“Location 5*.”
Layout of accommodation 5*. Let down by the following, which are all small things that wouldn't cost the earth to fix:-
a) Upon arrival wanting the loo I was astounded that there was no hand wash in either one. Even if shower gel and shampoo is not provided hand wash should be especially after Covid and surely a small cost to ensure safety!
b) No heating on anywhere except for towel rail in castle view bedroom which never went off, so not a warm welcome yet told that underfloor heating was on timers for bathroom, and one of the radiators in the lounge area was programmable. Surely something that can be sorted for a guest arriving in November!
c) Would expect at least a carton of long-life milk and some tea and coffee available when no shops open selling these items within 3 miles when arrival is after 4pm. Not expecting anything fancy, just the basics of a welcome.
c) I would expect there to have been washing up liquid and scourer, brush or cloth, to wash crockery, surfaces etc. not just some tablets for the dishwasher. Yet you want us to keep the place clean! (Both tables needed a wipe down as not cleaned, and floor had many crumbs from chisps from previous occupant around seating!)
d) I always cook, but was aghast at the very poor quality of kitchen utensils and cookware for the hob. 2 chipped, scratched and battered enamel saucepans with 1 lid not fitting, and handles loose so unsafe (I had a screwdriver in the car so fixed that!). 1 small non-stick frying pan in need of a damn good clean. 1 non-stick skillet with lid that had the surface of the Teflon so badly damaged showing the bare metal all over the bottom, that it is a health hazard and should be thrown away. 1 small steel stock pot with lid. There was no Pyrex eg. jug or small dishes with lids, or other items to use in the microwave. Oven had its racks and 2 roasting trays. 2 small cheese boards to act as chopping board that were so very badly scratched, not hygienic! Sharp knives that were not sharp (blunt knives slip as more pressure is used to try and cut so are a hazard!) and the sharpening steel was rusty! Fortunately I always take my own knives! Most utensils where metal which is not good with non-stick surfaces! Wooden ones are not hygienic when it's shared use! No can opener either!
Frankly despite the fact that the property is on the market it needs some money spent on it whilst taking bookings. Replace all the saucepans and frying pans. Get some silicon utensils. Buy a Pyrex jug and a couple of small lidded casserole dishes that fit the microwave. Buy a can opener. Buy washing up liquid and cheap scourers for the kitchen. Get some aluminium foil to help keep oven clean. Include spare bin liners. Have a second bin to put the recycling in. Buy hand wash for each loo and kitchen! I'd also put new inserts into the cushions! That's less than £100 and would improve the place to 5* if the heating was actually on its timers!
Despite that I would return, just take a bit more with me from my own kitchen!
We are sorry that this property was not up to scratch for you considering the other lovely reviews we have received. We will try to address your extensive points:
Our property provides welcome packs to get you started with tea coffee etc and a welcome cleaning pack. These are packs put in by our management company and the same in all of their properties.
The property is self catering and we are a rural village so anything the local shops do not stock can be bought in our neighbouring village of Seahouses which is only a 5 minute drive.
We have checked and noted the utensils and replaced anything which was not up to scratch including the cushions, we agree they were not the best!
Knives have been sharpened but no rust found on the steel.
Scourers etc are in the cleaning pack
Heating should have been on timers if not the best thing is to call out the management if you cannot work them.
Our property is managed by Coast and Country Cottage/Sykes and had you contacted them with any of your issues they would have gladly responded to you and rectified these issues to help you enjoy your stay more .
Property Owner
