Last Minute Cottages in the West Midlands

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Andrew - Verified booking

  The Stable is pleasant and the hot tub is really good, but the thing that's not clear on the photos is that it's in the driveway of the host's house and all windows can be overseen by their house.

  This might not be an issue to some but the fact you had to have all blinds and curtains closed (as it's all one room) to get dressed (or if you don't want to be seen in your pyjamas!) meant we spent more than we would've liked of the stay in the dark. The bathroom is fine, I'm not sure why there aren't pictures on the listing. It could do with a proper clean though. The central heating thermostat is directly above the single radiator so it's very difficult to get the space warm before the central heating cuts out. The kitchen is good and well equipped, everything you need to cook a Sunday roast. The track to gain access to the property is very rutted and any car that's even slightly lower will ground out, an SUV or 4x4 is required really. An Audi A3 is not suitable and struggled to get along the track. Charging £5 a bag for logs seems pretty unreasonable given the cost of staying here, the 'starter' logs were used up very quickly. Ross on Wye is nearby as is Symonds Yat, well worth a visit. If you're looking for somewhere to stay in this area this might suit, if, like us, you were looking for a great property to explore any area, there are better options with better views and more privacy.

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• Andrew - Verified booking

  The Stable is pleasant and the hot tub is really good, but the thing that's not clear on the photos is that it's in the driveway of the host's house and all windows can be overseen by their house.

  This might not be an issue to some but the fact you had to have all blinds and curtains closed (as it's all one room) to get dressed (or if you don't want to be seen in your pyjamas!) meant we spent more than we would've liked of the stay in the dark. The bathroom is fine, I'm not sure why there aren't pictures on the listing. It could do with a proper clean though. The central heating thermostat is directly above the single radiator so it's very difficult to get the space warm before the central heating cuts out. The kitchen is good and well equipped, everything you need to cook a Sunday roast. The track to gain access to the property is very rutted and any car that's even slightly lower will ground out, an SUV or 4x4 is required really. An Audi A3 is not suitable and struggled to get along the track. Charging £5 a bag for logs seems pretty unreasonable given the cost of staying here, the 'starter' logs were used up very quickly. Ross on Wye is nearby as is Symonds Yat, well worth a visit. If you're looking for somewhere to stay in this area this might suit, if, like us, you were looking for a great property to explore any area, there are better options with better views and more privacy.

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• Louise - Verified booking

  As instructed prior to arrival i rang the owners and left 4 messages on two different numbers for key information no one returned my call.

  We struggled to locate the propeety initially as the stone with ghe lodges name on at the too of the drive could do with painting On arrival no one was there to meet us which isnt a big issue but would have been nice. The location and facilities were really good. However the cleanliness wasnt to the standard i would have expected especially during lockdown. The decor was tired and could have done with being painted especially the kitchen ceiling where there had been a leak and the bathroom were paint was flaking off the walls. There was no brush , mop or hoover meaning the floor couldn't be cleaned throughout our stay and the stable door in fhe kitchen wasnt locked and had no key to enable us to lock it which meaning we coukdbt secure the property. I did knock on the owners door a couple of times but got no reply. This property with a few finishing touches could have been perfect without too much of an outlay for the owners.

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• Andrew - Verified booking

  The place is pretty tricky to find, the writing on the stone that has its name on is rather faded & could do with a lick of paint.

  Hot Tub under the stars is the highlight, wood burner is fantastic, bed is comfortable. Kitchen is well equipped, selection of DVD's are available to watch, it's a really nice place to stay. There were strange comings & goings in the middle of the night, cars & vans, 2am 4am, for such a remote site there's a fair bit of traffic running past/alongside/outside it. We didn't meet the owners, we did try knocking on the door (maybe we tried the wrong door) there were plenty of lights on, but we didn't see them. The Wi-Fi password given on the information sheets didn't work, so be prepared to be completely shut off! In no way do the negatives outweigh the positives, they are more niggles than annoyances. It would have been nice to meet the owners. I would book there again.

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• Frieda - Verified booking

  What a gem of a find the Laurels Barn was!

  We have stayed in numerous cottages from the Sykes website & this one is definitely the best.Ali,the owner,introduced herself shortly after we arrived-which was lovely as mostly you never meet the owner of the property.The barn has been beautifully done & has absolutely everything you need for your stay.There is a lovely conservatory-ideal to relax in after a day out & lots of nice touches throughout the property-Ali has thought of everything!It is in a lovely,peaceful area & we really recharged our batteries here.Baillie,our little dog was fascinated with the 2 cows in the field behind us!Lovely homemade cake for tea on our arrival-thank you Ali-you should be very proud of the barn-a real credit to you!A proper 'home from home' & we will definitely recommend it.

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