Guests say
The Birches is a charming and spacious farmhouse nestled in a tranquil, rural setting, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living spaces, and the property's proximity to Hay-on-Wye. The presence of a car charging point and thoughtful touches like provided snacks add to the appeal, though some mention the need for better internet and more comfortable beds.
Most guests found The Birches clean, with only a few mentioning issues with cleanliness such as dirty pots and a mouldy rolling pin. The property was generally well-received for its tidiness.
The location is highly praised for its peacefulness and proximity to Hay-on-Wye. The natural surroundings and wildlife are a highlight, though the remote setting and single-track access roads are noted.
The property is generally considered comfortable, with a cosy lounge and well-received living spaces. However, several guests noted that the double beds were lumpy and uncomfortable, impacting the score.
Facilities like the well-stocked kitchen and car charging point are appreciated. However, critiques of the games room, some appliances needing updates, and the desire for unlimited internet suggest room for improvement.
Guests mentioned thoughtful touches such as snacks and basic provisions on arrival, which were well-received. However, as not all reviews reference such gestures, and to maintain expectations, it's noted that these are not guaranteed.
About this property
Hay-on-Wye 3.5 miles. A traditional detached farmhouse, on the edge of the Black Mountains, surrounded by miles and miles of unspoilt countryside. Located close to the border with Wales and three and a half miles from pretty Hay-on-Wye, this thoughtfully furnished cottage provides spacious accommodation, making it the perfect base for a family get-together or for those who simply enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. This Hay-on-Wye cottage has four lovely bedrooms with charming views, a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before a busy day and next door to the kitchen, a dining room where everyone can gather over dinner to discuss the days activities. The sitting room in this Hay-on-Wye cottage combines contemporary furnishings with character features, including exposed beams and open stone walls and flagged flooring made cosy by luxurious underfloor heating. There is also an original alcove, which now houses a warming woodburner, perfect for chilly nights, whilst in the study area, guests will find plenty of information to help their stay run smoothly and inspire holiday adventures. Outside this Hay-on-Wye cottage is an enclosed lawned garden, complete with furniture, a barbecue for alfresco feasts and a sandpit to keep the little ones happy! The cottage is on a non-working farm with occasional livestock handling on the yard. The ancient market town of Hay-on-Wye, known fondly as The Town of Books, is just a short drive away and has a unique selection of tea rooms, shops, pubs and restaurants to suite all tastes and of course, plenty of quaint little bookshops, all set in beautiful surroundings. The area offers numerous walks and cycle routes, all within easy reach, including the Offa's Dyke Path running close by, as well as many outdoor activities. A delightful Hay-on-Wye cottage for a memorable holiday discovering Shropshires scenic beauty.
Hay-on-Wye, the 'town of books', renowned for its world-famous Hay Festival of Literature, lies on the Welsh/English border, and is a popular destination for book lovers or holidaymakers wishing to enjoy the leisure activities and beautiful scenery of the Wye valley. Hay-on-Wye is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which provides excellent walking, cycling, bird watching, fishing and canoeing together with a variety of tourist attractions. A supremely appealing all year round holiday destination.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x double, 2 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with breakfast bar.
Utility.
Dining room.
Sitting room with woodburner.
Oil central heating with underfloor heating in hall, study and sitting room, plus woodburner.
Electric oven, separate grill and hob, fridge, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, iPod dock, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel, power and fuel for woodburner included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair.
Ample off road parking.
Lockable bike storage.
Enclosed front lawned garden with furniture, BBQ and sandpit.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shops and pubs 3.5 miles.
Note: Access to this property is via a narrow lane with regular passing points.
External Games Room with Table Tennis Table.
This property offers an electric car charging point
Reviews (28)
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Dawn
I don't like complaining but for the amount paid I expected more. It was cold and smelled of damp, the underfloor heating never got warm. There was black mould on the walls in the dining room. The sofas were stained and the place needed a deep clean. I guess the previous holidaymakers had a baby as there was food on the high chair. The knives were damaged, plates and pans had been put away dirty. There was no visitors book or the usual load of manuals (unless we didn't find them) and no welcome pack. It was a great location but the house needed some care and attention. I complained to Sykes but got no response.
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Tomas
Zero communication from owners despite e-mailing and calling about our arrival.
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Matilda
Plenty of room for six adults and a toddler, very comfortable and clean with a great range of facilities. The setting was lovely and it was a treat to be somewhere so quiet. The close proximity to Hay-on-Wye allowed us to explore the village and pick up any amenities for the week.