Guests say
Apple Tree Cottage is a characterful property with a spacious garden and hot tub, set in a peaceful location near a friendly pub. While some guests found the cottage clean and well-equipped, others noted issues with maintenance and cleanliness. The property's charm and location were frequently praised, and the owners were described as approachable.
Reviews indicate significant concerns with cleanliness, including mould, cobwebs, and dirty mattresses. Some guests found the property tidy, but the prevalence of negative comments suggests a need for improvement in this area.
The cottage is consistently praised for its peaceful location and proximity to a lovely village and pub. The area is described as beautiful and ideal for sightseeing and relaxing.
Guests enjoyed the spaciousness and character of the cottage, but comfort was compromised by issues such as faulty mattresses and heating problems. The presence of both positive and negative feedback leads to an average score.
Facilities such as the hot tub and kitchen equipment received mixed reviews, with some guests experiencing broken appliances and maintenance issues. While some aspects were appreciated, the need for repairs and updates is evident.
There is insufficient information regarding the provision of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the owners. Therefore, a score cannot be provided for this category.
About this property
Blandford Forum 5.1 miles. Apple Tree Cottage is a fabulous Grade II listed detached cottage located in Tarrant Monkton, Dorset. Internally, the property has stunning contemporary furnishings, including three high-quality fitted bathrooms, while still retaining a wealth of character with its exposed beams. Offering five spacious bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor and would be ideal for those with limited mobility, it makes a great base for a family retreat. The further four bedrooms are on the first floor and are ideal for large families or a group of friends to catch up on their rest. The ground floor hosts a spacious sitting room with a range of sofas, benefitting from a large woodburning stove to keep you warm during those chilly winter months.
Take advantage of the provided books and games and use the dining table as a social space to play or read quietly. The kitchen has a wonderful set of fitted units and sleek worktops; with all the appliances you could need during your stay, as well as boasting some of the most magnificent countryside views from every window. Outside has an enclosed lawned garden and a patio area with furniture and a large hot tub; take a relaxing soak with those fabulous bubbling jets and wash away those aching muscles, with plenty of space to sit out and enjoy the afternoon sun, with a refreshing glass of wine.
There is off-road parking available for several cars. While you're in the area, why not visit Hall and Woodhouse Brewery? Established in the 18th century, it offers detail on the beer making process, with tastings and an on-site bar and restaurant. Or take a trip toward Bradbury Rings, which are on the former site of an Iron Age hill fort. With plenty of shops and eateries in the area, you will not be short of things to do. Apple Tree Cottage is the ultimate location for friends and families to relax and unwind.
Blandford Forum is a market town in Dorset, England, situated by the River Stour. Boasting a variety of local shops, pubs, restaurants, cafés and a Georgian tearoom. The town is noted for its Georgian history, after a fire broke out in 1731 and destroyed most of the town. It was rebuilt with a donation made by King George II and still retains its Georgian history and decor. Full of history and local amenities.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: First-floor: 2 x Double bedrooms with en-suite, 1 x Double bedroom which is linked to a further Twin room.
1 x Ground-floor double snug room/sofa bed.
Downstairs wet room with shower, WC and hand basin plus a separate downstairs cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner with Aga oven.
Utility.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Oil central heating, underfloor heating, woodburning stove.
AGA oven and hob, toaster, kettle, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, TV, a selection of books and games and WiFi.
Fuel, power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for several cars.
Enclosed lawned garden and patio area with hot tub and furniture.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 1.7 miles and pub 0.8 miles, local micro-brewery open Fridays 4pm-8pm.
Note: There is a sofa bed in the snug, a further two guests can be accommodated for upon request
Reviews (21)
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Caroline
However, too many other existing and previously reported significant problems mean we would not recommend staying here (itâs up for sale so the owners are clearly not investing for commercial rental). The hot tub wasnât clean (and so unsafe) and the owner hadn't provided the products to remedy it so we stopped using it. All the cottage information made it clear you must test after every use and adjust the water, so they know this is important but arenât putting measures in place to keep it safe. Both upstairs showers were broken so six of us had to use one shower downstairs (with low water pressure). Itâs not five star in appearance. Probably a lovely family home once but for commercial rental, it needs a more neutral decor. One bedroom still has seemingly a childâs name decal on the wall. Some areas are a bit mouldy, the downstairs bedroom smells musty. Thereâs a mish mash of old furniture, the sofa in the kitchen feels like it will soon sag right to the floor. The owner, via Sykes, reassured us in advance all the issues we were concerned about had been fixed and we were told to contact the owner during our stay if we needed anything. The emergency contacts in the welcome booklet have been cut out, which is a very poor experience. Ironically, all the rules and threats of being charged if you donât look after the place are still in tact. When we did get hold of the owner (via Sykes) there was some confusion over who is responsible and we got passed around. They were apologetic and said they werenât local so couldnât come and help with the hot tub. They promised a plumber who didnât arrive until Weds, after calling on Sunday. He said the showers were an ongoing issue and let slip the family lived on the same plot of land. All in all, too many faults, completely mis-sold as a five star property and customer experience dire. Apologetic texts and offers of a discount (which didnât materialise) donât make up for everything else.
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Lella
House has walls with holes in, mould and dirty everywhere, cobwebs, downstairs toilet is not screwed to the floor so moves and could crush a child. Main shower room out of action as screen door broken, shower broken in second bathroom. Garden really overgrown with weeds everywhere. Mattresses filthy with horrendous stains. Blinds don't work in the bedrooms. Hot tub broken with mechanism lying on the floor and a note how heavy the lid is and it needs two people to lift (my husband hurt his back manually lifting the lid from the floor back up). Needs maintenance and TLC in every single room. Incredibly unloved holiday house and photos are so misleading. If I could have given this zero stars I would. We were due to stay for a week but left after 3 days. I cannot stress enough do not book this holiday, it absolutely spoiled what should have been a lovely family week, we were gutted.
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Mandeep
The second day they went on from 5 till 10 however did not warm the house enough for anyone to be able to sleep comfortably. In the downstairs room, we did not have a heating therefore the room stayed freezing 24/7 as well as the front room upstairs (the heating didnât turn on at all). Over the place is cute and wouldâve been fully satisfied if we werenât freezing.