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"This was our 7th visit to this property in just under two years, and regretably looks to be our last."
Changes between our visit in June and this visit has made a difference to the over all experience. Arrival time delayed / changed by one hour mid contract; lack of information concerning change of property management company from Sykes; and problems / condition of property / lack of some basics upon arrival all added up to disappointment. A fair analogy after 6 previous visits to this property would be: 'you go to a store regularly and purchase a particular tin / package of an item, but then the next time you do so, the size is the same, the price (an assumption) is the same, but when you open it there is less inside'. That sums up our feelings about this lastest visit to 2 Smugglers Close. And we now see the changeover day is being moved to a Friday, which does impact on us visiting again. Friday changeovers are to be blunt, 'ridiculous for travel and all else combined when organizing / dealing with one's holiday'. All good things come to an end, and it certainly looks as if the holiday's we have enjoyed at Smuggler's Close have now ended.
Reviewed by Lawrence2.5★Sep 2023
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"Even though we have stayed at this holiday property many times my wife and I still find it very special, and always pleased to have the opportunity to use the facility."
The couple who maintain the property for the owners do an excellent job, and insure the visit is comfortable, and if there are any questions they willing address them. We have already booked a stay for later this year, so that can but only reflect how we feel about number 2 Smugglers Close.
Reviewed by Lawrence5.0★Jun 2023
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"Good location for beach
Well equipped
Clean & tidy
Nice welcome pack
Bad:
Banging and noise from No."
3 next door
Early morning and evening annoying.
Similar from property opposite the front.
Very tight twin bedrooms (rotate bed for ease of access) or make single.
Old FF well due for upgrade.
Upgrade downstairs loo.
Fix rubbish vacuum and carpet sweeper
Bonus:-
Bistro table and chairs on red tiles outside.
Upgrade TV to a smart TV.
Provide a big broom.
Blackout blinds.
Reviewed by John4.1★Apr 2023
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"We had a great week."
The property is lovely. Others have mentioned important things to be aware of: access via stairs; lack of garden, but there is a little table and chairs to sit on part way up the stairs - limited space; 10 minute walk by the stream to the (stony and shelving) beach and narrow roads with passing places on every road into the lovely village. The one thing we hadn't noted was that there is no shop in the village. You can pick up odd bits from the shop by the cafe on the beach, but otherwise, come prepared with food - or go to the excellent pub, 2 minutes walk!
Reviewed by Lesley5.0★Sep 2022
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"Great cottage and great location for Branscombe beach."
Reviewed by Alison3.8★Aug 2022
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"Lovely cottage, very comfortable and well equipped , nice welcoming flowers and bottle of wine."
Clear instructions left for use of the white goods and such things as recycling etc. Very clean , comfortable beds spacious accommodation. Situated literally 2 minutes walk from a lovely country pub serving excellent food with a pleasant beer garden and within walking distance of the beach ( if a bit hilly!) . The narrow roads with passing places do take a little getting used to though!
Reviewed by C5.0★May 2022
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"Thanks to Ian and Zoe for maintaining such high standards of cleanliness and comfort."
They also replied promptly to a minor issue I had with key safe so excellent communication.
All in all would highly recommend 2 Smugglers Close
Reviewed by Anne5.0★Apr 2022
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"Our third visit and we still find the accommodation and the area very special."
The quality and facilities of 2 Smugglers Close are by far the best my wife and I have enjoyed for many years. Sited within the village of Branscombe, but still able to offer privacy and quietness to savour, and to relax, with the view of the surrounding countryside second to none. We feel it is a home away from home mainly due to friendliness of the owners and what they do to insure one is welcome. We cannot praise the whole experience enough.
Reviewed by Lawrence5.0★Mar 2022
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"This was a perfect stay."
Lovely cottage with a warm welcome. Comfortable beds. Light airy and warm. Location brilliant with an off-road walk to the beach.
We had one issue - when we arrived there was a strong smell of vomit in the very well cleaned sitting room. This took 48 hours to clear with a lot of airing.
Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback, it is very much appreciated and valued. Had you let the caretakers know, they would have been happy to help. The caretaker numbers are provided on the key collection details for this reason. We are really pleased to hear of your positive comments. - The Owner Relations Team
Property Owner
Reviewed by Fiona4.7★Mar 2022
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"Beautifully presented cottage in a small village."
Light and bright with plenty of room downstairs, good Wi-Fi, comfy beds and a well stocked kitchen. The only thing missing is a bit of outside space, but the beach isn’t far. Parking is invaluable in such a small village and we parked two cars in our allocated spaces with no bother. We walked to the beach with our dog, every day. The footpath takes about ten minutes to walk and on the way home there’s barely an incline so it’s a really nice stroll. The beach cafe was open Thursday-Sunday (we were there in early march) and although we only ate once, the full English breakfast was amazing!
Reviewed by Jaqui5.0★Feb 2022
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"We had a fantastic stay at Smugglers Close."
The cottage was immaculately clean and had everything you need. The location was fantastic, with a lovely 15minute walk to the beach alongside the stream and through the woods (no need to drive or walk up the narrow lane). This is one of our favourite places we have stayed and we will definitely be back.
Reviewed by Emma5.0★Feb 2022
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"Beautiful cottage, very homely we all settled in quickly, beautiful setting."
It is our second stay at smugglers and we had a fantastic family Christmas together . The cottage had everything we need to cook family meals and large enough for everyone to have their own space. We will be back again soon .
Reviewed by Paula5.0★Dec 2021
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"This was the second visit by my wife and I to no: 2 Smugglers Close, and we have really taken to this holiday property, not only for the facilities available which makes staying very comfortable, but also the little extras (my words) provided by the owner which makes the welcome that bit more special."
Immediately upon arriving we feel at home and comfortable, and can just rest and wind down. We would not hesitate to recommend the property to others. especially those of an older age bracket as with my wife and I, as the peacefulness of it's location is a real bonus, coupled with safe off road parking. We are already looking forward to our next visit in 2022.
Reviewed by Lawrence5.0★Dec 2021
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"Really enjoyed our stay."
Great location for walking the costal path
Reviewed by Gwen5.0★Oct 2021
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"Comfortable cottage, all COVID precautions taken, perfect for a family break, easy access to the beach."
Was a real surprise to find welcome gifts, our Grandson loved the hot chocolate! Thank you.
Would definitely book again.
Reviewed by Barbara5.0★Aug 2021
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"The windows in the property do not open enough to give a good air flow so it was uncomfortable at night for the people sleeping in the twin bedded rooms, and not up to covid recommendations."
The recycling was difficult as the rubbish was not collected while we were there so no where to put cardboard, so an extra box would have been useful.
Thank you for taking the time for leaving feedback.
The windows have safety locks, the allen keys are hung by the side of the window. There are extra bins outside of the property which can be used.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Hermione2.5★Aug 2021
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"The location was wonderful."
The cottage was perfectly placed to enjoy this part of Devon and the village. Easy walk to the beach, friendly locals and a quiet location. Great for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Toby4.4★Jul 2021
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"Great location with lovely views."
There are quite a few steep steps up to the cottage although there is an entrance from the road with easier access. It is an easy ten minute walk to the beach along a flat gravel path beside a small stream. From the beach one can take the coastal footpath in either direction to Beer/Seaton or Sidmouth. If you don’t want to walk Branscombe Beach is only a few minute drive or Beer about fifteen minutes. Do stop at the fresh fish shop on Beer beach at the bottom of the ramp for your evening meal. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as it had everything.
Reviewed by Roselle4.1★Jul 2021
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"We had a wonderful time in Branscombe thank you
The facilities were excellent and clean."
Cannot fault anything but the outside space is very limited for 6 people.Thankfully there were only 3 of us. We would definitely recommend.
Reviewed by Clive4.7★Jun 2021
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"Wonderful local."
Description didn't include how great the views were and the brilliant footbath to the beach off the narrow lanes which can be difficult with kids and dog. There is no garden as expected but the small terrace outside with table and chairs was great, a real sun trap in the afternoons / evenings.
Reviewed by Andrew4.7★May 2021
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"The cottage had everything you could need."
We were given 2 bottles of wine on arrival, plus tea, coffee and milk. It had every kitchen implement you would have at home making cooking a lot easier. The beds are very comfortable and the views at the back and to die for. Would recommend this to anyone.
Reviewed by David5.0★May 2021
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"This superb cottage is well positioned with lovely walks to the beach, National Trust Land, and of course the excellent Masons Arms a one minute walk."
On site private parking for two cars was a real plus.
We look forward to our next visit of many, when we can find a slot that’s available.
Reviewed by Arnold5.0★May 2021
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"We really enjoyed this cottage it was immaculately clean and above expectations"
Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Aug 2020
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"2 Smugglers Close was a great cottage - comfortable, cosy and welcoming - everything we needed for a great family new year."
The welcome pack and fresh flowers were a lovely and unexpected touch!
Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★Dec 2019
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"It feels just like home but in even better surroundings."
We love Branscombe and to have such a convenient base is wonderful. The house is very well equipped, clean to a very high standard and has amazing views, all just a fifteen minute walk from the sea.What is not to like?
My daughter has a dog and there are lots of good walks nearby.
We went last year and will go again if possible.
Reviewed by Eileen5.0★Jun 2019
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"After a 6 hour drive we were all very tired when we arrived so when we went in and found all sorts of welcome goodies it was a lovely surprise, we then had a look round and found everything so clean and bright, the bedrooms were a good size and more to the point the beds were very comfy."
The village is lovely and the locals were very welcoming. We would definitely go back.
Reviewed by Kathryn5.0★Jun 2019
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"Delightful cottage in idyllic surroundings."
Excellent base for exploring the area. Excellent facilities, warm and cosy. We have already re booked for next year
Reviewed by Kath5.0★May 2019
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"Comfortable, warm, well appointed cottage."
Very peaceful.
Reviewed by Kim5.0★Mar 2019
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"Great location in the centre of Branscombe and only a short walk to the beach."
Very comfortable property with everything catered for and a very flexible and easy check-in and out.
Reviewed by Chris5.0★Dec 2018
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"The cottage was absolutely spotless and had everything we needed, plus more!"
On arrival we were greeted with beautiful flowers, wine, biscuits and tea/coffee! Our holiday started the moment we turned the key!
The location was perfect for long walks in the day and evenings spent by the open fire at The Masons Arms. We would highly recommend this cottage!
Reviewed by Emma5.0★Oct 2018
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"Perfect home from home."
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Sep 2018
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"The cottage location and atmosphere was worth the drive for two miles down a country lane, On arrival we were made VERY WELCOME after a long journey."
Usually you have to unpack before you can sit back and relax with coffee, tea or even chocolate, it was all here. I will say no more as the biggest surprise is waiting for you when you book this beautiful cottage, add to that the view as you sit in the dining room is something to treasure. Ok no local shop, no mobile phone contact, but surely that last thing will ensure you don`t get pestered with problems you have left behind. There is WI FI if you really need it, but step out of this modern world and just relax in very comfortable beds with the main bedroom giving you views you just want to wake up to.
The lovely beach is half a mile along the road with cafe, the Masons Arms a couple of strides frtom the cottage serve good food, but do book before you go, even in September. Our Favourite place has always been Sidmouth with the Connaught Gardens and Cafe, Big Portions here. Don`t forget the friends at the Donkey Sanctuary with its new look and Resturaunt. The beaches and villages of Beer & Seaton well worth a visit and ofcourse Lyme Regis. We visited the Beer Caves, a Cathedral in its own right, you can take pictures but I am glad I bought the video at a cost of £5 as it encompasses the whole experience. Ian & Zoe our hosts could not have given us more. We will be returning to
2 Smugglers cottage in the future Thankyou for a perfect holiday home.
Reviewed by Graham F5.0★Sep 2018
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"Everything was great and the cottage was fantastic."
The only slight downside was that there was no garden however there was a footpath nearby which led to nice area.
Reviewed by Eileen5.0★Jul 2018
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"Overall, we were very pleased with the holiday cottage."
The little extra touches such as the flowers and the soap made it different. The welcome pack was most welcome and the extras with the umbrellas and torches showed a lot of thought had gone into the organisation.
The only drawback was that the outside steps were very steep. Both my husband and I are in our 60s and my husband has COPD and he found it impossible to carry the cases up the steps so I feel mention should be made of these and perhaps a suggestion that the front door in the first instance would be a better bet. Another older couple had mentioned that an extra grab rail outside the rear porch door would be helpful and we agree as my husband managed to take a tumble down these.
It would not, however, stop us renting this cottage again as we would be forearmed. The cottage was beautiful and the views were outstanding. Every morning we would watch the rabbits and pheasants from the bedroom window.
Reviewed by Elizabeth4.7★Jun 2018
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"Smugglers close was stunning clean tidy beautifully presented peaceful with an amazing outlook."
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and will definitely book with helpful holidays again
Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Jun 2018
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"Lovely touches on arrival, fresh flowers, bottles of wine, biscuits, towels beautifully laid out with soap on top, excellent kitchen equipment don't often get sharp cooking knives on holiday."
Very comfortable beds with cotton bedlinen, comfortable, non-plastic settees, the soft furnishings are up to date and very tasteful, no mould around the bathroom fitments - fantastic pub close by, only 10 minutes from the sea front via a lovely off road pathway, I could go on...........
Reviewed by Drusilla5.0★May 2018
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