“So many positives, however, unfortunately they were all overshadowed.
We arrived after a 7 hour drive to seahouses, the house was beautifully presented and felt very homely.
The following morning we had a phone call from the agents that the owners had made contact with them, to report that we were charging our car. Which was shear desperation as seahouses only has 1 fast charger! It was permanently occupied and we were unable to charge, so needed to go further afield but needed some charge to get somewhere else with better charging facilities.
This was not an big issue, the issue was that the owners had clearly been on the property to see this!
We spent the rest of the week with all the curtains and blinds closed, as clearly our privacy had been compromised. It would've been so much better if they had made themselves known to us, it was the most unnerving experience we have ever known, that there were eyes on us.
Such a shame I can't say about all the really good things, all I can say is that our week was totally ruined by this event!
The moral of this is don't stay in Seahouses if you have an electric vehicle! And be aware that if you are staying at the chevy, you will be spied on! and the lounge suite is exceptionally uncomfortable 😬”
“The cottage was very comfortable and very clean just 5 minutes walk to the centre of of Bakewell town lots of local friendly shops dog friendly everywhere”
“The layout was lovely and the location was ideal. Disappointing to have arrived late Christmas eve, after a long journey after work to the bungalow being cold as heating was switched off. There was no firewood, kindling, matches or firelighters as a starter pack. After driving around, the shops recommended to sell wood were closed. There was only a small amount of toilet roll. No hand towels in any of the bathrooms or single toilet. Given it was Christmas also unusual to not have a welcome pack. Everywhere we stay - which is often -there is always at least a bottle of wine with milk and bread as a minimum. All very disappointing given the price we paid for 5 nights.”
“The Clock House at Lukesland is all you need for a really peaceful stay, equipted with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Great communication from Lorna before our visit, and we were greated with tea, coffee and stolen cake, as well as a lovely decorated Christmas tree in the lounge. The 24 acres of grounds to walk around are stunning and just on the edge of Dartmoor so easy access from the gardens. We stayed over the Christmas week, and although very cold and windy outside we were warm and comfortable inside with the underfloor heating, there was no need to light the woodburning stove. The house has disabled entry and a walk in shower on the lower level with a double or twin Bedroom (your Choice) Upstairs a single bedroom, a double (or Twin your choice) with a shared bathroom. Large P shaped Bath with overhead shower. A Utility room on the groundfloor with another WC. The kitchen is fully equiped with a Fridge, Freezer and dishwasher. everything you need for a really comfortable stay. I would love to revisit in the Spring/Summer when the gardens are full of flowers to enhance the lovely stream that runs through the grounds with several waterfalls and ponds. This is a difinite for those who love to walk. I would definitely recommend this property.”
“I have booked with Sykes cottages twice now and have had excellent results both times the properties have been exactly as stated in the booking details!”
“Our family of seven including three adult children and two grandparents had a lovely Christmas staying here together. The house and gardens are spacious, comfortable and attractive with a cosy log burner and a dining table that could seat ten which was required as we had further family staying in a nearby cottage. The Ullswater scenery and mountain walks are superb including straight from the front door. Other than mountain fun, there was plenty to explore with Penrith and farmshops. If you want granite, glass and steel then this one is not for you. If you want comfortable cosy farmhouse for a large group gathering then this one is ideal. You could easily park five or even more cars around the property. Ideally there would have been a more generous store of consumables such as toilet paper and dishwasher tablets which ran out and no laundry tablets were available at all. Otherwise, we were very happy indeed.”
“We had an excellent stay over Christmas in this cottage which is in an outstanding location. We know the area well, as I grew up here and was visiting family, and this property is perfectly situated near Ruthin and Denbigh. And even was amazed by the views. It’s wonderfully quiet and peaceful.
We arrived to a thoughtful hamper of local gifts and plenty of wood for the owner, which made us feel very welcome. We shared some truly special days there, especially on Christmas morning. I can’t recommend it highly enough — we’ve already booked again. Thank you!”
“Incredible house and stunning views with excellent facilities. We really didn't want to leave. The house was very well equipped and all the basics and more were provided. Gortahork was a 10 minute walk away, so shop, garage, bar, hotel, church etc were very accessible.”
“Riverside Barn is set in a beautiful peaceful location. The decor is top spec & catered for all our needs. Simon is a fabulous welcoming host, detailing the local area for us & we adventured out on some breathtaking walks. The barn is set within Simons grounds & we had all the privacy we needed. We stayed over the Christmas period & Simon decorated along with a lovely big Christmas tree. This has to be one of the best holidays we have had as a family. I would highly recommend Riverside Barn to familys & couples. Simon has catered for children with plenty for them to do. Games room along with a football field & basketball. Gilwern is within walking distance with canal walks with a couple of good pubs. We will definately be returning for another holiday. Thank you to Simon for being a wonderful host.”
“Fantastic stay! The cottage is charming, newly remodeled, and perfectly located within walking distance of restaurants and groceries. The host was incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. Highly recommend.”
“The cottage was warm and cosy. Ideal for Christmas. The owner was extremely generous. She gave us a magnificant Christmas Hamper and presents. I would never have expected them. Owner was very friendly. The cottage was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Beautiful bedroom. Comfortable bed. Lovely furnishings. The peacock wallpaper and matching curtains were delightful. Loved the heater in the bathroom. Such a good preservation of a historical building. The location was convenient to get to both Hexham and Corbridge. Roman archealogical sites not too distant for a drive. Fantastic holiday for us. My husband is not in good health, but we managed to have a comfortable break. Highly recommend this cottage to any couple. I would say it is romantic for the young or young at heart.”
“We had the most enjoyable stay at High Cogges over the Christmas period. The house was well equipped and very clean. It was a delight to walk in and find the house decorated for Christmas both inside and out. We all enjoyed it so much that we have already booked to stay there next year. The only slight improvement that could be made would be to have thicker quilts as it did get a little chilly during the night. Overall though an excellent place to stay and would highly recommend it.”
“All the accommodations I have rented from Sykes
Cottages have been excellent. The description and the photos of the properties have been spot on. I highly recommend Sykes and will continue to book with them in the future.”
“Lovely peaceful place to spend a week. The owner is so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We spent Christmas at the Mill and were given a very warm welcome. We have two dogs and they were happy and secure. We are going back in June for another week.”
