South Hams Self Catering cottage, May Cottage, Hope Cove, sleeps 8

No Parking, Dangerous Stairs, Less than Clean, needs TLC
The picture above is very misleading as is the description. The large drive on the left does not belong to the cottage. There is a very narrow gravel driveway/path between the post box wall and the cottage. Motorbikes or the smallest of cars could use it. Medium and large cars not a hope. Parking was a nightmare. We have a Ford Smax and no way would it fit. Even a Focus might squeeze in with cms to spare but you would not be able to open driver's door to get out. The only parking is on the public road which is rammed the whole time of course. As soon as space is available someone is in it. The stairs in the brochure do not show two high steps on the left of the dog leg bend going up into the ensuite bedroom. Very dangerous and unsuitable for older people or anyone infirm. Unsigned low ceiling on way up and down, takes several whacks on the head to duck. Property was tidy but grubby. We did our own Covid clean on all touch points, plus bathrooms and kitchen etc. Shocking amount of dirty antibacterial wipes, something's had not been cleaned a very long time!! Many things broken, boot room door would not lock, window handles falling off, downstairs shower head broken, radiator en ensuite dripping, back courtyard garden full of weeds, front door dirty, dishwasher stuck on low temperature 3.5 hour cycle, saucepan half full of water in cupboard etc No instructions for heating just a book full of manuals but no guidance of where things are, how to etc, We had to ring to find out how to get the heating on as the WIFI thermostat in the hall did nothing. The controls are behind the kettle in the kitchen and you don't see them unless bending down. Also ensuite radiator is electric so need isolator switch (by the wardrobe) on and radiator knobs turned on too. We had a very cold first night and morning. If you haven't been to this part of Devon before, be warned, once off the main roads the lanes are deep and narrow with passing places if you are lucky, so constantly stopping and reversing. Do not use shortest route anywhere!! On the up side, the cottage is in a beautiful spot, is spacious, the large beds are comfortable and there are some nice homely touches. Beaches and walks are fab.
Roz S
2020-10-03