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"Dull drab and dreary sitting area."
Uncomfortable sofa. Dirty shower, mould and filth in corners. Shoddy exterior paint work. When using hoover to clean the thing just stinks the property out. Filthy waste bin. Ridiculous small wash basins. Stupid overhead light bulbs, dangerous. Upstairs pretty well OK. Otherwise just dull,dull,dull. no where outside to sit. Although opposed to other peoples thoughts the neighbor was most pleasant. We saw no pride in the property and thus no respect for clients.
Position of property fine for town etc. All very sad really, would be reluctant to use Sykes again.
Thank you for your feedback, and we are sorry to see that you did not enjoy your time at Secret Cottage. It would have been great if you had flagged this during your stay, rather than after departure, so we could have done what we can to ensure your stay was more comfortable. We will address any cleanliness issues with the housekeeper and can guarantee you that as long as they are not being used for anything unusual, we have never had any issue with the size of the sinks. We apologise that you found offence with some lightbulbs, and that the sofa was not as comfortable as you would have liked. We do not advertise the property as having outdoor seating but being just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the beach, and Southwold town centre, most guests have never struggled to find somewhere to enjoy the outdoors. Rest assured we will be addressing any relevant points you have made and rectifying any issues. The owners already had the decorators booked in as it is possibly time for a slight refresh, yes. The seaside winter winds take their toll on the exterior. We love using the property ourselves, are extremely proud of it, and are disappointed that you did not find the same joy in it.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Julian1.3★May 2025
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"We stayed at Secret Cottage for Christmas week."
Previous reviews highlighted uncomfortable bed and sofa, but my husband and I did not find this to be the case and we were perfectly happy. The cottage was warm and comfortable. Despite being so close to a pub, there was no noise at all, and a lovely hot shower. We hope to be back next year!
Reviewed by Adrienne5.0★Dec 2024
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"A very pleasant little cottage in a very convenient central location but marred by the incredibly uncomfortable settee which had hardly any back support and made sitting on in the evenings a rather unpleasant experience."
Also the mattresses on the beds were rather lumpy although not as uncomfortable as the settee.
Reviewed by Michael2.8★Oct 2024
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"The property was superbly situated, clean and very well equipped."
Our main issue was that the beds and seating were most uncomfortable and as we had a few days of downpours it made this very apparent.
A couple of small things to add
1. Towels - these were very off white - almost grey and dingy - I would recommend changing asap.
2. A neighbour left their very strong bright courtyard light on all night that made the thin roller blinds in the bedrooms ineffective. The solution could be to have a word with the neighbour or to invest in either black-out blinds or the addition of some lined curtains.
3. Toilet rolls - its a good job we brought some tissues! Leaving just enough for one visit to the loo in both toilets was not a positive and yes we left plenty.
Other little bits:- Air freshener in toilet was empty. Blind cords kept breaking.
We cleaned, hoovered and left the property as we found it.
Reviewed by Janette3.4★Sep 2024
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"Secret Cottage was just perfect and had everything that I needed."
The location was perfect too as just a few minutes walk from anything. A perfect bolthole :)
Reviewed by Lorraine5.0★Sep 2024
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"Absolutely lovely, only spoiled by the petty mindiness of the courtyard owner."
Reviewed by Roy5.0★Aug 2024
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"Secret Cottage is perfectly located for the beach and exploring the shops and delights of Southwold."
Lovely cottage, well equipped and comfortable, we had a great stay.
We are used to having a little welcome pack or at a minimum milk in the fridge on arrival, which was not included. The shop was only a short walk away however. This would be a welcome touch next time/ for future guests.
Reviewed by Rebecca4.4★Aug 2024
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"The cottage is beautiful and very comfy."
The location could not be better with the beach just steps from the door. The cottage had everything we needed for a very enjoyable stay. We would love to come back.
Reviewed by Sarah4.7★Aug 2024
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"Great location for the town centre."
The cottage was immaculately clean and well equipped. Thank you so much for the complimentary wine and chocolates.
Milk in the fridge was particularly appreciated. A lovely short break.
Reviewed by Davey5.0★Jun 2024
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"The cottage was lovely and so nice it's tucked away from the main streets."
Brilliant facilities and the showers was great. Well equipped kitchen and the L shape sofa give plenty of room when relaxing, We will definitely be back and have recommended to our family as well.
Reviewed by Rachel5.0★May 2024
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"Property is in an ideal location, three minute walk to sea front, 5 minute walk to High Street shops, restaurants and cafes."
We had no problem parking on street outside of the property.
The Secret Cottage was quiet, clean, warm and well equipped. Fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, iron, microwave and modern multi oven.
Can’t really fault it, other than the beds are firm, which if you like a firm bed is great.
The light house is across the road, the pier is an eight minute walk away along the sea front. In mid May Southwold is peaceful, with lots of things to do, and great walks to Walberswick.
The Secret Cottage is good value for money, and won’t disappoint. This was our first booking with Sykes Cottages, so a bit apprehensive, but now we are confident to book future getaways with them.
Reviewed by G4.1★May 2024
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"What a lovely cottage!"
Everything we needed for a great stay. Many thanks.
Janet, David + AndrewApr 2024
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"A lovely weekend in Secret Cottage."
Everything we needed, couldn't have asked for more. Beautiful, spotlessly clean, perfect! Thank you to everyone involved in making our stay possible.
Carol, Eric + BrambleMar 2024
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"A lovely cottage that is well located and well equipped."
We have had a lovely stay here.
Simon + KatieMar 2024
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"We thoroughly enjoyed our four night stay at Secret Cottage."
The location of the cottage is perfect ….. close to the lovely golden beach and also to Southwold’s charming shops and restaurants. The cottage is appointed to a very high standard and is warm, welcoming and comfortable .
This was our first visit to Southwold and did not disappoint. We would highly recommend Secret Cottage and hope to visit again soon .
Thank you for a lovely stay.
Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Feb 2024
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"We have had a wonderful stay at Secret Cottage."
The perfect base to explore Southwold and the surrounding areas. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, well appointed cottage. We would love to visit again.
Mark, Sarah + Eleanor WilkinsonFeb 2024
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"A lovely 'getaway' cottage to celebrate 30 years of marriage."
. A lovely welcome pack & a warm cottage on a chilly day!
Clive & Di Stevens - Ipswich (come On The Blues!)Jan 2024
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"Lovely time by the Sea."
We enjoyed Secret Cottage immensely! Great location and as always - perfect New Years celebration! Thank you for sharing your cottage!
Julia, Scott CleverlyJan 2024
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"The Secret Cottage was perfect for our needs."
Conviently close to the shops, restaurants and pubs of Southwold and a short stroll to the pier, beach and promenade.
The property is cosy, well equipped and tastefully decorated throughout.
Reviewed by Gordon5.0★Nov 2023
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"A lovely cottage in a great setting right next to the lighthouse."
All the little extras were very welcome after a long drive, including the wine! We will definitely be back!!
Reviewed by Melanie5.0★Oct 2023
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"Cosy cottage, great location, close to the beach."
We call Southwold our 'happy place'.
Melanie, Andy - Poppy & PicklesOct 2023
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"Thank you! Lovely comfortable and well equipped cottage."
Tony, Carol + AlisaOct 2023
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"Great cottage, peaceful and close to the beach."
Loved your theatre, twice in one week!! Fell in love with Southwold.
AnonymousSep 2023
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"Really enjoyable stay for 4 nights at Secret Cottage."
Adequate acommodation for 2 people. Beds very comfortable. Very little cupboard space. Neighbours seem to be using the dustbin. They came over twice during my visit. Have left a note for owners. Best feature of the property is its proximity to the sea front. Also very near high street.
Reviewed by Anne4.1★Jul 2023
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"We’ve had a great holiday in Southwold and already booked for the end of July in a different property and the following comments are nitpicking really."
The property location is very good for the beach and all amenities, good pub a few yards away. We were lucky to find a solitary parking spot a short walk to the property ( don’t look for the black gate as a reference point the door is permanently open so can’t really be spotted from your car), but I can imagine that parking would be difficult in high season. The courtyard is strictly off limits other than to go to the bin or peg washing out which is a bit disappointing and felt a bit like you were trespassing as soon as you stepped out of the door. The property itself was ‘compact’
Reviewed by Phil4.7★Jun 2023
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"The property was advertised that the courtyard which it was in was not part of the cottage and could only be used for access."
Not clear as to whether or not you could use the courtyard to leave belongings outside and dry items of clothing during your stay. There was a lack of cereal bowls available and also the flooring in the kitchen area beneath a rug seemed to spring under foot like the floor joist beneath had rotten. If the floorboards do give way at some point whoever is using it at the time will have a nasty accident. The handrail on the stairs only had a top handrail and no mid rail this would be a potential issue to young children falling through the banister into the kitchen / lounge below.
Reviewed by Jason3.8★Jun 2023
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"We had a lovely stay at the secret cottage."
Perfect location. Really comfortable and clean. We would love to come back.
Reviewed by Sara5.0★May 2023
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"The Cottage was lovely and cosy."
On arrival it was very clean and warm. It was in a great location the beach and shops were both within a few minutes walk. A great place to stay.
Reviewed by Kelly4.7★Apr 2023
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"We enjoyed our stay, it wasn’t that clear on the website about the count yard and I constantly worried about the dog making a mess and upsetting the neighbours."
Very beautiful town and the cottage was lovely and very central
Reviewed by Nicola3.8★Feb 2023
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"The Secret Cottage."
... wow, what a hidden gem of a place to stay in Southwold.
This cosy, comfortable, well-equipped cottage can be found in a courtyard off a road just off the seafront.
It is just 200m from the pretty promenade and a superb sandy beach and just a short stroll to Southwold's award-winning pier. It is also just 20m from a popular well-run pub and an easy walk to the many attractions (plenty of coffee shops to choose from) on Southwold's main high street. The cottage's kitchen is well everything you might need to cook rather than go out to eat. The two bedrooms, a double and a single, are on the second floor accessed via a fairly steep staircase, which may be a consideration for some guests.
We had a superb stay in February and loved Southwold being so quiet. We will be back.
AnnonymousFeb 2023
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"We stayed at the property in January 2023."
It was cold outside but the cottage was lovely and cosy. For 2 adults and our small dog the property was ideal and had everything we needed. And its in a nice quiet location close to the Sole Bay pub, beach and lighthouse. We had a lovely stay.
Reviewed by Simon5.0★Jan 2023
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