“Stepping Stones is a semi detached bungalow the property is easy to find and sits on a quiet, private road.”
Entry is straightforward through keybox system. The property is in an excellent location,the reason we booked it. We could see from the photos it wasn't the most up to date modern property but that was acceptable to us when booked 20 months ago.
On gaining entry the property smelt, we had to open all windows and spray deodrant around, it put us off unpacking as we didn't want our clothes to take on the smell. There were quite a few cobwebs around the property too. Covid cleaning?
The said smell got worse and we figured it was the drainage as was really rather strong in the bathroom on the first night. We kept the sink and bath plugs in, toilet lids down and doors shut also opening windows when we were in property.
The owner did send someone who confirmed a soil pipe was cracked in the single toilet. All plumbers were busy so the issue wasn't rectified that week. A handy man came to put some tape round the toilet soil pipe but it wasn't the one that was causing the issue. Another plumber visited and said it was the bathroom toilet.
It baffled me how the cleaner couldn't smell this as it was obvious to us as we entered the property. The hoover also smelt a great deal.
On the Wednesday morning the two huge gas bottles ran out which supply the main gas fire,no more could be delivered until Friday.A portable heater was available in the property that was effective though. There are storage heaters too.
Poor phone signal made it more difficult to contact the owner. Might be worth the owner investing in wifi as it may limit the market to who will rent the property, families with teenagers etc.
As I say lovely location and fairly well equipped property but I feel the owner needs to keep it up to date, maintained and cleaned thoroughly all round.
The owner did keep us up to date with the movements of plumbers,handy men and cleaners and we left the key every day for the property to be accessed so the owner could try to get the problems resolved. We were compensated for our inconvenience. Thankfully we were out most of the time as the weather was beautiful.
Many thanks for your feedback, we did everything we possibly could to rectify the issue you had raised and hope you can appreciate that the cracked pipe was outside our control. We appreciate that you would have preferred to have wifi but as we do not advertise wifi, and so would expect that guests are aware of this property does not offer this when making their booking. Sykes Cottages have also attempted to contact you by phone and email regarding your stay but regrettably have not had a response from you as yet. Property Owner
