“The property is in great location in Beadnell and the layout is perfect for larger groups.”
The house is very well equipped with kitchen items and the welcome basket of tea, biscuits and local honey was a lovely touch.
A couple of big downsides though, the house could do with a proper deep clean. The carpets are looking v tired and grubby and very stained in areas particularly near walls. I am not sure the owners used professional cleaners as we found some items were rusty (sieve) or unfit for purpose (cafetière) We wanted to use the hoover and when we found it the dust cylinder was full!! Not nice for a guest to see contents of dust and hair.
Another thing that would put us off coming back were the 10 or so typed/laminated “DO NOT’ notices which are EVERYWHERE. It was like having a ever-present wagging finger in every room.
“Please remove shoes before going upstairs” stuck on wall at bottom of stairs by another note saying “rinse sand off feet with outside tap before showering”
“Please do not place anything on the fireplace as it may stain the natural stone”
“ Ensure that all crockery and pans you have used are clean and ready for use by the next guests.”
A note in boiler cupboard saying “do not touch the controls” (so you’d have no chance to boost the heating if you were cold).
“ If you have used the outside clothes line return the pegs in the peg bag and the clothes basket to the cupboard in the utility room, and retract the line”
“ If you have used the barbecue clean it ready for use again. Cleaning tools and materials for this are under the sink in the utility room.”
“ Please do not lean on the washing machine door as it has needed to be repaired several times.”
“ we hope that you get weather for a BBQ, but could we ask that you clean it after use.” I wouldn’t mind, but we had paid good money for this property (£2000 for seven nights) and being the owner of an Airbnb property myself. I know that you do not place the onus of cleaning on prior guests. More notices:
“ PLEASE DO NOT CHARGE ANY ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT THIS PROPERTY”
“ Can I please draw your attention to the work top - itis not granite but it does need protection from
sharp knives and hot dishes and pans.
PLEASE use chopping boards and trivets provided at all times.”
Honestly it was endless. I’ve never seen anything so unwelcoming! I understand how precious houses are to owners and you should expect houses to be treated respectfully but it was completely OTT.
The garden has a strange metal fence all round, like being in a container.
We had a great week but I’d imagine there are more welcoming places to stay in Beadnell.
Thank you for your feedback.
We always want to make our guests feel welcome so are happy to replace any items during your stay where we are told at the time.
The notes around the house are there to advise, so that guests know about things and are able to leave them in a certain way so that following guests are able to enjoy the same experience.
Over the past four years we have been updating the property and reinvesting to modernise all furniture and carpets. The downstairs carpets will be updated as part of the programme within the next few years.
We do appreciate feedback so that we can continue to provide great holidays in a wonderful location.
Property Owner