The Borrowers

3.4★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Highchair available

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

25 Customer Review(s)

Jill
September 2024

“So sorry I can't give a good review.”

..I can only give you an honest one. The only good thing about this place was that it was dog friendly and that you could park very near the chalet. Where to start. So we were there for two weeks with our dogs. There was no washing machine, so after a week or so we ended up having to lug dirty washing around until we found a launderette. No dishwasher, which wouldn't have been a big deal, but the hot water tap in the kitchen didn't do much more than trickle, took ages to heat up then ...

..I can only give you an honest one. The only good thing about this place was that it was dog friendly and that you could park very near the chalet. Where to start. So we were there for two weeks with our dogs. There was no washing machine, so after a week or so we ended up having to lug dirty washing around until we found a launderette. No dishwasher, which wouldn't have been a big deal, but the hot water tap in the kitchen didn't do much more than trickle, took ages to heat up then suddenly it was scalding - I managed to burn myself a couple of times. The plastic washing up bowl in the sink was too small to be able to get a dinner plate flat inside, so you couldn't actually soak anything. The first or second evening the power cut out, so we had no light from early evening till the next morning. When the maintenance man came over, he didn't know why we had no power. Eventually he discovered that there was a coin meter which you had to keep feeding with a token to keep power on. He found out that this information was in the chalet handbook, but who reads that from cover to cover as soon as you arrive? There was a mini freezer, but it was full of ice (not cubes) and the door didn't close properly so it was useless. There were no mixer taps in kitchen/bathroom, just old fashioned one hot, one cold, so to wash your hands you had to put the plug in and run both before you got a usable temperature. There was only one key, so that was a bit inconvenient when there's two people who might want to be doing their own thing at times. Kitchen was sparsely equipped - cutlery was only four of each item so you were constantly getting up after main course to wash cutlery before you could eat pudding. Oh, the bed. Double bed was maybe a foot off the floor, and I don't mean the frame - that was to the top of the mattress. Matress was maybe 6 inches tops thick - when lying, you could feel every bar of the metal frame under you. Tiny bedroom - when walking round the bed, you were constantly banging your shins on the hard frame corners. I actually came away with bruises. The bedroom was from maybe the seventies - you had little cupboards either side of the bed with cupboards above that were hinged at the top, which the doors were starting to dangle. Generally, when you looked around, it was dated and somewhat tatty - scrapes along the walls where furniture had been moved or pushed against walls, that the paint hadn't been touched up, it had just been left. It felt like the owners/maintenance just didn't care. When we first walked in, I stood on the doormat and it shot across the floor leaving me on my back, and I have a spinal condition so I was in terrible pain for a couple of days. Doormat got immediately taken off the floor. One corner of the living area had a vacuum and various cleaning things leaning up against the wall - they couldn't have even put them out of sight? Needless to say, we won't be staying there again. I hate leaving negative reviews, but honestly, these are just the facts as to how we experienced our stay. Such a shame.

- Jill, September 2024

Many thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback, however we are disappointed to read your comments. We understand that it might be an inconvenience not to have a washing machine or dishwasher, but the property is not advertised with these appliances. We are sorry that the tap was not was not efficient, please know that if you had called us, we would have come and rectified this immediately. With regards to the meter, as you say the instructions are in the properties information booklet, you also could have called us if you had any issue, and we would have been able to advise you. The pictures of the property on the website are a true representation of the size and style of The Borrowers. We are truly sorry that you felt the property was not for you. We do hope you still managed to enjoy your holiday and all the area has to offer. Property Owner
Gillian August 2024

“This was awful”

- Gillian, August 2024
Richard June 2024

“Spotless and comfy ,shops just down the road, did the park and ride and went ...”

Spotless and comfy ,shops just down the road, did the park and ride and went across on the ferry and caught the train to paignton, Dartmouth very pretty lots of quirky shops

- Richard, June 2024
Andrea July 2023

“Lovely and comfortable accommodation with everything that we needed for a family of 4 and 1 small dog, and at a really good price.”

Would recommend and would stay again.

- Andrea, July 2023
Tim July 2023

“This is a lovely place to stay.”

It’s located conveniently to shops and the town. It’s well equipped with everything you needed for a week away. The only problems we found was the main double bed REALLY needs another mattress. You can feel the bars of the bed though it. Ok for a couple of nights but after that we had difficulty in sleeping. On arrival at 3.30 pm (clock in is 3pm) we found the cleaner still in the room, we waited outside for a further 30 mins to give her time to finish but when we tried to get in the accommodation we were informed she still wasn’t finished and would be at least another 45min to an hour and that we weren’t booked in anyway. We produced our details of hire and was informed it would still be around an hour longer. After a nine hour drive with very tied kids this is not what we needed very disappointing. We had to drive off and feed the kids in town. I got the hoover out mid week to have a tidy up, when I moved the sofa out I found several medication tablets dropped from previous tenants I then found another one under the window/bed in the kids room. I pick up and disposed of them both. Obviously these should have been found and dealt with in the change over clean.

- Tim, July 2023
Sarah July 2023

“The property definitely lives to its name borrowers.”

A few modernisation like the beds and the sofa would be brilliant as everything is very low to the floor.

- Sarah, July 2023
Michelle April 2023

“The Chalet was basic.”

Lounge furniture very uncomfortable, what you expect for Conservative 2 sitter and 1 armchair. Hot water tap in the kitchen wasn’t hot enough for washing your pots. The hot water came out hot for 30 seconds then was running lukewarm so had to boil the kettle for hot water. Pans cooking trays were still greasy from previous holiday makers. Main bedroom had no storage for hanging clothes as was filled with cleaning stuff ( Vacuum, steam mob, brush, camping folding chairs. Bed seemed like a put up double bed with mattress on top. Very uncomfortable not good if you’re staying a week or more. I couldn’t believe how far better was the second children’s bedroom. 2 proper single pine framed beds with tall boy grey wardrobe and matching bedside table also a large mirror on the wall. So ladies to dry your hair you would have to use this bedroom as the main bedroom hasn’t a mirror. The positive side that we stayed a week over Easter and was very cheap for an Easter break, we only payed £360 so I suppose you get what you pay for. Norton park is in a very good position, sainsburys and Lidels just a 2 minute drive down the road. Dartmouth few more minutes away so very handy and of course some beautiful beaches just a short drive away. If you’re on a cheap budget then I would say if you don’t mind the negative things I mentioned then the chalet is ok if you have young children and dogs.

- Michelle, April 2023
Steven August 2022

“The property was nice, it was listed accurately but we just wish there were facilities on site for doing washing.”

Unfortunately some of the cutlery, plates, and glasses were not very clean. They are the only 2 things that let this property down.

- Steven, August 2022
Delia August 2022

“I was NOT happy to be charged £85 for a lock call out, when through no fault of our own the key would not work.”

We had followed the rules, with the keys.The site manager said it was obvious the lock wasn't working. The neighbouring chalet owner said this was the second time that someone had to be called out as the lock wasn't working. We expect things to be in good working order and not to be charged when they are not Either I or my husband will be calling you on Monday about this. Should this not be resolved we will post feedback warning people accordingly about the lock. This of course is action we would prefer to avoid. We are looking for a refund of the £85 charge Delia Worthy

- Delia, August 2022
Roger June 2022

“Lovely little place in a beautiful part of the country.”

Maybe some chairs outside to sit on . But generally fantastic place with everything you need bar scissors .

- Roger, June 2022
Colin April 2022

“There were a number of issues with the property that had not been fixed since we stayed there last year.”

The door to the main bedroom at the front has a top hinge that is loose and door does not close. The breadbin door was out of its groove and we struggled to fix it. The Main room heater kept over heating and was insufficient to heat the room, we had to rely on having the bedroom heaters on and keeping bedroom doors open, until we went to bed and the bedrooms were then too hot. The hot water for washing up was very poor and we had to heat up water in the kettle to do the washing up.

- Colin, April 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we were sorry to read that you encountered issues during your stay at The Borrowers. It is a shame you didn't let us know of your issues during your stay as we could have had a handy man attend to rectify these issues for you. Our handy man has rectified the other maintenance issues raised. We do hope that you managed to enjoy your stay and look forward to welcoming you to Devon in the future. Property Owner
Laura October 2021

“Very dirty, all the kitchen utensils had food on them, the sofa was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever sat on.”

- Laura, October 2021

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your stay at The Borrowers. It is saddening to hear of the issues you encountered during your stay, had you let us know there were cleanliness issues we would have been able to call the housekeeper back to rectify this. We do hope that you managed to enjoy your stay despite the issues and hope to welcome you to Dartmouth again in the future. Property Owner
Jacqueline September 2021

“Had everything we needed great location, lovely and clean.”

Only downside was living room furniture a little uncomfortable but it was no major issue.

- Jacqueline, September 2021

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your experience at The Borrowers. It is lovely to read you had such an enjoyable time in lovely south Devon. We have passed on your comments to the owner regarding the sofa. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Property Owner
Ananda August 2021

“Firstly the directions received from Sykes to find the cottage (once we entered the venue) was very poor.”

It was misleading and wrong and we spent extra 30min to find the cottage at the site. The cottage was generally clean but not adequate to COVID19 standards. Inaccessible and hidden areas (e.g. under the beds and over the cupboards etc) have not cleaned from ages. Visible areas are generally clean. Kitchen cutleries (mugs, plates, toaster etc) were there but dirty. The only good thing was that the fridge was not functioning. When called in the morning, it was replaced immediately. The only downside is that there is no way to contact the support team during the out of normal hours and there is no person to speak at the site regarding any emergencies.

- Ananda, August 2021
Maxine July 2021

“Overall we did enjoy the week in dartmouth However the chalet was disappointing and wasn't somewhere I looked forward to returning to each day.”

Cleanliness was inconsistent; the bathroom seemed clean and tidy. However there was a food wrapper under the double bed and a lot of dust. This is clearly an area that is missed.regularly There are also dust collectors under the bed which must make it difficult for the cleaner. I think one item is a foldaway chair but I didn't really want to touch it to pull it out. We also had to clean the handles of the kitchen units which were also dusty. The furniture was uncomfortable; mattresses thin and I could feel the metal of the bed frame. One tiny cupboard for clothes as other full with brooms, highchairs etc. There appears to be pointless furniture in living room (small corner book case, unit near door), perhaps a tall unit would enable better storage. The living room furniture was also uncomfortable for more than a quick sit down. Luckily we were out and about a lot but it would have been nice to have returned to a proper sofa/comfortable chair. Electric went off whilst it was dark , whilst it is good that the coins are provided, trying to get around to find my phone for a torch to sort it out was a pain I think the meter needs removing . Reviews also said it was quiet but I didn't find it so. People passed the unit regularly and ball games happening right outside. This was a particular issue for us as my rescue dog is reactive to people passing and balls hitting the window. I wouldn't have minded as much otherwise..however if I'd have known I would have avoided booking this particular chalet and looked more closely at the site plan for one with on the end of a row with less passes by/footballs Whilst we knew in advance there was no WiFi, I think it would be good if there was. My brother booked another chalet on same site for less money and it was far better equipped with WiFi included. I know it is summer hols and everywhere expensive but it felt overpriced for what we got

- Maxine, July 2021
Sarah July 2021

“Was lovely and peaceful location.”

Had all that we could of needed.

- Sarah, July 2021
Paul June 2021

“Nice place to stay.”

Near Dartmouth, however it is not possible to walk into town as no footpaths on busy narrow main road. Both bedrooms are compact with little wardrobe space. Place was clean overall apart from the Vent-axia in the bathroom that was covered in dust.

- Paul, June 2021
Pamela June 2021

“There were several cobwebs lurking.”

The fan in the bathroom is covered in a lot of dust. The frying pans and saucepans could do with updating. We had to wash everything up before we could use it as the standard of cleanliness was rather low. We felt that the place as a whole looked very tired. On a good note when the toilet started to get blocked it was dealt with very promptly. The park and ride into Dartmouth was very near as was Sainsburys and Lidl.

- Pamela, June 2021
Lois May 2021

“Chalet was clean with all that we needed.”

We struggled with hot water but when we reported the problem this was resolved quickly. Future guests would benefit from being advised that the shower needs to be run on full power to get hot water and also that the property's door locks automatically so be careful not to lock yourselves out. Otherwise we found the the site to be spacious and quiet with a bridleway track nearby which was good to walk our dogs.

- Lois, May 2021
David May 2021

“Probably the worst accommodation I have booked with Sykes.”

Shower temperamental, no WIFI, no lock on bathroom door, one tea towel, no oven gloves, wardrobes cluttered with hoover,brooms etc hence no much room for clothing, furniture not very comfortable, double bed very low and would be difficult for elderly people to get in and out of. First accommodation for years where you have to put money in the meter. Very old freezer in kitchen, not many appropriate kitchen utensils. For what we got the price was far too expensive. Shall never return.

- David, May 2021
Margaret September 2020

“We were very pleased with the accommodation.”

The rooms were very clean and tidy. The bathroom was excellent. We did, however, need to wash two frying pans before we could use them as they were very greasy and dirty There was also a cup, which had obviously been used for cleaning teeth, as it was very stained with toothpaste and had some hair in it! We also felt that a full-length mirror would be very useful ,perhaps one which could be hung on the back of the bedroom door. I also felt that the double bed was very low. Overall, we were very pleased with the accommodation. The park was in a very good position, being very close to Dartmouth and local shop We had a very enjoyable stay, the lovely weather was a bonus, and would be happy to recommend it to friends etc.

- Margaret, September 2020
Richard July 2020

“No Lock on Bathroom door.”

When it rained noticed a bad leak on guttering between Kitchen and Bathroom windows.

- Richard, July 2020
Wayne September 2019

“Cleaning issues On top of cupboard by door, what looked like rings left by cups on top.”

All windows in cabin needed of a good clean. Food splatters on cupboards in kitchen. Not hovered behind opened doors in both bedrooms near skirting. Not swept or cleaned under mat in main room or under seating. Bits of mud , dust and other small stuff. Other issue Noise every time you flush the toilet. Comfort issues Main bed not very comfortable Having conservatory furniture is not very comfortable after a day of walking about. I will also be placing my own reviews on websites and other media sites.

- Wayne, September 2019
Brian August 2019

“Brilliant little plave ideal for us and our 2 year old.”

Only minor downside, not that we needed it, is a dishwasher is listed amongst the facilities but was not there. Otherwise, a great venue, loads of room for playing outside. Great distance from the Park and Ride and easy to access other areas of Devon.

- Brian, August 2019

Many thank's for your feedback, sorry there was no dishwasher, we will pass your comments onto the owner. Property Owner
Susan May 2019

“The bed in the main bedroom is listed as a double bed.”

People should be aware that the bed although it is a double is more like a put you up bed as it is very low to the floor. There is also very little room to walk along the bottom of the bed so whoever sleeps on the side by the window has to walk like a crab to get past the bottom of the bed to get out. Luckily we had asked for the 2 single beds to be made up so we slept in those as there is no way we would have been able to get in and out of the double bed. There is not much hanging space in the wardrobes in the main bedroom. One side had the Hoover, ironing board etc in so we had to take those out and leave them in the bedroom so we could hang clothes up. Because of the very small space between the end of the bed and the wall we could not get to the wardrobe by the window. People should also be told that the freezer is in the cupboard under the sink. It took us a while to find it as you would not expect it to be in that cupboard.

- Susan, May 2019

Thank you for taking the time to complete our feedback form, we are sorry that the property was not as expected, we always take this kind of feedback on board so we can operate in a clear and concise manner as to not misrepresent our properties. On this occasion we feel as though the images do represent the property well and it is clear that this is one of our smaller, cosy properties. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further or in more detail, we are open 7 days a week 9am-7pm. Property Owner

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Summary

All ground floor
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
Open-plan living room with kitchen, sitting area and dining area
Electric oven and hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, TV, CD Stereo and Bluetooth speaker
Bed linen and towels provided
Off-road parking for one car
Communal lawns
2 small dogs accepted
No WiFi
Shop within 0.6 mile, and pub within 2 miles
Note: You will need to bring your own beach towels
Strictly No Smoking

The property

The Borrowers is a superbly appointed, chalet set within Norton Park, two miles outside of Dartmouth.

This delightful accommodation comes within close reach to all of the delights of Devon and is close to the centre of the historic naval town housing a selection of award-winning restaurants, traditional pubs and boutique shops.

After situating your car within its superb off-road parking space, walk through the endearing communal grounds to find The Borrowers, tucked in a small terrace of chalet-style cottages.

Be welcomed into an open-plan living room which houses all the essentials you and your loved ones could possibly need during a week-long stay.

Unwind on the plush sofa and tune into the TV, whilst the warmth of the electric fire fills the room with tranquillity before heading the bed.

The sitting area is joined by a well-presented dining area, where you and your loved ones can gather around to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal prepared within the amply-equipped kitchen.

As the evening draws to a close, retire to one of the brightly decorated bedrooms, comprising a double and a twin, offering a flexible sleeping arrangement to suit a family of four.

Completing the interior is a delightful shower room, complete with a walk-in shower, basin and WC.

If you can tear yourself away from this base, venture into the centre of Dartmouth and choose to dine within one of the superb restaurants or pick up any treats from one of the independent shops.

For a taste of history, spend an afternoon at the 14th-century castle or explore the 16th-century, riverside landmark of Bayard's Cove Fort.

If you are visiting with younger guests, unwind on the sandy beach of Blackpool Sands or venture out to the Woodlands Family Theme Park.

The Borrowers is a charming spot for a refreshing getaway with the whole family.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

DARTMOUTH

Totnes 12 miles.

Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Devon. It offers a stunning waterfront, ancient narrow streets lined with boutique shops, restaurants and art galleries plus many local events such as the annual Dart Music Festival and the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, along with the Dartmouth Food Festival held every October. There are many interesting cycling and walking routes around Dartmouth, including the South West Coast Path, the Dart Valley Trail and plenty of quiet country lanes. A trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway through picturesque countryside to Paignton is a must, and so is a boat trip across to Kingswear and on to Brixham, a pretty little harbour town. For those seeking some beach activities, there is a wide choice in the South Hams area such as Blue Flag Award winner Blackpool Sands, and Slapton Sands, both extremely popular and just a stone's throw from Dartmouth. A relaxing location in South Devon.

No Wi-Fi available at the property

Strictly No Smoking

Dartmouth, Devon (Ref. 1004315)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“So sorry I can't give a good review.”

“This was awful”

“Spotless and comfy ,shops just down the road, did the park and ride and went ...”

“Lovely and comfortable accommodation with everything that we needed for a family of 4 and 1 small dog, and at a really good price.”

“This is a lovely place to stay.”

“The property definitely lives to its name borrowers.”

“The Chalet was basic.”

“The property was nice, it was listed accurately but we just wish there were facilities on site for doing washing.”

“I was NOT happy to be charged £85 for a lock call out, when through no fault of our own the key would not work.”

“Lovely little place in a beautiful part of the country.”

“There were a number of issues with the property that had not been fixed since we stayed there last year.”

“Very dirty, all the kitchen utensils had food on them, the sofa was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever sat on.”

“Had everything we needed great location, lovely and clean.”

“Firstly the directions received from Sykes to find the cottage (once we entered the venue) was very poor.”

“Overall we did enjoy the week in dartmouth However the chalet was disappointing and wasn't somewhere I looked forward to returning to each day.”

“Was lovely and peaceful location.”

“Nice place to stay.”

“There were several cobwebs lurking.”

“Chalet was clean with all that we needed.”

“Probably the worst accommodation I have booked with Sykes.”

“We were very pleased with the accommodation.”

“No Lock on Bathroom door.”

“Cleaning issues On top of cupboard by door, what looked like rings left by cups on top.”

“Brilliant little plave ideal for us and our 2 year old.”

“The bed in the main bedroom is listed as a double bed.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

DARTMOUTH