Shropshire Self Catering cottage, Hill Brow, Church Stretton, sleeps 4

So awful only stayed one night out of a planned stay of six
Hill Brow Cottage, Hatton, Shropshire. The garden and location very nice, there it stops. We are bemused at the positive reviews this property gets, being fussy about cleanliness, dirt and smells we think would be normal for most people. We took our dog and were assured the garden secure, it was not. We had to arrive later than planned it was dark and there was no outside lighting. The smells came as soon as we opened to door. On looking around the kitchen and the pantry the dirt, spiders, cobwebs - all above the crockery we were expected to use. Thank goodness we took our picnic hamper, we used the crockery and cutlery from that. Every surface was sticky and dirty. The lounge had such an awful smell we looked for a window to open but there was not one, we had to use the air freshener which we thankfully found in a hold all the time, as the smell was overwhelming. The personal pictures and collections were not quirky to us, they were off putting, we do not expect so many personal artefacts for a place we are renting. The sofa's are the most uncomfortable we have sat on and the bed linen appeared stained and did not look inviting to sleep on, so didn't. We phone SYKES the company who we rented the cottage from the following morning to tell them that we were leaving and would not be staying any longer. We were told by Sykes that we didn't give the owners the opportunity to put things right, well it would have taken days to sort even the dirt and smell out, regardless of the problems with having no windows to open etc. we couldn't see the point. If the owners felt that property was clean enough to let as it was it seemed unlikely they could make things better enough for us to stay, We couldn't wait to get home and normally we are sad to leave places we have planned for a holiday. We could not get any response from the owners or Sykes that took account of how we felt we had been dealt with and have promised ourselves we won't deal with them again. All we wanted was some kind of reasonable response. We don't normally give reviews (unless something is exceptional) but we really felt that people should know the experience we had as we had been told there were no bad reviews for this property, we did find some, so not so and here's another.
Robert T
2022-09-28

House with heart and soul
I cant believe this beautiful, characterful house has a bad review. If in 2018, things weren't to someones liking, all I can say is,things must have changed since then. We were delighted as soon as we drove up. A very private peaceful location. The house is 1920s in style but it is all perfectly clean and decorated to a very good standard. The garden is heavenly with the birds visiting and the little gate leading into the fields. Perfect for dogs. The quirky features in the house are charming - the stove, the tiles, the curios. We spent many hours in the warm and spacious conservatory, it also acts as a dining room so meals were very pleasant. The bathroom is well maintained, clean, no damp or mould. If you want a clinical, pristine characterless house, dont book this. But if you want a well maintained house which still holds on to its soul, this is the house for you!
306cathrynn
2020-08-05

Quirky cottage beautiful location
We spent a week here and found the property to be exactly as described on the website. Now,to be fair ,if you are looking for silver cutlery, Chipperfield dining furniture and all round luxury this is not for you. It is a shabby chic property with all you could really want for a quiet relaxing break. Rush hour is a couple of tractors and the garden is a wildlife haven . Rolling views over the countryside, and a lovely place if you have dogs. Like turning the clock back with many interesting items from days gone by. Even a wooden loft ladder suspended from the ceiling by a pulley system. All the facilities were more than adequate and we had a lovely week that went all too quickly. In fact we have already rebooked another week there next spring. We can fully understand why it gets so booked up. The guest book is full of complimentary comments. And only 2 miles from the A49 with easy access to all the lovely spots to visit. Roll on spring !!!
disobey40
2018-09-07

Hill Brow Cottage - Dirty Scruffy Cottage - Stay Well Away
We stayed at this cottage for one week commencing 3rd August 2018. We arrived very late, 11pm, due to family circumstances. When we arrived it was very dark with no lighting apart from the security light which automatically knocked on / off. We used the key storage pad to get the key but due to little light this took an age. I needed to keep moving to keep the security light on and during this time I fell into the weed bed! Once we got the key pad open we found no key had been left. We contacted the owner who informed me that his daughter had forgot to leave the key and I could find a spare key in the dilapidated caravan, which I now know housed some rats. We managed to open the conservatory door but had problems locking it. The property smelt of fly spray and first impressions weren't good. Upon a closer inspection we found the cottage to be filthy. * kitchen floor dirty with cracked and broken tiles * toilet window opens into the conservatory, not good if you plan to eat your meals in the conservatory *bed in twin room was resting on a piece of wood due to the bedpost being broken *saucepans, cutlery, utensils were dirty *frying pan we found to be non-stick after attempting to cook scrambled eggs for breakfast *random dog getting into the garden and pooing. We have an elderly Labrador and we needed to remain in the garden with her in case the rogue dog got in and attacked her *decking loose and uneven * French doors from living room to garden was not secure. The doors are just latch doors with 3 bolts, 2 of which you couldn't use because the door was badly warped * massive fly problem. we swept the conservatory every day and counted approximately 50 flies per day. we also spent 2 hours swatting flies and killed 60 in the living room and kitchen *we found 3 cans of fly spray in the kitchen, so they had some idea they had a fly issue * asked to water the flower beds but most of the beds were full of weeds *strange ladder contraption in the living room * showerhead full of lime scale *general decor was extremely shabby * conservatory unusable due to flies but it was not adequately furnished. there was garden furniture in place of a dining table and a filthy chaise lounge with tatty furnishings plus the toilet window opened into the conservatory *kitchen had one wooden grubby work surface Plus points: Lovely area for dark skies and wildlife Do not be duped into thinking this is a quaint quirky cottage, its a filthy unsecure property and should not be rented out. I contacted Sykes Cottages on my return and complained but because I didn't complain when I was there they have said I can't have any reimbursement. Sykes stated that if they had been informed they would have asked the owner to come to see us. The owner informed me that he was in Scotland and would arrange a neighbour to sort out any issues. This is not an easy quick fix problem for a neighbour to sort out. Two of our [party plus dog had travelled by train and had non-refundable tickets. we stuck this holiday out due to the travel restrictions we had. We had to eat our for every meal as we were unable to use the kitchen hygienically - flies, sub-standard cooking utensils / pots and pans. I have asked the owner to contact me, which he has done, and told me that I should be more careful in choosing accommodation ion the future! I think a risk assessment should be made on this property, also electrics should be checked as not all the sockets appeared to be working. I would like to know if the insurance company for this property is away of the lack of security on this property and also if building regulations have been broken with the bathroom / toilet window opening into the conservatory. Shame on Sykes for promoting such a property and shame on Mr Philip Watton for renting our such a property. The owner and Sykes have taken my £642 for this property and seem to think the property is of a good standard. I dread to think what their homes are like. Dirty, shabby, poor quality cottage
Carole J
2018-08-27

Liked the quirkiness of the contents, we were with my mum who is nearly 89, and she remembers using quite a few of the "exhibits." We all loved the wildlife garden, and the wonderful bird life, the owners even provide bird food. The conservatory is fantastic; light, airy and warm with wonderful views.
Mrs Harper
2016-07-16