-
"Generally a lovely warm holiday house."
Beautiful garden. Friendly reception/help. Open fire a treat (matches would have been helpful). CH/hot water and cooker need more instructions for use. 2 strip lights over cooker and where kettle is not functioning. Plates and casserole dishes unwashed/dirty. Downstairs bedroom clearly not cleaned: dead bird found behind curtain. Strong unpleasant oil smell in kitchen/dining area from AGA. Only one shower - through downstairs bedroom. Upstairs needs a shower too. Table tennis a great idea but bats in poor repair- two unusable. Very creaky double bed upstairs.
Reviewed by Lindsey4.0★Sep 2026
-
"Nice quiet location."
There were wasp nests near both the key safe and the front door, and the front door was difficult to open.
The property itself was spacious and in a lovely setting; however, a strong fuel odour throughout the accommodation significantly affected our stay. The smell was particularly noticeable in the kitchen and dining area and persisted throughout the holiday despite attempts to ventilate the property. Several members of our party experienced headaches as a result.
We also experienced issues with the hot water and heating, and the downstairs bedroom became unusable for one member of our party due to the impact of the odour. While the property has a lot of potential, we felt it would benefit from improved maintenance, cleaning and attention to these issues.
Unfortunately, these problems had a significant impact on what would otherwise have been an enjoyable stay.
Reviewed by Pamela1.0★Aug 2026
-
"Overall the property was superb, very spacious and a beautiful garden etc."
However there was a continuous smell/odour of paraffin/fuel which permeated every room. As we were only there for the weekend we put up with it but visitors also commented on this smell and we would not have wanted to stay any longer.
There were no bin bags left anywhere we could find?
Finally the both front door locks need maintenance/oiling as it was impossible at first to gain entry and during our stay we were frightened to lock the doors from the inside in case we were stuck and couldn't get out.
Kindest regards
Reviewed by Chris3.0★Jul 2026
-
"As many others have described a lovely and spacious property with a secure private garden."
Even if 6 of you were staying here you wouldn't feel on top of each other as there really is plenty of room. The location is ideal to get away from it all but there is a great pub a mile away which we used a couple of times. The beds were really comfy but cleanliness in the kitchen area let it down. We had to wash all plates, glasses and cutlery before being happy to use and the cupboard doors were grubby.
Having said that we would return.
Reviewed by Marc4.0★Jun 2026
-
"A lovely spacious cottage for two adults & a dog in a rural peaceful location yet only a 20 minute drive to Richmond."
A safe & lovely country cottage back garden is accessed staright off the large kitchen/dining room. Garden has a high stone wall so very private & was dog friendly. We were so pleased that as advertised, the garden was safe & secure for a dog which gave us peace of mind for the week - many holiday cottages advertised as dog friendly/safe are anything but having lightweight fencing or low walls that are not suitable for pets.
Sadly cleaning staff had let the owners down & for the first few days of our week away we encountered a range of problems with cleanliness & broken equipment in the kitchen. On their return home the cottage owners visited on Sunday & we agreed a way forward to rectify the problems. That aside, the peace & quiet location of The Arches was just what we needed to retreat from the busyness of home!
Reviewed by Chris3.0★Apr 2026
-
"The Arches was an ideal place to spend Christmas with our family."
We much appreciated the constant warmth, having two fridges, a washing machine and an AGA - and a place to play table tennis! The owner had even set up a decorated Christmas tree for us!
There were a few missing kitchen items such as a bread knife, scissors and extra pots and pans to cater for 6 of us, but the owner provided these once we flagged up their omission.
All in all, a great Christmas stay!
Reviewed by Anna5.0★Dec 2025
-
"The property is beautiful and spacious in a quiet location(within 20 mins of Richmond and Barnard castle)."
It has a secure walled garden which was a real sun trap. The beds were very comfortable.
En-suite shower room was superb.
We would definitely stay here again.
Reviewed by Janet4.0★Sep 2025
-
"Spacious cottage set on a working farm."
Gorgeous courtyard garden and impressive kitchen diner. Comfortable, fairly well equipped and well located for some great attractions
Reviewed by Simon4.0★Sep 2025
-
"We had an enjoyable stay."
Very relaxing and peaceful. The Arches had everything we needed and more and we will be 100% back again. The owners left us a lovely welcome hamper which was very thoughtful. The children loved the garden, table tennis and the animals we had an enjoyable walk to the next village. Perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxing stay.
Reviewed by Chantelle5.0★Aug 2025
-
"Just back from a 4 night stay at The Arches!"
What a great property and base for exploring the area. Our dogs loved the space too.
We’d definitely return and would highly recommend.
Reviewed by Anna5.0★Aug 2025
-
"Great Cottage which was always nice and warm to come back to after a long day out."
Enclosed garden was great for the Dog. Lovely and clean everywhere. Underfloor heating in the ground floor bathroom was a real treat.
A couple of disappointments were no showers in en-suite bathrooms upstairs as listed, some of the kitchen utensils need to be checked more regularly as we found things broken and the frying pan rusty and unusable.
Unfortunately the WiFi was also not working until the last day.
Overall a great cottage and would recommend.
Reviewed by Chris4.0★Oct 2024
-
"Beds, towels and rooms clean and acceptable."
Small issue with Heating resolved promptly.
Advertised as Shower over Bath in both upstairs en-suites which did not exist. This was raised before we went and never answered. Only 1 Shower in the property.
AGA not working. Told it was not switched on until the end of October. Wish we had known this before booking.
Kitchen in poor condition and needs refurbishing. Damaged work top, cooker splashback, cupboard doors delaminating and cupboards could have been better cleaned.
Please put in some more Mugs/Cups. Not enough for 2 people never mind if 6 people were staying.
Very peaceful location and nice garden.
Reviewed by Andrew3.0★Sep 2024
-
"This cottage was lovely, spacious & very comfortable."
The en-suite shower was great! The enclosed garden was ideal for to safely venture. Open fire was great for wet June weather (not that I need excuse for real fire). Seeing the horses was a bonus. Also saw rabbits, grouse and bats. All really enjoyed the break. Definitely recommend & a great base for visiting area.
Thank you for your feedback. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at The Arches.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Dawn5.0★Jun 2024
-
"Comfortable and very pleasant."
Plenty of space and a secure garden for the dogs. Very pleasant owners and staff.
Situated in lovely scenic countryside with small villages and towns within easy reach. Very much enjoyed our five day stay.
Thank you for your feedback. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Gillian5.0★May 2024
-
"We had a great time at The Arches."
The grounds around the house are beautiful and the house itself is very spacious and exactly as the listing. The house is clean, tastefully decorated, and full of character. It was stocked with all the essentials such as condiments, washing up liquid, dishwasher tabs etc. Definitely excellent value for money.
The communication by the host was just right, they were on hand to answer any queries and provided some lovely treats on arrival. Also walking distance to the local pub which is always a bonus. A perfect stay for us!
Thank you for the positive feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for leaving the property so nice and tidy.!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Elizabeth Marie5.0★Mar 2024
-
There are no reviews featuring this term
Show all reviews