Combe Way Cottage

Reviewed by Gary 22nd June 2024

The first impression as we turned up was not good, the property had zero curb appeal, and parking in the drive can also be quite challenging, especially if the next-door neighbour is at home. On opening the front door the place smelt stale and damp, we had to go around opening all the windows to get some air circulating. The ground/lower level bedrRead moreooms, bathroom, and toilet showed the same level of appeal as the outside, the place is in need of a makeover. We paid extra for linen, on the double bed was a duvet, no duvet cover, pillows, no pillowcases, a mattress cover, but no sheets of any kind. We did find bundled up in one of the wardrobes a duvet cover and some pillowcases, these were literally just bundled up like they had just been pulled off the bed and thrown in there. There was also just one part roll of loo paper for the 2 toilets, surely a decent supply is a basic requirement. The lounge area was cosy and comfortable with stunning views across the hills and towards the sea, this definitely goes a long way to make up for the other disappointments. The kitchen and appliances were also ok, everything worked, and everything looked clean. No welcome notes anywhere either saying we hope you enjoy your stay, etc, etc, this is something we have always had with our other bookings. The garden was very disappointing, it had the makings of a lovely place to sit with once again stunning views, but the grass hadn't been cut, it was generally untidy, and the garden furniture was a joke, it was dirty and unappealing. Also, it is not secure, the garden gate latch is completely missing, and the drop and the bottom of the garden into the neighbouring field would be quite dangerous for small children and pets. We had our little dog with us and had to watch him all the time in case he either got out onto the road or got too close to the drop at the bottom of the garden, you couldn't relax when he was out there. The property is in a stunning location and the village itself is very pretty with beautiful walks to the beach and along the cliff tops. The local pubs are also very appealing with good food and good beer, a tad expensive, but isn't everything these days. So, overall, the property is saved by its stunning views, the local area, and the lovely walks on its doorstep. Unfortunately, it is let down a bit by the need for a lick of paint, the garden sorting, and a general smartening up overall, this would go a long way to making it so much more appealing. Hide

Reviewed by Jill 4th June 2024

The house is in a wonderful location and the views are the best feature. The location of this property is amazing but needs improvement.

Reviewed by Steven 25th May 2024

Smashed bathroom window not a good look on arrival, walking in hall way looks tatty old carpets and definite smell of damp and must! The living room carpet is covered in dog hair we have photographs of what we got up. Settee covers tired and faded carpet thread bare in living room, a previous review put a 6 point problem review all these still the Read moresame as she stated. Bathroom window would not open shower cubicle had grime around the bottom, the beds are aged and need changing so uncomfortable. The Grill pan was rusty not fit to cook on it Unacceptable, an oven tin used and left dirty oven bars dirty. The whole house is so tired and has not been looked after, yes couple of new toilets looks like a recent kitchen units or fronts. The view is stunning yes thats true but when going on holiday you really what a clean comfortable place to stay and it don,t need to be the Ritz but I am afraid this is far from acceptable for the price you are charging. The outside with broken gate broken steps down to the garden dangerous for walking in and is as poor as the houseWould never go back as it seems the owner really does not care about the house he lets out or what the holiday maker requires. Such a shame as this is in such a great position but is ruined by the real lack of care by its owner and original cottages for not forcing a better standard from the letter of Combe Way Cottage. Would not even think about going back. Really expect more Mr J Nicol have stayed in lots of cottages and apartments all around Britain and this is far the worst I have visited. Really hope you make this cottage far better than it is because it would make a tired uncared cottage into what it deserves. Yours Steven Blake Hide

Reviewed by Stephen 4th October 2023

Good location,lots of nearby walks and refreshment stops. Recomend booking and specifying the dinning room at the Masons arms .

Reviewed by Susan 12th September 2023

Reviewed by Debbie 4th September 2023

Booked last minute and was grateful to find somewhere with an enclosed garden as we have a dog but upon arriving found that the garden hedge has a massive hole through to next doors garden which isn't secure. There is also a drop at the bottom of the garden to the field behind with no railing or security. The house felt like it hadn't had anyone inRead more for a while, it smelt very musty and every soft furnishing felt damp to the touch, there was spiders and spider webs everywhere including in the bath and shower. Microwave needs replacing as it gets very hot and switches itself off to cool down after only 4 mins of use. The carpets in the master bedroom and in the lounge had holes and were threadbare and some of the windows didn't open. Otherwise it's in a lovely location with only 20 mins walk to the beach via a footpath or 10 minutes to the local pub which serves food via the road. Lovely village and the house has great potential with the added bonus of off road parking but unfortunately due to the smell and dampness we couldn't wait to come back home. Would come back to Branscombe but not to Combe Way cottage. Hide

Reviewed by Miriam 21st August 2023

Reviewed by Maureen 1st July 2023

Reviewed by Gill 27th May 2023

1. The garden was not enclosed as described. At the bottom there was an unfenced/walled drop into either a large patch of nettles in someones garden or into a field with sheep. There was a loose piece of paving slab near the edge, that could send a child over the top.Also, part of the garden gate latch was missing and it couldnt be closed. ThRead moree garden furniture was unusable as all the paint was flaking off. 2. Many of the curtains were only partially attached as so many hooks were broken. 3. The cord on one of the blinds in the bedroom was unattached, so the blind had to be wound up manually. 4. Only 2 wire hangers in the wardrobe. Bedside lamp in bedroom was in very poor condition, the inner lining having broken down and fallen off. 5. Only one bed had a mattress cover. 6. I asked to rent bathroom towels for two of us. I had expected the usual supply of bath towel and hand towel each, plus a bath mat. All that was supplied was a bath towel each. 7. Various knobs came off in the kitchen and one of the roasting tins is probably a health hazard because of the flaking non stick surface. 8. The recycling receptacles werent complete, so we had to bring some things home with us to dispose of. I am happy to back my comments up with photos if you would like to see them. This house was saved by its location which is fantastic. Lovely views and so peaceful. The house feels distinctly unloved and uncared for, which is such a shame. We have stayed with you before and were very happy with our accommodation. If this had been our first stay, I doubt we would be using you again. Hide