“This property displayed a sign to say they had won Sykes "Little Gems" award for going "above and beyond" to make their property inviting back in 2018.”
Felt like they are resting on their laurels as there were things that could be easily made better here. A missing hook on the back of the door, no cover for the egg seat in the garden so it was soaking and couldn't be used, ten hangers between four people, the ice compartment in the fridge (mentioned in other reviews as needing defrosted) was still useless until we did it ourselves) and a dripping tap in the bathroom. These could all have been so easily fixed but just hadn't been.
The cottage is beautiful and historic and if you want to say you've stayed in the oldest residential building in Stratford, here's the place - or the other similar cottages which share the building - units 1 or 3 (2 is privately owned). It is very small for four guests though, and anyone over six foot will need to be careful not to bump their heads. The main bedroom is very small, watch you don't constantly bump your shin on the corner of the bed as you open the door, though the bed is most comfortable. The second bedroom is stylish and far more roomy but there is no wardrobe, only two large drawers to share between two. It could do with more shelves and hooks to allow you to spread out your belongings - we were fortunate in that our party were only three so we could live out of one of the suitcases stationed on the spare bed and I used the stairs to set out our shoes. The bathroom is very nice with a lovely modern bath and shower over it, though the plumbing needs some attention - and the toilet flush is on upside down - took us a day to work that out though once you see the problem, it works fine.
In the kitchen, the layout is very attractive but there was no microwave and the stools for sitting round the breakfast bar were so very very uncomfortable we couldn't eat there. In good weather, you can instead eat at the large garden table which we did and enjoyed, this is benefitted by some pretty lighting in the evening. There was Netflix on a large television, and music, books, or dvds for your use. A parking permit allowed us to park in any of the surrounding streets free for the week - parking wardens are everywhere in Stratford!
All in all, I personally wouldn't go back as I feel there are far better Sykes lets in the town such as 1 Masons Court ,which is considerably better in our option. It doesn't take much to defrost the freezer when guests are pointing this out, make the effort! Also only one house key is a bit inconvenient. Historically a win; comfort-wise could certainly be better.
