“There are many pros for this accommodation, but a few issues which need addressing before it can really live up to its full potential, and hence the lower scores than ideal we’ve given.”
In its favour are a fabulous location and a spacious accommodation with a well equipped kitchen (always a big plus!). The WiFi was also good enough to stream and hold an online video meeting (a bonus when you have an unexpected business call on vacation!). A special shout out to the main bedroom which had the comfiest bed I’ve slept on in months if not years, and extensive storage. All provided linens were themselves clean, fresh and welcoming. Plus, having alpaca and llamas (and the ...
In its favour are a fabulous location and a spacious accommodation with a well equipped kitchen (always a big plus!). The WiFi was also good enough to stream and hold an online video meeting (a bonus when you have an unexpected business call on vacation!). A special shout out to the main bedroom which had the comfiest bed I’ve slept on in months if not years, and extensive storage. All provided linens were themselves clean, fresh and welcoming. Plus, having alpaca and llamas (and the occasional hen) to say ‘hello’ to as well, really added to that delightful small-holding feel.
In terms of improvements, two overwhelming issues here were (1) clear evidence of damp in some of the bedrooms (sight and smell) and (2) the general level of cleanliness on arrival. This is, I regret to say, the first time we had to clean a property on first arrival – a deep clean (and probably a new vacuum cleaner) are desperately needed, along with addressing any structural issues. The patio also needs urgent weeding, and the interior doors are all lightweight, badly marked and in need of renovation or replacement. Fitting an extractor fan in the bathroom, and fixing the non-functional heated towel-rail would be a good closed season update too, and may address some of the damp concerns. We were also a little taken aback by the somewhat abrupt welcome we received – going on the guest book this seems unusual, but coupled with the cleanliness and damp issues made us feel extremely uncomfortable and even unwelcome for a few days. We never saw our hosts again so were unable to ascertain if this was a momentary aberration: everyone has off-days.
On a minor note, the lack of any information provided on the accommodation (e.g., recycling details, guides to the area, emergency numbers, etc.,) was a surprising oversight. Overall though, and writing as owners of our own holiday cottage, we appreciate not everything will be perfect. Hence, we appreciated with some end of season effort and updates, this location will soon be an outstanding destination for all. Thank you for hosting us.
