Carolyn
Nottingham 
Couple
- Bearing in mind the price for renting this property, you would expect it to be basic. Which it was. It has the potential to be a lovely little hideaway, but just misses the mark. It’s a shame really, as a little investment would make it really cosy. The kitchen is very tired, with the cupboard doors not fitting or opening/closing properly. A few little extras would help (a colander for example, or more space to store food). There was a sign to ask you not to wear your shoes into the main property, however the door area is really small so one person has to wait outside in the rain while the other takes their shoes off. Just a tiny roof over the door would make that so much better. An outdoor brush to sweep the steps would also be useful in autumn and would keep the property cleaner. It’s very dark in the living room, which you expect given the location, however better lighting would sort this out. When we arrived, the fire was packed full of rubbish and could have been dangerous. Even when set by people who are used to a log burner, it has a tendency to fill the room with smoke. We left it set and ready for the next people when we left. There’s fly paper held up with a plastic bag on the curtain rail, with a small collection of dead flies. As other reviewers have said it would benefit from a small sofa rather than two chairs, as this would be much more comfortable. The bedroom is a very tight squeeze and there is nowhere really to put your luggage or clothing as the cupboard is full of things like the hoover and ironing board. There’s lots of dust and cobwebs down the back of the bed. Other reviewers have mentioned the noise from above and I think this depends on the people who are staying. When we were there, it sounded like they were moving the furniture. We also suspect they were on a romantic break as the squeaky bed upstairs seem to be getting a lot of action most days. Rather difficult to sleep in those circumstances! In the bathroom, the flooring needs to be changed as it’s rather dirty and tired. The bath itself is rather difficult to get in to so a handrail would help and the showerhead is currently held up with a plastic bag and two cable ties. The two fabric shower curtains stick to you while you’re trying to shower and both looked like they could’ve done with a clean. The bath has also seen better days. It’s dogs tolerated rather than welcome, as they are only allowed in the very small living room. On the plus side, there are some lovely walks straight from the cottage. Overall, if you’re expecting basic then that’s what you’re going to get and it is a dry, warm space on a wet Lakeland day.
Published on: 31 October 2020
Sally's Cottages, 
Hi Carolyn, very many thanks for taking the time to leave such detailed comments. I'm sorry that, on this occasion, everything was not as you would have liked and I will take the time to investigate and come back to you with a more detailed response shortly. I'm pelased to hear you enjoyed your stay overall and got plenty of walking done.
