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"Very poor approach to front door of cottage, curtain in front bedroom hanging off rail (we used the blinds) and damp patch near back door."
These faults really let the flat down, plus the garage door would not work when we arrived, my husband asked some builders nearby for some oil and managed to make the door easier to open. These did not distract from our break butI feel they need to be addressed.
Reviewed by PaulineApr 2022
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"Comfortable cosy flat."
Very clean and well maintained. Lots of shops within a minutes walk including Sainsbury Local. Small garden but well looked after and comfortable to sit outside and relax. Bedrooms large and spacious with period furniture. Kitchen quite spacious with plenty of equipment for self- catering. We went to Harrogate in February. The weather was cold, wet and windy but the flat was lovely and warm. We would recommend to anyone and we will return the next time we go to Harrogate. The main shopping centre in Harrogate is about a 15 minute stroll. Thank you.
Reviewed by SusanFeb 2022
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"Overall very comfortable, but there were only two of us."
This is advertised as sleeps 4 (and it does, large double and two twin beds), but the living space for 4 people would be extremely cramped. There would not be enough easy chairs in the sitting room which although comfortable is small and very narrow. (photo is deceptive)
Sadly the tenant in the flat upstairs gets up at 4.30am to go to work; main bedroom is adjacent to stairs and communal front door.
Reviewed by CatherineJan 2022
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"Loverly warm ,clean,comfortable ."
Reviewed by JulieDec 2021
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"We had a great stay at the property, the only issue we had was the bin collections, the instructions weren’t that clear, but we spoke to a neighbour, who was able to advise us."
Reviewed by NeilOct 2021
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"Rear door lock difficult to use."
Shower/bath could do with upgrade. Vacuum cleaner needed emptying badly! Main bed very comfortable. Listing did not mention microwave is installed. Kitchen tongs would have been useful. Very good location for walk into Harrogate. Excellent local shopping.
Reviewed by RoySep 2021
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"The cottage was only 15 minutes walk from Harrogate centre x"
Reviewed by AngelaSep 2021
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"The initial impression of the apartment from the road is very poor, but when inside this changes."
The apartment was very clean and has all the facilities you need. There are shops and two coffee shops across the road.
Convenient for walking into the town centre.
The owner came to help us with a problem within minutes of speaking to him. We did not have good weather so the electric stove kept the apartment warm in the evening.
Reviewed by RobertAug 2021
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"The owners were extremely understanding and helpful when we lost the keys and were locked out."
Reviewed by HelenAug 2021
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"Parkiing good but difficult access lot of noise from upstairs flat"
Reviewed by EdwardAug 2021
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"Whilst The Garden Flat is well situated in terms of its location, (which was the main reason we chose it), we found it lacking in a few ways."
Firstly, we (my sister and I) found it difficult to access entry, and were later advised by the owner that there was a 'knack' to inserting the key in the keyhole and turning it to unlock the door - not ideal. The owner came round because she had forgotten to leave the back door key in the property, so after explaining our difficulty in accessing entry, she explained the process of inserting the key then having to lift it up before turning. Even knowing this, we still experienced difficulty throughout the week. The owner said she would arrange for a locksmith to change the lock whilst we were there, but we did not want the inconvenience of that, so left it. However, she did say she would arrange for that to be done after we had left.
Secondly, that standard of cleanliness was not great. There were clumps of dust that could be seen along the edges of the carpet and under the radiators. We had taken anti-bacterial wipes with us, so wiped many of the surfaces when we first arrived. There were edges that had clearly not been wiped for quite some time, because we removed layers of dust! The water in the shower was not running away very well, so I took courage in both hands and cleaned the plughole, removing a large clump of hair and gunk! I am afraid that I could not summon up the courage to clean the inside of the kitchen bin, but the dirt/grime that was sitting on it was a breeding ground for germs and if I used this bin, I quickly shut the lid and washed my hands. I do not think I am particularly fussy, but I certainly expect things to be clean and tidy. Since your instructions to occupants mentioned the importance of handwashing and hygiene (which I fully understand, endorse and practice!), I would have thought properties would have received the same level of attention to hygiene.
Thirdly, there were instructions left about closing the curtains in the main bedroom. These were very heavy curtains, and the instruction was to lift the curtain when closing them. A note was included that the owners had already had to replace the curtain track twice. Personally, I would have thought that was an indication that the curtains should be replaced with ones that were easier to close. However, my sister, who used that bedroom for the week, decided against closing the curtains, because the process was so ‘involved’, therefore she just closed the roller blinds, but the roller blind on the middle (largest) window did not reach the windowsill! So, a row of cushions had to be placed along the sill in order to block the light out! Not ideal!
I left a note to the owners of the property explaining out findings and disappointment. It was a shame, because with a little more attention to detail The Garden Flat has the potential to be a cosy and inviting rental. I wonder if my note ever reached the owners' hands, because I am aware that the cleaners of the property were waiting for us to leave (which we did at 09:30 on the day of departure); it was surprising to find the cleaners hanging around, because we did not have to leave until an hour later! However, since the cleaners did not come off very favourably in my note, I am guessing the owners did not receive it. I would be grateful if you could enquire after the fact.
I fully appreciate that it is the owners' responsibility to attend to the cleaning, not Sykes, but it also reflects on your business. In fact, this was the second cottage we had rented through you in the space of nine months, and the other property needed a deep clean, too; it was The Thatched Cottage in Chipping Camden (we stayed there last October).
I would appreciate your comments with regard to these matters.
I am happy for you to publish this feedback, but I suspect you will not want to.
Reviewed by HazelJul 2021
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"The flat is ideally situated for Harrogate town centre, and it also sits in the middle a small parade of shops, including an excellent greengrocers, a deli/cafe and a good Indian takeaway."
The flat is well furnished and the beds are high quality and very comfortable.
The only problem we encountered was gaining access. Both the front door of the house and the entry door to the flat have very worn locks/keys. When we finally managed to open the house door we had a major battle with the door to the flat to the point where we were trying to 'phone Sykes for help (good luck with that!). We finally got in but the locks were a source of anguish throughout the holiday which was otherwise ideal.
Reviewed by SusanJun 2021
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"The Garden Flat is spacious, well-equipped and comfortable."
It is in a good location for sight-seeing in Harrogate itself and for travelling out to the surrounding areas. We enjoyed our stay, thank you!
Reviewed by RichardJun 2021
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"Good location, comfortable and owners we're very helpful and friendly."
Reviewed by JoannaJun 2021
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"Loved the fact that it was near to cycling paths and near enough to town centre for us to walk too."
Great that it had a garage for us to safely store our bikes.
Friendly owners who made us very welcome
Reviewed by DawnMay 2021
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"Had a wonderful holiday in Harrogate and an excellent experience staying in the Garden Flat."
Place was quirky, cosy, well equipped and clean. The backyard was an added bonus, a little sun trap, relaxing and quiet. Susan and Andrew were helpful and friendly. Welcome pack was a lovely touch. Andrew was very informative and told us lots about area and places to visit. Loved Brimham Rocks, Ripley Village and Valley Gardens. Flat was in great location, just a short walk to the town. We would return to this property and bring two members of our family.
Reviewed by AudreyAug 2020
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"Lovely little flat, in a brilliant location and super super comfortable beds!"
Excellent access to local shops, train station and all the restaurants (of which there are many) in Harrogate.
Reviewed by EmilyJul 2020
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"Sweet english house."
Very good location, nice area. Clean and charmy. Purly profesional.
Reviewed by WojciechFeb 2020
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"The Garden Flat is really lovely accommodation."
It is very close to all the shops and conference centre, very easy to navigate to from all directions. The owners were really considerate and thoughtful and left us some lovely mince pieces and milk etc. Overall a very lovely stay.
Reviewed by RachelDec 2019
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"Very comfortable flat in an ideal location."
Parking and local amenities all good, excellent Deli across the road! easy access to the town centre and surrounding countryside. Good access to York and the Dales. It made our experience all the more special. thank You!
Reviewed by CynthiaOct 2019
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"We were able to use the garage behind the property but access was very tight."
There is very little additional parking available in nearby side streets, so little option other than to use the garage. We found a heater in an under-stairs cupboard which we found we had to use in the evenings and mornings as the tempature was quite cool for August. The owner left instructions for us to be quiet entering and leaving the property, so as not to disturb the neighbours upstairs. Unfortunately the neighbours were sometimes quite loud in the evenings, although we did not let this detract from our holiday. The flat was very clean and well presented and close to local amenities (a mini-Sainsburys just two minutes walk from the front door). Overall the property met our expectations.
Reviewed by RodAug 2019
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"Apart from the joys of Harrogate - the lovely gardens, the proximity to RHS Harlow Carr and the amazing Betty's Tea Room
The flat was in an ideal location to explore both the town and surrounding area [ we visited Castle Howard and East Riddlesden Hall]."
The local Sainsbury's was very useful.
It looked to be on a noisy road when we arrived but found that was not a problem.
The lounge furniture was comfortable, and the bed was great, we had really good nights sleep.
The owner was very approachable and helpful
I
Reviewed by HowardJun 2019
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"Nice handy location, with shops enough to cater for all your needs, plus an easy walk into Harrogate city centre"
Reviewed by JohnJun 2019
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"Location was excellent with a short walk into Harrogate although there was a bit of a hill on way back."
There was a very thoughtful and useful welcome pack on arrival and the owners, when we briefly spoke were very friendly.
The front door and hall entrance of the house before entering the flat was a bit grubby and off putting at first but the flat itself was excellent, clean and very comfortable. Particular points we liked were the comfortable bed, gas heating and Netflix on TV. There was an issue with noise from the flat above although sporadic it was quite loud at times but did not effect our holiday.
Although it is advertised with off road parking the garage could not accommodate our medium size car but we easily managed to find parking in side streets.
We like to try different places to stay otherwise we would be happy to stay here again.
"Thank you for your 100% positive rating Mr. Straghan, we're glad you found
the flat so clean and comfy. We just wanted to let you know that you
arrived the week before a full re-furb of the hallway and front garden
area. We have just fitted a beautiful new hall carpet this week and will
have a brand new garden fence and Victorian etched glass for the front door
arriving in the next few days. We hope you'll be back to check these out
soon. Very best wishes, Susan and Andrew
Property Owner
Reviewed by JohnJun 2019
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"Well equipped flat."
Lovely comfy double bed. Would recommend to anyone planning to stay in Harrogate.
Reviewed by AlanMay 2019
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"Excellent location and close to all amenities."
The owners went above and beyond to ensure we had all we needed.
Reviewed by DianaApr 2019
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"We booked two stays at the Garden Flat in the past couple of months when business brought us to Harrogate, and after the first stay, we were looking forward to returning."
Having just completed our second stay, we can say that this is a lovely, clean, comfortable flat. The owners are exceptionally thoughtful - they're quick to respond to questions, and there are so many touches - milk in the fridge, biscuits - that go the extra mile to make guests comfortable. We wanted a kitchen where we could prepare meals and this one worked well - modern, clean, and very well equipped. Beds were very comfortable. As the mercury dropped, we found the flat to be cozy and warm, and appreciated the electric fire. Very nice outside seating area that would be a real plus during a warm weather stay. Lastly, the flat is in a highly convenient location - easy walk into town center, plus two bus lines on the next block. Steps away from the flat are a great mix of takeaways, cafes, independent shops, and a Sainsbury's Local. All in all, comfortable, relaxing stays that provided easy access to all Harrogate has to offer.
Reviewed by LisaDec 2018
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"The little extras on arrival - wine, biscuits, bread and milk - a lovely touch."
The flat was spacious, warm and cosy, the bed was very comfortable, the facilities excellent. The location was ideal - close enough to walk into Harrogate and the area was quiet which added to a restful time.
Reviewed by HelenNov 2018