Cartwheel Cottage at Broadings Farm, Whitby

Located at Broadings Farm, Whitby. Our arrival after dark, no site map included in Sykes Cottages information email. No owners names. One contact telephone number given, no answer. Could not locate cottage on the site! Knocked on the door of other cottage guests to ask, and they kindly allowed use of their loo, having travelled from the East Midlands with a more local stop at Pickering for toilet usage. Covid considerations still in place and considered. We walked the site and drove round several times. Just about decided to find somewhere else to say the night, when we discovered it! I read one review before booking, which mentioned road noise. Yes, located just over a wall, adjacent to the main road into Whitby. Road is busy, but will be much busier in high season. The patio outside has a table with benches, I think could be unpleasant in high season, oncoming busy traffic, pollution fumes, no privacy. The owners are listed as farmers, it is evident they are investing in renovating/rebuilding out buildings for self catering holiday accommodation. I rang and asked Sykes Cottages to confirm the owners names as none given ehilst making the booking. On departure, I posted a letter directly to the owners with feedback, making constructive suggestions, eg planting trees, (grants available), pollution, privacy, noise reduction, and telephone numbers that are answered. There were some fundamental omissions, eg nowhere to hang wet outdoor clothing or put muddy footwear on entering the cottage. A huge wall clock high up on the wall in the living area was not working. Notice on the mantelpiece requesting bed stripping before departure and to place in black bags, none available to do so. No information about waste disposal or local recycling routines. (We know the area, and took items for recycling to the town waste disposal site close to the Sainsburys Supermarket in Whitby.) The cottage design is simple, two ensuite shower double/twin bedrooms. Open plan kitchen, dining, living area, a small walk in utility/cupboard with washing machine, ironing board, iron, vacuum cleaner, etc. Under floor heating, which we turned down using thermostatic controls. Excellent TV, but so high up and close to the sofa that neck injuries are a definite risk! We moved the sofa back a bit, but not enough space to distance enough. Interestingly, I have received no email request from Sykes Cottages to formally review our stay at Cartwheel Cottage, which is their usual policy. My review is not negative, I gave helpful feedback formally by letter to the owners. In my experience, diligent owners ask for feedback in order to learn and improve. We have stayed regularly in one self catering cottage for 10 years, 23 visits in that time, ( local to family and our visiting), our feedback and support welcomed. Every new business serving the public requires positive realistic and helpful feedback in order to thrive. Word of mouth recommendation has strong influence. We have just learned of an untruthful review publicised on the internet, booked through AirB&B, the review being totally untrue. And not very intelligent. All previous records of reviews in the Owners' Guest Book, completely opposite. Very destructive, emerges as a potential attempt to claim refunds of monies paid, the person found to be reputed for doing so before having stayed in other properties. The damage is done in a very public arena. Totally irresponsible and utterly untruthful. Responsible feedback helps owners and new potential guest customers alike. I recommend this property, Cartwheel Cottage, Broadings Farm, with clear information provisos, and improvements in communication by Sykes Holiday Cottages and the Owners for all guests. Every potential guest needs clear information and follow up support to make any booking.