Holiday Cottages With Hot Tubs In West Cornwall

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Frances-Mary - Verified booking

  We felt that there should have been a choice of either a king size bed or twin beds which could be put together to make one king size bed.

  The headboard could be fixed to the wall to accommodate this, although we would have preferred a more solid one, as the bars were rather uncomfortable to lean back on. Not ideal for someone like myself who suffers back and leg trouble on a permanent basis. The bedside tables could have been bigger too. We felt that more crockery and cutlery would have been an asset too. To have the crockery available all the time, we would have had to run the dishwasher every night, which my husband was loath to do. The kitchen table was rather small too. Outside, I think the steps by the Hot Tub could have been more stable, perhaps fixed to the outside of the Hot Tub to make it easier for people to get in and out, which would benefit those with mobility difficulties (as already mentioned), but on the positive side, it was lovely using the Hot Tub to relax after a busy day. On the credit side, the owners Frank and Kay Chapman were very helpful, and grateful for the feedback given above. They were very good about it when we had to contact them quite late in the evening to advise of our arrival time.The cottage itself was in a very good location, once we got the hang of where to turn off from the A39 (St. Kew Highway) and we found it extremely easy to get to the places where the rest of our family were staying. We particularly liked the spacious bathroom and lounge. However, if we were to book Swallow Barn again, with all due respect, we would prefer to book directly with Frank Chapman, rather than go through Helpful Holidays. This is because we did not approve of the way the money was taken from our account and the extra Administration Fee etc that became payable to the agency. The E-Mails implied the money would be taken whether we liked it or not. We know Helpful Holidays meant well, but we did feel that the restrictions due to COVID-19 that were 'clapped' on us were a bit excessive. For instance, not allowing us to have visitors - the places the rest of the family were staying at, didn't have these restrictions, perhaps because they are independently run, but still taking the necessary precautions in relation to COVID-19. So we could visit them with no problem, but they were forbidden to visit us, which we felt was unfair, just because it would mean them going through the house to get to the garden. I understand that this was part of the Guidelines Helpful Holidays had issued to owners of properties under their management and consequently those staying at the properties. Of course, if we returned to Swallow Barn next year, it is likely that the visitor ban would no longer apply. These things caused a lot of worry and upset to me, considering that I am Autistic, and do not cope well with pressure or change to routine (as I have been forced to do, thanks to the mask Law, even though I am exempt.) When I spoke to a lady at the agency, they were very understanding of my circumstances and said there was no reason why people couldn't visit us. It was only because the garden is enclosed, hence visitors having to go through the house, that we were not allowed to have any visitors, but I didn't know that until I spoke to Kay Chapman and it was mentioned in an E-Mail from her husband.

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• Eriks - Verified booking

  Everything was better than we expected (apart from the weather'''''') The owners Julia and Dave were a joy to meet a were extremely helpful.

  My only criticism was the design of the Wet-room pump action centrifugal spinning floor mop which I thought was a novel and great idea but it is not not fast enough to be effective and not the owners fault either. Then there was the impossibility in getting a cab to take us to the Polgooth when it was RAINING. But to be be Fair it is too short a FARE to make it worth their while I suppose. Still I can't help wondering if they would show an interest and suddenly find an available cab if you were to say name your price, or they could impose some sort of surcharge for short runs at peak times as a minimum charge. To be honest, I would happily have paid an extra £5 or even £10 on a special family night out to save us all from a drenching from the Biblical downpours.. that would have had Noah heading for the hills. The steep driveway was not anything to worry about and became a bit of a chuckle after the first ascent / decent. btw there is hardly any phone signal so a good way to chat is via messenger or whatsapp but then I expect most people know that one already but I was a bit slow to suss that one out. All in all, none of that was Dave and Julia's fault and I've been rambling a bit now methinks, and have digressed from announcing most importantly that this was possibly one of the best retreats that we have spent our break in/at and wouldn't hesitate from recommending to my friends.

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• Taylor - Verified booking

  Gorgeous little cottage (which in fact was not actually so little!

  ) The rooms were very open and spacious yet felt so homely and warm especially when you light the log burner in the living area. Had absolutely everything we needed which was delightfully unexpected. Even the kitchen was very well stocked we didn't need to bring half of the stuff that we did with us! Even equipment such as rolling pins, weighing scales and a food processor provided, which goes above and beyond what we were expecting (and was very exciting for two chefs haha). The bed was so comfortable, had a great nights sleep every night after venturing out into some of the beautiful places Cornwall has to offer in the surrounding area. We even purchased some birdseed to fill up the birdfeeder in the garden as there were so many birds that came over; robins, blue tits, sparrows - they were such a joy to look at while sat in the living room, and also when in the hot tub. Huge thankyou to the owners you have created such a wonderful space, we would definitely return in the future and recommend this stay to friends and family.

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• Vicky - Verified booking

  Beautiful, well equipped, home from home.

  All amenities, utensils and more thought of, catered and supplied. Bed very comfortable, kitchen fully equipped, lounge/dining area fully functioning. Our only negatives are..... 1. sofa very small for a 6ft hubby and me to share so a small corner sofa would work much better, 2. move the lounge dining area to a corner as in front of a working radiator with the cold weather was very uncomfortable. 3. Finally, two eating areas not needed so remove the tiny bistro in kitchen and put worktop/cupboard station for storing our own food. We sadly did not get to use the hot top, but it looked wonderful and the gardens are stunning. We would definitely rebook this beautiful holiday home again when we return to this area.

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• Mr Norman - Verified booking

  No there was a couple of issues when we first arrived but the owner and his colleague sorted these was were very attentive to our needs. The setting is delightful, it is so peaceful and the lack of ambient light allowed for spectacular star shows at night, the wildlife which we saw was lovely, the hot tub and the isolation was just want we needed as we both have stressful jobs. A great place with a local pub which was a little expensive but to be honest the food w as great. The St Kew farm shop looks like it is part of the golf club but we had the best cream tea and like a lot of places now it is dog friendly. Thanks for a great holiday and welcome.

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