“We had been concerned about some previous negative feedback and had contacted Northumbria cottages re our concerns a few weeks before our trip, particularly mentions of cold and damp.”
They rang me back, after talking to the owner, to say these problems had been sorted. Thank you.
We needn't have worried. When we arrived on 22nd Dec the cottage was warm and welcoming. There were some thoughtful touches. There was a welcome card, prosecco and chocolates, a decorated Xmas tree and a new roasting tin for a turkey. Thank you, these were very much appreciated. There was also a small cleaning welcome pack, including a couple of dishwasher tablets as well as some small sachets of tea, coffee, milk, and biscuits.
The kitchen is well equipped with lots of cups, glasses, plates, dishes, cutlery as well as pans, cooking utensils and oven dishes. Also salt and pepper mills.
There is a vacuum cleaner and a dustpan and brush. The fridge is a small under counter fridge with a small freezer compartment.
The cottage is in an excellent location, only a couple of minutes walk to the fabulous Alnmouth beach and strides away from several good pubs and the Whittling House restaurant which is most definitely worth visiting. 11 of us went for our daughter's birthday. The food was superb.
Pilot's Rest is right beside the main road in Alnmouth but we were able to park all 3 cars within a few metres of the cottage and pulled up right outside to unload and load.
We had a lovely time at Pilot's Rest but a few maintenance issues prevent me from giving the property 5 stars.
The downstairs double bed creaks a lot. I weigh 6 stone. My slightest movement resulted in creaking. We could also feel springs? in the mattress. A new mattress is a must. In the same room the door could not be opened from the inside. This could potentially be a health and safety issue. A person could get trapped in here. We had a shoe placed strategically so that the door could not close fully. This door knob mechanism needs to be looked at and sorted.
The twin room downstairs also had issues with door furniture. The knob on the outside of the door came off in your hand. This needs sorting too. At the window in the twin room is a blind that has no chain for opening and closing. We had it closed for the whole week. Opposite the bedroom window is a house that has a security light on all night. Even with the blinds closed the bedroom was very light, impacting the occupant's sleep. A blackout blind is needed and ideally curtains as well.
The King room upstairs is beautiful and spacious, however, there is a bedside lamp which looks quite new but is broken. The lamp shade is balanced on the lamp base so that if it is touched it falls off. A new lamp shade would sort this problem.
I hope the owner reads my comments , appreciates that I am saying our stay was enjoyable but there are essential repairs and improvements needed.
