“Kitchen surfaces/ oven and bathrooms very clean.”
Bathrooms lovely and very modern. Overall though, house is quite dusty in places, with a number of cobwebs throughout. They don’t bother us much, as we live in a rural area, but I can imagine would be off-putting to some guests.
I did an online shop with Morrisons for when we arrived, but found I couldn’t use much of the cupboards or freezer when unpacking my shopping. Freezer is in desperate need of defrosting. Once I had removed all the ice trays and broken freezer doors that were stored inside it - I managed to use one of the shelves for my food. I’d say it’s currently around 50% ice - so needs attention.
It’s definitely a “home away from home” as felt lived in and is lovely and warm. Everything you could need is in the kitchen - but it is bordering being cluttered. All of the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen are full. I unpacked/tidied one of the cupboards and moved items around, so that I could store my shopping. It would have been nice to have just one empty cupboard to unpack my shopping into.
I understand it’s a dog friendly place, so again we can turn a blind eye, but there was dog poo around the front of the house and on the grass, which was nothing to do with our dogs. We removed what we saw so the kids could play outside. We are very vigilant with picking up after our dogs, but realise some people aren’t - so this is not the fault of the cleaners really, it’s just annoying.
The furniture in the tv room is tired and somewhat uncomfortable, but the furniture in the second living space is lovely, with a lovely view.
Finally, the lighting throughout is tricky. Only the kitchen and bathrooms have ceiling lights. The rest of the rooms have just one or two lamps. This was ok for some of us, but my Mum, for example, struggled to read upstairs and opted to get ready in the bathroom due to the lighting in her bedroom. We therefore spent most of our family time in the kitchen, eating, chatting and playing games around the big table, which was great.
I think overall, nice enough, but maybe a bit too expensive for what it is.
We wouldn’t stay again. But have enjoyed our holiday away from it all. Thanks.
- Stephanie, October 2022
Dear Stephanie,
I am very sorry that you have experienced some problems at Bank Barn.
With the property being let I have not had the availability to go and defrost the freezer, however I have arranged to go and defrost it next week so I apologise that it was frosted. We have been working with our cleaners for many years and I have always found their work to be of a very high standard when I have been to stay, nevertheless, I will pass on your feedback regarding the cobwebs. I will also ask them to check the cupboards to make sure that the kitchen equipment that I have provided is stored correctly. I can only apologise if the previous guests have not stored equipment away neatly. I provide a whole empty store cupboard to the right of the fridge which is large enough for 1 weeks food supplies, so I'm not sure why this was not adequate for you.
With regards to the lighting, we have chosen a delicate lighting arrangement in keeping with an old Barn with all lamps being fitted with LED bulbs to ensure brightness and reliability. Replacement bulbs are stored in the utility room for guests use. All bathrooms, W/C, kitchen and Utility room are fitted with bright ceiling lights. All bedrooms have been equipped with at least 2 lamps with the brightness checked and the living areas have adequate lighting. I appreciate for reading a reading light would be useful in the living area so I will supply one of those.
We have chosen our furniture very carefully to reflect the ambiance of the property and we are happy that you found it in general 'lovely'.
With regards to the outside we have a regular gardener who visits Bank Barn every other week so I will ask him to be vigilant for dog waste, I have to say in all the times I have been this has never occurred before. As we are a dog friendly house we can only rely on the previous guests to ensure that they clear up their dogs waste before they leave.
I hope I have answered your concerns and apologies once again.
Kind regards,
Diane
Property Owner
