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"The location and layout of the cottage were excellent."
However the furniture was getting past its best. The seating was uncomfortable and felt hard. Also for us older people it was too low to get out of comfortably. The bed were also on the hard side and the double would have been much better as a king especially as the room was so big. Bathroom facilities were good, however why was there no lock or even a latch (the unit was missing) on the downstairs toilet?
Reviewed by JuneMay 2022
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"We booked this cottage at short notice and this could not have been better if we had researched for weeks."
Position fantastic for walks. We walked to the Heights of Abraham and restaurants. A lovely pub just around the corner food great.
The cottage had everything we needed and was very comfortable. We will definitely go again. Thank you
Reviewed by MarieApr 2022
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"Previous negative comments I read were accurate but everybody has different expectations and driving abilities ."
I would go back to this property again as the negative comments of previous visitors did not affect our stay. Regarding the toilet door lock there are three toilets in the property and only the downstairs one did not lock which for people with children is not a bad thing and with the internal door shut you had privacy if need be after all it is not a public building . Beds were firm but comfortable. Cottage was very cosy and clean and location excellent.
Reviewed by AlisonFeb 2022
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"It may be a very unusual "complaint", but my only -ve was that the heating was set too high!"
22degC was simply too hot - I was continually 'dialing down' the thermostat (several time cycles each day) to 17/18degC. Otherwise 10/10.
Reviewed by JohnDec 2021
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"The cottage was in a lovely setting and was spacious, clean and warm."
My wife's elderly parents came with us and the location was perfect with local amenities only a short walk away. We all greatly enjoyed our stay and my father in law loved feeding the ducks!
Reviewed by AnthonyNov 2021
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"Smithy cottage is a great place, spacious well decorated and in a wonderful location, probably the best cottage we have stayed in around Cromford."
It did however have some issues which could be so easily resolved. these being:
1 There was no manual on how to adjust the heating or work appliances. Nothing on places of interest, which is quite normal to provide in these lets.
2 Car parking is also hit and miss and could be resolved with a few signs or covered in a manual. I had to reverse 60 metres up the drive and back out onto a main road. This could so easily be resolved with some thought and proper instructions.
3 The cutlery and crockery left a lot to be desired. The table knives were from a camping set and there was insufficient crockery. 4 dinner plates and 4 useable bowls are not enough for a premium let.
4 The rebated door lock in the ground floor toilet had been removed meaning you had to jam your foot up against the door to stop it from being opened.
5 Having paid in excess of £800 for the cottage I was taken aback when the owner asked me to strip the beds and take all the bed linen downstairs, I was so taken aback in being asked to do so.
This property could be the best let in Cromford by far but is let down by some very simple and easy to fix issues.
Reviewed by FrankOct 2021
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"The cottage was in a lovely location but parking was really difficult."
It is billed as two spaces for each of the cottages but only if all cars are very small and, if the space for the next door cottage is occupied, only if you are comfortable backing out a reasonable distance and onto a busy road (or turning next to the unfenced millpond). There was no lock, or even a mechanism to close the door, on the downstairs lavatory - it had been removed but not replaced. Some small changes could also make a disproportionate difference - proper sized mugs, replacement of the broken fish slice in the kitchen (it had been glued together but did not hold), lighting in the bathroom that would allow you to put make up on etc. We would also have expected to have been provided with detergent for the washing machine - we have never before stayed in a cottage where this has not been provided as standard.
Reviewed by JoanOct 2021
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"Cottage was really clean and comfortable with everything we could need for our stay, lots of extra touches like pint of milk in the fridge on arrival and a some teabags and coffee etc were really unexpected and welcome."
Would definitely recommend.
Reviewed by CarolSep 2021
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"We would return to Smithy Cottage which says all you need to know."
Reviewed by Rhyddid BrynSep 2021
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"Lovely cottage and location."
The house was well equipped and near pubs and restaurants. The view out of the cottage is beautiful!
The double bed is a little on the small side and not very comfortable, but the rest of the cottage was lovely.
Reviewed by EmmaAug 2021
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"Could benefit from some more crockery, cups, bowls etc as when you are using the dishwasher there are not enough."
Reviewed by MelvynJul 2021
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"Lovely stay, easy walk to pubs & shops."
Ate breakfast at Parkys, would definitely recommend.
There was a problem with one of the showers but the owner responded very quickly to our text message & the issue was resolved.
The cottage was clean & homely.
Visited Chatsworth & Carsington water, luckily the weather was kind to us.
Enjoyed our weeks stay.
Reviewed by GJul 2021
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"Lovely position next to the Millpond, very peaceful and comfortable cottage."
Chairs and a table were provided outside next to the pond however would be difficult to use as not much space and if next doors car drove past would have to move the chairs to enable them to pass. Overall cleanliness was good although given that we are all trying to be extra careful in this current climate there were a few small areas that I felt needed a little more attention to detail and there were several items of chipped crockery. However it was a lovely comfortable stay.
Reviewed by VictoriaJun 2021
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"A great cottage in a great location."
No worries re facilities and cooked on all but one of the days. Was a little concerned as booked before we read the review from September last year. Owner reassured us by phone and there were no worries once we had arrived. Will certainly be back.
Reviewed by ColinApr 2021
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"The position of the cottage overlooking a mill pond was idyllic."
Cromford is a lovely place and the cottage was situated right in the centre which meant that it only took 5 mins to walk to the nearest pub and it was a great centre to access lots of great walking. The cottage inside was beautiful with lots of equipment. The only thing that spoilt it was that the dishwasher didn’t work and when we looked in it after the owner had been we could see that there was a piece of plastic ripped off at the back. I feel that this should have been fixed before we arrived.
Reviewed by PenelopeOct 2020
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"Lovely cottage."
It was great waking up to the view of the pond and being greeted by the ducks.
Reviewed by LouiseSep 2020
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"On first inspection the cottage was lovely and clean but on inspection of the cooker it was filthy and definitely had not been cleaned this year."
Also the toaster was going rusty so we only had the microwave. The people next door in Weir Cottage also had a filthy cooker. They complained to you and were told that they would contact the owner. They also mentioned our cooker was the same. I rang the owner the following day as we couldn't get the TV to work properly and also mentioned the cooker and he said he would come on the Monday to check things but he never came, so we had to eat out every evening which obviously cost us more than expected and so did our neighbours. I rang your offices on the Thursday and was very upset by the attitude of the person I spoke to who first of all asked why I hadn't rang on the first day. I explained that the people at the next door cottage had rang, but she said that's nothing to do with me and I had to put my own complaint in. I said that I had spoken direct to the owner and thought that would be enough. Also I said that I had been waiting over 30 mins just to get through as it was and I didn't intend wasting my holiday on the phone all day when it was obvious nothing was going to be sorted before the end of the week.
Reviewed by DennisSep 2020
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"Smithy Cottage was perfect for our family break."
The rooms are more spacious than the photos show with clothes storage available in the bedrooms. A downstairs loo was great to have. Cottage was really clean and felt safe in COVID times. No garden but there is a table and chairs outside and the millpond grassy area which was fine for us. Location was great for local walks in the countryside as well as a path to Matlock Bath and easy access to cycle paths.
Reviewed by ClayreJul 2020
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"Clean spacious property in an excellent location."
Reviewed by DavidJan 2020
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"Perfect holiday location next to Cromford Mill Pond."
Swans, ducks and moor hens to greet you every time you leave the cottage. Many walks direct from the cottage. Local history fascinating. Two great pubs on the doorstep both serving food and lovely restaurant too. Cottage had everything we needed. We will definitely be back.
Reviewed by JulieOct 2019
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"Smithy cottage was very warm and comfortable and in a very convenient position ."
We have no complaints and would use this cottage again as we visit this area twice a year . Although the parking was a challenge it is possible to reverse if the other car parking place is empty or if not to reverse and turn further up the access road before you reach the main road. Also we found the WiFi to work well contrary to a previous review.
Reviewed by HelenSep 2019
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"If having a good telephone signal & internet connection is important to you then it needs to be improved as the internet was really slow & my Mobile usually read "No Service" from inside the Cottage."
Of course this is not important to everybody and once outside the Cottage the phone signal improved.
This being technology based I feel I should point out that everything else was perfect and as expected.
We would stay again but would hope for a better Phone & internet signal.
Richard Whitehead
Surrey
Reviewed by RichardJul 2019
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"Very clean and comfortable cottage in a great location, the birds on the mill pond give added interest with good views from both downstairs and bedroom windows."
Although the cottage is close to a busy road it's positioning on the mill pond gives it a very private feel .
Reviewed by DuncanJul 2019
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"The property is on a main road which is not disclosed."
The bed in main bedroom is Really hard and most uncomfortable hardly slept a wink with the road boise and hard bed.
There is no book for guests to write comments.
The cottage downstairs is nice and near to amenities but would not use it again for those 2 things.
Also no hairdryer
Reviewed by PaulJul 2019
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"Good location for exploring the southern Peak District."
Was very convenient to pubs, restaurants and shops while being very quiet. Good walks without using the car. Very close to an amazing bookshop which also sold wonderful cake.
Reviewed by HelenMay 2019
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"Absolutely loved the cottage, it was perfect, very relaxing and we hope to book it again."
.. very centrally located for using the buses for getting around once we were there, especially doing linear walks.. also the train station nearby..
The facilities in the cottage- it was like a home from home..
We have never been to the Peak District before but we very much plan to after this wonderful time away.
Reviewed by JulieMar 2019
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"Beautiful cottage in a great setting."
In an ideal spot for a easy stroll to Matlock Bath and yards away from the pub and shops.
Reviewed by JoanneMar 2019
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"The cottage was a really lovely place to stay would highly recommend it."
...It did take awhile to actually locate it after asking several locals who didn't know but once there it was a great stay.
Reviewed by PatriciaMar 2019
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"This is a really pretty and spacious cottage."
It was lovely and clean and nicely decorated. Plenty of room for our children to play and everything you need for a comfortable and easy stay.
Would be very happy to stay again and recommend.
Reviewed by AmyFeb 2019
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"The situation of Smithy Cottage could not be bettered."
Cromford is a fascinating place bang in the middle of a World Heritage Site plus Smithy Cottage boasts two sofas and two swans - what's not to like!
Reviewed by GillFeb 2019
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"We loved the cottage."
Really good layout and decor. Very cosy. With a few tweaks however it could be even better.
The beds were too small. With 2 large bedrooms a king/superking could easily fit in the master and 2 wider beds would comfortably fit in the second bedroom. I did not sleep well as I am used to a larger bed and would always book a property with larger beds if they were available. My mother 89 found the single beds very narrow.
The kitchen was adequately equipped but was missing a cheese grater. Yes, a parmesan grater was provided but we needed a proper grater and had to borrow one from the tapas restaurant in Cromford. Also missing is a big pan for cooking pasta for 4 people.
Especially important is the provision of champagne glasses! So often missing in holiday rentals. What is the first thing one does on holiday? Yes, celebrate! Champagne glasses please! Anticipating that there would not be any, I took my own but I shouldn't have to. Plus points though for providing ready-made ice cubes in the freezer so my husband could crack on with his gin and tonic.
Reviewed by CarolynNov 2018
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"We had a wonderful holiday in The Smithy."
The cottage was delightful, so delightful that we would love to live in it
Reviewed by NormanNov 2018
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"House good, duck pond brilliant, but issues."
. Shower not working, smart TV not smart at all and almost impossible to get on, no cleaning items at all, dishwasher tablets, loo rolls, bin bags nothing. If you struggle to reverse your car onto a main road don't book here. So the blurb should say about this.
Reviewed by DavidOct 2018
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"Lovely cottage"
Reviewed by StevenSep 2018
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"Very quiet, well appointed, great location for all amenities and local attractions"
Reviewed by MarkSep 2018
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"Smithy cottage is the best rental we’ve had through Sykes."
The finish inside is fabulous with the small things like soap and tea makings etc which you don’t usually find in most rentals. Situated very centrally for visiting the area and lots of eateries within walking distance. The chippy near the Greyhound pub had queues outside most evenings as their fish and chips were worth the queue, the Greyhound food was good too but limited menu and a little pricey I thought. The ducks and swans on the pond are very friendly but if you aren’t keen don’t feed as they do expect it every time you go out.
Reviewed by ElaineSep 2018
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"Overall the quality of the cottage was good but there were a few details which would benefit from improvement."
Firstly, the windows catches/locks were almost impossible to open. It required extreme strength in the hands, which as two unaccompanied females was quite difficult. We did manage in the end but didn't lock the windows for the rest of the week. Also, the remote on the television was very hit and miss. It may have required new batteries but no extra supplies were found in the cottage. Also basics like kitchen rolls, foil, dishwasher tablets and bin liners were missing from the cottage, which appear to be standard in most other cottages I have stayed in. However in spite of these minor deficiencies we enjoyed our week in Cromford.
Reviewed by LindaAug 2018
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"This is a very pleasant cottage, warm and clean, good off road parking."
A good bus route 0pperates from Cromford, if you don't fancy driving on the busy roads,
Reviewed by SusanAug 2018
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"Great cottage in a lovely setting."
Plenty to do and see in the local area. Friendly local pubs and shop close by for supplies.
Reviewed by MichaelJul 2018
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"Just a few minor things,that wouldn't take much to sort out."
In Double room only one window handle working,On one wardrobe, opening catch was missing.
The Cottage was very roomy,comfortable, spotless,
We all had a lovely week, and was relaxing watching all the Ducks / Swans etc just outside, and not forgetting all the sunny weather we had.
We hope to come back again.Fully recommend.
Mr & Mrs Futcher
Mr & Mrs Gibbons
Thankyou
Reviewed by CarolJun 2018
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"The cottage was wel presented and looked over the large millpond at Cromford."
It was extremely clean and well appointed. Decor was neutral and the property was not cluttered by personal effects. All that we needed in respect of crockery etc was provided.
We were lucky in that the weather was superb throughout our stay enabling us to go out and about. The cottage was well situated for exploring the Derwent Valley Mills, Matlock, Bakewell and also Ashbourne, Tissington and Ilam/Doveholes - all of which we visited during our stay. All in all a lovely week enhanced by the superb cottage.
Reviewed by TrevorJun 2018
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"On arrival we concerned about the volume of traffic, especially the large amount of lorries,this was the only hold up in the journey."
We found out a diversion was in place this may have increased the volume in traffic.The owner met us on arrival he was very pleasant and courteous unfortunately I got locked in the downstairs toilet luckily the owner had not left, he had to force the door open he told us a screw was missing from the lock we thought he would fix this before he left but he told us as there was just2 of us don't shut the door, there are 3 toilets at this property.Smithycottage was very clean, and spacious, biscuits and milk were there on arrival. The sky tv is freeview only the main bedroom gets very warm at night we opened the window and the handle fell off this was mentioned in a previous review.In this day and age people travel with electronics a window that does not lock will inhale the invalidate the insurance. Tuesday I used the washing machine I there was no Manuel I down loaded it, the machine would not empty we tried to rectify the situation ourselves , as a last resort wephoned the owner we left a message and got no reply,we rang again the next day and he rang back I explained it would not empty he asked if there was washing in the machine I said yes we got cut off . The location is lovely overlooking the pond withducks and swans and the sound of the weir was very relaxing, but aware that people walk on the grass verge directly in front of the property , and parking is very awkward,but it it is at least off road parking unfortunately my washing is still in the machine with one of the property bath mat .
Reviewed by ChristopherJun 2018
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"Overall Smithy Cottage is excellent and we had a good holiday in it."
However, there are a few points which we felt need attention. We would be grateful if you would pass them on to Mr. Grossi.
- The boiler performance is strange. The water will come very hot when the tap is first run, but then after a few seconds goes cooler. The result was that we could not get an adequately hot bath.
- The instructions for putting out the dustbins were baffling. They told us to put out the Blue bins on Monday 11 September (which year?!) or the black bins on Monday 18 September. In the absence of sensible instructions, we did nothing.
- Light bulbs on the landing and over the kitchen sink are not working.
- The pull on the curtain/blind in the double bedroom does not work properly. Also one of the window handles falls off!
- On telephone enquiry, Mr. Grossi told us the beds have feather pillows. But they don't! This was of importance to us, and we would have brought our own.
Reviewed by PaulApr 2018
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"Had an excellent week in the area during February half term."
Lovely cottage, more spacious than I was expecting and in very good condition, clean and well equipped. Freeview TV, WiFi, great little kitchen and very cosy.
The view over the pond was lovely as were the ducks and swans that became our friends as the week went on.
Loads to do in the surrounding area but in February, many weren't yet open so worth bearing in mind. Most seems to open around Easter. Heights of Abraham was a particular gem.
If we had one minor issue it was the quality of the main bedroom mattress. It was quite lumpy and cheap feeling. It is easily addressed and would make such a difference to an otherwise very comfortable little cottage.
Reviewed by MikeFeb 2018
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"This was a perfect cottage in an ideal setting, with all amenities on our door step."
Loved this holiday and would return some day, many thanks.
Reviewed by GrahamNov 2017
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"This was my first booking with Sykes and it was a very agreeable experience."
No complaints, no reservations about recommending yourselves/ this property to anyone else.
Reviewed by JohnOct 2017
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"Lovely cottage and setting."
Reviewed by StephenMay 2017
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"Good location for the Derbyshire dales."
The property was well kept and the owner was extremely helpful with directions and also providing extra towels for all.
Reviewed by OliverFeb 2017
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"Smithy Cottage is a lovely place and everything is very well presented."
Two improvements could be made.
- It was hard to find the key box in the dark because there are no outside lights. A light can be switched on from inside the cottage but this does not help when you are trying to find the keys and the door after dark.
- The house lacked basic provisions that you would expect to find when you are staying for just a few nights. The salt cellar had been left empty, there were no dishwasher tablets, and other mainstays were missing: kitchen roll, cooking oil, foil. Where supplies were provided, a bare minimum was given: the end of a bottle of fairy liquid and a scrap of clingfilm. This seemed unnecessarily stingy. You had to bring absolutely everything with you or buy new supplies.
Reviewed by SallyNov 2016
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"Cottage was spotlessly clean, very cosy and homely without the usual personal ornaments and clutter."
Very good size for a 2 bedroom cottage. Have already recommended it to friends!
Reviewed by AishaOct 2016
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"Lovely Cottage and facilities, roomy yet cosy we had a great time thank you."
Reviewed by LauraSep 2016
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"Not a critics my, just a suggestion, Travelling in Europe for three months and this is the only place that hasn't provided a hair dryer, would be good if there was one there, it would not be a big exspensive to provide one."
Also in one bathroom there were large bath towels, the other bathroom had small towels, big ones would have been much better.
Reviewed by RobertAug 2016