Marlborough Cottage

Sleeps 7
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Pets Yes
View on map

Features

Off road parking
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Games Room
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities

* Based on a combined average customer score

20 Customer Review(s)

“This is a quirky cottage and like the curate's egg good in places bad in others.”

It is a disadvantage to be tall with low thresholds and an advantage to be agile with a steep and narrow staircase. Whilst we were grateful to be welcomed by a bottle of wine, chocolate biscuits, milk, coffee, crisps etc and there were ample pans, utensils, plates and glasses, we would question the need for a £250 damage bond (there was very little worth that!). Certainly the property was very clean and comfortable and in particular the downstairs bedroom, though lacking a wardrobe was roomy ...

It is a disadvantage to be tall with low thresholds and an advantage to be agile with a steep and narrow staircase. Whilst we were grateful to be welcomed by a bottle of wine, chocolate biscuits, milk, coffee, crisps etc and there were ample pans, utensils, plates and glasses, we would question the need for a £250 damage bond (there was very little worth that!). Certainly the property was very clean and comfortable and in particular the downstairs bedroom, though lacking a wardrobe was roomy and nicely carpeted. The rest of the cottage was in need of some TLC. We know the term shabby chic, well the word shabby could be applied to some of the rest of the cottage. In the lounge particularly, the two sofas were ingrained with dirt; some detachable, washable covers could have easily corrected this. Whilst the trunk that served as a coffee table was chipped and battered. Upstairs, whilst the bedrooms and bathrooms were very clean, there was an urgent need for a new shower curtain in the family bathroom as it was dirty and stained. Again this could be easily rectified at very little cost. Although the kitchen was perfectly usable, the worktops were wooden and simply painted, consequently the paint was chipped and peeling round the hob. Not a good look as we walked in! The double glazing on a number of windows has failed, restricting vision. There was also a potential safety issue with unlocking the front door from the inside, it had to be in just the right position for the key to operate. We wouldn't have liked to struggle with it in an emergency, so it was simpler just to use the bolt. Information in the Cottage Folder badly needs bringing up to date, there were brochures and bus timetables dating back to 2016! The garden however is superb with a wonderful collection of plants and flowers and myriad sitting out places, very peaceful and relaxing and with a delightful summerhouse and useful games shed. But you do not live in the garden. It is obvious that the Caretaker does a good job, but the owner needs to up the game as far as maintenance is concerned. Overall we would certainly not award the cottage the five ticks it is claimed to deserve. Sadly we would not return and wonder how many guests do. We hire cottages several times a year (indeed we have used Helpful Holidays twice previously) and are very familiar with the standards to be expected from a 5 star rated cottage, this does not meet them. Finally the joining instructions are out of date, Rousdon Garage is now a Kitchen/Grill and the Orchard Country Hotel no longer exists.

- Mr Davey, July 2021

The owners are very proud of Marlborough Cottage and over the past 10 years have welcomed hundreds of guests to enjoy its peaceful location, wonderful garden and warm and comfortable interior. Each year improvements are made to update Marlborough Cottage so that its charming and unique appeal can be maintained and furniture is selected as such. The issues highlighted by the guests who stayed in July will be addressed as part of regular maintenance and upgrading of facilities. Some of these tasks can only be undertaken when the cottage is not booked by guests, such as professional cleaning of the sofas. There are no double glazed windows as far as we are aware. Locks will be checked. The Good Housekeeping Bond is set in relation to the potential costs of repairing or replacing damaged items. With regard to the directions, they will be updated to remove reference to the two Combpyne businesses which no longer exist, courtesy of the pandemic. We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit and found the cottage clean and comfortable. Property Owner
Miss Lawrence June 2021

“I think it should clearly state that it is not suitable for people with physical impairment.”

The garden although beautiful needs to be trimmed back so pathways are clear. Some paving slabs are not fixed which caused falls for my disabled partner. Stairs need a useable handrail to prevent falls. My 24 yr daughter fell down she is physically able. The cottage and garden are idyllic.

- Miss Lawrence, June 2021

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback and we are pleased to hear you found Marlborough Cottage and garden to be idyllic. As you can see from previous reviews guests love the property and its cottage garden. We do try to make the steep stairs, steps, low beams and garden layout as clear as possible in the written description and in the photos. As you'll see the stairs do have an extra handrail. The Owners would have been keen to investigate the loose paving if you had contacted them during your holiday. The garden is regularly attended to and is not overgrown but does have some trailing flowers. Our Reservations team are always available to discuss any specific requirements you might have when choosing your holiday and will be happy to help when it comes to booking your next break. Property Owner
Ms Price June 2021

“The location is absolutely breathtaking - in a valley but nonetheless getting lots of sun, on a quiet lane (if you ignore the beautiful birdsong), with interesting walks (from short strolls to long hikes) straight from the door (including a link to the East Devon Way).”

You'd think you were miles from anywhere, but there are lovely little towns and beautiful beaches within easy reach - it would be a good place for a biking holiday if you have stamina and gears (only a 40 minute cycle from Axminster station). The listing doesn't do the garden justice - it's really well planted with a nicely judged balance of more formal flower beds and wild areas, and every where you turn is another lovely place to sit, in sun or shade.

- Ms Price, June 2021
Mrs Spivey October 2020

“Our stay at Marlborough cottage was lovely.”

The cottage itself was a great mix of traditional and contemporary, very homely with everything we needed and more spacious than we expected from the photos and perfect for our first holiday away with our dog.The gardens were interesting and well designed -we could have only hoped for some sunnier weather to make use of the many outdoor seating areas. The property is in a great location for enjoying many of the local beaches/villages but in such a quiet hamlet so feels truly relaxing. We recommend the walks at Golden Cap (fantastic views) and Trinity Hill woods for dog walking( although v limited parking at latter). Property was very warm due to the Aga and would have been nice to have a few board games ( these may have been removed due to Covid guidance??)

- Mrs Spivey, October 2020
Ms Blackford October 2020

“We had the loveliest of holidays in Marlborough Cottage.”

It couldn't have been cleaner, warmer, welcoming or more tastefully decorated and furnished. The Aga was a real treat, as was the fire, and the garden was a delight (even if it was too wet to really enjoy!). And I know this sounds a silly comment, but to find a well-stocked kitchen made such a refreshing and stress-free change the some of the places we've been to before - big thumbs up for sharp knives, sufficient pans and utensils, and big enough cooking pots for a family! The location is fabulous - so so remote and peaceful, yet 10 mins from Lyme Regis and a 15 mins from our friends in Sidmouth. Booking was easy (but we'd expect that, to be honest) but the following communications were thorough and clear from Sykes, and the personal welcome email from the owners was a really lovely touch. Many thanks for a lovely week in the middle of some really bleak times!

- Ms Blackford, October 2020
Mrs Verver October 2020

“The house was very easy to live in - well organised , warm and lovely.”

There were lots of sheltered spots in the well maintained and pretty garden. We enjoyed the beautiful beaches nearby

- Mrs Verver, October 2020
Mrs Ockenden September 2020

“We thoroughly enjoyed this lovely cottage which just kept on giving.”

The garden and garden room was a delight, large and very well tended. The house was generously provisioned and had everything to make our holiday enjoyable and comfortable.

- Mrs Ockenden, September 2020
Mrs Osborne August 2020

“The tranquility you will experience in the outstanding setting of Malborough Cottage cannot be emphasised enough.”

The cottage lies a peaceful valley surrounded by a picturesque garden. It is a warm inviting and extremely comfortable holiday home. You won’t want to leave!

- Mrs Osborne, August 2020
Mrs Clark August 2020

“Had a wonderful break.”

.. the cottage is set in a beautiful spot with stunning scenery! The garden had something for everyone.. for me, watching the sun go down with a G&T was one of the highlights!

- Mrs Clark, August 2020
Mr Ogden December 2019

“Tucked away in a small hamlet, we found Marlborough Cottage to be the quintessential English country cottage with its thatched roof and cosy interior.”

Very well appointed with an Aga and wood burning stove, it made the perfect winter getaway. Access to the coast is only 10-15 mins and wonderful walks are to be had along the Dorset/Devon coast line. Beautifully presented and tastefully furnished, Marlborough Cottage exceeded our expectations in every way and sets a very high standard. We are hoping to return in the summer to enjoy the wonderful West-facing garden with its views over the valley.

- Mr Ogden, December 2019
Mr Hammond November 2019

“Typically english, not wishing to complain, BUT, the cleanliness of this property is below par at best, poor at worst.”

Only other issue for 555.00 pounds , for 3 nights, i would have thought 1 very small bath towel per person, was extremely unsatisfactory. Would we go here again, NO

- Mr Hammond, November 2019

We are sorry to hear that you found any issues with the cottage. All guests are provided with two towels each and we pride ourselves on the cleanliness and presentation of the cottage. We were disappointed that we were unable to reach you to discuss these complaints during your stay. Property Owner
Mrs Gorton July 2019

“Beautiful cottage and we were very lucky with the weather so we were able to enjoy the beautiful garden too.”

Very relaxing, comfortable place to spend a holiday and good location for exploring the area. There is about a mile of single track lane to drive to and from the cottage but it was worth it and made for a very peaceful location.

- Mrs Gorton, July 2019
Mr Davison May 2019

“It was important for us that we had a downstairs bedroom and shower room.”

Your listing met this criteria and still does. However when we got there the shower room was non existent.The cleaner confirmed it was once where the wash basin is now. We managed but it was not what we expected. The book of the house still talks about it as if it is still there. The house was clean, comfortable and tidy but when we first used the cutlery it felt a bit 'gritty' so we checked the dishwasher and were appalled to see the state of the filter. It did not appear to have been cleaned for months. I have sent you a separate email with a photograph. I can't blame the cleaner for this, it must be down to previous guests, but some sort of check on this type of thing should be introduced. We did manage to clean most of the dishes before we left! The feedback would have been all smiley faces but the two points I have raised are too important for me to give higher marks

- Mr Davison, May 2019

Thank you very much for your feedback, we’re really pleased to hear that you liked the property and had a good stay. We’d like to apologise for the two issues you’ve highlighted. The owners removed the ground floor shower earlier this year due to issues with it that couldn’t be satisfactorily resolved. In its place there is a larger cloakroom with WC and hand basin. This alteration should have been communicated to you, but due to an error on our (the letting agents) part we failed to so. We apologise profusely for this oversight and the inconvenience it caused. Thank you also for letting us know about the dishwasher filter – a check is a good idea moving forward and we will make the cleaners aware of it. We hope this did not detract too much from your experience and we hope we’ll see you again soon! Property Owner
Mrs James May 2019

“Just a couple of things, the steps in the garden are very steep so this should be mentioned, the bin system is a bit confusing, and it states that there is a shower room on the ground floor which sadly there was not.”

Apart from that we had a wonderful sunny week. Sarah.

- Mrs James, May 2019

Thank you very much for taking the time to send us your comments. We’re really happy to hear you had such a wonderful time! The shower room was removed earlier this year and we (the letting agents) must take responsibility for failing to update you of the alteration - we apologise sincerely for any inconvenience this caused. The description has now been updated to accurately reflect its layout. In place of the shower there is now a larger cloakroom with hand basin and WC. The garden at Marlborough Cottage is a very good size which we feel is accurately described and shown in the photographs. We don’t feel the steps are overly steep, but it’s important for visitors to note there are different parts and different levels to the outside space. As with any property for anyone wanting to know any greater detail, please don’t hesitate to ask us! Property Owner
Mrs Bone March 2019

“We had a problem in the first few days when both the hot water and central heating packed up.”

The owners were very quick to address the problem which took several visits from various heating engineers to properly fix. We were up and running again after 3 days. Incidentally, trying to keep warm without heating was't helped by poorly fitting doors on the ground floor. Instructions how to deal with the ashes from the wood burning stove were also sadly lacking and there were also limited fire tools.

- Mrs Bone, March 2019

***Owner Response*** We are very sorry about the problems experienced while staying at the cottage. Our heating engineer came as soon as he could to remedy the situation. We do ensure that each bedroom has a plug in radiator which heats the rooms very quickly. The showers are electric and work independently. The cottage benefits from an oil fired Aga and large woodstove. Marlborough Cottage is 16th century with low ceilings and so the Aga and wood fired stove make the cottage very warm, rapidly. We do hope in spite of the above issues you enjoyed your time in Devon and the history of a period property we do hope you return to us soon. Property Owner
Miss Herman November 2018

“Comfortable cottage for four of us and our dog.”

Everything you needed was available Loved cooking on the Aga Cosy and warm Garden was a delight, lovely views even though the weather was not kind to us. Easy to get to Lyme Regis, Beer and the Donkey Sanctuary. Cottage nestled in a valley with easy access to the main road.

- Miss Herman, November 2018
Mrs Smith October 2018

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Marlborough Cottage, it was comfortable and warm.”

Wouldn't want to experience all those single track roads whenever you left the cottage and back, although being so far from the main road it gave you complete peace and silence. The whole atmosphere was one of generosity and family warmth.

- Mrs Smith, October 2018
Ms Barnes September 2018

“I thought I was booking through Helpful Holidays as I used their website to make the booking.”

They have always offered us a helpful and personal service which focused on the things we valued. I was therefore very surprised to receive a booking acknowledgement from Sykes Cottages. The telephone service (also Sykes Cottages) was less friendly than my memories of Helpful Holidays and had more of an impersonal call centre feel. Its odd giving feedback to you on description of cottage etc when I found it on HH site. Perhaps Helful Holidays should explain on their site what their relationship is with Sykes Cottages as it is confusing for the customer. The Cottage itself (whoever is marketing it) is lovely.

- Ms Barnes, September 2018
Mr Cobb May 2018

“Cannot recommend Marlborough Cottage highly enough.”

..Fantastic cottage, amazing garden in a lovely location. Lyme Regis and Beer close by for great days out. I have nothing but good things to say about Helpful Holidays, however Sykes are a total email nightmare, they constantly send emails marked as URGENT giving the impression it is something about your holiday booking when in fact they are just trying to sell holidays.

- Mr Cobb, May 2018
Mr Pegden May 2018

“Lovely cottage, large garden was completely enclosed & our 2 Cocker Spaniels loved it.”

- Mr Pegden, May 2018
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The property

On the edge of Combpyne, on a quiet lane, this beautiful, thatched, detached, Grade II listed cottage has been expertly decorated and is a beautiful and relaxing place to stay.

Behind the cottage, ¾ acre of garden with connecting spaces including dining terrace (sunsets), paths through rose beds up to a lawn, wooded garden leading to a wild flower meadow, steps, summer house (cane furniture) and lovely rural views.

Games shed (compendium games table, toys for young children).Inside, stylish and contemporary.

Thatched porch to step down to large hub-of-house tile-floored kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, Aga - lit 12 September to 5 June, electric cooker) and utility room/laundry (washing machine, fridge-freezer); ground floor cloakroom..

Living room with beams, inglenook fireplace (woodburner), TV/DVD and window seat.

Down 2 steps into bedroom/occasional living room with a king size double bed, TV/DVD and French windows to gravelled courtyard (table/chairs).

Steep stairs (handrail, low head height) up to two more double bedrooms, one with low beams, one with additional single bed; access to the other (with French upholstered bed) through neat shower-room (suite).

Bathroom (suite).

A brilliant cottage for couples or families in a hidden, yet accessible location.

Combpyne: tiny village (church and a pond known as Combpyne Harbour) meandering along a rural valley.

Fine walking country.

Shop/garage at Musbury, 2 miles.

Three miles from the resort towns (sandy beaches) of Seaton and Lyme Regis.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage HQ, 3 miles.

Axminster (railway, River Cottage Canteen), 5 miles; Beer, 7.

Floorplans

1st FloorGround Floor

Summary

Over two floors
Three bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x ground floor king size double, 1 x family room with double and single beds
Sitting room with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove
Kitchen with Aga and dining area
Utility room
Bathroom with bath over bath shower, basin and WC
En suite Jack and Jill shower room
Ground floor cloak room with basin and WC
External games barn
Central heating, Wood burning stove, Microwave, fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with DVD, WiFi, Oil and electricity inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cot and highchair available on request
Off road parking for two cars
2 well-behaved dogs welcome, additional charge for 2nd pet
Sorry no smoking
Note: The Aga is lit from 12th September to 5th June

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

About the location

COMBPYNE

Musbury 2 miles; Seaton 3 miles; Lyme Regis 3 miles; Axminster 5 miles; Beer 6 miles; Bridport 14 miles.

A tiny village (12th century church, pond known as Combpyne Harbour) meandering along a rural valley. Fine walking country.

Note: Aga - lit 12 September to 5 June.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Marlborough Cottage

Combpyne, Devon (Ref. 976036)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This is a quirky cottage and like the curate's egg good in places bad in others.”

“I think it should clearly state that it is not suitable for people with physical impairment.”

“The location is absolutely breathtaking - in a valley but nonetheless getting lots of sun, on a quiet lane (if you ignore the beautiful birdsong), with interesting walks (from short strolls to long hikes) straight from the door (including a link to the East Devon Way).”

“Our stay at Marlborough cottage was lovely.”

“We had the loveliest of holidays in Marlborough Cottage.”

“The house was very easy to live in - well organised , warm and lovely.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed this lovely cottage which just kept on giving.”

“The tranquility you will experience in the outstanding setting of Malborough Cottage cannot be emphasised enough.”

“Had a wonderful break.”

“Tucked away in a small hamlet, we found Marlborough Cottage to be the quintessential English country cottage with its thatched roof and cosy interior.”

“Typically english, not wishing to complain, BUT, the cleanliness of this property is below par at best, poor at worst.”

“Beautiful cottage and we were very lucky with the weather so we were able to enjoy the beautiful garden too.”

“It was important for us that we had a downstairs bedroom and shower room.”

“Just a couple of things, the steps in the garden are very steep so this should be mentioned, the bin system is a bit confusing, and it states that there is a shower room on the ground floor which sadly there was not.”

“We had a problem in the first few days when both the hot water and central heating packed up.”

“Comfortable cottage for four of us and our dog.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Marlborough Cottage, it was comfortable and warm.”

“I thought I was booking through Helpful Holidays as I used their website to make the booking.”

“Cannot recommend Marlborough Cottage highly enough.”

“Lovely cottage, large garden was completely enclosed & our 2 Cocker Spaniels loved it.”

The property

Floorplans

Summary

About the location

COMBPYNE