Devon Cottages with Swimming Pools

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Carl - Verified booking

  We had a 7 night holiday in this lovely cottage.

  There were 6 adults and 4 children (3 generations). We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and would certainly visit again. On our arrival, we were greeted by Julie, who explained everything in detail, and was very polite and kind, we later met Murphy, their lovely chocolate Labrador. Although we enjoyed every minute of our stay, there were just a couple of niggles/comments that we have: The pool was rather grubby, and had mold on the rim around (just above the water level on the inside), and the water wasn't really clear. We also weren't told that the pool was only open to us from 9am until 9pm. This wasn't an issue for us per se; however, I think this needs to be mentioned in the booking details as some people like early morning/late night swims. I also think that the pool windows should be one way windows, as the people in the next cottage could see our grandchildren and us in the pool, which made us slightly uncomfortable. The bed downstairs was extremely squeaky, so we moved upstairs into single beds so we could sleep well. The other beds were extremely comfortable, and everyone slept well. The kitchen was a great size, and had absolutely everything that you need for a large group of people, plenty of crockery and cutlery, and the large fridge freezer was great, (could maybe do with a bit of extra worktop space though). It was a lovely surprise when we first checked in to see that we had lots of complimentaries; tea towels, sponge, dishcloth, bins bags, tea, coffee, milk, apple juice, biscuits, hand wash, some washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets. We had taken all our own, but the idea was very thoughtful. I think the front door could do with a curtain/blind at it, as at night it can be quite off-putting. I also think that a shoe rack/stand in the hallway, would be an excellent idea, as with 10 people, there were shoes everywhere! Also a couple more coat hooks (there were 3). The lounge was huge, and catered for us all to sit and chat on an evening; however, one of the back windows is directly at the entrance of the cottage next-door, which was very awkward for both parties as they could see straight in; maybe net curtains/voiles could be put up for some privacy? I am very much all for recycling; however, the system was very different to our recycling at home; therefore, I think it would be a good idea to have various different small bins inside the kitchen, with labels above them, to show you what goes where - just a thought? I think the garden area need a bit of TLC, it was rather overgrown, and unfortunately very uneven (on a slope), which again isn't evident on the details. Also, the playground area is not within the immediate grounds of the cottage, so children cannot go on their own. We did use the BBQ; however, this was really grubby, so we had to clean it all first. The games room was great for the boys; however, it did say in the details that there was a game station in there, but there wasn't. There were books and a couple of toys in there, which was good. The 2 new bathrooms upstairs are great, and the showers are fantastic; however, the over bath showers, and the baths water pressure was ridiculous. With young children, it literally took 30-40 minutes to even half fill the bath. Lastly, although the door handles/latches are in keeping with the cottage, they are really noisy at night when you are trying to quietly nip to the loo and not wake the children! Overall, this is a very lovely cottage, we all had an amazing time, and we would definitely visit again.

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• Brian - Verified booking

  We were a party of eight friends - the youngest 65 and the oldest 83.

  There would have been 10, but two of the men were not able to come due to illness etc. We've had an autumn long-weekend together every year since 2006 (except in 2020 - Covid-19), usually at the same place in Cornwall, but this year we fancied a change and found Carthorse Cottage by chance on the internet. It's pretty remote, and we needed out sat navs to find it, but what a find it turned out to be! Lots of space, lots of facilities, and not really very far from anywhere once you get used to the narrow lanes! We had a great weekend and would most certainly consider a return visit sometime. Only a couple of minor niggles: having only one 4-cup teapot and one toaster between eight people presented a few breakfast-time problems, and the ladies would have been glad of a hairdryer in each room after their early-morning swim, rather than just the one between six of them. Apart from these points, very well equipped, homely and comfortable - and the owners were very nice people, so I'm sure they won't mind dealing with our niggles for the benefit of future occupants. A great place!

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• Linda - Verified booking

  The property is in a lovely location.

  There was 11 of us in the property and it was big enough for us all. The property was quite tired and some of the electronic games didn't work the TV room TV didn't work either so no videos could be watched. Kitchen was well equipped but tired. The furniture was well worn and the throws on the settees were covered in dog hairs so needed washing or replacing. The vacuum wasn't safe as it sparked when used. One of the mattresses in the family room needs replacing very uncomfortable it looks like there's has been another mattress placed on top of a worn one. The windows are extremely dirty cant have been cleaned in months and its a shame as the views are great. We paid extra for the swimming pool which the kids enjoyed. Left a snagging list in the property when we left so hopefully these things will get sorted. Also sent 2 email to sykes whilst we was there they still havent answered them so wasn't happy about that. The location and the views really good easy walk to the town and amenities.

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• Alison - Verified booking

  Took my family to this lovely cottage.

  I've only marked down on a couple of things. The listing should say when pool is available before you get there. My 2 grandsons love being in water unfortunately we did not use it as much as we would have liked to as it was a bit to cool for the 2 year old. We did ask if it could go up a degree and we're willing to pay extra..but we're told it was set to 29.something summer would have been great but winter needed to be at least 30.5 for toddler. As it was in an unheated building the pool dropped temperature quite quickly. The pool handles were very slippery when wet, I have a lovely bruise where I slipped and banged my leg on steps. Upstairs towel rails weren't heated...they were on but not heating up. Some mattresses were very firm. Again these are not major things and some are personal observations, but would've made our holiday a 10 out of 10. All I all we had a lovely holiday enjoyed the cottage, the birds in the garden and the area. Thank you to our fab hosts.

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• Susan - Verified booking

  I do not usually complain even if I have a really bad meal but because this property costs a fair bit, I felt I had to.

  The view was outstanding...... but what a dump. The smell of damp as soon as you arrive hits you hard. There are not enough toilet facilities to accommodate the amount of bedrooms and the whole (hole) place needs gutting and updating.It feels dirty everywhere. My sheets on the bed were still damp from having been washed (hopefully) there is no downstairs loo but plenty of room to install one.... only mentioning this as it could be a big issue for people with mobility issues. The outside terrace needs a good tidy up with the removal of a large pot which contained numerous cigarette ends. We were greeted with the previous occupiers rubbish bags in a downstairs (outside) cupboard which had not been emptied before our arrival. The carpets are stained and have seen better days. I would advise anybody to think again before booking. What a shame as it could be stunning if completely knocked through and started again.

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