looking for a holiday cottage - why do they all seem to be so hideous?!!!

[MakemineaGandT]

surely it is possible to rent a comfortable, clean cottage with the usual mod cons? I have spent hours this evening trawling the net for a holiday cottage for August (Devon/Dorset preferably) - I have been treated to a display of the most hideous properties. Horrid looking pink sitting rooms with flowery sofas and a set of brass fire tools in the corner, horrible frilly valanced bedrooms, yuk yuk yuk. Anyone know any decent cottage rental websites? I'd rather stay home than stay in most of these places.....

I tend to find that 'independent' advertisers can have some good ones as against going through the big broker sites. I agree that paying money to stay somewhere that isn't as nice as your own house would be rather galling!

If you ever fancy going to Northumberland, try Coastal Retreats - they're pricey but consistently fab.

We've stayed here It was lovely, very modern, loads of things provided, and eco friendly. Not V cheap, but worth it, imo.

Portavadie

Its not in Devon unfortunately it's up in Scotland on a beautiful island with an odd past.

Wiki

I'd thoroughly recommend it.

holiday home hunter has so many gorgeous places on their books we are always spoilt for choice.

Have you tried www.sykescottages.co.uk, they've always been good when I've gone on holiday

We have booked through www.westcountrycottages.co.uk
before and although some are a bit naff there are some really nice ones in their brochure too

We stayed here but did book it through Hoseasons.

You know that is part of the appeal IMO. Never knowing what sort of furniture and decor you're going to get Some of it is wonderfully 80s retro. I don't care what it looks like as long as it's clean, well-cared for and in the right place! I'd be prepared to put up with anything in the way of chintz for the sake of a fantastic view and quick access to a beach.

Rural Retreats have really nice houses. Or try on the net for Greenscombe House, Luckett (think it is just Cornwall but v near the Devon border) friends used to own it and it is gorgeous .

friends of mine own Exbourne in Topsham link here

It's a small cottage and simple decor, has washing machine etc and is by the river in a lovely village. Very easy to get to Exmouth and Exeter too.

Another suggestion here: www.thenestnorthtawton.co.uk/
Not as grand as some of the others, perhaps, but a very comfortable place and in a good location. Pretty bedrooms, open fire, cosy, very clean and well-equipped. One of the few places I've stayed where they had a properly-stocked kitchen, rather than the usual chipped old plates and manky saucepans that the owners had downgraded from home!

we went here last year - was v good for families...quite a bit to do in area and close to weymouth. not chinzty at all

Has anyone mentioned Landmark Trust places yet? They are lush.

landmark

We have stayed at a couple and they are fab. Not cheap, but fab.

National Trust cottages are generally very tastefully kitted out (valance free zone) nowadays and are, of course, in beautiful settings.

www.devonholidayhouses.co.uk?

No icky interiors here- 'fraid not Devon/Dorset- but Wales Under the Thatch and Suffolk/Norfolk Best of Suffolk

Well, having looked at all the recommendations I've booked saltire's suggestion so fingers crossed, the DCs are very impressed with the pictures on the website.
Thanks very much, I was finding it really hard to get somewhere nice and this thread was a godsend.