Lovely house and garden but . . .
Submitted: February 22, 2011
Stayed: August 2010
We (6 adults and 4 children) stayed here in Aug 2010. (writing a review for a holiday we have just returned from has reminded me that I hadn't yet written a review).
I wasn't at all sure how to rate this property, and so opted for 'average'.
The owners were very friendly and helpful during the booking process, and the property and garden is full of character and very pretty. The covered outdoor eating area (just next to the kitchen door) is perfect. The pool was great and overall we had a great time. Property is quite near main road, down a bit of a side lane (not that scenic to be honest, but perfectly ok) - don't remember hearing a lot of noise, but that might have been because of 4 children!
I agree with all the positive comments about the property. It's very old and quirky (bordering on a pastiche of an old french farmhouse!) but there are also a few negatives (mainly practicalities) that seem to have been overlooked by others that ought to be mentioned. None of these will probably be a problem if you are one family, but as our party consisted of 2 families of 4, and a couple, it did cause difficulties.
The bedroom leading off the kitchen is separated by only a curtain.
It is not practical to lock the door of the mezzanine double bedroom as this would restrict access to the downstairs bathroom.
It is not possible to lock either door to upstairs bathroom.
It is only possible to access the upstairs double bedroom by walking through the bathroom or by going outside.
The downstairs toilet works by pump. This broke twice during the week. We contacted the 'cleaner' and it was repaired twice. We were told a new toilet was on order. Left comment in visitor book to this effect.
The cleaner arrived as arranged just before we left, checked the property, asked us to remove bedding, and told us the deposit would be returned in 2 weeks.
After c3/4 weeks deposit not returned. Contacted owners by e-mail. We were told that deposit was being withheld because of broken toilet, and property/crockery left dirty and max occ was 10!! Crockery was left washing in dishwasher as when we arrived, and property WAS clean and tidy???? Unable to understand this at all. After several e-mails, and many weeks later, deposit was returned in full, together with a note asking if we wanted to book for the following year!!!!!
We were never able to get to the bottom of how such a misunderstanding could have arisen.
Owner's Response: We were surprised to find this review arrive so many months after the reviewers departure and wonder, in view of the glowing comments they left in our visitors book – praising not only the house but the ready availability of our staff- whether time has dulled their memories?
This large House is always cleaned thoroughly and to a high standard on the day of changeover. For this reason we state clearly on our booking form that rentals start after 4pm on the day of arrival. However these guests requested an earlier arrival time of 1pm. The consideration we showed them in granting them access to the pool and garden – on the understanding the housekeeper was not to be disturbed - was unfortunately not reciprocated as soon after their arrival wet children began running through the house. Our housekeeper was unable to continue with her work which might explain how crockery was found in the dishwasher upon their arrival.
Normally the handover of keys is accompanied by instructions for the good running of the house, in addition to a full information folder left for guests to refer to during their stay. It seems that the shambolic arrival set the tone for the rest of the week. It is unfortunate that misunderstandings arise when clear instructions are not followed or given little consideration. Despite the additional expense to us of house instructions not being fully followed responsibly our records show that the deposit was returned in full. Whilst we do not impose cleaning charges we do respectfully ask that out of consideration to our staff and incoming guests the house is left clean and tidy. Many thanks the majority of guests, who have a great holiday, treat the house with care and who have done just this.
Helpful votes: 7/9
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