Devon Self Catering cottage, Elworthy View, South Molton, sleeps 4

Dreadful place - find somewhere else
On arrival, 3 farm dogs circled and jumped up at the car, scratching it. I got out to try to call them away and was covered in muddy paw prints where they jumped up at me. Unpacking was a challenge as they frightened my dog by jumping into the car when we lifted the tailgate and they jumped inside the car too. They were filthy. The house is on a working farm in the farmyard. The farmyard was covered in mud and dog poo and littered with rubbish. Inside the property the house smelt strongly of dogs. Although we have a dog (a springer spaniel) our house does not have an overpowering smell of dog because we clean it. The main bedroom smells of sweat. The quilt cover and sheets smelt clean but the smell of sweat from the duvet was so strong that the room smells of it. The carpets and furniture have ingrained dirt. The views from the property are fabulous and it could be fantastic but is not. The dogs are allowed to roam and sat barking at the gate to the cottage whenever our dog was in the enclosed garden. We left after one night, having contacted Sykes who got in touch with the owner. We didn?t hear anything for several hours although we later received a text message. From the content it may have been sent before we left but the Wi-Fi signal is poor and we didn?t receive it. The owners live next door to the property and the loose farm dogs are theirs. We asked for a partial refund for the 6 nights we did not stay. The owner refused saying that they could have sorted the issues ?with replacement linens? and by putting the dogs in kennels if we had asked. Fresh linens would not have solved he smell in the bedroom which comes from the duvet itself nor would it have resolved the issue of the cottage smelling etc. Managing he dogs would have been helpful it if you look at the reviews on the Sykes website (through whom we booked) you will see that previous guests have commented on he dogs running loose. It was until we stayed that we realised what the comments about the dogs being friendly meant. It was difficult to walk our dog - at one point we were locked in by a gate across he farmyard and when we were able to get out, one of the farm dogs followed us and nearly caused an accident as we walked our dog, on a lead, on the local lanes. The farm dog was running into the path of vehicles. The owners deny the property is dirty or smells of sweat and dogs. My advice would be to find another property. If you do stay in the South Molton area, all the other people we met were lovely including the staff in Lazy daisies coffee shop, London Inn at Molland does fabulous food and Bray Valley wines sell some great wines.
Choicetravels
2022-11-10

Real gem
This is an absolute gem of a bungalow, a real home from home, everything you'll need for you holiday and more, very clean and well laid out. Hosts Karen & Bill very friendly. Scones,Cream, Strawberry jam and milk in the fridge on arrival. Located on a working farm so the usual countryside sounds and smells. Our dog loved it, safe enclosed garden with lovely views and well equipped patio. Ideal for exploring as it is quite central. South Molton is nearby for supplies and some excellent gourmet pubs are located within a reasonable drive, The London Inn at Molland and The Stags Head at Filleigh, being the best.
Bernard M
2018-08-08

Absolute Gem
Home from Home. an absolute gem of a bungalow, there is nothing you will not find here for you holiday, very clean and well laid out. Our hosts Karen & Bill were on hand or phone for advice and a friendly chat. Cream Tea and milk in the fridge on arrival, we were spoilt from the start (Cream on top of the jam). Slap!. This property is located on a working farm so expect the usual countryside sounds, the dogs soon become accustomed to it. Yes, the dogs can have a holiday as well, enclosed garden so no worries.The view from the garden and patio is glorious. Whether you wish to travel and explore N, S, E or W this is a central location. Some narrow lanes to negotiate. South Molton is only 3 miles away for some shopping, eating or Take-Away. We are looking forward to a return visit.
bloodrunner
2018-06-22