Last Minute Cottages in North Devon

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Jenny - Verified booking

  This was the second time that we had booked with Sykes Cottages and again it didn’t disappoint.

  The Cabin was very spacious and it had everything you could possibly want. There was parking for 3 cars although it was a bit of an art parking if yours was the third car especially when somebody had parked on the opposite side of the road to the drive. There was plenty of wardrobe space and drawers. The oven was good although food took longer to cook on the hob than it did at home. There was always hot water. There were 2 bathrooms, one with a bath and toilet and the other with a shower and toilet, the water was always hot. It had a very well equipped kitchen. There were loads of children’s games, there was even fishing nets and crabbing nets and buckets. There was a washing line with pegs. The garden wasn’t overly big but there were plenty of seats and we had the sunshine. It was situated at the top end of the High Street and was a trek to the beach, but one in the car. It was very well situated to drive to places. We went to the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park which was only a 2 minute drive away, and also Watermouth Castle which was on the way to Ilfracombe, both places were worth going to. We went to The Sandy Cove Hotel, just before Watermouth Castle and the views are stunning and their afternoon tea was scrummy. There was a lovely pub, George and Dragon, a few yards up the road, which was lovely, really good food, lovely management and staff. All in all we couldn’t have asked for better, a home from home once again. Thank you.

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• Tracy - Verified booking

  The Cabin was the most well equipped place we have ever stopped.

  It was clean and tidy. Generous living/dining area. Kitchen is small but fully functional with everything you need. Electric hob took abit of getting used to, but managed it. The owner left us a little care package which was very nice of them which consisted of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, biscuits and a little gift. Main bathroom had a shower cubicle. Main bedroom was very comfortable with an ensuite bathroom (bath but no shower). 2nd bedroom was big and very comfortable with 2 double beds which could be a little awkward if adults were sharing, but fine for kids. 3rd bedroom small with a bulk bed. Good for kids, but adults wouldn't fit. Nice little garden with grass for a dog. If there was one thing they could look at was some of the doors. Particularly the main bathroom, we all got locked in at some point. Chippy over the road that's open mon-sat 5-8pm. But would recommend ordering on the Friday as it gets really busy with orders so don't allow walk ins. 2 large pubs with gardens within 2 mins walk of the cabin. Neither did food when we were there, but I think one does normally, but the chef was on holiday. Both allowed dogs. Combe Martin is small and beach wasn't the best, all pebbles, no sand. Parking is very difficult. Best to walk the 15 mins to the beach. But the Cabin is ideally situated as a base for visiting Woolacombe and Ilfracombe ect. Saunton sand was a lovely beach too. Good for body boarding and dog friendly.

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• Alicia - Verified booking

  Over the last 30 years 4 generations of my family have stayed at Widmouth Farm, and the holidays lets and surroundings have continued to improve with the ever changing modern demands without loosing their rustic charms.

  We travelled in an electric car, which we were able to charge in Coombe Martin’s public car park using the fast chargers. The nature of the private beach means it is teeming with wildlife - we saw jellyfish, sea anemones, crabs and small fish. A beach to be respected and safely explored - beach shoes a must (which can be purchased in Coombe Martin). There are plenty of attractions for all ages, and sandy beaches within an hour of widmouth farm, but the children’s play area with picnic benches (next to pheasant cottage) and animal feeding at the farm make chilled days at the cottage, with small children both fun and relaxed - these days are also a good opportunity to make use of the utility room without leaving the washing machines / tumble dryers occupied for longer than needed if out and about. We stayed in partridge this time, and my parents pheasant. Next time we’ll book pheasant as it was a tad bigger. The bed provided a week of the best nights sleep I have had for some time! The mattress was made using the farm’s alpaca’s wool, due to the natural material it helps to regulate temperatures all year round. The views during the day are stunning and the quiet dark nights were very peaceful. On a clear night you could see the twinkling lights of south Wales. The cottage itself is very cool - perfect for a hot summers day, but the log fire provided the cosy you needed for the wet, gloomy days.

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• Patricia - Verified booking

  This cottage was advertised as a three double bedroom cottage, which it did indeed have.

  Although there were only two of us I usually book a bigger cottage because I find the facilities better. This cottage is no way suitable for six people as the kitchen and bathroom facilities were woefully inadequate. The bathroom measured 1.5 metres x 1.37 metres the bath was not a full size bath and this was the only toilet in the house. The kitchen was extremely short of cupboards with nowhere to put any occupiers food and provisions. The fridge was tiny and would not have held food sufficient for 6 people. The level of equipment was also poor, no measuring jug, no slotted spoon, no potato peeler, casserole dishes did not have lids and dirty baking trays. The cutlery was a mishmash of styles and qualities as was the glassware. The standard of the decor was poor, paintwork very chipped, carpets fraying, light bulbs not working, grubby dining seat covers and scatter cushions. On the plus side the bed was comfortable. We had to continually clear the kitchen of woodlice and slugs which suggest that the property was extremely damp. A two bedroom cottage on the same site seemed to be cheaper but had a much bigger kitchen and better and bigger bathroom. This was the worst holiday cottage I have rented for a long while.

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• Paul - Verified booking

  It was a very pleasant stay and the cottage was very comfortable.

  Be a little wary though if booking re: customer service at Widmouth Farm. I had to chase them pretty hard to have the £100 Good Housekeeping Bond returned. They didn't respond to initial emails/phone calls for several days. I left it 8 days before I began to try and have it returned. At the cottage the welcome letter said there were people present at the main house but they would not be able to assist if needed with any issues. That you should contact Sykes. Not much use over a December weekend in rural North Devon contacting a Sykes office in a city far away. The impression created is they want your money but are not interested beyond that. The cottage had one toilet roll for a booking of 6 people and a meagre initial basket of wood (in December). We did bring extra of each incase but again showed cost was prioritised over the customer. The TV needs upgrading for the premium price of the cottage, and the kitchen is a bit tardy really for the price you see they charge for summer bookings. I've never left a poor review for a holiday stay before, and the location is lovely. I feel it needs highlighting though for transparency.

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