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Holiday From Hell - Live

359 replies

Bartlebum · 15/03/2024 17:30

Please help!

It's my nan's 80th birthday and we have arranged for 29 of us to come to North Devon for a weekend to celebrate. Arrived at 3pm to boiler faults in our cottage, no heating and no hot water. Immediately reported and the owner did not reply.

We have seven cottages in total and as everyone arrived we realised all of them are out, so we checked the gas tanks for the whole property and they are empty.

I have been calling the booking agent we went through who said they won't deal with this guy anymore as he has had nothing but complaints, so have terminated the contract.

As we paid them I have asked them to sort it so they said they will do what they can to get in touch with him.

It's been 2.5 hours and no progress. 29 people, two elderly, 7 children and one with a disability. I have asked them to find alternative accomodation but they said its not on them, it's on the owner of the property who is not contactable.

I don't know what to do. There is no one on site as it was all done via key codes. The owner lives several hours away in London, we are freezing and can't begin celebrating my nan turning 80 on what should have been an amazing occasion. We literally stayed here two years ago and had the most amazing time but it's changed hands and not been maintained to any standard.

Anyone been in a similar situation? I've been nice to the agents and I don't want to kick off but I can't believe they won't help me.

OP posts:
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14
NewYearTimeToChange · 16/03/2024 07:35

Am I the only person thinking that now you have had this fantastic outcome and customer service you should definitely share the name of the agent? They sound like the kind of company I would be happy to book with.
Really pleased your celebration weekend has been rescued and I hope you all have a lovely time together.

Devonn82 · 16/03/2024 07:24

I live in ND and I hope you enjoy the mansion!

Trying to think where that may be! Enjoy!!

Bordesleyhills · 16/03/2024 07:18

Excellent- they are good soles in the world! Sorry you tangled with some who weren’t - moral of the story if your renting property don’t do it too far from home unless you have a fantastic team/ agent you can trust . Rural gas tanks are expensive and a nightmare if you run out!

TerfTalking · 16/03/2024 07:18

Well done, enjoy

quantumbutterfly · 16/03/2024 06:03

CottonCandyLand · 16/03/2024 02:48

How do you prove water is cold in a video? 😕

If it's solid, it's cold, otherwise one has to emote coldness...😁

SignoraVolpe · 16/03/2024 05:55

Have a great time.
Hope you gave the electric shower people the smallest room?

Mylittlepea · 16/03/2024 05:05

So glad you’ve got it sorted now, have a great time 🎉

Just don’t drink the bath water😉🤣😛

KomodoOhno · 16/03/2024 03:33

I'm so glad you were able to move. I hope it's a wonderful time for your Nan!

CottonCandyLand · 16/03/2024 02:48

WinteryConditions · 15/03/2024 18:18

Also, take LOADS and loads of photos and videos. Show the cold water etc.

Does the gas tank have a phone number on it?

How do you prove water is cold in a video? 😕

boredsolicitor · 16/03/2024 01:37

Glad to hear you're sorted and new place sounds great - would you mind sharing the link as I'm looking for a similar sized rental in that area for a family gathering in the autumn

ReadingSoManyThreads · 16/03/2024 01:21

Would love to see some pictures of the place @Bartlebum !!

quantumbutterfly · 16/03/2024 01:11

That sounds like a happy ending. Happy Birthday Nanny Bartlebum.FlowersWine

Hedgerow2 · 16/03/2024 01:10

Good outcome! I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 16/03/2024 01:09

So pleased you can still enjoy your nans birthday
You certainly did well with your accommodation upgrade!

WinteryConditions · 16/03/2024 01:02

Brilliant update.

So was it Sykes? 👀👀

Ulysees · 16/03/2024 00:46

Oh that's fabulous news 😊❤️
Have a lovely family break.

Ellmau · 16/03/2024 00:38

I'm so glad it's been sorted out!

sugarrosepetal · 16/03/2024 00:35

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=

You may find this pdf useful

Bartlebum · 16/03/2024 00:26

@SconeJam bless you for your kind offer earlier.

We are in the new house. It's been a whirlwind evening as we had a lot to cram in including an unplanned move, trying to assign everyone a room they were happy with, finding we were one room short and having the owners of this property offer us an extra cottage free of charge to accommodate everyone comfortably.

It's possibly the most amazing place I have ever stayed in. We have gone from grotty, cold cottages to what feels like the Saltburn mansion. I can't believe how amazing it is. We have superking beds and ensuites with roll top baths, in our room there are five of us (three kids) but the size is so immense there is plenty of space and much better than having separate rooms and cottages.

I know the booking agents legal situation was and is complicated but I am so glad they pulled through for us without us having to compromise..I would have been happy with the heating sorted but this is true compensation for an evening lost. Now everyone is settled and happy and we will have a wonderful remaining few days.

My Grandparents were stressed and upset earlier, I think they were feeling guilty. I hope they feel better tomorrow and know how much we all love them and are glad they brought us all together.

Thanks for your support and advice throughout a hairy few hours.

OP posts:
stickybear · 15/03/2024 23:34

Diversion · 15/03/2024 19:40

Please do not use the wood burning stoves. As the rest of the properties are a mess it is unlikely that the flue/chimneys will have been swept. I'm sorry you have had your celebration ruined 🙁

I came on to say this. I'm generally pretty cautious about these things but if the place is in a state of disrepair I'd avoid firing up the woodburner. I'm sorry you're in this situation and hope you get something sorted.

Mummyofthewildones · 15/03/2024 23:23

I'm also in North Devon, it seems you're sorted now but do message if you need any help tomorrow 💐

DriftingDora · 15/03/2024 23:22

Just seen the update! Hope you are all OK, what a horrible experience for you all, but hope things have improved since!

HaveSomeIntrospect · 15/03/2024 23:18

How is the new place?

DriftingDora · 15/03/2024 23:18

PurpleNebula84 · 15/03/2024 23:07

What would you ring the Police for?

Whilst it's ghastly what's happened, no crime has been committed, just breach of contract.

Probably all the cops would say is that it's a civil matter, and your agreement was with the owner/booking agent so take it up with them. Extremely doubtful they'd get involved.

MagentaRocks · 15/03/2024 23:16

DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 15/03/2024 23:14

What did the reviews say? You did read them?

She has stayed there before a couple of years ago. It seems it has changed ownership