Blacksmiths Cottage, Shilbottle

This property has the potential to be a lovely stay. It is a good size, has its own garden (although not secure) and parking. It is spacious with comfortable “living”areas (note 2 out of 3 beds not so comfy…v hard and lumpy as per other feedback given previously) but is in a lovely rural setting. It could be a lot better if the owners took on well meant feedback from those who (and they would do well to remember) pay their money to stay there instead of getting aggressive. Whilst there is an extensive, albeit v low budget welcome pack (no local produce here) very soon into your stay you realise that is where hospitality ends. No documentation from the owners is provided to offer suggestions on the area or any offer who to contact in the event of any issues. In fact, the whole experience led to a very hostile feeling that made you feel like visitors weren’t welcome. We relied upon recommendations left by previous guests in the comments book (although alarm bells rang when we could see some had been scribbled out!?) Had there been any communication from the owners (whoever they may be as I am still unsure) we would have notified them immediately of the dirty (cheap) bed linen, kitchen door hanging off and chipped crockery. It is only post visit I have looked back on the “owners” responses to others feedback and witnessed the consistent aggressive tone (lesson learnt). It is therefore no shock, when constructive feedback was given by the only means we could, (via the holiday agent) the “owners” outrageously tried to blame us in an aggressive manner for their issues and misdemeanours. My family and I stay in holiday cottages 4/5 times per year and have never experienced anything like it, I have never ever had to leave such feedback. To say I would never go back is an understatement.

This is our second visit to this delightful fully equipped cottage. It was very clean. We were left an extensive welcome pack. All the bedrooms were clean as was the kitchen/diner and the lounge. Each room has a tv in, including bedrooms. Since our last visit the cottage has been redecorated and had new furniture all of which were superb. The owner lives opposite and is very pleasant and obliging. We will definitely be going back later in the year All of which is 5*s Lynne and Alan Rhodes

I would just like to say our stay in blacksmiths cottage shilbottle was everything we expected lovely clean warm cottage and everything you could as for lovely welcome pack even bottle of wine our stay was just perfect booked to come back in February 2022

Nothing like the photos show online.It was dirty, in bad need of maintenance ,it was very dated and not very welcoming at all!The table mats still had previous guests spilt food on them,The bath was filthy, towels had brown marks on. Couldn’t sleep on main bedroom as it had a funny smell in there.Bedding was dirty.Plates that were not clean had been put back in the cupboard. We had to wipe down and antibac work surfaces.The back doors lock and handle was hanging and needed fixing.Extremely old furniture broken and covered in silver spray paint.Hosts no where to been seen ,even though their house was opposite the cottage!No blinds or curtains at either of the bathroom/toilet windows , which face towards the owners place. Lights were covered in cobwebs.The worst dirtiest place we have been to, def do not recommend this stay , unless you have zero standards in hygiene !