Sandpiper (Bamburgh)

Communication was one way only.

They gave good directions for the nearly impossible way to get the key and enter the property. But I asked 10 times for the big bed to be made up as twins. Finally after six weeks of constant requests, I got a reply that it would be done as so. We arrived and it was not done. We had a power outage and no one answered the phone when we called. The location is amazing. The place is nice. Pans were so scratched up they are a health hazard. But everything else was pretty good.

Lovely property in a fabulous location.

Chloe was exceptionally helpful when we arrived! Thank you Chloe! Shame about water damage to wall/plaster in main bedroom…however this did not detract from a wonderful holiday.

Lovey place and amazing location.

There is quite noticeable water damage in a couple of places. We had understood that it was going to be repaired after our first stay but it wasn’t. It makes the place seem a little tired. The door buzzer also doesn’t work, which was a minor pain.

A lovely property - perfect location within the village and the most stunning view!

Super comfy beds and duvets, but unfortunately the lounge seating was very uncomfortable (sofas too low and ‘saggy’). Great off street parking. Re.Sykes: found it very difficult to actually get to ‘speak’ to anyone, not all queries can be answered in an online system. Need to make telephone communication easier.

We had a wonderful stay but it was disappointing to see that issues identified by reviewers a long time ago such as water damage had not been addressed.

Also, there was a smell of damp around the washing machine. We would definitely stay again, location is fantastic!

A lovely property that we have booked a number of times.

The flat was exceptionally clean and I commend the housekeeper. The kitchen is very well-equipped (maybe one more larger pan would be good). The beds are comfy. The only downside for me is the issue of the keys and intercom - this property accommodates 5 people and needs Two sets of keys. Additionally, the door intercom is often not working. So I have only given the property 4 stars instead of 5 because of this.

Perfect location & great apartment.

Lovely comfortable well maintained property.

Beautiful location.

The apartment is spacious and well equipped with lovely views. We have stayed here many times before and always enjoy our visits but have to say that the flat is now looking a bit tired and needs some care and attention. E.g the water stains in the bedroom and peeling paint and rotting doorframe in the bathroom really let it down, especially for the price.

The flat was very good, comfortable, clean, well furnished and with excellent views.

We loved it, and had a wonderful stay at Sandpiper! We want to make you aware of a few issues : Our main problem was access to the main gate. We arrived on a cold evening as it was getting dark. The code did not work, despite many repeated attempts and we could not enter. I phoned the local contact number and left a message, but no-one called back (still no return call, even after a week). We were completely stuck and getting colder, and so eventually I climbed the wall and retrieved the key. (probably not advisable as I am in my late 70’s, but fortunately still fairly fit!). This issue of the local contact not answering the phone, needs to be sorted out. Later we discovered an unlocked gate at the other side of the building - this could be given as a fallback option if the gate code does not work on the large metal gate. The key collection instructions are inadequate and need revising. We wasted time unsuccessfully trying the keys in the wrong door, near the key collection point, until we finally realised that the entry for Sandpiper is through a different door on the left of the building. External signs should be provided showing which flat is in each building. Another main issue was the quality of the exterior lighting. This needs updating as the paths and steps were extremely dark at night with no PIR lights. A real safety hazard for people like my wife who has some problems with balance and mobility. We would also suggest that the heating is turned on in advance of guests arriving. All radiators were off when we arrived on a cold November evening, and the flat felt very cold. A larger TV (with instructions) would also be an improvement, as this screen was too small for the room. When we settled into the flat we really enjoyed it, and had a really great stay. Thank you very much !

Fabulous location, apartment and stay, clean and great facilities, really loved it, thank you.

It would be even better if the plaster damage around the window in the main bedroom was fixed, many thanks

Excellent location over looking the castle with secure parking.

However the apartment was a little "shabby" in places. What look like water stains//marks on some interior walls. The extractor fans didn't work in either bathroom. No instructions for the TV could not get terrestrial tv which was very disappointing. Needs sprucing up!

Sandpiper is a beautiful property, situated in the most beautiful setting but the property is beginning to look ‘tired’.

Having stayed there previously, I can see the difference. General maintenance would resolve the knocks and blemishes along with a deep clean, it would bring about the standard it was when we first stayed. I do hope this fabulous property can be brought back to its previous form. The exterior building is in need of attention, but I fully appreciate this is not a matter of the owner of Sandpiper alone. I sincerely hope this fabulous building receives the attention it deserves. That said, we had such a nice break and would certainly return to Bamburgh, hopefully in Sandpiper!

Maintenance issues were our main concern, but these are not new, as we have discovered on the recent reviews.

Damp walls, plaster falling off, leaking shower tray, rotting door frame and a tap that is just about operable, are items we should not have to suffer. These issues should be resolved or the listing amended to reflect these facts to prewarn. It is a shame as these items took the shine off what would have been a very enjoyable stay.

Sandpiper is a lovely apartment with fabulous views of Bamburgh Castle, however it is in desperate need of repairs, maintenance and decoration.

The walls in the bedroom off the lounge have been damaged by water ingress and plaster is coming off the walls and the walls are badly water stained. Extractor fans in both bathrooms do not work so steam has caused paint to peel off above the window, the tap in the shower room is stiff and difficult to control the flow. The plug in the bath does not retain the water so water runs out while having a bath. The tv in the lounge is very small (32”) for the size of the room, we found it difficult to work out how to get normal channels. To the owner we would like to ask, please do some work on this lovely apartment. We would love to return to Sandpiper but only if maintenance work and a new tv were provided.

Had a lovely stay in Sandpiper - the location of the apartment is perfect but I would recommend that the Owners visit the property themselves asap as it is in need of some maintenance/repairs, even this early in the season.

There is water damage into the main ensuite bathroom (presumably from the roof) which has damaged the plaster (already reviewed and noted by previous guests) , the granite worktop beneath the hob has lost its sealant so the granite worktop does not lie flat, both bathroom extractors do not work, there is a lack of glasses (VE states that there should be double quantities of everything if a dishwasher, so should be x 10 of everything), there are few pans and only one large frying pan.

We tried to contact both the housekeeper manager and the owner but neither answered their phones or returned our answerphone messages.

We simply wanted to watch live tv programmes on the tv which was far too small for the apartment but there was no tv instructions where the information folder said they were so we were stuck with free view channels only. The toilet under I’m was very unclean and the state of repair to the bedroom and ensuite walls was very poor and needs urgent attention. Not the quality you would expect for the price. Very dissatisfied with the service and lack of communication from the names/numbers listed in folder.

Sandpiper is a lovely apartment; we really enjoyed our stay and would use this property again.

Just a few issues: I called and left a message for the manager/housekeeper to request a spare set of keys but I didn't get a reply and none were delivered. This was awkward when we wanted to go out separately. The damp in the main bedroom around the window is very noticeable and the plaster cracked and is coming off. A chest of drawers (as in the other 2 bedrooms) would be very useful as storage in this room for clothes is very limited. I had to clean the high chair before use as it had been stored away with bits of food from previous occupants on the seat and tray beneath. The seat and harness are discoloured and look unhygienic; the high chair really needs replacing.

This is our second stay at the property since 2022.

The apartment needs refreshing as there are several areas for repair and general improvement, about which we have written directly to the owner, at the request of his ex-partner. Castle Garth generally is in a poor state of repair - the access gates are permanently open, the access gate to the cricket field is warped and hence is both difficult to open and does not lock and the bin store door was hanging off for 13 of the 14 days we were there. The blue recycling bin was present in the entrance way for 8 days before being finally put away. Our experience in booking the second week extension was appalling and hence Sykes will never receive a booking from us in the future.

We really enjoyed staying in the property.

It was in an excellent location.The facilities and decoration was generally of a high order. The only minor issue was the condensation in the bathrooms; the fan was not working in one and we generally had to keep the windows open.

Beautiful apartment with the most amazing view and a great location!

Very well appointed and very clean. Highly recommend.

The flat is beautiful with stunning views.

Key pick up was easy & good to have designated parking, although it is tight with a big car. It was spotlessly clean, so big thank you to the housekeeper. The welcome pack of food & drink were a lovely touch that we appreciated. Although the garden is listed as shared, we wanted to know if there was anywhere outside we could dry wet suits/ beach towels. It was very difficult to do this in the house, couldn't get the dryer to work. The dust pan & brush was old so didn't pick up sand and we couldn't get the hoover to work very well either. There is a very large foot rest which really gets in the way when there are 5 people to sit at the dining table.

Brilliant well appointed apartment the views are amazing with a cricket pitch and castle in your front garden stunning, we had a great 5days holiday Bamburgh beach is superb, Northumberland is certainly among the most scenic areas inthe UK.

Parking under cover locked gates felt safe at all times there are 8 apartments but at no time did we here any noise from neighbours really peaceful. Would recommend to anyone.

Sandpiper was a lovely apartment, warm, clean and very comfortable.

The down side was there were two couples sharing and only one key fob that opened the main gates. We repeatedly asked for another fob and were 'fobbed off' saying they only ever gave one key fob per apartment which I know for a fact isn't true. The solution according to Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages was when one couple went out, to put the key ring with the fob in the safe box on the garage wall and then when the other couple went out they retreive the keys, open the gate and then put the keys back in the safe. So, when we arrived back sometimes in the dark, we had to stop the car, open the pedestrian gate, putting the code in which doesnt always work, go to the key safe to get the key that opened the main gate. All this was such a hassle. The letting agent said they would contact the owner but we heard nothing back. I do feel that the maintenance company must have spare fobs but was told they dont. All this has left us feeling that we will not book again through Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages especially as they have either amalgamated or been bought out by Sykes and their service has deteriorated, you can no longer ring the local offices instead you are put through to Sykes. I would add that the second set of keys at the apartment was not for Sandpiper but for an apartment called Meroo so we had to go into Seahouses and get a second set of keys but without the fob for opening the main gates. Such a shame but we wont be booking Sandpiper again.

We were speechless - the apartment was excellent, couldn't have been better, on par with 5 star hotel.

A beautiful apartment in a great location with a fabulous view.

Another great stay.

Excellent apartment, unbeatable location. The property has been refurbished to a very high standard since our last visit.

A really beautifully designed, equipped and finished high-end apartment with plenty of room for a family of five.

The view is quite simply staggering, almost unbelievable. It is quiet & peaceful & ideally located to just walk out & explore. The gated parking is a huge bonus too.

Fabulous location, amazing view of Bamburgh castle.

Very well equipped apartment with all amenities provided. Spotless. Would definitely go again.

Superb modern apartment with stunning views of the castle.

Our second stay here.

New owner has decorated and it's lovely. This is a luxurious apartment in a fantastic location with stunning views. Will be back!

A fantastic location with the best view in Northumberland.

Well equipped flat right on the green with easy access to the beach and surrounding villages. We will definitely come back to stay in Sandpiper again.

The apartment is of a high standard and is well equipped and clean.

This is the third year we have stayed in this apartment and the refit made it the best year so far. We’ll be back.

2nd visit.

Very comfortable spacious flat with an amazing view of the castle. Easy access to the beach and so many places to visit nearby.