“The cottage is in an excellent position right on the waters edge.”
It is very well equipped and was immaculately clean upon our arrival. It is decorated to a high standard. Communication with the owner was very positive in the run up to our arrival and useful information was provided with regards to parking and the local area as well as our preference for the beds being made up etc.
Unfortunately we had one major issues with this cottage. Every night at about 10pm the lounge became infested with what we have been told are ‘Sand Hoppers’. 30+ would take over the lounge crawling around and jumping if you go near them. They would not only crawl over the floor but also up on to the sofa etc. This meant that the lounge could not be used in the evenings and every morning all of the now dead ‘Sand Hoppers’ (again 30+) required removing. Full photographic and video evidence is available. We have been informed by the owner via Sykes that they are well aware of this issues and it is due to the properties close proximity to the beach however I feel this should be mentioned in the advert as I would definitely not have booked this cottage. It is also completely unsuitable for someone with a dog as it states very clearly that it would have to stay downstairs in the lounge at all times meaning it would be completely overrun by the bugs.
In summary a great cottage in an idiic locations however our break was completely spoilt by these ‘Sand Hoppers’. We were refunded £50 as a gesture of goodwill which I feel is pitiful against the near £1400 cost of the cottage in the height of summer. Clarity of the issue is required in the holiday property description so people can make an informed decision on if it is still suitable for their requirements. **** Owners response: I am sincerely sorry for your experience with 'Sand Hoppers' during your stay at our cottage. As a waterside property along with our neighbours we are aware of one or two 'visitors' venturing in late at night in the same way you might see occasional woodlouse or beetles at home.
Sand hoppers are common in low lying mild coastal areas and unfortunately due to the phenomenal weather and low tides we have had an unprecedented amount of seaweed washed up on the beach in front of the house. This has lead to much higher numbers of sea creatures on the beach including Sand Hoppers. As a mum of three girls I can understand how this must have made you feel uneasy
and I take your comments very seriously.
May I assure you that this is not a regular occurrence in our cottage. We would never knowingly put our guests in an uncomfortable situation. We opened our business two years ago and have been lucky enough to have been fully booked ever since, families, couples, groups of friends and dogs, many of whom have made return visits.
Prior to us 1 The Quay was open for seventeen years as a holiday cottage. This is the FIRST TIME such an occurrence has been reported to us.
The comfort of our guests is paramount. We try to be as welcoming as possible to help our guests make the most of a 'home from home', enjoying the peace of being on the water. If you had brought a dog with you, you would have experienced the same welcome to our four-legged guests with extra treats, towels and rugs.
The seaweed is being removed and higher tides are expected but unfortunately this does not help you or the memory of your holiday.
I am sorry that you felt you were under-compensated. We have a very good relationship with our holiday company and left this element of your stay in their hands.
I hope that you were able to enjoy being by the sea in such exceptional weather and are able to take away some happy memories of your holiday in Devon.
I am sincerely sorry for your experience with 'Sand Hoppers' during your
stay at our cottage. As a waterside property along with our neighbours we
are aware of one or two 'visitors' venturing in late at night in the same
way you might see occasional woodlouse or beetles at home. Sand hoppers are
common in low lying mild coastal areas and unfortunately due to the
phenomenal weather and low tides we have had an unprecedented amount of
seaweed washed up on the beach in front of the house. This has lead to much
higher numbers of sea creatures on the beach including Sand Hoppers. As a
mum of three girls I can understand how this must have made you feel uneasy
and I take your comments very seriously.
May I assure you that this is not a regular occurrence in our cottage. We
would never knowingly put our guests in an uncomfortable situation. We
opened our business two years ago and have been lucky enough to have been
fully booked ever since, families, couples, groups of friends and dogs,
many of whom have made return visits. Prior to us 1 The Quay was open for
seventeen years as a holiday cottage. This is the FIRST TIME such an
occurrence has been reported to us.
The comfort of our guests is paramount. We try to be as welcoming as
possible to help our guests make the most of a 'home from home', enjoying
the peace of being on the water. If you had brought a dog with you you
would have experienced the same welcome to our four-legged guests with
extra treats, towels and rugs.
The seaweed is being removed and higher tides are expected but
unfortunately this does not help you or the memory of your holiday.
I am sorry that you felt you were under-compensated. We have a very good
relationship with our holiday company and left this element of your stay in
their hands.
I hope that you were able to enjoy being by the sea in such exceptional
weather and are able to take away some happy memories of your holiday in
Devon.
Property Owner
