“We absolutely loved this property and would come back again.”
It was very well equipped and comfortable we had a great time despite the dreadful weather. The welcome basket was very much appreciated. Our dog was the most chilled he has ever been away from home! He loved to sleep in the downstairs bedroom sitting area where we put his bed and he could get away from the usual family noise. The closeness to the road was not an issue and we couldn't hear the traffic in the house.
The only downside was the strong smell of damp in the downstairs bedroom/sitting area and ensuite, presumably because part of that part of the house is below ground level. It improved with heating but did not dissipate completely. Our party also reported a smell of damp in the 2 ensures upstairs. If these issues could be addressed it wild make a great improvement, however it would definitely not stop us staying here again. Also the outside seating area (not used due to poor weather) does not match up to the photos online which were obviously taken some time ago, so was a bit disappointing, The pile of dog poo bags at the gate to the garden was not ours and were pointed out to the housekeeper on check-out; a shame some people can't clear up properly after their dogs.
Thanks so much for your feedback and we’d love to welcome you back any time.
It’s some times difficult as an owner getting a balance between making guests feel at home and giving them too many instructions! Highgate is an old house but when it was renovated, the downstairs bedroom was damp-proofed and tanked. I’ve had it checked and it’s not damp. However I accept that it and the en-suites rooms might smell damp to some people at times. I’ve now put in the guest information some suggestions to help; eg don’t turn the fans off in the en-suites and open doors and or windows where appropriate to allow the water vapour to evaporate. Also it can be helpful to open windows as if you have the heating turned up and and lots of people having shower, (there are 5 shower/bathrooms); it might feel damp. Some times one set of guests turn the heating off in rooms, but it can mean that room takes a little bit of time to heat back up for the next guests. Apologies for the long response but as you’d been kind enough to give a comprehensive review, I felt you deserved a full response.
As to the garden, that hasn’t been up to our usual standard, just for the last few months. My gardener has to have an operation so we have had to manage without a professional gardener. Fortunately although my gardener is too ill to return, I have got someone for next season.
All the best, Kate and the team, minus a gardener! Property Owner
