Internally the property was clean, generously proportioned and most things worked. However, there were a few anomalies which should be rectified:
- The mattress in the main bedroom was 'shot', the springs creaked, the pillows thin and unsupportive and the door latch was impossible to open quietly in the night.
- The second bedroom sash window was screwed shut and could not be opened - this is contrary to UK Fire Regulations. Had the weather been warmer, this bedroom would have been unusable.
- The toilet pedestal in the upstairs bathroom was not secured to the floor and 'rocked' alarmingly when sat on.
- The external delivery pipe to the quite excellent upstairs bath was insecure, the tap does not have a 'nozzle' and the water dribbles down onto the floor when the bath is being filled. Also the overflow is not connected to the drain.
- The downstairs walk-in shower is an adventure, and flip-flops or anti-slip mats are recommended for those who are unsure of walking on a wet tiled floor. Similar to the toilet upstairs, the pedestal is unsecured and the delivery pipe to the bath is also in need of attention.
- Crockery and cooking utensils are minimal. The washing up bowl was missing, a food mixing bowl was not provided, the coffee machine was risable (bring your own) and there was exactly the right number of plates, glasses and cutlery for six people. This meant having to run the dishwasher after every meal (breakfast, lunch, supper) or wash up - without a bowl.
- Outside, the romantic pond (seen in the photograph) is now protected with an ugly, badly installed, poorly finished post and rail fence - I've seen better in a farmyard. The pond is dirty, badly maintained, full of weeds and needs filling.
- The garden is a disappointment. On arrival, not only was the grass not cut, but it’s also not grass! The borders presumably once pretty are full of nettles, brambles, old hedge trimmings, and miscellaneous industrial cast-offs. However the jacuzzi did work, was clean but poorly sited next to the pond (see above). The stone steps down from the parking area to the front door do not have a handrail and their rough surface represents a trip hazard.
- Looking through the hedge to the property next door, the less than salubrious view is of an abandoned portacabin and makings of a recycling yard for old cars and machinery. You can't see this in the brochure or on Google Earth.
- Overall, this 'luxury' holiday rental is just about acceptable inside but outside it falls well short of the mark. Local roads are typically Cornish and in high season will be very busy and it will pay to memorise every passing place.