I cannot stress enough how bad the smell of mildew was during our stay commencing 30 Aug 19. The odour was apparent on entry, in the bedroom and bathroom. Leaving the door and windows wide open helped a little. Discovered that the bathroom basin waste was venting air from the sewer into the bathroom and was advised that the owner was aware. The bathroom floor tiles were lifting due to damp. Remedy by the owner was to cut the corners off. The bathroom vent was blocked. There are no windows in the bathroom or bedroom. Wardrobes and side table backs and interiors in the bedroom were covered in white mildew. Had booked a week stay but explained to owner that the accommodation was affecting our health. Checked out after 3 nights of misery. I would advise anyone considering staying here to think twice. The outside seating area was overgrown and the view is of scaffolding. The main electricity fuse box is in the bedroom. There is insufficient space at the bed bottom to walk by other than sideways. All the taps are difficult to turn on and off. This property is not suitable for the disabled or those who are tall as there is limited head height in the property and many obstructive roof beams. To see out of the two windows you have to be sat down. The flat appears to have original fittings dating back to the 1970's. The innerspring wire bed mattress was the worst ever. The view from the bed was of spider webs and old ducts. Sought a refund. Referred to Sykes Cottages by owner. Sykes Cottages referred back to owner since Sykes do not deal with Health and Safety related complaints they say. Sykes suggested 2 methods of approach... deal directly with the owner and if agreement cannot be reached then to take the owner to court. One option is dispute resolution through the court process of course. This is bearing in mind that the owner initially stayed that she was responsible for the finances and would provide a refund but then recanted. As of 16/09/19 still waiting for a refund. The plus points were few but property had decent television signal and wifi. The 2 sofas were comfortable and the property did have some utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment and appliances. Parking for a car was available. On the downside washing up liquid was not provided or a sponge. There is no washing machine. The step from the bedroom to the bathroom was filthy. What I would have liked... a vacuum cleaner. The owner explained that the vacuum had to be carried downstairs by her son. Perhaps a 'Henry' would be a wise investment. When complaining about the smell was advised that the property has been built over a stream and that the very damp noxious air rises from the basement garage. Owner even stated that other renters had complained about the mildew and smell. So don't waste your money... stay somewhere else.
Ian
We have just experienced the accommodation and fully agree with the review by Andrew. We have made contact with Sykes: who are passing the buck to the owners. Sykes seem to take any property, without making any suitability checks. Take customers money and pass the buck straight back to the owners following any complaints, taking no responsibility themselves.
