Big Cottages & Group Accommodation in Happisburgh

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Colette - Verified booking

  The old barn had some pros, huge place and lovely outside area.

  My in laws found it difficult to find but once located, was a good base for exploring. The barn in general needs a paint job and some tlc. Unfortunately the barn was not clean. It wasn't a case of country living (as Sykes say in their T&C's), there were many areas (including the toilet) which were actually dirty. We spent at least half a day hoovering the "Halloween" cobwebs which were not as a result of just a few days of not being tended to and scrubbing The bins were filthy, the fridge had not been cleaned for a while and the toilet still had remnants from previous guests. The high chair also had food in from people who had used it before. We gave the outside windows a sweep to remove several spiders nests which were getting ready to spawn. The WiFi connection also left something to be desired but the selection of films on the special hard drive box they had helped with entertainment in the evening. The local beaches are great so the area is well worth visiting. Such a shame because the place could be lovely. My mother in law has used Sykes before for the Lake District and said the accomodation she previously booked was immaculate which represents inconsistency with their services. Purely because of the cleanliness I will not visit this place or use Sykes again. There are other providers out there that ensure standards are acceptable and I would hope as a busy career woman and mother of 2, not to have to spend half a day of my holiday cleaning the property I have booked to stay in.

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• Jane - Verified booking

  The Old Barn is a bit of a mixed bag hence the average review.

  I’ll start with the positives: 1. It’s huge with 3 double bedrooms, a vast large lounge diner, new modern kitchen, and bigger than needed bathroom. 2. It has 2 enclosed courtyard spaces front and back. (although they’re a bit stuffy tbh) 3. It has a utility room with both washing machine and tumble dryer. 4. Beds very comfortable, bedrooms light and airy. 5. Very well equipped kitchen with dishwasher, fridge freezer and about 20 saucepans for some weird reason. The not so positives: 1. The lounge/dinner is the old barn and despite having patio doors, the room is very dark. 2. It smelled very musty on arrival - but opening all windows and doors helped this. It’s an old building (obviously) with wooden floors, furniture, beams and log burner -so I guess it is only to be expected to smell strongly of wood. 3. It’s on a busy road, you will get noise. That however did not bother us - what did however that it has a blind exit, so leaving the property is a dice with death situation as you creep forward to desperately try and see if a vehicle is hurtling towards you. Please could the owners replace the roadside mirrors. One is smashed, the other needs cleaning. In their current state they serve no purpose in helping drivers see the road. Overall we did enjoy our stay, we’ve certainly stayed in worse.

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• Josie - Verified booking

  A lovely holiday home in a good location.

  It is on a main road, which is included in the listing - however, we did find it quite stressful getting out of the property, as cars approach very fast and visibility is not great. Not one if you are a nervous driver. The house itself is very nice and the beds were comfortable and the property spacious. As per other reviews, the cleaning was not up to the usual standard of properties that we visit, especially the kitchen which could do with a deep clean. Small gardens but enclosed so good for dogs, but need some TLC. We didn't really spend any time in them due to them being quite overgrown with weeds - especially the back courtyard which was like a jungle. A small amount of garden maintenance to tidy them up and re-do the pots so that it is a more pleasant place to sit in is needed. Kitchen is well stocked with things that you need, but again needs an overhaul to get rid of things that can't be used like baking trays that are covered in rust. We had to re-wash the majority of things we used as they weren't very clean. Overall a good property but we wouldn't return due these shortcomings.

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• Dawn - Verified booking

  Back again for another stay at Sea Urchin.

  First up, Robert is a lovely gentleman who meets you with the keys and all instructions, he makes you feel so welcome. Sea Urchin is very clean, cosy and welcoming - a home from home! The location is perfect! On the beach in under 1 minute and it’s so pretty, the locals are friendly and the way of life takes me back a good 20 years. There’s lots to see and do in the area too, a little tip; if wanting to visit a restaurant or cafe at this time of the year do ring ahead to check they’re open first. For Sunday lunch bookings also ring a few days ahead. Otherwise there’s a lovely farm shop at Boundary Farm approx 3.5 miles and a supermarket approx 5 miles. I can’t wait to go back to Sea Urchin! Thank you Robert once again, you are the perfect host with impeccable manners, and for being flexible with times too.

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• Virginia - Verified booking

  The building itself is lovely but upon arrival there was no welcome pack, most of the properties we have stayed in previously have at least had the basics of tea, coffee and milk.

  We arrived late and didn't have time to do a shop so this was a little bit disappointing. The kitchen equipment all felt like it needed a good wash before using and one of the cupboards had cobwebs in! There were a couple of baking trays that should have been thrown out years ago from the looks of things. The outside light at the back didn't work. The sofas were quite uncomfortable. I wouldn't advise anyone with a low suspension to book the property as the entry into the property would probably take your suspension out! The plus points were that it is in a great position, so close to the beach and Poachers Pocket at Bacton was great for food and the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. In short, with a little bit of attention this property could be amazing but just seems a little tired and unloved.

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