Eden Vale

The instructions for key collection were emailed prior to our visit and we had no issues finding the key and gaining access. The property is located in a lovely little village with all the conveniences on our doorstep. Couldn't fault the location. Plenty of lovely local walks, a butcher, bakery, green grocer, cafes and three different pubs within a few steps of our front door. We were given a very warm welcome by the landlord at the local pub and had a fantastic meal on our first night. The cottage was cosy for our family of four. The log fire was a welcome addition as the nights were cold. We spent most of our time out walking and exploring so returning to the log fire, a walk each night to the local pub for a game of pool and a few drinks and then back to the cottage for a home cooked meal, log fire and a film were just right. We booked our week away to spend some quality time with our two teenage boys who brought their revision books with them as they study for their GCSE's. It was great not having to wander too far to buy groceries and the local butcher makes fabulous cumberland sausages! The Mason Arms was our favourite spot. Just a short walk from our front door. No food served but there was a pool table and dart board and the beer was fabulous. The landord was presented with the CAMRA pub of the year award whilst we were there and the local bakery provided us with fresh baked sourdough daily. We were spoiled!

There were so many lovely things about our stay it doesn't seem fair to say we didn't like something. If we had to, we would just point out that the cottage could have done with a few home comforts. Whilst it had all the conveniences, there were only four dinner plates and four sets of cutlery. We could only find two teaspoons which made tea and cake a sharing experience. Also, no serving bowls. Our movie nights were evenings where we relaxed after a long walk and a few hours revision but there were no bowls to serve up our popcorn. On the subject of dishware, we did have to find the local Asda and buy a few coffee mugs which we've kindly donated to the cottage. The four mugs available were very small and for big coffee drinkers like us, it was necessary to buy bigger ones. We'd also just mention that the welcome book left says that there is tea, coffee, milk and biscuits for guests. We didn't find any of this. The cupboards had an opened box of Tetley tea bags from the previous residents and the instant coffee tin provided as completely empty. As avid cottage renters, we have to say a welcome basket for guests is a lovely touch and sets the holiday off nicely. It would have been nice to have had a few provisions for our first night as we arrived on a Sunday after most shops had shut. The added provision of the hot tub was a welcomed bonus when we read about it; however, after reading the welcome booklet, we decided not to use it. You have to manage it all yourself and we had no way of knowing whether the previous occupants had changed the water. A shame as we had all brought out bathers. Despite all of this, we did have a lovely break.

Loved the area, so many places to explore by foot or car. Loved the garden, very dog friendly. The cottage is nice and rustic and has a lovely feel to it.

There is no microwwave which is advertised and we brought our baby bottle steriliser to use. If you have a baby that needs bottles sterilised please note this, you will need to use kettle water and a bowl. The travel cot smells of stale cigarette smoke. I paid 20 pounds for birthday banners to be put up, this included also paying for the banners to be bought and delivered by Amazon. When we arrived the host forgot about them, so we wondered the village for half an hour whilst she put them up, was a surprise for one of our party. When we arrived back to the cottage she said she didn’t have a pump so done what they could. For 20 pounds for decorating the cottage I expected more than what we got, bear in mind I paid for the banners and balloons.