Ivy Cottage Beer, Devon

On walking in it looks like a lovely cottage but on closer inspection it is in poor condition. It is not very clean, rug in lounge is filthy and old. We had an ant infestation in the kitchen so had to remove our dry food. The Oven is so old it didn't heat up therefore our food took ages to cook. Kitchen base units smell of damp. Although it is well equipped, there isn't much room to put your food or any bags. The recycling is confusing, needs to be clarified. The key fir the back door seems to be missing so couldn't open it. The window is so high up you can't open that either. The bathroom was a nice size but the taps don't work properly, if you happen to use the bath, beware as the hot tap is boiling and the cold doesn't run for long without stopping. The toilet flush isn't very good either, you have to hold it down to get a decent flush. The bedroom had rugs that slipped, maybe there to cover wires. The whole cottage is in need of updating. It looks like the furniture has come from a charity shop. The walls are not as thick as you would expect, you can here noise from next door. The chairs don't have any pads on them so they scrape across the floor as you get up from the dining table. If you take a dog, the garden entrance is next door up some shared, steep, slippery steps. The grassed area is not enclosed and is on a slight slope. So you have to keep your dog on a lead, not easy coming back down in the dark. Wouldn't be any good for children. The patio area was a good space but like the rest of the cottage needs sorting out. It's a shame as the location is lovely and the cottage has so much potential. Really not worth the price I paid. I have emailed Sykes but haven't received a reply. This cottage seems to be on everybody's books as it is advertised as Lyme Bay Cottages in the cottage itself.

We had the best time! The cottage is beautiful, very clean and tidy! It was like a home from home! Have already booked for next year!