4
Mike Daniels 24 months ago
Stanhope Castle, Knights Corner, (Apartment 4) (Sykes Cottages holiday rental)
Visited over the period 20- 26 August 2022. The apartment accommodates 6 persons. Hot Tub and large gardens adjacent. The gardens are on two levels.
Stanhope is situated in an area of outstanding rural beauty, with moors and hills surrounding the town and plenty of local attractions within 30 miles, including Beamish Museum.
The property is accessed from the car park by traversing approximately 15- 20 stone steps. (There is no handrail available; however, for most of the steps it is possible to hold the top of the stone retaining wall.) There are a further 5-6 steps up and into the property, again no handrail available and this may prove a challenge for young children and/or those with mobility issues.
Dedicated parking is available for up to two cars, however we found there is no guarantee these spaces will remain unoccupied, as other residents/visitors to the Castle may use. (We had to use the car park in the town square when this arose. It would be more helpful if the owner provided signage for the two car parking spaces, just to remind other residents and visitors these spaces are for Apartment 4.)
The property was clean and spacious, all on one level. There are three bedrooms, one with an ensuite, plus a large bathroom. The kitchen and lounge area are ‘open plan’ and spacious, easily accommodating 6 persons.
Bedroom with Ensuite:
There was a tear in one of the bedding sheets that required replacing or repairing. Plug sockets in the bedroom need to be more conveniently located near the dressing table. The blind in the bedroom did not function properly. It was not possible to open and close the shutters, therefore much more natural light entered the room early in the morning, disturbing sleep. (Because the window is high (and recessed) the natural light emanates from the base of the curtaining, thus devaluing, in part, the function of the curtains.) The blind needs repairing or replacing.
Shower mat should be provided, as the shower base is quite ‘slippy’. Also required, in the shower, is a ledge where shower gel, and other essentials can be placed whilst having a shower. (None available at the date of visiting.)
General:
TV is limited to one in the main lounge area. Thus, if there are, for example, young children who are used to a bedroom door being left open at night, this really means no TV in the lounge, also limiting conversation for adults remaining in the lounge area. (All three bedrooms lead directly off the lounge area.) Suggest, 'wall mounted' TVs are provided in both double bedrooms, allowing residents to watch in comfort, should they wish to do so, without disturbing children. Wi-Fi is provided, the signal strength adequate.
Overall, we would recommend; however, the areas for development, outlined above, would further enhance guest stay.