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"We have just stayed at Catkins 1st -8th July
Please seriously think before renting this property
1."
No blind in the downstairs bathroom and you can see shadows through the bathroom window when you in the outhouse lean-to
2. Very short on utensils: only one cookware dish, 3 saucepans, no BBQ utensils,,this is very poor considering it’s sleeps 7 people.
3. Cob webs all around the light shades in the hall way
4. The downstairs bathroom is very tired
5. There is no hand basin in the WC - clock room by the laundry room
6 No Tumble dryer although there is a washer dryer it doesn’t work very well
7. snug / children’s room has no TV
8. The paint work is dirty
9. Ceilings were not plastered correctly all mismatch
10. Dirty windows through out
11. Outside paint work is dirty
12 . Only one narrow wardrobe through the property
13 . Drawers are so narrow they don’t fit any clothes in, I particularly don’t like going on holiday and have to live out of a suitcase
15 uneven floor in the unity area
16. I vacuumed the property & removed the cobwebs when we arrived, I am not a snob but do like cleanliness
17. This property dose not deserve a 5 star rating,
Reviewed by JanetJul 2022
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"We had a great stay and would recommend Catkins to those who want to stay in a relatively rural location (there is no shop in Brayford village and not sure I’d want to walk to the local pub but as long as you are happy to use the car this is not a problem)."
There are lots of places to visit only a short drive away. The house feels like a home from home. The hot tub and wood burner were lovely and the homemade butterfly cakes on arrival were delightful. We had fantastic meals in the Pyne Arms and the Tarr Farm Inn but you do need to book ahead.
For the property owner - not for publishing - I endorse the comments made by Alex in April 2022 re suggesting an update to bathroom and more pans/trays/utensils in kitchen/for the BBQ - I think the house will appeal to people who like to cook/eat in at least some of the time. I also think more seating in the living room/conservatory, kitchen diner and in the playroom would be good - not a problem for us as only 5 but a bit sparse for 7 (and to watch TV in the playroom). Two very minor comments - where was the dolls house ? (a child may be disappointed as there is one in the photos) and the Roman blinds were a bit temperamental! I hope these comments are helpful - they are intended to enhance what is already a lovely holiday home!
Reviewed by DeeJun 2022
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"Such a peaceful setting, beautiful house, homely, all facilities excellent, nice touch cakes and milk left for us all on arrival."
Hot tub was enjoyed relaxing in the evening, could be a later check out perhaps 10AM, but excellent
Reviewed by RosemaryMay 2022
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"We had a lovely stay at Catkins."
It was the perfect size for our group of 7, plus a baby and a dog! It was spacious, clean and tidy. Everyone complimented the really comfy beds and we made full use of the massive garden and hot tub. We were worried about Wi-Fi after reading previous reviews but had no problems at all. Only a couple of gripes - bathrooms could do with an update and more pans/trays/utensils needed in the kitchen. Other than that, we loved our stay. Thank you!
Reviewed by AlexApr 2022
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"The property was lovely & spacious with everything we needed it is a great ..."
The property was lovely & spacious with everything we needed it is a great location with places to visit not too far away & so peaceful
We were away as a family for a joint Mother’s Day celebration & my husband’s 70th birthday
The hot tub was amazing & the grandchildren certainly enjoyed that as much as we did
We would certainly recommend Catkins
Reviewed by DeniseMar 2022
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"A perfect family get together in a super comfortable, well-equipped property in a peaceful location with plenty of space in garden."
Table-tennis, snooker, hot tub and a space especially for the children to call their own. Taking a badminton set added to enjoyment plus Bar B Q available. Warm comfortable rooms and lovely conservatory to relax indoors. Helpful owners gave advice when needed and we would not hesitate to recommend and hopefully return again.
Reviewed by JoanMar 2022
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"Such a cosy, peaceful gem!"
Catkins was a really lovely stay - when we booked we were drawn to the modern decor & luxury additions like the hot tub, log burner etc, we made as good use of these as possible (when the weather permitted!)
We weren't expecting to be quite so remote but it was really nice to unwind in the rural surroundings.
Our only criticisms were that the garden could have been slightly more enclosed - we were wary that our Springer could find an escape while we were in the hot tub! And the sofas could have been comfier.
However, we would highly recommend and wouldn't hesitate returning for another peaceful retreat!
Reviewed by JessMar 2022
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"The property was perfect."
Comfortable and clean and very spacious, not far from beach and Barnstaple with all amenities. Hot tub was fabulous and a lovely garden all around the property. Ample of parking space. Peaceful. The owner was prompt with any issue. The welcome package was ace and no need to take any cleaning materials as everything was provided, even the toilet rolls.
Reviewed by JanetFeb 2022
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"We all loved our stay at Catkins!"
Beautifully presented and everything and more that we needed. We would 100% recommend and will definitely consider coming back. The owners were so helpful with our questions and we even arrived to some milk in the fridge which was a lovely touch.
Reviewed by MichaelaJan 2022
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"We all had a wonderful stay at catkins, thank you."
The location is brilliant and so peaceful. Great hot tub and also thank you for leaving logs for the fire it was a brilliant cosy stay for our family and everyone had a brilliant time!
Reviewed by JuliaNov 2021
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"The house was much cosier and more comfortable than the pictures imply which was wonderful."
The beds are gloriously and the house was lovely and warm. Only a two things let it down a little, much more equipment in the kitchen would be better, as cooking for the family was difficult. Also the games room is much too small and would be much better in the garage. However we enjoyed our stay immensely and would definitely return.
Reviewed by EmmaNov 2021
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"Catkins was a beautiful property and we got exactly what we expected."
Its rural location was beautiful and its facilities were all that we could need.
The added touches to welcome us were particularly appreciated.
All the beds were so comfortable and after a relaxing Hot Tub under the stars everyone slept wonderfully.
I hope to visit again and would love to be stuck there in the snow!
Thank you Catkins,
Reviewed by CathyOct 2021
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"We had a lovely, comfortable and relaxing time away in this wonderful cottage, ..."
We had a lovely, comfortable and relaxing time away in this wonderful cottage, exmoor zoo on the doorstep, with lots of information available in the cottage
Reviewed by VerityOct 2021
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"The hedges to the tight entrance of the property needed to be trimmed back as it made it quite difficult not to scratch our cars."
The property was more rural than expected. Waste paper bins required upstairs and a few more large towels would have been nice especially when we were a party of 7 adults. A couple of the light bulbs were not working and no spares.
Apart from those few niggles we enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed by WendySep 2021
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"The steep and narrow driveway was made more difficult by the overgrown bushes on both sides making access very tight"
Reviewed by MichaelSep 2021
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"We enjoyed our time at Catkins we were very comfortable and the Hot tub was the highlight, the garden was lovely to sit in."
the only down side was the internet conection as it was spasmodic. we had a lovely family holiday thankyou very much.
Reviewed by AnthonyJun 2021
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"Had a lovely relaxing stay."
Enjoyed our time in the hot tub. The conservatory looking out onto the garden was also relaxing. The owners very helpful with a few glitches. A few more smaller oven trays would have helped as we ate in. Also only one wardrobe.
Reviewed by KarenJun 2021
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"The weather was not the best but the games room did keep the kids entertained."
The hot tub was brilliant and was used every day. The bungalow was very spacious and was plenty big enough for 7 of us. Very cosy, would go back again.
Reviewed by SharonMay 2021
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"We enjoyed the hot tub , the very well kept enclosed garden which was very pet ..."
We enjoyed the hot tub , the very well kept enclosed garden which was very pet and child friendly, the pool table was good fun the very spacious accommodation with lovely bedding and very very comfortable beds overall it was very good
Reviewed by MartynApr 2021
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"Fabulous long weekend spent at catkins, the property was spotless and had everything we needed to completely relax."
Hopefully we will be back soon.
Reviewed by KatieApr 2021
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"We stayed here from 19th - 22nd Dec 20 with 4 adults and 3 children."
We were welcomed with lovely fairy cakes from Samantha and Peter which the kids loved.
House was lovely and warm upon arrival, even though we enjoyed getting the open fire going as well.
It was lovely to have a Xmas tree in the dining area (to which we added a few crackers when we left)
Reviewed by GemmaDec 2020
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"Hello, overall the stay was comfortable and peaceful"
Reviewed by JoanneOct 2020
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"Fabulous well equipped cottage !"
Just lacking in hanging space , bins in bedrooms and upstairs bathroom needed, and would also like to see a full length mirror upstairs. First night of arrival we had nothing to light the fire with? But was welcomed with some lovely cakes! Would definitely recommend and stay again.
Reviewed by AdeleOct 2020
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"Thank you for an amazing week at Catkins."
Cottage was in a super rural location, next door neighbours are a field full of cows which was perfect. Cottage had all the amenities and functions that we needed as a party of 7 plus dog! Hot tub was a great feature and got a lot of use. There is no phone signal and the wifi was very intermittent but we were aware of this beforehand. Visited ilfracombe, lynton and lynmouth and barnstaple whilst we were there. Also took trips on the steam railway and to a wildlife park and further afield to a theme park - great time for relaxing and all covid considerations taken care of by the cottage owners.
Reviewed by AngelaAug 2020
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"Fantastic location and the cottage was very clean and comfortable with everything you need to enjoy a perfect holiday."
The hot tub was fantastic and very welcome after a days walking etc in this part of the country.
The weather was not brilliant but we made the most of it .
Reviewed by MaggieAug 2020
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"It was lovely to be welcomed to the cottage and greeted by some freshly baked butterfly cakes along with milk and tea-making facilities."
The cottage was very spacious and tastefully decorated. It was particularly well equipped, with the only item lacking being the seventh dining chair which was easily rectified using a garden chair. The cottage was clean and warm, and we enjoyed the log fire in the evening – with logs and kindling provided. We all loved using the hot tub plus the children had great fun playing table tennis and pool. As the previous review has mentioned, yes, there is limited phone signal and intermittent Wi-Fi but we were forewarned that this was the case, besides there was a landline to use when required. All in all, we had a lovely stay in a great location!
Reviewed by ChristopherFeb 2020
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"Really lovely property and the hosts made us feel very welcome."
Reviewed by CharlotteJan 2020
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"We spent Christmas at Catkins and couldn’t have wished for a more homely, comfortable & beautiful place to stay."
The property is decorated beautifully and the log burner was lovely for the Christmas period. We also very much enjoyed the hot tub & games room for family fun. The beds were incredibly comfortable, which isn’t always the case in holiday homes. We also managed a few walks in the beautiful Exmoor national park. The owners were amazingly helpful too. We will definitely be returning.
Reviewed by JemmaDec 2019
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"The only suggestion I would make, purely based on the fact that we had our elderly parents with us, is for a walk-in shower be installed on the ground floor."
Everything else was fine and we had a lovely relaxed holiday in beautiful surroundings. Would definately return in future.
Reviewed by JeanOct 2019
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"Unfortunately the weather was not on our side, however the holiday cottage was excellent!"
A beautifully decorated place with stunning features. The beds were so comfy and the games room was brilliant! Had memorable days out to local places, some excellent food out (The Black Venus + The North Gate Inn!) then came back to unwind in the hot tub each night which was heaven! Would definitely recommend!
Reviewed by DanielleSep 2019
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"Beautiful property, very well equipped and clean."
Modern furniture and gorgeous soft furnishings. Fabulous hot tub and games room. Spent a lovely few days there and will hopefully return. Highly recommend.
Reviewed by JulieSep 2019
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"Very well equipped cottage, really comfy beds."
Home made scones on arrival nice touch.
Would highly recommend & would return.
Reviewed by MarcusSep 2019
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"This is such a lovely house, garden, facilities and location."
So quiet at night, the hot tub and games room are a real bonus for all ages and the dog loved the property to. Lots of great local walks - the local public house recommendations in the visitor book are well worth a visit. The 4 bedrooms are a very high standard and comfy, there is a great kitchen space, conservatory and lounge and facilities. Well definitely be visiting again.
Reviewed by MattAug 2019
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"Great as a base to travel from to the coast while gaining the benefit of a quiet location"
Reviewed by KarenAug 2019
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"Catkins is a large family cottage, well equipped with all modern appliances and amenities."
The property is well decorated and sits within its own private garden. The kids loved the hot tub and pool table. We would happily stay again.
Reviewed by MatthewAug 2019