“Beautifully decorated home, but it is a bit more style than substance.”
The main concern being safety on the stairs, I appreciate old buildings and all their quirks, but the stairs up to the top bedroom are narrow and very steep, and the treads are varnished and so slippery. Would definitely recommend having them either carpeted or grips added. The facilities could do with updating for the price you are paying, for example the fridge and freezer are rusting, the oven symbols are eligible and the oven knob is fixed with duct tape. The wooden cooking utensils in the ...
The main concern being safety on the stairs, I appreciate old buildings and all their quirks, but the stairs up to the top bedroom are narrow and very steep, and the treads are varnished and so slippery. Would definitely recommend having them either carpeted or grips added. The facilities could do with updating for the price you are paying, for example the fridge and freezer are rusting, the oven symbols are eligible and the oven knob is fixed with duct tape. The wooden cooking utensils in the drawer were mouldy. The property is slightly confusing when it comes to the kids. It really is not child friendly, we couldn't let the kids go up and down the stairs alone due to the nature of the stairs. The living room has a lovely slate, however with a toddler the floor and hearth were a nightmare, we ended up bringing down the two rugs in the bedrooms to try and minimise accidents. An easy fix for this would be an option of baby gate, and a rug in the living room. I do note that not all properties are child friendly and understand that, however the top bedroom is geared up especially for children. The hot water was used up one day, unfortunately the controls are in a locked cupboard in the attic, therefore the tenant is unable to boost the hot water and needs to wait until the next day for hot water. It would be beneficial to be able to boost it yourself. The washing machine/dryer was useful, and there is a basket of pegs, but no airer. In the winter months this would be very useful. The property was clean, but could do with a deep clean. FYI the front outdoor light is not working. The only other note which is likely due to the nature of the property, but it is a shame to have a property that sleeps 8 but only seats 3 on the sofa, and 4 at a table. With all that said, please do not think we are being negative, we had a lovely stay, and the property inside and out is beautiful. The linen was very comfortable, and the welcome hamper went beyond expectations. Our kids loved the top bedroom, and it's beanbags with TV. We had a great week.
Hi Helen – thank you for your feedback, although disappointing at the start of the review (which impacts our rating hugely). However, I am glad to see that you finished your review with ‘We had a great week!’
As owners of the cottage, all our details are in the property welcome booklet for you to reach out to us, at any time, with any issue. Our phones are on 24/7 to assist our guests. We would have immediately assisted you with your issues to improve your experience, had you contacted us at any time during your stay. We pride ourselves on the quality, cleanliness and overall experience of Hillside Cottage, hence the very generous welcome hamper and open communication. We always go the extra mile for our guests. We have never had a complaint about cleanliness before, again, if this had been flagged to us, we would have sent our housekeepers over immediately to assist you.
I would like to address a few comments on your feedback, so all current and potential guests can understand.
The outside light works. There is a switch you need to use, it is not sensored, as otherwise it would go off all the time with passing people, cars into the village and in the period of darkness would shine light into the cottage.
The treads to the stairs for the top floor have an anti slip varnish, it is better than carpet which would reduce the depth further. Yes, they are narrow, but it’s the attic of an old grade 2 listed fisherman's cottage. We carpeted the top floor to provide further comfort and sound proofing.
The oven had a guest who left the grill on during their stay and it melted the knob slightly, however everything is working and all symbols are eligible. The fridge and freezer are not rusting and we personally checked them as soon as we saw your review.
Mouldy utensils – I have found no evidence of this. If you reached out during your stay we would have been over immediately, as we live in the neighbouring village.
The cottage being confusing for children - I am unsure how? We’ve had custom cabins made on the top floor which is a dream for children. We constructed it for our 4 children when they were 10 and 12 at the time and we converted the top floor to give children their own amazing space, with beanbags and a giant TV and soft toys.
The cottage is a small 18th century fisherman's cottage and every ounce has been designed and thought about throughout to create an amazing living experience.
There is an airer in the kitchen cupboard and also an outside fixed airer in the tiered garden.
The slate floor is part of the history and with it being a Grade II listed cottage, something that is expected for a property of this age/nature. We fitted underfloor heating and re-laid the slate tiles in the kitchen to bring comfort and extra warmth to the guests.
The dining table sits 6 people comfortably, 8 if you wished to used the additional stools in the kitchen. There is also further storage under the custom bench seating that has custom cushions made. Unsure why you felt it only sat 4 people?
The property is advertised at sleeping 7, not 8. Even though there are 8 beds, we don't advertise this, due to the living space.
The sofa comfortably fits 4 adults but with the size of the property we felt adding a further sofa would impact the lounge, so guests tend to use the arm chairs around the dining table, or the bench seating. There is a 42 inch TV on the top floor also with DVD, bean bags and is a haven for children and adults. So there is two TV/social areas within the cottage which is usually plenty of room for our guests.
Helen – I am sorry you felt the need to outline your issues in a public review rather than reaching out to us or John bray. Your review does impact our rating and we are saddened to read it. We only wished you reached out during your stay, as we pride ourselves on every single one of guests having the most wonderful experience.
If you wish to reach out, please do via John Bray or directly to Anouska Scott 07961 837260
Property Owner
