What do you look for in a holiday cottage?

[WetAugust]

What do you look for when booking a holiday cottage?

Old / new building?

How important is parking directly outside?

How far would you travel to a beach?

Rural or in a town?

Garden or walled courtyard?

Is downstairs bathroom acceptable?

Minimum number of bedrooms?

Stylish interior or would basic be acceptable?

Anything else?

Location for me is everything. I?m thinking of Cornwall (west / north coast) or Pembrokeshire ? probably a bucket and spade holiday if you have children.

It?s not about booking a ?dream cottage? just about separating the must haves from the desirables - the sort of cottage you have booked or would book.

Thank you.

oh, if there are stairs, they need to be proper secure. very good sturdy handrails and such.

Ooh, yes, picking up on other people's posts:

Shower! Baths are v. good, but you want to able to wash quickly as well. If I couldn't have both, I'd choose shower. British water pressure seems to be crappier, the nicer the environment. If you could invest in proper power showers, all the better.

I agree there should be cleaning stuff and a weekly maid.

Think you probably have to offer cable TV ... but maybe not if your wifi's good enough. Kids will take devices on holiday.

Books & games.

If you have the charming solid fuel fire, provide the solid fuel and a lighter.

The Welsh cottage had wellies and umbrellas in the porch. I thought that was a brilliant touch.

I think you're my lost twin Catrin

I am thinking of buying something but am also just interested to hear what people need / expect in a holiday cottage.

I've had some very basic cottages and caravans and also some high end ones. I actually prefer the basic ones as a good holiday for me is being in the cottage as little as possible, so I feel that all the high-end stuff is wasted on me because I don't have the time to appreciate it.

This year's was up market and felt as though someone still lived in it IYSWIM. It was too 'personal'.

Pre booking:
Just stuff like location, character, number of bedrooms. Location is the most important for me, I like to have plenty to do locally.

Post holiday:
How clean it was. I've just come from somewhere which wasn't spotless (I cleaned the fridge when we got there) and tbh, it has clouded my whole opinion of the place.

Old / new building? Irrelevant thought a lovely old cottage would be nice

How important is parking directly outside? Irrelevant but would want it to be practical for public transport, preferably short walk to a station.

How far would you travel to a beach? Depends. If it?s a beach holiday, within an hour?s walk or half hour by bus.

Rural or in a town? In town

Garden or walled courtyard? Don?t mind. Probably wouldn?t use it.

Is downstairs bathroom acceptable? Yes

Minimum number of bedrooms? Enough proper beds and bedrooms for whoever is going

Stylish interior or would basic be acceptable? Basic is fine. Wouldn?t know what stylish was!

I?d want the kitchen to include a fridge and an oven, maybe a washing machine, and adequate items for proper cooking such as saucepans. Also linens provided. But I don?t like places that are full of knickknacks designed to look good but taking up all space.

We once stayed somewhere that arranged the annual boiler service whilst we were there ? in August - so we had a gas fitter coming in to the kitchen to do it when we were there. I thought that was annoying considering their holiday season was probably only May ? September. They could service it out of season.

I prefer somewhere fairly anonymous where you?re left to your own devices, not where the owners live next door and pop round regularly. But a cleaner coming in once in a 2 week rental is fine.

We pay a lot for the cottages we rent because it almost always gets a much better location. We walking the evenings and like to do walks form our door so it's worth paying for the extra for us.

I'd pay a lot less if I could but since we've upped out budget we have stayed in amazing locations. A few years back we did it on the cheap and stayed in a decent enough converted barn beside a main road on the way into Caernarfon, very noisy and nothing to do except get in the car to go anywhere.

Last year we paid about one third more and found a stunning property on the Anglesey coast, right near the beach and coastal path with stunning walks. Ditto the one near the aqueduct, that was very pricey for a week but the location was incredible and made our holiday.

One parking spot by house for unloading luggage/kids. If the house is big enough for us to share with friends/family then either another parking spot or reliably available parking nearby.

One bedroom with a king size bed.

Either one good size twin room or two small singles.

I'm with the previous posters on it being furnished comfortably but simply. I want to be comfortable and I don't want to have to move lots of breakable objects out of reach of the DC and remember where to put them back. Having said that it is nice to have somewhere with personality - just not too much!

Wifi, sky and/or DVD player - cant go out in the evening with young DC so need some entertainment, washing machine, microwave (as well as oven/ hob). Microwave essential with babies for sterilising bottles, warming feeds and meals. If no freezer then a freezer compartment in the fridge so I can freeze cool blocks for the picnic bag. Dishwasher not essential but if there is one leave at least two tablets for a weeks stay. Ditto leaving starter loo roll and washing up liquid/ all purpose cleaning spray. It is not fun arriving somewhere where there is no loo roll.

Lined curtains that meet in the middle. We stayed somewhere once where the children's curtains were unlined and there was a foot wide gap between them as they were too small for the window. Having to drape towels over the window should not be necessary.

Do provide towels, a couple of children's toys - box Lego/duplo, blocks - the type of thing that has wide age range appeal.

A safe outside space to let the DC out in / hang washing out.

Just a generally well thought place in terms of kit. E.g. If there's a washing line, supply pegs. Decent sized drinking glasses so I don't have to keep refilling. Children's cutlery and plastic cups. A kitchen cupboard that is empty so I can put our supplies in it. It's surprising how few cottages leave a cupboard empty!

Don't kit out in castoffs - much better to have top to toe ikea if it all works and is clean and comfortable as a result.

Basically I want a cottage to be at least as nice as home. So it has to be fairly stylish, the furniture needs to look comfortable (nice sofas and no metal beds). There has to be a dishwasher and washing machine and a shower. It has to be in easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. I'm not bothered whether it is an old or new property,but I like it to be decorated to fit with the age of the property. Not bothered about parking and a garden is a bonus but not a deal breaker.

Pretty cottage in good location,

Essentials (in no particular order)
Dishwasher
Washing machine and tumble drier
Wood burner or open fire
Tv/ DVD player
Good quality kitchen equipment. I'm on holiday on a budget and can't afford to eat out every night. I have a family, I expect there to be enough casserole dishes, pans, pots, serving dishes and implements for me to cook up a storm if I so wish. The best cottage we ever stayed in had Global knives, top of the range pans, Dualit toaster, kenwood chef, a slow cooker, loads of chopping boards, plent of mixing bowls and all the usual masher/grater malarkey. There is literally nothing worse for me (holiday wise) than a holiday in a gorgeous cottage, beautifully located with shit kitchen equipment. It feels like such a waste and I never go back.
Decent beds with good mattresses and decent quality bedding...which must smell recently laundered!
An enclosed garden for the kids (who are still young)
Comfortable seating. I especially like it if I can have a big sofa we can all snuggle on together AND a lovely chair for one I can chill alone in if they are driving me crazy:)

Extra touches that we have had before that make me go back time and again.
All of the above plus
Wood provided for the first few days of the stay, ditto dishwasher tablets, loo roll, washing up liquid and washing powder/conditioner. I hate having to bring all of that and would happily pay a small premium if I knew it was all there for me, esp if it was decent branded stuff. (For us that means Method/ecover)
A decent DVD library, ditto books.
A good stereo- had a weekend in a cottage recently where they had an iPod touch loaded with loads of different music and a docking station in several of the rooms, was excellent!
The possibility to have sainsburys/occado/tesco's delivery the day we arrive, again if that could be put away I'd pay a premium for that too.
A decent 'local things to do' pack, good pub recommendations etc, local knowledge is a godsend and an make a good holiday fab!

I'm sure there's more, but I need breakfast! :)

We stayed here www.coastalretreats.co.uk/index.php/booking/view/Aa9QxT7TdUGsGDit this year and it was fantastic. It is used by the owners and (apart from the leather sofa, which I wasn't a huge fan of) it was by far the best cottage ever. The owners use it, so they have thought of everything. The playroom was amazing and kept our clan happy all day on the (many) rainy days! They had bikes for us all to use, loads of toys and games for the kids, fab kitchen equipment, wine and cake when we arrived...it was brilliant.
.

Oh and good (clean) shower and bath!

Another one for pet free. Twice we've had to settled for ones that take dogs, and both times the cottages have had a flea problem. Gross.

Never staying in a period place again. They are always damp, and usually don't have central heating. I rarely use heating at home but when somewhere is damp (even the beds) you want to have some way of drying it out a bit.

Within 8 miles of beach
Shower and bath
Up to date decor and furnishings. I find cottages that need updating really depressing. Natural light, not dingy.
Some outdoor space with a table and chairs so can sit outside with a drink or have breakfast
Proper beds in rooms, double for us and a room each for DC with updated bedclothes
DVD library a bonus
Dishwasher a bonus
Washing machine and tumble dryer a necessity if staying more than 5 days
Parking next to property
Rural preferred to town, as we live semi rurally at home and aren't used to lots of noise

Not worried about what it's stocked with, bring own and get an online delivery arranged within a few hours of arrival.

CLEAN....

for us it is a cheap bed somewhere else..

If it's marketed as a beach cottage 2o mins walk is enough. Views would be a bonus. Also somewhere to hang wet suits.
Parking is essential as is a walkable pub that does food.
I wouldn't consider anywhere that didn't have a king sized bed & dish washer.
Somewhere (garden, terrace) to eat meals outside.
Not too low ceilings would be good.

It's apparent that a lot of us have different things that are / aren't important, or are important but opposite of each other (eg, pets allowed / not allowed).
Personally I don't want a TV, and would resent paying for stuff such as Sky, wi-fi, etc when I'm not going to use it - I'd rather pay less and have something simple. My dc have loved the whole excitement of having bunks on holiday, and it's meant we can all fit into a smaller cottage - but I can see that people with tiny children wouldn't want them, etc.etc
So I think the main thing is to be Clear about what you are offering. If you advertise as pet free, then DON'T let people bring a pet! If you say it's an easy stroll to the beach, I would expect to be able to do that in under 10 mins with a pushchair and a tired toddler- not a hike down a cliff path with stiles to negotiate or whatever. We all want different things, so make it clear in the advert / on the website what it is that's there.

Oh forgot to mention pillows.
These should be plentiful and in a choice of firm- soft. Also really loath silly satin cushions & bedcovers that you know cannot be washed.( the mind boggles ) At least a cotton bedspread can be thrown in the wash.

I agree that coastal retreats in Northumberland are excellent.

We want at least the same facilities as at home, even if smaller cottage.

Not basic, for a UK stay it is usually an add on to our main summer holiday,so I don't want to go somewhere that isn't lovely. Especially as the UK weather is so mixed, you can be in the cottage more than abroad.

I want somewhere I curl up with a book after a walk in February that is warm and comfortable. Otherwise I may as well do day trips from home or weekend small hotel stays.

So,

Dishwasher and well equipped and maintained kitchen

Bathroom and ensuite with decent spec.

Wi-fi

If aimed at more than 5 days stays,I want a washing machine and tumble drier.

Freeview and dvd player with films,but we had sky tv with films and a wii/ playstation at our coastal retreats cottage and this was a real treat in evenings for the children, especially when weather not great.

Outside space to play and sit,preferably with some play equipment such as bats and balls (well maintained and kept neatly) and a lovely garden or good view.

Parking outside.

Must be stylish, well decorated definitely( doesn't matter if ikea stuff added in, as long as it looks well put together not 'fussy') and immaculately,clean. No fusty smells.

Quality, cotton bedding and frequently replaced clean mattress - I always check.

Comfortable sofa for reading, with logburner if a winter stay.

Facility to arrange online food delivery for arrival and a small 'welcome pack' of milk, eggs,butter,jam,bakery bread,cake and wine.

Spotless, soft towels.

Dishwasher tablets, loo roll, hand soap, washing up liquid in enough quantity to last for a short stay of less than 5 days.

3 bedrooms, so grandparent can come.

Near a small village/ town for eating out, food shopping.

Beach optional, as we often go for countryside. Interesting area with places to visit and good pubs for eating are a must though.

We prefer to pay more and share holiday and cost with grandparent.

I wouldn't normally go for anywhere with a closeby river with young children, although the fenced off area sounds a possibility if it is large enough. A boat is great for parents with older children.

The 5 star cottage market, but equipped for families is the way I would go if I was buying a cottage. These places are always booked well ahead, and people return visit which saves costs in terms of marketing.

All really good advice - thank you

I'm starting to think it boils down to those who just want a simple base for the great outdoors and those who want effectively a home from home.

Two very different markets in almost aspect - including cost.

My 'top end' cottage this year was about £950 a week. For that it was in the middle of the town, had 3 bedrooms, one ensuite, two living rooms, large kitchen / diner, wood-burning stove, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, freezer, cooker, (small) TV, central heating, large main bathroom with roll-top bath, all refurbished to a good standard about 3 years ago with good quality furniture and a large well kept garden. Bags of character as it was C17th.

Previous year my 'low end' cottage was £640 a week. Also in the middle of the town and also C17th. That's where the similarity stops.
Basic small kitchen/living room with dangerously steep stairs to two very cramped bedrooms. No dishwasher, no freezer, broken microwave, small electric fire. Two really uncomfortable settees. Bathroom in extension downstairs with only shower and just a courtyard outside with no privacy.

So, £300 and a world of difference in comfort and quality, which was worth paying for.
Delayed yours looked amazing but very out of my price range.

Dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. I always do the majority of the laundry whilst away so I don't have to do it when we get home. Comfy beds and a good shower are a must too. An open fire is a nice to have when it gets a bit chillier.

Parking
Washing machine and dryer
Dishwasher
No pets- I like pets we have pets but I don't want to holiday where somebody else has taken their pets.
Modern plumbing decent power shower
Satellite tv or at least freeview
Modern good quality furnishings

Cleanliness
Parking
A nice sitting out area
I go for non smoking no pets
hidden extras put me off one cottage was offering mid week bed linen change for £50 - £50 for new bedding!
no cluttery ornaments littered everywhere I am the one who breaks things!
I also won't feed a coin meter gas electricity should be included
A washing machine is a nice addition but not a deal breaker can manage without a dishwasher
A small welcome pack is very much appreciated.
I pay about up to £550 and that gets you a pretty decent two/three bed cottage with most facilities.

Wet August, out of our price range too, luckily we were guests of sme lovely friends. :)

Oh but they also do much smaller places, well worth checking out. Another company who do things well (or did when we last went 3 years ago) is Niche Retreats in Cornwall.

I did have a good look at their website Delayed as it's a part of the country that I'm quite keen on visiting - thanks

Stayed in an amazing converted farm building in Devon last year. Clean, comfortable, everything provided but hated having to drive down one track lanes with passing places to get to it!