Romantic Cottages in the West Midlands

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• David - Verified booking

  Overall the property was in good order and suitable for a families stay, however, there are a number of issues that if rectified, would make the property more than adequate.

  1. The on-suite bathroom in the Pink Bedroom is fitted with an Electric Radiator/Towel rail; this was “Dangerously Hot” and could not be switched off, we had to make sure it remained covered so as not to burn ourselves. 2. Internet connection was poor: The provided internet connection was provided using an old 4G (mobile telephone network) Wi-Fi router rather than broadband or newer 5G Wi-Fi router; this made the Internet connection incredibly unstable, slow and sometimes unavailable. Notwithstanding that, the router had only been configured to use the 2.4 Gigahertz Wi-Fi band only and not the 5 Gigahertz Wi-Fi band again affecting overall performance. 3. The Televisions (Living Room/Pink Bedroom) provided were not connected to a Standard TV Aerial and as such could not receive “Live Television”, i.e. traditional ITV, BBC etc including all the Free-view channels. Although the hosts had provided access to some internet TV subscriptions services, this was limited and with the internet issues described above did not make for a great viewer experience with poor picture quality and continuous picture drop-outs. 4. Although the property is within a farm environment, the continual barking of a number of dogs especially in the early evening was quite annoying and tedious. Every-time a horse, walker or another dog passed the farm on the road the dogs started barking again. Despite these small irritations, we thoroughly enjoyed our time away at Little Gem, and the standard of the property was on the better side of some available. The Furnishing were of a high quality and comfortable, beds were also very comfortable and spacious. The Hot tub and its location is a great asset and was really relaxing.

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• Pam - Verified booking

  Whilst the property was finished to a very high building spec.

  It lacked many things. E.G. no hairdryer, nothing to dry the clothes on when washed in the Miele washing machine (we had to go and ask for something). No basins, milk jug, scales, serving spoons, fruit bowl, casserole dish, dishwasher tablets (2 would have been nice), no chairs and table for the garden only a wooden bench for 2.! The Aga had been switched off for summer (we hadn't been told) so no hob to boil on. Only a microwave/convection oven that had no where to keep some of the food hot. There were information leaflets on the area but 2023 not 24. There were very limited instruction books for the appliances. No welcome pack. The kitchen is quite small to fit 6 people around the table and for you to move around the kitchen -- so difficult for 6 people. Having had many years using Sykes for great holiday experiences this was sadly not on that level. It could easily be improved, with proper utensils, pots and pans, casseroles etc. for the kitchen. but space in the kitchen was not good. The kitchen window has a great crack where something has hit it. As there is no pub close enough to walk to it is more essential to have a well equipped kitchen with a cooker with a hob and if not to inform potential hirers that this is the case. I notice on the previous feedback that they had experienced the same, but sadly didn't read this until we were in the property. added to which there was no information on local places to eat but no maps for walks, no games for children etc. no books not even a pack of cards.

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• Catherine - Verified booking

  Beautifully appointed ‘Little Gem’ of a property.

  Great layout and with lovely high quality fixtures and features. Hot tub is great and outside furniture stylish and comfortable. The TV’s are FireTV’s which take a little getting your head around, and can be a bit hit and miss when the internet is intermittent. Parking plentiful and has added feature of electric charging point for those who require it. Sainsbury’s delivery available if you’re travelling from a distance. Easy access to Alton Towers, about 30 minutes away, and easy access to the Derbyshire Dales as well. Information which would be useful for future guests would be practical things such as how to dispose of refuse, contact telephone number for housekeeper, how to work the oven, hot tub, tv’s etc. in the information folder. I hadn’t realised until we arrived that there was no washing machine or dryer, which are usually standard. Recognising that Little Gem is small, a facility to wash and dry clothes somewhere on site would be beneficial, particularly as we had a 2 year old with us. We had an issue with an odour from the septic tank, however once reported this was dealt with swiftly and successfully (drain blocked with wipes - not ours!). We would definitely stay here again, but especially so if a washing machine was available. Thank you for a lovely holiday.

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• Arianne - Verified booking

  The little gem is the perfect holiday lodge to visit!

  ! We booked it for the week and I can honestly say I wish I had booked it for longer. As soon as we had walked into the place we were so blown away by how amazing it was, it was so clean and airy, the photos don't do it any justice with how lovely it is! The hot tub was amazing and we definitely made the most of it, was even better at night with all of the lights on! Alison and Andy were so lovely, if you needed anything they were straight onto it, they were kind enough to let me use there washing machine all i had to do was ask. They are such kind and prideful people and want their customers so be happy with the place just as much as they are. The little gem has everything you need for a holiday, including an iron, ironing board, hoover and mop, she was so kind and gifted us a bottle of prosecco and chocolates. I have had such an amazing time there and I would highly recommend staying there, there's also so much to do around the area and didn't take us any longer than 30 mins to drive to the places! Also thankyou to Alison for letting me ride coco, it was amazing and has bought back with many memories for me. I will definitely be booking again!

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• Norman - Verified booking

  We could not find any information sheet showing - the nearest medical facilities, recycling facilities, ATM, Petrol, Vets, Church, Supermarket, Post Office, Park & Ride, etc.

  WE HAD NO VISIT BY THE OWNERS DURING OUR STAY. Early doors, we made contact with the owners, by mobile phone, about the appalling wi-fi but nothing was done. The situation of the property needs to be emphasised that access is by a single-lane, poorly maintained. road which is also used by farm vehicles, commercial vehicles as well as residents, dog walkers, and pedestrians. On property maintenance, the sugar caddy contained solidified contents, the tea container had 2 two Earl Grey tea bags and one teabag of doubtful origin. The coffee container had 3 coffee bags on top of some instant coffee granules, again of doubtful origin. Apart from a smart TV, there was no CD or DVD player. 'Attention to detail' would be my watchword. Oh, I couldn't find the carbon monoxide alarm recommended on the last 2023 central heating boiler service sheet, found in the kitchen. I am/ we are NOT mystery shoppers, just Jo Public with reasonably wide experience of using self-catering both here, and in the. USA, Canada, and Western Europe.

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