Villas With Hot Tubs In East Devon

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Lauren - Verified booking

  We were really disappointed as this 'award winning' cottage had such wonderful reviews and I had chosen it carefully on that basis.

  The reality was that the place was sadly lacking in the cosiness needed for mid January. It was really cold and smelled of damp which was being masked with air fresheners. I am chemically sensitive to these perfumes so that wasn't great for me. I suspect that was because we were the first rental of the year. It is likely to be better when it has been used a few more times, but we have never had this issue before in a cottage and we take a winter holiday in the UK most years. It needs to be made clearer in the details that using the log burner is an essential part of the heating, not an optional extra, for any winter stays. My husband has a lung condition which is worsened by smoke inhalation. He lit the burner for the first night because it was so very cold, and it is a good one, efficient at warming the living room, but his breathing was seriously affected and therefore we had to rely on the electric heaters and heavy jumpers for the rest of the time. There were a lot of minor issues that really need the owner's attention, such as greasy crockery and cutlery that had been put away in the cupboards and drawers - I had to wash everything we wanted to use before we could use it. We reported the more major issues like a broken set of drawers and the shower being faulty during our stay. To be fair the owner was responsive regarding the shower and got her plumber out twice to fix it. Be aware the owner's dogs are allowed 'free range'. The owner has a very sweet and friendly dog but she is also currently looking after a friend's dog which she did warn us was noisier. That one wasn't particularly friendly, it just ran up and barked at us if it saw us. We are dog people, but if you were nervous it would be an issue. The second night loud continuous barking started at 8pm right outside the living room window. I did my best to ignore it for 2 solid hours but when it got to 10pm I couldn't stand it any more and texted the owner. She responded. It turned out they had gone out and their friend had also left their dog at the farm - 3 unsupervised dogs. It was another hour before the owners returned home and the barking finally stopped. I was furious by that point, we were both cold, the place felt unwelcoming, we couldn't relax and I was ready to pack our bags and leave in the morning. As gale warnings were broadcast for the next day my husband talked me into staying. The owner came round and spoke to him. She did apologise for the noise, blaming the visiting dog for it. She did leave us some candles in case of power cuts. If it hadn't been such a dangerous day for travel we would have left at that point and asked for a refund. As it was we tried to make the most of our week off and to go out as much as possible once the weather calmed down a bit. Sadly we have never had such a poor experience of a cottage holiday. I hope the owner will attend to the issues and that other guests will have a much better experience and be able to leave the glowing reports that led us to book in the first place.

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• Ellie - Verified booking

  This stay was truly a little slice of paradise.

  The owners John and Angela were the kindest and most welcoming hosts I have ever stayed with. My partner and I stayed over new years, and the views from this home did not disappoint! We had wonderful views overlooking the valley towards Exeter, with ancient woodlands and rolling fields surrounding us. The stay was cosy, incredibly clean, and the attention to detail was so appreciated. From the cupboard with books and board games to use during the stay, to the fully equipped kitchen which was fantastic to cook hearty meals in. The bathroom was spacious, and the bath was luxurious. Super comfy bed and pillows too! Our favourite aspect were the purebred sheep and friendly donkeys on site, who the owners very kindly introduced us to. Although we were not able to use the hot tub for the duration of our stay, the owners and Sykes cottages were extremely helpful with making sure we had anything else we could need. I would highly suggest this stay for any couples wishing to have a relaxing stay, with ample walks and adventures only a short distance away. I hope to return in the near future to stay again!

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• Steffani - Verified booking

  We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Southcott Farm Cottage!

  We were very welcomed by Amber and Nellie when we first arrived. Amber showed us around and left us to it. All the little touches made our stay special; home made scones, doggy treats, blankets for the sofas(our dogs like to snuggle by us while watching TV and Amber and Kevin understood that!) Amber and Kevin were always happy to help; we needed a spare crate, a stair gate and a mop and bucket to clean the mucky paw prints(just a text to Amber and it was brought over to us). We all enjoyed the walks on the land, especially the pond. Nathan and Katie took the rowing boat out and the dogs loved to swim around trying to catch them! The enclosed field was a win too, it was so lovely to get up in the morning, take a couple of steps and let the dogs run around first thing. This cottage has literally everything you could ask for..and more! We will be booking and visiting again in the very near future. Thanks again to Amber, Kevin and Nellie! - Steff, Carl, Nathan, Katie and the puppies; Xena, Luna and Athena(hopefully we will be joined by Cooper next time too)

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• Steven - Verified booking

  Family of four - two adults and two young children.

  We had a wonderful break at Southport Farm Cottage, which, whilst rural, is perfectly located for good access to all that Devon and Dorset has to offer. Our host Amber, was very welcoming, with excellent communication throughout the stay and was on hand to support were needed. A minor issue following a power trip was quickly addressed with minimal fuss. Amber goes the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable, providing an ample welcome pack including breakfast items and freshly baked scones, jam and cream; and access to ample firewood for the log burner. Doggy treats, dog towels and extra towels for the hot tub were also provided, making our stay even more comfortable. A personal highlight was the lack of light pollution allowing for late night hot tub soaks under fantastic starry skies. Thanks Amber (and Nellie the dog) for making us most welcome. We would, without hesitation, visit again and recommend to friends and family. Thanks S & L.

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• Elizabeth - Verified booking

  We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage.

  A lovely place for a 'get away from it all' escape. The cottage is beautifully decorated but feels very homey and cosy. Everything you need for self catering is provided, with a very well equipped kitchen. The beds are very comfortable and have nice quality bed linen and good pillows. It was also extremely dog friendly with throws provided for sofas and no restrictions. The owners are friendly and helpful without being intrusive and responded immediately to any problems. Our dogs were allowed to use the adjoining field which was appreciated for early morning and late evening runs. There is miles of woodland surrounding the property. There is a forest walk very close by and more forest walks within one or two miles drive which are all suitable for long off lead walks for lively dogs. The hot tub is the icing on the cake, lovely for a soak looking up at the stars after a days walking.

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