The Pines♡

Large house but not recommended due to poor condition and lack of care

1.0

Size of property (if it had been clean and maintained properly)

− Where to start as so many issues! Worst things were lack of cleanliness (things left from previous letting such as cot with cot bedding and baby bottle, random toys outside, dirty bedding and towels left out etc), no hot water (eventually immersion heater turned on and then water scolding!), bathroom had stagnant water in the bath as plug stuck in, ground floor accessible bathroom not accessible as full of storage items, broken air conditioning unit (property description implies air conditioning throughout but only one broken unit), no instructions left for anything (including how to get out of the exit gate!), no TVs or remotes working, lack of items in the kitchen for house of this size (and not enough seating), outside unkept and parasol base not securely fixed. The property owner initially seemed responsive, blaming a 'rogue' cleaner he'd just sacked, and offered us some money back and said he'd come round to fix things. But he never came, despite me chasing, and instead only sent round a 'maintenance' person who couldn't sort much out (other than putting immersion on, giving us a key fob for the gate, another remote and some more cutlery!). All in all, the house needs a lot of attention to get these things sorted out and until then I would not recommend booking it! Even then, the description should make it very clear that the road is very busy with fast cars, and to give advice on where to slow down for the entrance driveway as this is quite hidden and difficult to navigate initially.

Comfy, lovely and fun!

10.0

The size and space of the property is incredible! It is a beautiful home.

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PROPERTY

1.0

− We selected The Pines because the property clearly listed disabled unit facilities; however, upon arrival, the ground floor bedroom had a bunk bed with a ladder, making it totally unsuitable for one family member with mobility issues. The disabled toilet was crammed full with 'stuff'. The owner arranged for the bunk to be made into a single bed and a path was cleared to the disabled toilet but we discovered the sink in the unit was not plumbed in and flooded the floor when used. When we raised this with the owner he denied the disabled unit was listed and claimed it was a storage room not available for use. Despite raising an official complaint, the disabled unit remains listed in the property description 2 weeks after our stay. In addition, we experienced several other issues with the property. There were no instructions for any aspect of the stay. Electronic gates secure the property, a new code was sent on the day of arrival, but we had to phone the owner to find out how to exit. The open stairs are carpeted and on one stair the carpet was not attached to the gripper. Two of the ensuite showers did not work and there were no complimentary toiletries as listed, and only 3 sinks had liquid hand soap. The goats in the field at the end of the lawn regularly escape or the gates are left open, droppings are on the patio and the goats try to get into the property. They woke everyone up at 5:34 a.m. by headbutting the patio doors, they also did this during the daytime. The property owner's nephew lives on the adjacent land. He removed the BBQ and trampoline without notice for a party. The children attending this party were running in and out of the property garden with no consideration of us and the nephew himself came into the garden and urinated in the hedge in full view of us all sitting on the patio. The language from the 'family' living in the adjacent property and screaming arguments showed absolutely no respect to anyone staying in The Pines.

Lovely relaxing venue, plenty of room for a large family, beautiful garden with 3 adorable goats!

8.0

The pool table and goats ! Lovely touch leaving 2 bottles of wine and a fan!

Guest review

8.0

Hi, just to let you know we’ll be leaving in the next half an hour. We’ve had a wonderful time — you’ve got an amazing place. It was very funny seeing the goats! Hopefully we didn’t make too much noise outside or keep the neighbours awake. We’ve tidied the house and everything is looking in good condition. Really appreciate all your help — thank you again.

Guest review

9.0

It was beautiful. Very spacious. Great communal spaces.