"I felt the bed was really uncomfortable which caused me to cut short my trip."
The stoves were hard to get working and I was disappointed with the whole layout.
No TV is the main bedroom is something you expect nowadays and I felt the layout of whole house was wrong. There is a small TV in the small dark front room but nothing in the open airy diner / relaxation area. I would have much preferred to relax in this room on a night and not the dark (and quite chilly) front room.
There were no toiletries provided which, again, is an expectation nowadays.
Overall I was disappointed.
Reviewed by John2.5★ Mar 2024
"Loved this property so much - I almost don't want to say in case it books up before I return!"
Lovely place, everything you need. The village is beautiful, walking along beaches stunning.
I'll definitely recommend and return
Reviewed by Sarah5.0★ Feb 2024
"The Book House is a lovely property and we have stayed twice now."
But for the moment, I think it’ll be our last. For a premium priced property I have to say that the standard of comfort is below what we would expect. The Main Bedroom is below the standard we would expect. The mattress isn’t comfortable and for an upmarket property I’d expect a premium style of mattress (Emma or Simba for example). We didn’t have one good nights sleep during our week. And we paid a considerable premium for location and standard, the latter starting to fade in my opinion.
Also, front room is in need of an update. The sofa opposite the front window isn’t comfortable at all. It needs to be replaced with something that is comfortable to sit or lay on.
So, comfort zero. Everything else was as expected.
Reviewed by Marc2.8★ Dec 2023
"Front of cottage looking 'tired', front room is dark and uninviting, but rest of cottage is of a very high quality, the garden is delightful, I would stay here again."
Lock to front door is worn and difficult to use.
Reviewed by Alan4.7★ Nov 2023
"This is a lovely cottage with a fantastic garden in a really convenient location."
It is spacious and comfortable. However, as mentioned in other reviews, the bedroom wardrobe smells so musty that it makes it unusable. Some handsoap wouldn't have gone amiss in the bathrooms. All in all though, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reviewed by Matt3.4★ Sep 2023
"What a lovely charming house this is."
Bed so comfy, kitchen is well supplied and we didn't need anything. We loved the area too, great parking as we parked right outside front every day. I will certainly stay here again in the not to distant future. From the flagged floors to the beautiful garden. We loved it.
Reviewed by Sharon5.0★ Aug 2023
"We have had a wonderful week at this lovely property."
It was clean and well equipped and we absolutely loved the delightful garden. Warkworth is a charming village. Both the owner and Northumbria cottages, worked really hard to make sure our holiday was thoroughly enjoyable, which it was.
Reviewed by Claire4.4★ Aug 2023
"Book House is set in a beautiful location and has a lovely garden."
However, the property needs to be updated in several areas: damp smell in bedroom, cupboards not emptied, broken lamp, not able to easily access the freezer, Netflix not available.
Please be aware you must take your own rubbish out daily to the public bin on the High St: this is not stated within the property listing.
Issues reported to Sykes.
Thank you for taking the time to feedback. We are really glad to see you enjoyed the house and garden – it’s a great time of year to appreciate the outdoor space and those views of the castle! Based on your feedback we have removed some items so there’s more space and we have removed the broken lamp. We do experience a bit more damage during peak season and we remove items quickly if there has been a breakage. With it being an old property in a small town we do need to ask people to remove their rubbish and place in the bins close to the property. We are looking at alternative options on this to make it easier for guests.
Property Owner
Reviewed by George1.9★ Jul 2023
"Shower heads in en suite and bathroom were MOULDY and hence unhealthy."
Even after cleaning there remained a residue.
Damp/musty smell upstairs, especially in double room wardrobe. Clean clothes stored in wardrobe acquired the smell and had to be rewashed when we came home.
Items in first aid kit: up to 14 YEARS past expiry date.
Much crockery/glassware chipped/cracked.
Some cooking utensils very badly worn (non-stick surfaces so badly chipped and worn they were unusable).
Derisory amount of cleaning materials provided (e.g. thimbleful of washing up liquid, three dish washer tablets). Minimal amount of toilet roll provided. No change of towels/bed linen offered for a 2-week stay.
In this day and age it is unbelievable that there is no provision for recycling glassware, paper etc. in the cottage. Regarding refuse there was a hand-written note to take rubbish out daily and deposit in public bins, No mention of what should be done when said bins were overflowing.
The property and contents need a thorough overhaul, proper maintenance, and proper management. Given the cost, this was very poor value for money.
The “Customer Reviews Policy” states “If you have negative feedback about a property that you’d like Sykes to publish when you return home, please raise it with the Owner or the Owner’s representative when you are there and try to resolve it, rather than the feedback be the first time an Owner hears about it.” Given that this information was on a link from an email we received AFTER RETURNING HOME it is difficult to see how we can comply with this requirement.
This review is given in good faith and photographic evidence can be provided for some of the above comments.
Thank you for your feedback. We are really sorry to see that you experienced some issues whilst at the Book House. On your booking details there is information regarding how to get in touch should you experience any issues – as we endeavour to resolve any concerns quickly. The property is a unique place to stay in an old town and as such there is a requirement for us to do something creative when it comes to the bins – hence the request in asking guests to place these outside as that is the only way the council will come to collect. On inspection we didn’t find any evidence of broken crockery, however we have replaced the cooking utensils. Regarding the shower this is hard water residue however we are looking at getting this replaced. It is a self-catering property, therefore you do receive a pack to get you started for your stay which includes toilet rolls, washing up liquid and a few dishwasher tablets. Someone from the customer services team at NCCC is going to get in touch to establish what more we can do at the property.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Diane2.5★ Jul 2023
"Lovely place to stay, the house is charming and definitely quirky, but comfortable, and the garden is just heavenly to sit out in when the weather is good."
It’s proved a good base to stay to see the coastline and also with the beach in easy walking distance .
Reviewed by Katherine3.8★ Jun 2023
"Just returned from this lovely property."
Somebody in a previous review described the house as a tardis totally agree. We really enjoyed the garden and the rear access to the river. Yes there were a few niggles, lampshades that were unstable, bulbs out and a central heating system that had a mind of its own, non of this took away what was a great week away. Have even looked at re- booking 10th May 2024 but can’t see how you can justify nearly 25% increase in price.
Reviewed by Robert4.1★ May 2023
"We had a nice stay, and first impressions were positive."
Garden is very nice. However, property decor looks tired in quite a few rooms , and several lights were either dangerously unstable or not working - not good. We would not book this particular property again in current condition.
Reviewed by Keith3.1★ May 2023
"We have stayed in Warkworth several times and The Book House has by far been our favourite cottage."
The Book House is very Tardis like: from its cute exterior you would never imagine how HUGE the back garden is… which our Border Terrier appreciated. The weather was so lovely, we also made good use of the garden and enjoyed many evenings there with a glass of wine after busy days exploring the lovely coast.
The cottage has everything you might need, it’s incredibly comfortable and thoughtfully laid out. Its close proximity to beaches and places of interest make it a perfect location for exploring the Northumberland Coast. We did not want to leave and would recommend The Book House to anyone thinking of visiting the area.
Reviewed by Clancy5.0★ Apr 2023
"Tremendous property and beautiful garden ."
The location was truly wonderful too. Had the most amazing break at The Book House
Reviewed by Jacqueline5.0★ Apr 2023
"The property is lovely
Beautiful garden
Lovely inside, comfy beds
Good facilities
Unfortunately not clean when arrived no beds made and rubbish and dirty bedding towels left."
However when reported to Sykes promptly sent a cleaner around and sorted
Cleaning Staff were fab
Reviewed by Gail3.8★ Mar 2023
"Pros - Great location, comfy sofa, well equipped kitchen, great bathrooms, lovely chaise lounge, quirky, fantastic garden and furniture
Cons - Dusty especially upstairs bedrooms, Very soiled duvet cover left in guest wadrobe, large bundle of unopened Final Reminders and letters left in main bedroom wadrobe and downstairs utility cuboard, half empty bottles of red and white wine in utility cuboard, half empty bottles of perfumes and echinicea vitamins in bathroom cabinet, no handsoap in any bathroom which is awful, 1 loo roll in each bathroom to last a week really tight!"
, so odd was the large framed family photographs on bedroom walls facing bed, broken lamp base in guest room, scattered tatty old bits of written instructions left around kitchen, house freezing on arrival as all radiators on low, synthetic sheepskin throw on sofa led to hairs all over our clothes and sofa, laundry room upstairs an absolute mess with paint tins and soiled laundry bag on floor, pillows desperately need replacing ( filling is so poor that even 2 were no support), no mattress protector on bed, invisible wadrobe! in bedroom which I discovered on 5th day when I lent on wall!! And you have to empty your rubbish daily into local bin outside house
I have photos of most of this if Sykes or owner would like to check
The only review I have made in years as I felt it had to be done with so many things I wasnt happy with. No, I didnt raise a complaint at time as these things came to light during the stay. This place needs a rating inspection. The fact that bills are all left in a wadrobe, soiled linen in wadrobe and with personal items all over place made it feel I was in someone's personal living space. If all of the above was sorted I would return but not in current state.
Many thanks for your note and really pleased you liked the cottage. You raised some good feedback which we will action for future bookings.
Kind regards
Piers
Property Owner
Reviewed by Diane2.5★ Feb 2023
"Beautifully furnished, comfortable beds and wonderful garden - loved sitting out in the evening with the garden lights on and a glass of wine."
Sep 2021
"Lovely cottage fully equipped and extremely well presented in an excellent location."
Aug 2021
"Cottage was charmingly appointed, cosy but plenty of space for everyone."
Beds comfy, bathrooms spacious, all rooms well furnished to a high standard. Cottage had everything to cater for all needs, with good instructions provided to operate all equipment easily. Garden was beautiful , and if you couldn’t park outside the front, there was usually places to park around the back. There was. nothing not to like and we had a most enjoyable stay in a truly lovely cottage. Warkworth was central to all areas, another plus.
Sep 2020
"Beautiful cottage, well equipped."
Lovely garden and very well presented. Would love to return.
Aug 2019
"Beautiful cottage in first class location."
Wonderful well kept relaxing garden. Cannot wait to return.
Aug 2018
"A well equipped cottage situated on the heart of Warkworth."
Lovely enclosed garden, perfect for our little dog. Close to all amenities, river walks and the beach.
Aug 2018
"Lovely property with super interior design."
Everything you need for a luxury break. Garden well designed and lots of space to relax. Perfect for couples and dogs are welcome.
Sep 2017
"Marvellous property with beautiful garden."
Jun 2017
"A great property, well positioned in close proximity to the village shops and attractions."
Nice garden backing onto the riverside path. Well furnished with artistic flair. Steps up to decking/garden have handrail but are a little steep and unsuitable for people with mobility difficulties.
Jun 2017
"Beautiful and comfortable property, very well equipped and in a great location in a lovely village."
We had a very relaxing break and also chilled in the lovely garden.
Jun 2017
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