“This was an 80th birthday celebration, one of the group tested positive for covid the day before we were due to arrive, we tried to change the date of the booking to avoid our 80 year old mum from being at risk, the request to change the dates was rejected.”
We were very disappointed, as we could not request a refund or change the dates two of the group decided to still go to the cottage. It was very cold on arrival at the house, smelt musty and damp, the boiler was not switched on. Half of the cooker does not work, the cleanliness was hit and miss, we did not use two of the 3 beds and the main bathroom had not been cleaned for some time. It lacked any warmth, had a wood burner but no starter logs or even matches to light a fire. The cottage is ...
We were very disappointed, as we could not request a refund or change the dates two of the group decided to still go to the cottage. It was very cold on arrival at the house, smelt musty and damp, the boiler was not switched on. Half of the cooker does not work, the cleanliness was hit and miss, we did not use two of the 3 beds and the main bathroom had not been cleaned for some time. It lacked any warmth, had a wood burner but no starter logs or even matches to light a fire. The cottage is remote, we paid for our dog but didn't take him, which was a good thing as there are many sheep very, very close to the house, we thought the lack of garden would not matter with the surrounding area but didn’t consider sheep. The kitchen is very outdated and lots of the items are badly in need of replacing, the frying pan was burnt, unclean and unusable. We stay regularly in cottages and wanted to share this as a family of four with our mum/grandma and we’re so disappointed that things turned out this way.
Thank you for your feedback.
I was sorry to hear that one of your group had tested positive for Covid and that the visit was for an 80th birthday celebration that could not go ahead. I understand your frustration and disappointment. Unfortunately none of this was communicated to me (as owner). With less than 24 hours to go, when Lakelovers rang me, we agreed that 50% seemed a reasonable way for the costs of cancellation at such short notice to be shared. Had you explained why you were cancelling, I would of course have been happy to change the dates with no charge.
Our cottage is professionally managed and cleaned and I have passed on your comments about cleaning/ replacing the frying pan and this was addressed immediately. I am sorry that you did not like the wooden kitchen - it was made locally in Caldbeck (about five miles away).
I checked the cooker after you left and it was working (the timer was on which is why one part was not heating) and this could have been sorted had you contacted the property manager. I understand that the weather was bad that weekend but the cottage has an excellent condensing boiler and a responsive thermostat for the guests desired temperature.
Most people love the fact that the cottage is up in the fells and we are surrounded by Herdwick sheep. A well behaved dog is always welcome (at no extra charge) and there are wonderful walks to enjoy with a dog.
I do hope you will consider returning to the area with your dog and enjoy some of the walks the area has to offer. We would be delighted to have you stay at a discount to the usual rates. Property Owner
