“We had a brilliant holiday in Barley Mews, with mostly sunny weather, even if the wind was rather chilly at times.”
The location was great – 2 minutes from the coast and walks in Nothe park, and within easy walking distance of Hope Square’s restaurants, bars and facilities. The property was clean when we arrived, and we especially appreciated the comfortable beds. However, there are a few matters we would like to bring to your attention, which we believe should be rectified or brought to the attention of future guests. Although we didn’t use them all, the comments take account of the fact that the property had 4 double beds (assuming therefore 4 adult couples) and could accommodate 9 people. • Parking: As we had one medium sized and one small car, we managed, but we had to shuffle to get the second car out safely. I doubt you would have fitted two large (ie family) cars in the spaces provided, and there is very limited alternative parking. We are dubious that this is adequate for 9 people, 4 couples and potentially 1 child. Guests should be warned that manoeuvring in and out of the parking is tricky and the spaces only suitable for small / medium sized cars. • It is difficult to get adequate ventilation in the living areas and bedrooms. We couldn’t reach the roof vents and the windows in the walls do not open. Even in April it was hot & stuffy in the afternoons, and in hot weather it would be intolerable. • To get to the outside space you have to go through the middle of the family bedroom – a privacy issue, and a bedroom where in the evening a child might be sleeping. • It was very awkward having no shower in the downstairs bathroom which is potentially shared by 5 people. • Although the double bedroom downstairs has a free-standing hanging rail, there are no drawers, shelves or cupboard. • The quantity of dining equipment is inadequate – not enough wine glasses or tumblers for 8 adults; no serving dishes or tablespoons; no tumblers in the bathrooms. In a property of this quality, this is unacceptable. And although the property sleeps 9, there were only 8 dining chairs! • The concave doors on the kitchen cupboards are lethal if opened together – I trapped and cut my finger quite badly trying to open both together. At the least, guests should be warned to open the doors singly. • And we couldn’t find a First Aid Kit anywhere. • Only 1 key was provided for the mortice lock. The key safe would be used if all were going out, but if some members of the party were to go out whilst some remain in the property, if the door were locked & the key put in the safe, then those in the property would be unable to get out. 2 keys would solve this problem. • The TV in the games room isn’t working – believe there is a lead missing. • We were surprised not to find a town map and leaflets about places to visit, as we have always found these in previous properties we have stayed in.
