Smell - The insurmountable problem was the constant very obvious smell of damp present in both ground floor rooms. On arrival late afternoon Saturday 18th June we assumed it was a musty smell associated with the building being closed. The smell did not ease. A plug in air freshener was found to be left on in the lounge. We assume to ‘mask’ the damp smell. The combined smells had a negative effect. At the end of the first full day (19th June) we reported the smell. The next morning 20th June the owner stated that his son had cleared vegetation from the boundary (this suggested to us it was a known problem). We did not cook in the kitchen because of the unbearable smell. On Monday 20th June, following breakfast in a cafe and a walk we re-entered the cottage late morning. The damp smell was unchanged. Decision made we moved out by 2pm that same day Monday 20th June and checked into a hotel. During the check-out, the owner’s wife stated that she could not smell anything, and that no one else had ever complained of a smell...

Stairs – These are very steep and narrow. We are confident they would not meet current Building Regulations. A wooden ‘pigs ear’ type handrail is fixed to the wall. Because it is not possible to fully close the fingers over this type of handrail, the purchase is limited. The descent downstairs was only achieved safely by walking sideways. We both felt the stairs were an unnecessary risk to have to deal with whilst on holiday.

Parking – The advert currently describes on-street parking (a very recent change we think). Westgate (where the cottage is located) is very busy much of the time. Parking is on-street only. It is subject to availability, and limited to 2 hours max during Mon – Sat daytime; and not before 10:00am on market days. We were also entitled to use ‘T Zone’ on-street residents’ 24/7 parking. It is again subject to availability. It is approx 300 metres away from the cottage and therefore not totally convenient.

Bed –a very hard mattress. Whilst not protruding through the outer fabric of the mattress the existence of underlying springs was very apparent. An additional cover had been provided to supplement the quilt in terms of warmth. We used this as an additional layer on top of the mattress to help with comfort.

Further to moving out 5 days early – no contact from owner. Whilst we did not ask for a refund, no offer has been made.

Positives - the cottage was very clean and tidy. The TV and DVD player worked. Owners were polite and replied promptly regarding the two issues we raised.

Honest feedback from a mature fit and healthy married couple, who regularly undertake self-catering breaks. We both felt the same about the property. It was (supposed to be) a 7 day self-catering holiday.

Great cottage down doored alley off Main Street of lovely market town of Guisborough. Very secluded but a few steps from all amenities. Home away from home. Loved the local Pie Shop Restaurant (not real name). Close to
East Yorkshire coast, North Yorkshire Moors and lots of other tourist attractions.
Really loved this place. Thanks Ian and Nessa.

A hidden gem in a secure quiet courtyard off the main high street. The owners go above and beyond to make your stay extra special - from milk in the fridge and biscuits on the side to early check-ins ... Ian even let me in when I'd left the keys in the courtyard (and it was very late at night). the cottage itself is a beautiful historic building which has been done to a very high standard. The bed and pillows were bliss... And as all frequent travellers know - a comfy bed is very important. Shower was even better than my own and kitchen well-equipped....not with the normal hand-offs you get in some rentals but with complete sets of everything you actually need to cook with! First class!

Very quiet, warm and well equiped. Could have done with a coffee table in the lounge. Excellent bathroom and bedroom. Well positioned for access to the High Street. i would recommend this to any couple wanting to stay in the Guisborough area.