“What a shock, were do we start.”
First thing is the narrow lane up the hill, so lucky we got a 4 x 4! Yes you can drive regular cars up but not for everyone! The steep and narrow uphill turns is not really suitable for a normal car, loaded with family and stuff for the week ahead! Yes you can drive up if your used to it as one or two people, but think about a loaded car for the holiday!? Now let's talk about the view, absolutely beautiful however ,not the garden! We have never stayed in such a place that is so unkempt and barren and laden with weeds, it's an overgrown car park, cant call it a garden! Now the issues we had, first thing just one flimsy black rubbish bag that was falling apart when we tried to empty it, and no replacement bags and no bins to empty into, I contacted the owner to be told they dont normally provide rubbish liners! We could load the rubbish in the car and take it half way down the hill to the nearest bin!!! In all fairness, at this, the owner did send more black liners up and told us to leave rubbish in the outside shed. Next issue, description states dvd player, yes there was a dvd player, but no lead to connect to the tv! Again this was addressed when I phoned the owner, however, we should Not have to be contacting the owner over basic facilities and at the price this cottage is charged for a weeks stay!! Okay, how about no hair dryer, never stayed anywhere without basic items and that includes a hair dryer. Just for anyone reading this, we booked this cottage to take two young girls with learning disabilities, they have, as most other girls, disabilities or not, long hair that needs washing every few days or so, but no hair dryer! Enough said. We have stayed in many hotels and cottages, both domestically and abroad, and have never seen the lack of facilities and attention to holiday makers who have paid GOOD MONEY!, to make the most of their holiday. This place didn't have any extra cd's, DVD's, books, games, and the usual things you get when staying in such a place, no amenities at all! Something else!, no cupboard room or storage in kitchen to put a few groceries etc away! Oh yes, no shaver socket or adapter for shaves, toothbrushes etc that is part of modern day holiday life, nothing! Okay, now let's talk about the log burners, it states that the fuel etc is part of the rent, yes there was enough logs for a few nights, but wait a minute, no companion set, or indeed anything to clean the ashes out, let alone anywhere to take the ashes to empty into! We was able to light the fire on two nights but due to no cleaning facilities, not able to empty sufficiently to re light again! Poor show! Now readers, how about this one. When we stripped our bed at the end of the week, we were horrified to find several nasty stains and Mark's that we'd been sleeping on!!! Also, dead, half decayed dead animals by shed Disgusting! To summarise, the general feeling of this place was very bleak, barren, uncared for, book at your peril, you have been warned. For the price, Disgusting! Might have been a bit more forgiving if the price was half as much, but for nearly 1.5grand you should be ashamed!!
We are sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your holiday. I will address some of your comments below:
1). The road leading up to the property is a tarmacked council road and does not require a 4x4 unless we are experiencing adverse weather. The road leading from the council road to the property is a well maintained farm track which is also suitable for regular vehicles. The road is steep in parts, however presumably you would have expected this when booking a holiday in a mountainous region such as the Snowdonia National Park. We have been letting at the property for many years and none of our other guests have experienced any problems with the road barring during the winter when snow affects access.
2). With regards to your comments about the 'garden'. The property is surrounded by farm land and is as previously stated part of the National Park; therefore in an attempt to promote wildlife and pollinating insects the grass in only cut when it has gone to seed and the wild flowers have bloomed during the summer months. As for being unkempt this is not the case; perhaps you are not familiar with the rugged terrain and heathland found on the mountains in this area?
3). With regards to bin bags; bin bags are provided on arrival, however, as it self catering accommodation any subsequent supplies you may need are usually bought by the guests. Due to the rural and remote location of the property the council collect the bins from the bottom of the Farm track, as you were told the rubbish can be left in the outside shed and then we will take it to the bin at the bottom of the lane. Again, this is one of the trade offs of living in a remote countryside residence; it obviously isn't as convenient as city life.
4). The DVD player, we apologise for there not being a lead to the TV an oversight on our part. With regards to the DVD's, CD's and books you mention; during normal times (i.e. prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic) these amenities were provided. However, due to the pandemic all owners have been advised to minimalize all equipment in their accommodation in order to ensure the property can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between guests, for everybody's wellbeing and safety.
5). Hairdryer/ shaving socket - there is a list of all equipment provided at the property on the website. Hairdryers and shaving sockets (plug adapter) are not provided and are not listed on the website, guests bring them along with them.
6). The log burner - There is a tray which collects the ashes which can easily be removed for cleaning. During the summer months when fires are generally not needed once a week should be frequent enough to empty the ashes. Once cooled they can be placed in a bag for disposal. There is ample fire wood in the outside shed which if you have used the amount provided in the house you are welcome to utilise.
7). As to the satins on the mattress protectors - this is a mystery as they are changed weekly during the changeovers - we apologise.
8). The dead and decaying animals. What sort of animal was it? If it was a bird, rabbit or hare or any other wild animal, unfortunately, we cannot control where the wild animals surrounding the property roam. The property as previously mentioned is in a rural area and this is all part of country living.
Again we are very sorry that you didn't enjoy your stay with us. Perhaps a city break or a property within a town with easier access to modern day facilities might be more suited for you when booking future holidays. Our guests usually enjoy the remote and rural location as it offers a break from the hustle and bustle of modern day living and the peace and quiet is often relaxing for most.
Property Owner
