Large Dog Friendly Cottages in Matlock

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Melissa - Verified booking

  After reading the many reviews of this cottage I got the impression we had found the perfect cottage, but have to be honest and say we were a bit disappointed with our weeks holiday spent at holly cottage.

  The first thing that met our attention was the steep stairs, as steep was not an accurate description to describe the stairs at the cottage. Having spent ten years holidaying in many olde worlde cottages over the years with our dog, have met more then many properties with steep stairs. But this was far from steep, as the stairs are so narrow and so high it felt when descending up to the bedrooms it was like climbing a small mountain as we all had to hold onto the rope attached on right ad pull ourselves up. And coming down was very tricky as the stairs are so narrow not enough room for your feet coming down so despite how daft it sounds, it felt like absailing down as had to hold again onto rope coming down backwards as this was by far the safest way, as coming down normally was so tricky and left us all feeling very nervous. The last step is very high be warned when coming down. The kitchen is small but olde worlde cottage but due to self catering it is normal to take food with you whilst on holiday, but not alot of room and two cupboards were locked so really not ideal to take food as not much room to put it. We had a party of four adults and two dogs so the kitchen did not really offer much room for our supplies. Take kitchen roll with you as none was supplied, and a scour. For some reason we could not get a fire going in the wood burner as logs were damp from the rain at the beginning of the holiday, and the bedroom roof in our room and the next had a small leak when it rained. I hate to think what the outcome would be if really heavy rain. We tried several times with drier logs and some kindle but without success but the central heating really made the cottage warm. It does say in advertisement busy village road, but have to say it was a bit daunting trying to cross to take dogs for a walk, as too many haulage lorries in their dozen zipping past every second. I would say be prepared for the rapid on going traffic of this road as it was like taking our lives into our hands trying to cross at several intervals, and its not great when you have dogs also to think about. Not trying to leave a bad review but I would have appreciated it if a review had left us prepared for this as it was a bit of a shock. I have stayed in many cottages with roads busy but this was a tad scary sometimes trying to get across without coming into contact with one of many lorries or cars which seemed to be always driving this road at break neck speed. As for the garden, like many dog lovers who take their dogs on holiday, it is vital at times to have a garden so your dog can do its business but the cottage does not have a garden with any lawn. Its a very once again rocky very high stones to one level of a pebbled small patio area, and another high big stone stairs to another patio with table and chairs. No grass whatsoever so we finally found a small piece of grass opposite where stream was. Across the road further down past the tyre place there is a steep hill which provides grassy bits and pooh bin for your doggy needs. Places to take your dog is the rugey park just down road from cromford, turn right at traffic lights, and left again and then about two hundred yards on the right its called the meadows, great place to walk and exercise your dogs. Toilets there, and cromford canal tow path was also a great place within this area to walk your dogs. Poo bin was by car park area by gate where toilets were situated. Blacks rocks tissingurst trail was also great place to walk dogs. Cafe there too for refreshments. Sainsburys at matlock was handy, retail park about 17 miles away, morrisons, pets at home, b and m, and mcdonalds too. Derby town centre very good for lots of shopping. Decent town centre. Matlock also a nice place to shop too with a lovely big park too to walk your dogs. Matlock a place where we found a good laundrette if the need arises.

  Read more less >

• Gillian - Verified booking

  Our stay over Christmas at Holly Cottage was mixed.

  The cottage itself is in a beautiful village of Winster with its two friendly pubs and a very handy Community Shop run by helpful and friendly volunteers, such assets for the village. Holly Cottage itself was nicely decorated downstairs for Christmas. Unfortunately our stay was marred by the fact that the cottage was not very clean, there were cobwebs hanging from the ceiling in the bedroom, the bathroom was not very hygienic - the plughole in particular was disgusting. The bedroom that had two beds pushed together had a very thin sheet on the bed and no mattress cover which I found very unhygienic. Also the outer wall in this bedroom was very damp and wet. The cooker door did not shut properly which bearing in mind I was cooking Christmas lunch was a bit annoying. I am told by Sykes that I should have complained at the time even though it was the Christmas break and bank holidays and that the issues would have been remedied! So this is advice for all future users - make sure you report the issues at the time. The owner on hearing of the issues following my initial particularly around the cleanliness of the property emailed me and I quote "was sorry to read that the cleanliness of the cottage was not up to standard. I have not been pleased with the company I have been employing for cleaning/laundry and as a result have a new company starting on Monday". This in my view is an acknowledgement that there were and had been issues with cleanliness at Holly Cottage. Its a shame it spoilt what was our first Christmas away from home for nearly 20 years.

  Read more less >

• Beth - Verified booking

  Overall it was a great location for exploring the local area.

  We came for the local hikes and walks. The cottage itself is very comfortable, quiet at night, slept very well. Kitchen well stocked with all needed utensils, and the hob and oven are excellent. Hot water on tap. Downsides are that the road is extremely busy with HGVs; as parking is tight to the road, extra care with kids and dogs needed. Although dogs are thankfully allowed, the pretty terraced garden isn't enclosed, which I had been told about, but I had not been told to have dogs on leads thus we had a telling off from the neighbor as our dogs had wandered over whilst we were deep in discussion on the patio. A simple 'chicken wire' fence between the properties would fix this problem, as all our dogs needed is a barrier to know where they are allowed and where not. Otherwise it's dogs on leads at all times which is prohibitive to relaxation. Plus an annoyance to the neighbor, which was an unfortunate thing. Whilst checking the cottage for bits of belongings that may have rolled under the sofa, we were surprised to find a longtime build up of dust underneath, a lost dog collar from sometime ago as it was obvious with the amount of dustwebs hanging off it. We disposed of the collar and left a note. That was a disappointment as the rest of the cottage seemed clean. Also in the absence of a washing machine, an airer to dry damp or wet clothes would be a great practical help. With a little more care with the cleaning and the aforementioned, the cottage would be a place that I would re-visit.

  Read more less >

• Caroline - Verified booking

  A wonderful stay in this chocolate box cottage.

  As we drove up through Winster village, which is steeped in history, we saw Holly Cottage up ahead. This is a truly delightful cottage with tasteful decor, original character features and all of the comforts (and practicalities) of home. Jo provides an excellent welcome pack, full of useful local information. The cottage is well equipped and immaculately clean. The beds were really comfortable and all of the towels and linen were of good quality. Holly Cottage is clearly loved and looked after! We had a lovely meal in the Bowling Green pub, a mere stones throw from the cottage. There's plenty to see and do and we visited Bakewell and Matlock Bath on our whistle-stop tour of Derbyshire. The scenery is stunning, as is the architecture (both of Winster village and further afield). The local village store is really well stocked and run by volunteers, who were friendly and helpful. We strolled down the road for firewood and supplies and had a lovely chat with a local chap about his Land Rover. It's clearly a lovely community in a sleepy, (very) old village. We highly recommend this charming cottage either as a cosy retreat or a base for your holiday. Our only disappointment was that in late February, with the Beast from the East heading inland, we were unable to enjoy the fabulous garden to the rear of the property. That's definitely a summer sport! Thanks again to Jo and family, we had a fabulous time in your beautiful cottage. Caroline and Tim, Haworth, West Yorkshire.

  Read more less >

• Elena - Verified booking

  We had most enjoyable time at Holy Cottage.

  The house is very well equipped with everything an everyday household may need for cooking, cleaning and keeping warm. The decor is much suited to the style of the cottage and aesthetically presented. We found the welcome tray (with tea, coffee, sugar, treats, wine) in addition to the pint of fresh milk in the fridge most thoughtful, and much appreciated. The wodd burning stove has been an ideal way to warm up during some of the colder summer evenings, creating much warmth and cosiness in the spacious living/dining room. The beds are extremely comfortable with sufficiant amount of extra towels and bedding. The bathroom also offered all the modern and comfortable facilities one would expect. The back garden, though very steep, offered nevertheless breathtaking views from the second level and a comfortable seeting for all of us (a group of 5 - 3 adults and 2 children). The location of Holy Cottage was most convenient for our daily trips of exploring the surrounding area. Attractions like Mason Mills, Scarthin Book Shop, Cromford Mills and Cromford Canal are withing easy walking distance. While Chatsworth House, the Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath and Buxton are withing easy driving distance. We have truely enjoyed our stay at Holy Cottage and would certainly be booking again in the future. Many thanks.

  Read more less >