Holiday Cottages That Sleep 8

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Coral - Verified booking

  The place was spotless and so impressive, huge sized property, lovely area in the porch to store bikes which was important to us.

  Its a huge grand design type property which must have been a real feat of engineering and they did very well. We went to lots of local places like Keilder Water (although they were still suffering from the aftermath of storm Arwen and lots of trees had been lost. Bellingham is a lovely little village with a couple of cafes and a useful co op, a few pubs, within a few miles of the church are some lovely pub/restaurants. We also went cycling round the local roads which are quiet once you get off the road the cottage is on, they are hilly though. The road is not busy that the cottage is on but the speed that drivers drive at is pretty bad, no thought for people who might be cycling or walking which is a shame. However the little lanes off that road are fine and you can safely cycle to Bellingham by going via Helsleyside without too much trouble, there is a lovely route over the hills to Wark too and if we were better cyclists that would be a beautiful ride. We went over to the coast which was cold but lovely. The property is very warm, particularly upstairs no matter how much we tried to turn it down so if you get cold then you wont suffer here in the winter. My only little niggle is that the sofas are very low to the ground without proper back or neck support as they have low backs too, also could be a few more side tables and foot rests as old knees cant get out of sofas that low or deep. We were welcomed with a lemon drizzle cake made by the cleaner which was really nice.

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• Mrs Dawson - Verified booking

  We had such a wonderful time at Tarken house celebrating my husband’s birthday over the New Year holidays (four adults, four children age 6-9). The property is beautiful and the photos somehow don’t capture just how amazing it is (that’s not a criticism of the photos, more of how lovely it is). We arrived to such a lovely experience - lights on, birthday banners and balloons set out, warm toastie heating on, welcome whiskey, biscuits and Scottish tablet… We appreciated so much about our stay - the views, the spaciousness, how well kitted out it is, how many towels, toilet rolls and kitchen rolls were left for us, the wonderful welcome. We loved that logs were all provided and the beds were soooo comfortable. We met so many warm, welcoming and helpful locals. There were walks from the door step and the pool, darts and pool table to occupy us when we didn’t want to venture out. There was always something to entertain all of us, including some much needed rest and relaxation. I can’t tell you how helpful, flexible and kind the housekeepers were (on several accounts that were entirely our fault). We’ve stayed in lots of houses over the years but their kindness has really shone through for us. We can’t recommend Tarken House enough and would love to come back in the summer months.

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• Zoe - Verified booking

  What a fabulous property, spotlessly clean, fully equipped for our very rainy week in July.

  Extremely helpful housekeeper Claire, and so much to do in the area. Book a visit to the Dark Sky Kielder Observatory for an evening of stargazing fun, Lovely walks in and around Kielder water and the little market town of Corbridge is well worth a visit for unusual independent shops.The wonderful Hadrians wall is on the doorstep at Housesteads, and a visit to the stunning grounds and Arts and Crafts beauty of Cragside within an hour.Its hard to think of any negatives with the Greysteads church, perhaps its worth saying that if you are staying with a dog there are no walks from the property ( that we could locate), the road is quite busy with logging lorries so not an option during our stay for dog walking along the road, and to get to the lovely little fenced off garden from the church you need to walk through the graveyard to let your dog off the lead or carry your coffee to the outside space.This was the only minor issue late at night in the rain ! . and something that makes total sense given the property is a church, but wasn't mentioned in the details.Overall one of the very best properties we've stayed in.

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• Muriel - Verified booking

  We have to agree with previous reviews about the pervasive damp and musty smell of the property.

  There was black mould on the curtains and paint work especially in the lounge. Extensive condensation occurred in the property as stated by Sykes this is because the property has single pane glass - you are advised on arrival that there is a Karcher window cleaner that you can use to remove the condensation - this wasn't stated on the property details and in fact Sykes have replied in conjunction with the owner that you need to do this, I would like to have known this before booking the property. The entrance to the property was covered in green moss and looked neglected and most unwelcoming with not a lot of curb appeal. The utility room was excellent for the dogs as was the garden although some aspects of the garden furniture was unkempt and unusable. The kitchen was well equipped but we would have liked a bowl for the sink or a plug. The beaches recommended were excellent for walking the dogs and their owners. Village shop was excellent with local products and some unusual gifts.

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• Mrs Rose - Verified booking

  Tarken House is beautiful, even more beautiful than the website pictures suggest. We were a party of 7 ladies and had a wonderful stay. On hearing that we were there for a birthday, the owners decorated the entrance with balloons. There was a welcome gift of tablet (yum). The seating area is so spacious and comfortable - the kitchen incredibly well equipped - even for making cocktails! We used the pool and it was gorgeous, nice and warm and you can use it as a fitness pool with the jets on. We didn't use the deck except for photos as we were staying in February, but it must be gorgeous in the warmer months. The views are astonishing. The bedrooms are beautiful - the three front bedrooms have loch views - lovely linens, soft fluffy towels and plenty of toiletries. The robes and slippers were much appreciated. I would say use the house as it is so lovely and it's easy to whip up a nice meal in that kitchen. We really had a great time - no complaints at all.

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