Great Cotswold location, but very musty!

Guest: hauskat (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

We rented Fir Tree Cottage for 4 days in July 2010. The location is perfect for exploring the Cotswolds; it's really close to Stow-On-The-Wold and Chipping Camden (beware the one-car width lanes to the latter), and about 1/2 hour to attractions like Bourton-On-The-Water & the Slaughters to the south, and Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick to the north. The cottage is situated in the village of Stretton-on-Fosse, which is very quiet and charming but very small-you need to go to Moreton-On-Marsh or Stow-On-The-Wold to the south if you want groceries, as there are no stores in the village itself. There is a spectacular pub, however, that serves wonderful food and bitters called the Plough Inn that is within walking distance (they were very welcoming to our young children as well). As for the cottage, it is the middle of three attached cottages (you can hear your neighbors if they have the TV on or are talking loudly, but we didn't have too much of a problem at night). It is two stories (which the kids loved, as they had there own little room), with two bedrooms and one bathroom upstairs. Downstairs is the kitchen and parlor with a stone fireplace (very charming), and a small but charming garden out back where you can sit and read. There is a washer, but no dryer, and you need to bring your own bath towels as they are not provided; there are hand towels, dishes and utensils provided. All in all the cottage was clean, but it was *very* musty. Even airing the place out didn't help. (It is carpeted, so that probably didn't help the mustiness). The second floor was a little better, so it wasn't too bad at night, but it was so musty on the first floor that we spent as little time as possible in the cottage during the day (which was a shame because it was charming; the owner even supplies games and videos and logs for the fire). My family and I are very sensitive and noticed the must right away, and by the third day my sinuses were really bad and my kids were sneezing and had stuffy noses, so if you have allergies or are very sensitive to mustiness, I would be careful about renting a cottage. I realize that it is a cottage and some dampness/mustiness is probably to be expected, considering its age and climate of the area. However, the mustiness was enough of a problem that I wouldn't stay there again. Like I said, it was too bad because it was otherwise a charming little place and in a good location for exploring the Cotswolds.

Owner response:My housekeeper and I were very concerned and dismayed by the review referring to "mustiness"in my cottage particulary as the first I knew about it was on the vrbo review page. We are always available to discuss and help with any concerns and our contact numbers are displayed in the porch.I immediately contacted the guest after I read the review and she assured me that the cottage was clean but said "maybe my family are ultrasensitive to mustiness".I have thoroughly investigated this claim and no one has detected any mustiness at all including subsequent visitors. The guest states "if nothing was found chalk it up to an over sensitive American with allergies". Indeed in the last 9 years there have been no problems . Fir Tree Cottage is 4 star graded & is described as outstanding in its furnishings,equipment & cleanliness.Bath towels are provided for overseas visitors in the airing cupboard. I have arranged for the carpets & curtains to be cleaned again although this was done in the Spring. It is very important to me that my guests have a very enjoyable time at Fir Tree and we aim to have very high standards. We hope this is reflected by the lovely comments in the cottage guest book, thank you cards and the number of people who return. I look forward to welcoming you in the future. Kind regards Sue.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+.

Guest: Herb Schmidt (-)
Date of Stay: 10/10/05 Review Submitted: 10/10/05

The cottage and village look like a page from a story book

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Guest: Jeannine Ignatz (-)
Date of Stay: 09/07/05 Review Submitted: 09/07/05

Thank you so much for sharing your cottage with us this summer.We had a lovely week.Your accommodations were just great& very relaxing.We really enjoyed the history & beauty of the area.Thanks again.

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Guest: Sandra & Tom (-)
Date of Stay: 03/29/05 Review Submitted: 03/29/05

Had a lovely Spring break in your cosy cottage.Great location.Very peaceful.Beautiful scenery.Welcoming local pub.Love to come back soon.

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Guest: P. Hayes (-)
Date of Stay: 03/19/05 Review Submitted: 03/19/05

Great holiday,nice cottage,lovely villages. Good walks and cycling. thanks.

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Guest: Mrs C Bell (-)
Date of Stay: 02/17/05 Review Submitted: 02/17/05

The cottage was lovely and quiet. Just what we needed. We would certainly recommend it to friends.It was very homely! Superb area for sightseeing.

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Guest: Doreen & Rob (-)
Date of Stay: 06/04/04 Review Submitted: 06/04/04

Great cottage for a winter break. Cosy and comfortable.

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Guest: Bill & Sandy Cox (-)
Date of Stay: 06/04/04 Review Submitted: 06/04/04

Many thanks for a wonderful home away from home. We have had a full and delightful week. Great weather,good food,magnificent countryside and an unlimited number of beautiful,flower-filled villages to visit.

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Guest: A.Smith (-)
Date of Stay: 04/22/04 Review Submitted: 04/22/04

Comfortable cottage with everything we needed

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Guest: S.Naylor (-)
Date of Stay: 03/03/03 Review Submitted: 03/03/03

A Cotswold gem.........far from the madding crowd.

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