“We stayed at this cottage last year ...”
We stayed at this cottage last year and had a fabulous time. We returned because of the facilities and the fact that it was perfect for our dogs .
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We stayed at this cottage last year and had a fabulous time. We returned because of the facilities and the fact that it was perfect for our dogs .
However since booking it appears there has been a change of ownership. The previous owners had dogs of their own and were happy for us to let our dogs out in the garden first thing in the morning and last thing at night as long as we cleared away any mess made, which, is totally acceptable and right. We also agree with pets not being allowed on furniture and in bedrooms and exercise this rule in our own home.
The current owners made it very clear after our first day that our dogs were not welcome in the grounds. Subsequently in appalling weather we had to walk our dogs down an unlit very muddy farm track first thing in the morning and last thing at night in our pyjamas. Our holiday was ruined as the relaxed approach of the former owners was gone and we were constantly worrying that our dogs would toilet in the gardens and cause offence. Due to the close proximity of the owners we also felt as if our every movement was being monitored. This was not conducive to a relaxing break.
We read the dog policy again following this and found it contradictory. Stating dogs were not allowed to be exercised in the grounds but then stating please make sure any mess is disposed of from the grounds before you leave. A property is either dog friendly or it is not, there are no half measures with pets. I find the large advertising declarations proclaiming the property to be dog friendly very disingeuous. I would be interested to know exactly what the additional £30 We paid to take our dogs was actually for as we left the property spotless.
Additionally the oven in the property appeared to be malfunctioning, switching itself off half way through cooking and then burning food part way through cooking. I work in catering so I know how to cook. Several meals were spoiled as a result.
On the plus side the property was clean warm and well equipped. The owners left a wonderful welcome pack which was a very nice touch.
However despite the things that were good the whole holiday was ruined for us because of the issue with the dogs. In future we will be booking cottages with a more realistic approach to dog ownership.
