comcox
October 2013
I rented this cottage for a week to have a small family reunion and it was a wonderful stay. These are not posh accommodations, but a cozy home filled with comfortable furniture and thoughtfully decorated with watercolor reproductions. Even when the weather outside was cold and wet, we had wonderful evenings gathered around the gas fire in the living room sharing stories. And the guys had an easy walk around the corner to the local pub, The Royal Shepherd Inn. Upon arrival I also found a welcome cake plus fresh milk in the fridge with tea in the cupboard--what a nice touch.
The kitchen has all the necessary appliances and dishes/utensils for a small family. Although I admit the oven was a bit tricky to light, everything seemed to be in working order. There was a washing machine but no dryer. The kitchen table was a bit small--more comfortable for two than four.
The bathroom had a full-size tub and with power shower that put out plenty of hot water. It could do with a large towel rack however.
There are two double bedrooms and one single. The single is quite small and a bit crowded with both a desk and small wardrobe, but the double rooms were good size. All of the beds were very comfortable and that's what matters to me.
The stairs are a bit steep but there are handrails on both sides. It would not do for someone with limited mobility however.
The living room had lots of comfortable seating places and a television with a good selection of channels as well as a shelf of DVD movies for viewing. There were also books to read and boxed games. If you need a wifi connection, you can go to Costa Coffee at the bottom of Sheep Street where they offer it for free.
And the location could not be better. Just a very short walk up the lane ("yard") led to a passage way directly onto the High Street where it intersects with Sheep Street with all the wonderful shops and cafes. We had a fantastic Sunday roast at the Woolly Sheep Inn (reservations in advance highly recommended as very small and very popular). In the other direction is the canal where you can take canal boat rides or walk the canal path. The train station is a 15 minute walk as are two major supermarkets (Morrison's and Tescos). This cottage is so close to everything, yet it's completely quiet. One note, however, on location. Even though the address in 21 Hallam's Yard, the actual parking space, house number and key box are at the back entrance on Canal Yard (there is no house number on the front door).
The only negatives I encountered were that upon arrival I discovered that several of the clean towels left for us were still damp from washing and the single bedroom had not been made up. I managed to find bedding in the cupboard of the larger bedroom to make up the single bed and a call to Sykes Cottage office (the leasing agent) brought additional dry towels the next morning. So any negatives quickly taken care of.
I truly enjoyed my stay here and would definitely rent this cottage again when I am in the area.