Dog Friendly Cottages New Forest

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Andrew - Verified booking

  Looks can be deceiving - this property isn’t like the perfect pictures shown.

  We had no heating for 2 nights, it then took another 24 hours to warm through. Not good enough when heating is covered in the cost and an 83 year old was the ground floor resident. Malfunctions can’t be helped but the situation was made worse when after a conversation with the engineer on the Monday, it was clear this was a known issue. We were advised they would ‘try’ and get an engineer out on the Monday if not the Tuesday of our stay (we arrived Saturday). There was no ‘try’ required, he was already booked to come out when some parts were available having been at the property the week before. After WE requested, we were provided with 2 small electric heaters which helped take some chill off but didn’t heat a property of this size as required. We sat wrapped in blankets confided to the dining room so the downstairs bedroom could also benefit from a heater and we had no heat upstairs, all of which resulted in an inability to dry anything like towels and soggy clothing after heavy rain later on the Sunday. We feel we should have been made aware of this issue so we could of made an informed decision as to whether to proceed with our stay. The upstairs bathroom had a filthy mould rimmed shower tray, damp stains on the wall from the roof window and someone else’s hair in the bath. The heavy glass doors didn’t close correctly between the entrance hall and dining room. There were multiple bulbs out - 3 out of 6 in the master bedroom, 1 in the kitchen and only 1 light in the back garden worked which made for a near death trap with significantly wobbly patio slabs, fallen bricks from the dwarf wall, a step and the jungle of a garden. A shrub covered the kitchen window making it dark inside. All windows were in need of a good clean. Chipped crockery - only 2 plates weren’t chipped despite this having been raised in other residents previous feedback. Washing line unusable as coated in green algae. Broken highchair left outside next to the back door. A dent in the lounge wall remains despite being raised by numerous others in feedback a year ago too and despite owners assurances many things were being dealt with - a year on they remain in disrepair. There is a tear in the dining room carpet with other marks. All Venetian blinds had a thick coat of dust. Ground floor bedroom blind won’t open - must have been known as left closed for when we arrived though all others open. No natural daylight for a week in the ground floor bedroom - also raised in other feedback over a year ago. Issues with some of the lounge blinds too and no cleats or breakaways on any blinds so cords left dangling near floor level. This breaks health and safety regulations. No mirror/s upstairs (apart from bathroom) so can’t plug in hairdryer etc and see how to style hair for example. One of the ovens wasn’t working. No advices on a pedestrian gate out of the property and when found was in the main blocked by the 5 overflowing bins and also brambles from which we tore a jacket. Slow wi-fi which we tried to avoid using as it was a holiday to get away and relax, but sometimes everyday life calls. This was far from a relaxing property in which to stay and we left feeling let down, stressed and exhausted after also having to empty the hoover bag which had been left full, to enable us to hoover before leaving. As we visited with dogs it was made clear we’d loose our good housekeeping bond if we didn’t which was an absolute joke bearing all of the above in mind. Probably shouldn’t have stayed the week and actually wish we hadn’t. Extremely overpriced at over £1,200 out of season due to the significant lack of care and attention. We had seen some of the previous feedback but assumed and hoped these repeated issues raised would have been resolved. Sad as we were looking for a property in which we would make return visits in this area. It’s a beautiful location and loads of potential to be absolutely stunning but this property falls short on standards of cleanliness and many aspects of maintenance and is not the usual standard offered by Sykes Cottages. We have provided 16 photos to Sykes to demonstrate the points raised and await their further responses whilst they also liaise with the owner.

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• Clare - Verified booking

  The property and its fittings are in need of uplift and maintenance.

  The bi-fold windows were unusable, virtually all of the window blinds were broken or in disrepair, the beds were uncomfortable, the bed linen (cheap) was either nylon or a very nasty and slippery polyester, the duvets seemed lumpy and not even. There was significant decorative damage throughout due to water staining around several of the glazed roof lights made the property feel unloved, hole in a plaster board wall - probably damage from a previous tenant but it could have been prevented with a simple door stop. The lawn area needs mowing as it had long grass (+4inches) and unkept planting. We appreciate its becoming the autumn but lots of leaves etc on arrival. The general cleanliness was poor with black mould in the shower, very aged cobwebs, dirty ovens and a greasy hob and extractor (yuk). The kitchen equipment had chipped plates, only 5 bowls for a 6-person letting, dull knives, broken scissors, no teapot all quite sad. During our stay the downstairs shower required repair, it literally fell off the wall, but fortunately the property manager resolved this promptly. The house manual has out of date details. With all of the other letting we have stayed at there has always been some form of welcome pack from a pint of milk a few tea bags and a packet of biscuits to more generous offerings, here nothing. The positives being the house is well positioned within the New Forest, it is large house and the furniture (not beds) quite comfortable., and a local pub is within 2-3mins walk. Having paid c.£1000 for a weeks off peak stay felt this was really poor value.

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• Chris - Verified booking

  We felt the property was disappointing given it was a premium rent.

  The kitchen was well equipped and laid out and probably the highlight of the property. There was a tired air in regards to maintenance and a lack of attention to detail. The property folder needs to have a list of what switches are what on them main light switch panel as bizarrely the back garden light is switched by the front door. The main bedroom is large with good storage but needs some mirrors. There was a problem with the property not being prepared for us on arrival but Selina the housekeeper was quick to put this right when we contacted her. She also very quickly managed a small maintenance problem during our stay. We feel that with more thought and attention to detail like upgrading the uncomfortable and worn out sofas for example and having easy to open bi fold doors it would greatly improve the comfort of the property. Not being able to adjust the heating is just plain silly. Without these issues being resolved it does not justify the premium rent. The location was perfect for getting around the New Forest and the surrounding area. The Fighting Cocks was very good and the New Pastures butchers is well worth visiting. Overall a well designed property (apart from bi-fold doors with carpets) but does not achieve its potential due a lack of attention to detail. We did raise some concerns with Sykes during the holiday but were given a brush off response from the owners which sums things up.

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• Rhona - Verified booking

  Lovely warm comfortable property which ticked lots of boxes.

  Not many places have all of the following... Space, comfort, cosiness, very good woodburner with logs supplied, great rural location, peaceful, private, fully enclosed dog proof garden, well equipped, dishwasher and washing machine, games room, extra large comfortable bed, great shower, amazing deep luxurious bath and a delicious homemade cake.. the list goes on. We had a couple of small hiccups which Cathy attended to fully and immediately. For us two things made it a 9 out of 10.We hate TV's on the wall and this one is particularly high up and very uncomfortable to watch. We like to watch a film in these dark evenings and it was difficult to get comfortable (we are 70 & 71) so maybe its an age thing. Also the Wifi wasn't very efficient during our week which may effect your stay. If you are going this time if year two things to be aware if are that in the dark its not that clear where it is from the directions(obvious in daylight). Drive on past the white barred gate and not through it like we did! Also you cannot park close to the property to unpack and have to take your things up in a wheeled trolley in the dark (so take a torch). Although this was a little annoying this soon passed on entering Russet and seeing how lovely it was. (TV aside) We had a very relaxing comfortable week and Cathy was lovely would definitely recommend.

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• Guests' Review On TripAdvisor - Verified booking

  Four families came to celebrate our silver and my sister's Ruby wedding anniversaries.

  The two separate cottages and barn accommodated all 11 of us, with the use of two put-u-up settees. We used the dining and kitchen area of one of the cottages for the children to eat and it meant that there was still some living space for other adults wanting a retreat! The children loved to watch the farm animals, but were a little wary of the dogs! Each cottage is well equipped as is the barn, with TV's in the cottages but not in the main barn. The barn area has a lovely long table and benches allowing us all to share the days activities with our meals, but perhaps one small point is that sitting 8 adults on the sofa was a bit cosy! The position of the cottages gives you easy easy access to the sea and all that you find in the New Forest. The owner provided an additional service of a three course meal to end our celebrations, which I would highly recommend. This was a perfect retreat for a lovely family celebration. Thanks to Cathy, the owner for all your help to make this a most enjoyable stay.

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