Guests say
Mayfly Cottage is praised for its idyllic location, charming character, and friendly owners. Guests enjoy the peaceful surroundings, wildlife, and proximity to local amenities. While some find the cottage cosy and well-equipped, others note issues with comfort due to low ceilings and firm mattresses. The garden and nearby walks are highlights, contributing to a tranquil experience.
The cottage generally appears to be clean, with no significant complaints about cleanliness. However, one review mentioned dust and cobwebs, suggesting occasional oversights.
The location is highly praised for its beauty, tranquillity, and convenience for exploring the Cotswolds. Proximity to villages, pubs, and walking paths is frequently mentioned positively.
Comfort receives mixed reviews. The picturesque setting and cosy atmosphere are appreciated, but several guests mention issues with the firmness of the mattresses and the low ceilings in the bedroom.
Facilities are adequate, with mentions of good wifi and a powerful shower. However, there are several reports of maintenance issues such as hot water problems, a broken light, and a dripping tap, which affect the score.
Guests mention thoughtful touches like fresh eggs and cake, which contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. It should be noted that such gifts, while appreciated, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Mayfly Cottage is a gorgeous and traditional cottage tucked away on the edge of the truly stunning Cotswold village of Coln St Aldwyns. Sitting in the grounds of the owners' fabulous home the holiday cottage enjoys a beautiful location with fields and mature woodland surrounding, plus a garden which overlooks the River Coln. Heavenly! 200 years old this old barn has been converted so as to retain the character and feel. The old owl hole, original beams and loft remain, whilst central heating and the high standard of equipment ensure complete comfort whatever the season. Country walks can begin from your doorstep and the centre of the village with its excellent pub (The New Inn) and village stores are only a five minute stroll. This is a very popular cottage with many guests returning year after year - you will understand!
Set within the Cotswolds aonb is this peaceful and friendly village. Bordered by the River Coln and surrounded by refreshing green countryside, Coln St Aldwyns is a fine base for visitors to the area. You will find a Grade II* listed church as well as a handy shop and a highly-rated gastro pub, the New Inn. The chocolate-box village of Bibury is just a couple of miles away, known for its rows of quaint stone cottages and surrounding greenery. Slightly further afield is the striking market town of Cirencester, laced with attractive buildings and varying attractions. Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh are among the most characterful and must-visit locations close by. On the western fringe of the Cotwolds, discover the spectacular city of Gloucester and the town of Cheltenham, home to the famous horse racing festival.
Accommodation
One double bedroom
Ground floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
Gas central heating.
Gas oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, TV, DVD, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towls included in rent.
Off road parking.
Shared use of owners' garden with furniture and table tennis.
Crazy Golf.
Please note there are low beams in the bedroom.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop and pub 1 mile.
Nearby points of interest
- Cotswold Wildlife Park And Gardens
Reviews (60)
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Wayne
The place is on the small side and is only suitable for a max of two people. The hosts were great and we had everything we needed for our four night stay.
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Thomas
There was no storage in the kitchen for groceries, we had two dinner plates two small plates two bowls and two mugs and the bare minimum of cooking utensils. The shower ran hot and cold and although we had two bath towels only one hand towel. The fan in the bathroom wasnât working and the window didnât open so the bathroom was constantly wet.I must say the bed was very comfortable but the bedroom had no storage to speak of, one set of drawers and a metal key rack with four metal coat hangers this was our wardrobe space for the week, unbelievable. We are not very tall people but found it very difficult to get dressed in the room very low beams and donât even try to sit up in bed. We paid over £600 for this cottage and was extremely disappointed. I donât really blame the owners I blame your company for obviously not checking the property and not advising the owners to put things right.
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John
The location, property and garden were essentially as shown but otherwise the inside was changed and not all for the better. The dining set for example had been changed to hard plastic chairs and a PVC covered table, something the owner, to his credit was quick to remedy when we talked to him but it did cause us to wonder when Manor Cottages( through whom we booked) had last inspected the property. We blame them for not better advising the owners about what a five star property should offer. When I asked the owner if he would holiday here, the silence was deafening. Not his fault if he prefers and can obviously afford more salubrious holidays away but Manor cottages should therefore tell him bluntly what guests expect for 5* SC accommodation as this wasnât it. It is a very, very small barn conversion which does present significant challenges when moving about on the mezzanine upstairs- and in fairness these had been alluded to. However, the lack of head height up there really is very difficult to manage and it is disappointing when on holiday not to be able to relax sitting up in bed with a cuppa. What was most difficult to manage in the property was the erratic hot water in the shower in a largely tired bathroom, badly planned kitchenette and the constant issue with live wasps. When we arrived there were a number of dead wasps in the sitting room and we assumed that they had come in after the cleaner had left. As it turned out there was a wasp nest and we did not have a single day there where we were not significantly bothered by wasps in the property, the low point being when we were stung in bed at 4am in the morning. Not the owners fault you may think but they were actually coming in THROUGH the small alcove wall in the sitting room ( itâs all open plan so we couldnât shut the door on them when going to bed). Worse,there was evidence that previous guests had also tried to block up entry points so it was clearly a long-standing issue. Some basic building maintenance would sort it but pushing tissue into the entry holes we could see didnât help much, if at all. It was a hot week and the wasps meant we kept everything closed up, thinking initially that the wasps were getting in through window frames and the door. We refused entry therefore when the owner, aware of our âdisappointmentâ around the property had offered to arrange some further maintenance and cleaning ( of dirty grout around the bath etc., something that surely should occur before guests arrive anyway). He asked for our bank details and sent around around 18% of what we had paid Manor cottages back to us and arranged for some remedial work when we were out daytimes - plus there were some treats left in the fridge - but sorry, it wasnât enough to rescue the holiday and we were never so glad to leave somewhere and get home. We would have left far sooner but we had friends house sitting in our own property back in Cornwall ( also 200 years old, so we do understand the issues with old property) and didnât want to affect their holiday too. We simply do not understand the apparently âpositiveâ reviews we had read on the Manor Cottages site before booking ( late last year ) and on closer study since have found more poor reviews on different sites. Had it not purported to be a five star establishment we would have been far less annoyed but this was supposed to be a very special anniversary break for us. We enjoyed stunning weather and the Cotswolds were as beautiful as always so we could be out much of the time but the experience with this property has been extremely disappointing and we feel very let down by Manor Cottages.