Kittiwake Cottage, Budle Bay

The setting was very beautiful.

The kitchen was well equipped. The shower could have been more powerful but it was ok. The bed was very comfortable. The storage heaters gave out good heat. The television was small. But the cottage was very comfortable. Could do with a lot more hooks

Lovely location however, the cottage itself left a lot to be desired.

I understand that it is an old cottage however, the upkeep and maintenance of the cottage was disappointing to say the least as the pictures and description give a false impression. The cleanliness and usability of the kitchen was poor. All of the crockery and kitchenware needed deep cleaning before use. The knives were unusable due to being blunt and damaged. The kettle had an egregious amount of limescale buildup. The bathroom had an off putting smell throughout the stay regardless of having the window open to allow fresh air to flow. The bedroom was extremely cold as the night storage heater would not work and the other storage heaters worked poorly as the rest of the cottage was also cold. None of the doors within the cottage could be shut fully allowing a draft to flow throughout the cottage. Once again, lovely location and we had a lovely time on our holiday. However, the cottage was a letdown.

Kittiwake Cottage is situated in a beautiful area.

Stunning views from the kitchen window and the back garden (standing!). Perfectly located as a base and a bed for the night after fabulous walks along the Northumbrian coastline and drives further afield. Some constructive suggestions for a cleaner, cosier and warmer holiday home: Others have mentioned the living room rug. In fact, all the other carpet off-cuts should be discarded and colourful replacements taking their places. The storage heating system doesn't warm the house. Though double glazing would do the trick. Thank goodness for the open fire. The bathroom is freezing. Could do with a radiator and somewhere to hang wet towels as well as more shelving for toiletries. The door knob kept falling off. Kitchen not very clean. The rings on the hob hadn't been cleaned. The door knobs grimy. We had no hot water until our last day! None of the above really bothered us too much as we were out all day and we love being in Northumberland. Apart from being cold in the evenings. A woman's touch is what's needed! Colourful rugs, cushions. A few jolly pictures on the walls. A bunch of flowers and a tray of goodies for new arrivals!

If you want super-modern trendy then this is not for you but if you want quirky in a superb setting then book this cottage.

The bathroom needs a complete refit and the rug in the living room needs throwing away.

Sad to say this is the worst property i have had with sykes. Also no washing machine chipped plates and the kettle was full of limescale. The outside area very untidy and garden furniture very poor

Location is great.

2 min walk to bay, which was very peaceful with great views. The view of the bay, from the house, is out of the kitchen window. There is a shared walled garden but you can't see over the wall unless you're stood up. What really let it down is that it's unkempt, dirty and smells foisty. Would be an easy fix, just a lick of paint, some new furniture and bed and throw away the very dirty and smelly rug that's in the living room

It’s a very dated cottage that needs a major upgrade ie furniture no shower.

Excellent location overlooking Budle Bay and very close to Bamburgh Castle and Lindasfarne.

Post Code ended in adjoining villages, so looking at the property location with a sandy beach behind,driving out of the village towards Bamburgh we came across the cottages next to a camp site.

We found the kitchen sticky, it took us back to our childhood, where there was only one room that was warm, the lights in the bathroom are not sealed, and I found it easier to wash my hair in the kitchen sink.

No instructions as to putting out the rubbish, we split it into 3 black bags, general rubbish, cardboard and glass, cardboard and plastic, which we left notes on. I had an accident with a couple of wine glasses, which I left money and a letter to say sorry. We striped the bed as requested, hubby had to collect all the s**ders. ( I am petrified) It is a lovely cottage, with beautiful views, could do with tiding up.

We have had a brilliant week enjoying the coastal walks,relaxing on the beach and of coarse visiting the castles and museums with their fascinating histories.

The cottage was ideal and located in peaceful location, inside was so neat and cosy with nice views over the bay, just down the path and you're on beach or coastal path. Could be back. Arthur & Norma from Wirral Merseyside

We actually left the cottage early Wednesday morning.

I do feel you need to take up to date photos of outside and inside of the cottage, as they bear no relation to reality or the current photos on your internet site. On arrival I was very disappointed first impressions of the cottage was scruffy and that was even before I opened the door. On stepping in side we felt the cottage was not very welcoming cold dismal. Apart from kitchen we found the cottage very shabby and in need of all new furniture the leather sofa dirty down the arms and broken, it was like sitting in a hole. The bed smelt funny the bedding wanted burning including the pillows and quilt. As for asking us to leave the kitchen stuff clean, well it wasn't clean when we arrived the first 4 dinner plates were dirty and a small pan. The kettle was leaking and in need of a good descale. We bought a new kettle on the Sunday morning, which we took home with us. Had I known the cottage was attached to several other cottages I would not have booked it, perhaps this should be reflected on new outside photos. The cottage attached to our cottage was like grand central station we did know who was staying there, at least 6/8 people were coming and going not to mention the 2 BARKING DOGS they were sneaking in and out. All in all not a good stay but the views and location were good. Please bear in mind this is our personal view which you have asked for.

Beautiful location, very cosy cottage with everything you would need and it was amazingly quiet

Lovely cosy warm cottage a shower would be nice and more information about getting groceries ect .

the cottage is in a beautiful sport we loved it and would certainly stay there again if we are in the area.

A wonderful place to stay.

Had been a bit anxious having read some of the reviews (tired/dated bedding, dreadful mattress, bath takes an eternity to fill etc) but that wasn't our experience. Would have been good to specify bring your own washing up liquid (or to have provided some). No instructions on whether to clean out the fire were left. We would have done but the ash bin outside theat front of the cottage was overflowing. Wall cupboard next to kitchen window had sticky residue on a shelf that had to be cleaned before we could put our things in. However, these are all minor things and certainly didn't spoil our time there. Happy to recommend this place.

Lovely quiet cottage.

Well appointed and very clean. Only thing that lets it down is that only the kitchen looks out onto the bay

Lovely cottage perfect location Everything fantastic

To drive for 4 hours and then discover there are no towels when paying £374 in feb on a mon and a tues is scandalous.

The property has so much potential but it is seriously over priced. No shower and the bath took forever to fill up but you only had enough water for a shallow bath. The basics you would expect at this price. The bedding was years old and it all just felt extremley basic when your paying top dollar. Alot nicer properties in the area for the same money and if this is sykes acceptable standard then i will never book through them again. Dont be fooled by the location!

We knew from previous feedbacks that this cottage was possibly lacking.

The bathroom lets it down badly but I don't think Eric will want to spend money on it. The location is incredible and some friends were at a nearby SYKES COTTAGE so we showered there. It fitted the bill but it is tired.

Beautiful situation.

Tired property. Would not use the bath! Dirty sponge cleaner for washing up. Broken tin opener…. a long way to buy a new one.

Always trusted Sykes to to rent out cottages of a high standard unfortunately this fell well below our expectations

Needs a complete refurbishment.

Only cosy with fire on. We had to buy a bigger quilt. Drab with nasty brown furniture and decor. Plumbing hilarious. Great location, could be fabulous but the whole complex is unkempt. We left on the Thursday. This property seems out of kilter with other of your properties.

We absolutely loved our stay, the cottage was well equipped with the most stunning views.

We were aware of the water problem but this did not affect our stay. Various reviews have suggested up grading cottage but I feel this will take away its charm, my only suggestion would be once the water situation is sorted maybe a shower instead of a bath. We found it very relaxing and peaceful. We are hoping to return next year.

The location of Kittiwake cottage is simply perfect.

The stunning views and its proximity to such an outstanding beach and the Coastal Path make it a very special place. We were at little tentative before our arrival because there had been some pretty damning reviews however once there and settled we were delighted and coped with any quirks. We’ve had the most wonderful week exploring the whole coast from Alnwick to Berwick.

The property is in a fantastic location but could do with a makeover.

The water pressure is the main issue and we found the mattress on the bed uncomfortable with springs poking you .

Despite its near perfect location I was very disappointed with this cottage.

The decor was drab and uninviting and the lighting inadequate. Very claustrophobic. Everything felt a little “sticky”. I was out most of the time but time in the cottage was spent in the kitchen with the view as relief. The worst thing was the water pressure . There was no shower and to have any sort of worthwhile bath involved putting it running at leat 30 mins before needing it. There is no excuse for this as looking back through the guest book the landlord had been told about this in January with numerous mentions since then. The kitchen equipment was good and the bedding clean (no towels). I had also been told there was no Wi-Fi and had accepted no reduction in charge despite originally having taken care to book somewhere that did have wi-fi. I discovered by chance that there actually was wi-fi! The cottage was only available for a week when I booked and so my second week is in another Sykes cottage which was slightly cheaper and is absolutely lovely. Having phoned Sykes to complain I was disconcerted to hear that they would need to speak to the owner who managed the property to negotiate a refund / compensation. I was however reassured my second week would be ok as they managed that. I have used Sykes before and was very pleased with the property and their services and if I use again it seems I need to check management of the property before booking.

The property is in a beautiful location.

Next to the coast path and a convenient bus stop within a few yards. It appeated to be clean on arrival and appeared comfortable, and it is provided well for a self catering holiday. BUT .... photos are out of date. The property and contents are mostly tired and need replacing. The outside area is lacking maintenance. And the elephant in the room is the lack of efficient water pressure, and the lack of a shower. Certainly not up to the standard we expect for a holiday cottage we are paying good money for.

Would not recommend you as you are now part of Sykes.

I rang with a query before departing but had no response from yourselve or owner. Position of cottage is great but plumbing is atrocious ( 20 mins to run a bath and no shower), cleanliness dubious and surroundings and adjoining campsite tatty. No information in the cottage about day to day items like refuse, bin collection, car parking and use of garden.

Fantastic location, beautiful views.

Site was untidy and the gardens looked uncared for. The cottage was clean but needs decent water pressure and a shower.

Kittiwake cottage is in a brilliant position and the views from it are wonderful with easy access onto Budle Bay but the main reason we have not scored it full marks is the hot water pressure problems.

The tap hot water tap in the bath was so slow, there is no shower and in the last few days the hot water tap in the kitchen became a trickle. It did not spoil our visit but we would like to think this problem could be dealt with.

We love it here it’s our happy place.

The house was spotless and very cosy and comfortable. My only issue is the shower situation and water pressure. But nothing we can’t cope with. We have stayed a number of times now and will def return. We wish we had booked for longer.

Great little cottage, perfect location, beautiful view.

Lovely cosy cottage in outstandingly beautiful location.

Really clean and well equipped kitchen that had a table for dining. Amazing view of the bay from the kitchen window that meant we lingered in this room the most! Real fire was wonderful on dark nights and the bedroom is large and welcoming. The ceilings are high so the whole place has a nice feeling of space. Everything we needed was available and we made full use of being able to wander from the cottage to beautiful unspoilt beaches and nature. Can’t recommend enough if you like the great outdoors and a simple life.

Situation of the cottage is beautiful, it was comfortable & clean, however the fact there is virtually NO WATER PRESSURE, getting washed was just nonsense.

The visitors book i the cottage shows this matter has been noted for many, many months & nothing has been done. We were pleased to leave eventually, a shame really, a lovely cottage in a lovely location. I’m sorry to say this, but until something is done about the water supply I would suggest Sykescottages drop this cottage from their listing.

Although the cottage was in a beautiful location we would not go back in the Winter.

.It was just too cold . The night store heaters were not adequate to keep the cottage warm even with the supplementary heat from the open fire and the fan heater. The lack of any heating in the bathroom made it unpleasant to be in. Kitchen also rather cold . Thanks to Eric for supply of logs . We would certainly consider visiting again in Summer .

Lovely cosy comfortable cottage.

This was a warm cosy cottage.

Well equipped, heating and hot water good. Comfortable bed. Decor as expected for an old traditional cottage . Built for comfort not glamour. Amazing location with outstanding view of sea. Loved it.

Excellent location.

Cosy cottage with well equipped kitchen and beautiful views of Budle Bay from the kitchen and bathroom windows. Loved being able to walk down to beach and incredible wildlife on doorstep. Also very well located for local attractions.

Cosy cottage in fantastic location.

Comfortable. Had all we needed for a lovely relaxing break.

Not ostentatious in any way.

A basic fisherman’s cottage - we love this unspoilt place. It is a little haven in a beautiful spot.

A cosy simple cottage in a fantastic secluded setting with views over Budle Bay towards Lindisfarne and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Bamburgh with its spectacular castle is nearby, and offers several opportunities for dining out. The walk around the coast to Bamburgh takes less than an hour and is recommended (at low tide you can walk along the beach). A good base for getting to many beautiful spots in North Northumberland.

Lovely views from kitchen window.

good access to beach.Peaceful and quiet location

Amazing cottage always so comfortable and cosy, great view over the bay from kitchen window

Lovely little cottage overlooking Budle Bay, coal fire was lovely in the evenings, had a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing week Excellent