“Basically a very pleasant and comfortable cottage for two people set in a lovely part of the Cotswolds within easy reach of numerous attractions, but, and there is always a but, the devil is in the detail and it is in the detail that this cottage fails.”
Our feeling was that the owners have rather given up. The occupancy rate is clearly rather low and the level of care and attention likewise. All of the following complaints are, in themselves minor, but they add up to making what could be a really lovely experience turn out to be a bit frustrating.
The information (or perhaps instruction) booklet clearly dates from Covid and has not been updated, similarly the rack of tourist information leaflets is wildly out of date, many are dated 2018.
The lighting, particularly in the living room is so poor that reading during the evening is difficult.
The TV is very small and the DVD player only worked once. The instruction book did not seem to refer to the TV on the premises and the remote control did not work properly.
The kitchen was quite good but the fridge was only a larder fridge without even a compartment to make a tray of ice cubes or to freeze ice packs for picnics.
There is no washing machine which is unusual these days. I believe that electrical appliances should have a PAT test certificate, only one had and this was some years out of date. I also believe there should be a gas safety certificate on the premises but we couldn’t find one (forgive me if I am wrong about either of these points)
Thank you for your feedback with regards to your stay at Appin Cottage. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the property and the area. With regards to your feedback, we have been in touch with the Owner and can confirm the leaflets are updated and ones that are no longer relevant are removed, but some that are a little old, are still valid and nothing has really changed, so these haven't been removed. Of course you could also check online if worried times might have changed. Regarding lights, i believe additional reading light has been installed in the property for those who enjoy a good book in the evening. With regards to the fridge, it does state it's only a fridge on the website, due to the size of the property. Again the property details do not show a washing machine, the kitchen just doesn't have the space and we think guests would rather have the storage and good cooking facilities. We can confirm everything is PAT Tested that needs to be and this is NOT a legal requirement. The property also has a Gas Safety Certificate that is valid, both Manor and the Owner have a copy of this and it doesn't need to be left at the property. We would love to welcome you again soon for another stay. Kind regards Manor Cottages.
Property Owner