Reading previous guests reviews in advance of our trip we were somewhat apprehensive at what to expect and even called Dart Valley Cottages (DVC) to express our concern. However, on arrival we were very pleasantly surprised to find a clean and tidy property that had clearly been recently refreshed with all our areas of concern addressed in advance. These included, a full redecoration throughout, full garden maintenance and newly replaced garden furniture, new electric showers in both bathrooms, brand new bed and towel linens and a very clean and practical kitchen. Descriptions of its dire outside appearance were certainly not warranted, as at the date of our visit the property and grounds were presented extremely well.
The location is very peaceful and scenic in a quiet courtyard with views across a communal orchard and across the village to the river. It also offers four acres of communal grounds to enjoy and exercise any dog. The village is accessed by very narrow and steep lanes, which may be problematic for some, but this is what gives it spectacular views. The village is difficult to travers for those with mobility issues but the cottage provides easy access to The Ham, which offers a great recreational space on the riverbank and useful level access to the village quay along the foreshore when the tide is out. For visits to Dartmouth, Kingswear and the surrounding areas the location is ideal. The cottage also provides very useful doorstep car parking, which is definitely a premium in this location.
The cottage was well equipped with all the essentials, although water pressure in the en-suite shower was particularly poor. This small shower is only really suitable for this unable to access a shower over the bath. Otherwise, the main bathroom shower was perfectly adequate. The outside space for Primrose Cottage is one of the best for those at Dittisham Court providing a small gated upper terrace, secure for any dog, with a large side terrace providing additional seating and outside dining areas. A few steps lead down to the lawn area with further seating/dining area overlooking the orchard and village beyond, but this area is not enclosed for dogs.
The cottage did provide basic essentials including washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, washing machine detergent, hand washes, toilet disinfectant etc. However, this is the first time in many years of holidaying in the UK when there was no welcome pack provided - eg a cake, or bottle of wine, milk, tea or coffee to welcome you after your journey down. This would be a welcome improvement. A tray would be very helpful for eating and drinking outside along with placemats to help protect the dining furniture (we improvised with our own tea towels).
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Primrose Cottage and were well cared for by DVC.
