cleaning and maintenance. The heating works very well and there is plenty of hot water.
The lounge is very comfortable, and the smart TV was appreciated. It is unfortunate that there are no TVs in the two double bedrooms. There is no interior door mat from the terrace into the lounge.
The downstairs bedroom lacks privacy from the neighbours and only has flimsy horizontal venetian blinds against the windows that have been repaired with staples. There are no black-out curtains resulting in being frequently woken during the night when neighbouring external detection lights switch on. The mattress was comfortable, but the bed rattled each time you turn over. A ceiling light bulb was missing. The stained but washed fitted sheet on the downstairs bed was not deep enough for the mattress.
The shower room downstairs is outdated, the toilet is difficult to flush and black grime was apparent around the plug hole on the very low, tiny wash basin and at the bottom of the shower, which has a high step to get into. The extractor fan looked as if it hadn’t been cleaned for years. The upstairs bathroom has no shower over the bath and is also outdated. There is nowhere to put your toiletries. The toilet is equally difficult to flush. No bath mats are provided.
The kitchen was very functional. The electrical appliances worked well, but the oven was dirty, and most of the temperature/programme indicators have been rubbed away. The extractor over the gas rings was very greasy and the light didn’t work. A light tube over the work surface wasn’t working and those that did were greasy. Some shelves in the small fridge are broken or missing. The small freezer works well. Some of the cooking instruments in the pots on the work surface were dirty. The dish washer worked well. Hot water seeps from the kitchen tap.
The cupboard housing the washing machine has no lighting, was cluttered with empty air fresheners, and needed cleaning. There is no clothes basket nor clothes horse apart from the one outside which is not practical if raining.
The private terrace equipped with a tiny table, 6 chairs and a parasol and the garden were appreciated. The lawn needs mowing and the terrace and furniture were all in desperate need of cleaning. The gate to the private parking is impossible to open resulting in having to park the car in the road at the front of the cottage.
Some of the latches on the windows are coming unscrewed, the door to the broom cupboard doesn’t shut and the mop and bucket need replacing since broken.
All in all, this property has the potential of being excellent if only it were better maintained, cleaned more thoroughly, and blackout curtains placed in the downstairs bedroom.
Reviewed by Gillian3.4★Apr 2024
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"Lovely stay at The Cottage."
Clean and warm on arrival (keysafe). Very comfy beds and seating. WiFi connection good and reliable. Very spacious property with good size fridge and freezer. Downstairs bedroom and shower room really useful. Downstairs shower had great pressure (12" step). Fully equipped with everything you need for self catering. Private secure parking. OK there are no views from the property but lovely quiet walks direct from property with views and close to Shipley park which is massive with nature reserves. A few things needed to improve , no matches or kindling left for fire, needs a local information pack, heavy wooden gates to private parking drag on the floor and difficult to open and close without physically lifting. Advised by Sykes owners choose not to provide any contact details and any contact is via Sykes, contact details would be helpful . Would book again without hesitation .
Reviewed by Andrew4.4★Jan 2024
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"Comfortable and cozy."
Handy to local pub. Private parking was very useful.
Reviewed by Kieran5.0★Dec 2023
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"Bedrooms and lounge very good."
Log burner worked well. Garden excellent for spring and summer use. Downstairs shower room somewhat dirty, radiator not working and rusty, shelf needed for toiletries. No shower in main bathroom so difficult for hair washing plus no bath mat. Approximately 12 light bulbs need replacement in the property. Driveway to property very poor with deep pot holes everywhere.
Reviewed by John2.8★Oct 2023
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"The stay was lovely and we had a lovely stay at the cottage, however it is in need of a little loving, as in a lick of paint here and there."
The cottage was very cosy and warm and when you had the fire on it soon warmed you up. Very clean.
Yes we would stay there again.
Reviewed by Alan4.4★Oct 2023
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"It is a great cottage in a lovely location."
House had everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. Places to eat include the Old Black Horse steps away and further away the Bottle Kiln and Nutbrook coffee shop although that’s only open Fridays and weekends.
We loved all the walks nearby at Shipley Country Park and other country lanes.
Would recommend for a relaxing break.
Reviewed by Shirley5.0★May 2023
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"We had a lovely stay at the Cottage."
With a great pub next door, walking routes in all directions including to the excellent Nutbrook cafe and plenty of comfort and facilities in the Cottage itself, it was perfect. Looking forward to returning already!
Reviewed by Kathryn4.7★Jan 2023
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"Beautiful cottage."
Lovely and clean. Really enjoyed our visit. Some lovely walks around the area and the food at the pub next door and the Nutbrook cafe were wonderful.
Reviewed by Donna5.0★Nov 2022
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"Spotless, quiet & comfortable cottage with plenty of kitchen utensils, crockery etc."
Comfortable beds but downstairs bathroom needs a shelf for toothbrushes, paste etc and a mirror. Otherwise a perfect stay.
Reviewed by Pat5.0★Oct 2022
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"This is a really lovely cottage."
It was very comfortable (especially the beds!)
We found it very clean and well maintained. It’s in an ideal situation for exploring the surrounding countryside and places of interest. The garden is lovely and would be great in the summer and the pub next door serves excellent food. Our only comment would be that it would be helpful to have instructions for the appliances especially the cooker and dishwasher. Would certainly recommend it to friends. A lovely place to unwind!
Reviewed by Margaret4.7★Sep 2022
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"Excellent property in a lovely location."
There are just a few comments which, hopefully will help: It would have been helpful if a welcome pack of information had been available which included how to use appliances, recycling info, nearest shops etc. A small vacuum cleaner to help keep the place tidy might be worth considering. A more accurate what3words reference is: clarifies.baseline.swooning and advises that the location of the cottage is on the right hand site of main street after passing the pub
Reviewed by Alan5.0★Sep 2022
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