Marina View

Pleasant barn conversion.

Pros: This is a tasteful barn conversion, part of a larger building with other cottages. The photos are accurate and the owners respond quickly to messages. The property is generally well equipped, particularly in the kitchen where you could cook a proper meal if you so wish. The beds are comfortable and there is lots of storage if you are staying for longer. There is a standalone shower in one bathroom and a shower over a bath in the other, which should meet everyone’s preferences. The location was peaceful and the general surroundings pleasant and well kept. We enjoyed walking along the tow path, which seems popular with runners and cyclists. The property is well situated to get around the area, with the A40 close by.

Cons: The kitchen was not as clean as we would expect-with red wine dried on the bottom of the first glass we took out (so we ended up washing anything we used before using it), thick dust and grease on the hob extractor and a cobweb between the oven glass door panels (never seen that before!). The other spaces were all clean and well kept. There was an ironing board but no iron and there is no dryer so unfortunately we were unable to fully dry wet clothing on the airer overnight (we were visiting during Storm Claudia!). There is a step into the lounge which wasn’t easy to see when we first arrived in the dark (there was some lighting but I didn’t see the step) and I missed my footing - fine once you know, but a sign or note on the arrival instructions would avoid the risk of accidents.