Baytree Cottage

Reviews (22)

• Emma

  Needed to be cleaned on arrival and sofas very dirty, good location and everything worked , just needs a deep thorough clean.

• Helen

  On arrival to Baytree Cottage could not get the housekeeper to return my calls, only to be told after waiting 20mins the contact details were invalid. Sykes finally managed to get through to property owner. The property presented dark and very tired, even with the sun shining!. The first ground floor bedroom was ok, although dusty on window ledge and wall sockets. The second ground floor bedroom, smelt stale and worn with an over powering smell of carpet freshener, with an awful dark wardrobe in the corner. (wardrobe does not show in property photos). The toilet downstairs had a dripping tap and a loo seat that did not fit the toilet, dim lighting, with no additional lighting around sink area, that was positioned at end of bath, behind the door. No anti slip mat for bath, or bath mat. The original heavy panel doors need maintenance, as difficult to close. The hallway was ok. The lounge looked very tired, carpet dirty, food behind the cushions on the chair and sofa. Could not pull out the draw for the dvds as it was jammed. Extremely large dining table with addition chairs at side. Small dark kids game room off dining area. Conservatory had an awful smell, the table was not fitted together properly, the throw over rug covered an extremely dirty sofa with stains, which needed deep cleaning, not hiding over with a throw! Complete in the corner was a huge garden parasol box and cover that should have been stored in the shed. The garden looked so much better on Skye’s property photos, garden grass had not been cut, the willow tree in the corner had a wasp problem. Back inside continuing the tour, the kitchen area looked ok, cupboard storage was an issue, crumbs in the bread bin, the small dining area was ok, although storage space filled with far too much surplus items, in my opinion. Upstairs shower room had loose toilet set, mould on ceiling,broken door knob and door lock. Double bedroom was ok, did not use other room. All the wood work needed a clean and repainting, maybe the excuse could be the words ‘cottage charm’. Baytree did not feel homely, but unloved, tired and worn, with a ‘that will do attitude’. Extremely disappointed. My recommendation would be get a professional cleaning company in, carry on with the decorating that has obviously started, put additional lighting in to give a warmer feel. Hire a gardener to sort out the shrubs in front of property, and trees and shrubs in back garden, cut the grass.An update on an annual basis by Sykes to ensure properties match photos description regarding, furniture changes, general condition of property

• David

  We enjoyed our stay but there are a few comments we would make as we feel the cottage is now in need of some maintenance and TLC, it is looking a little "tired". Things we highlighted last year as needing doing haven't been done, so hence our comments below. When we arrived the dishwasher wasn't working and the bolt on the upstairs bathroom door was faulty. We tried ringing the number Sykes had given for the local contact but voicemails and texts were not answered. After a few days we found the number for Chloe who used to look after the cottage and she kindly contacted the owners for us. A new updated contact number needs to be given, as Chloe's number is still in in the guest info book in the cottage. The owners asked the new cleaners/maintenance people to contact us, arrangements were made for the dishwasher to be repaired and the bolt mended, but each time they said they would come on a certain day but then didn't. When the bolt was finally looked at on a Friday, it was promised to be mended on Monday, I am glad I asked the guy to put the faulty bolt back on as that was better than nothing, as no one came back to replace the bolt despite promises that they would. Communication would have sorted this - a note left to say the dishwasher wasn't working, and a quick call if they found they couldn't have come to sort things out after all that day would have been appreciated. Cleanliness wasn't up to last year's standard, lots of dust and cobwebs, grimy shower tray and the bottom of the shower screen was full of "crud" washes out when you are using the shower. The gap in the hedge in the back garden is still there despite being mentioned by several previous guests. One of our dogs got through, into next doors garden and then out onto the road, luckily we quickly spotted she had gone. Such a shame as we highlighted this last year. We ended up moving garden chairs to try and barricade the gap. The garden is rather overgrown, some pruning in the front would make the narrow drive easier to navigate. The conservatory door lock still isn't mended which means you can't use the conservatory as it gets incredibly hot on a slightly sunny day - a great place to dry clothes off, but would be nice to be able to open that door into the garden. Sofa is looking a bit tired and has had it's day, and the mattress on the main bed could do with replacing as you find you roll into the middle! May seem like nit picking but when you are paying around £1200-£1500 per week you expect it to be a bit better, well we certainly do :) Last year when we arrived there was a lovely cake, jar of doggy biscuits and tea and coffee makings, sadly not this year, so all in all, we felt that corners and costs were being cut. It is a shame because the cottage is in the perfect spot, it is spacious and comfortable, just needs a bit of smartening up and perhaps more attention to detail paid with the cleaning and little maintenance jobs.