The Dovecote

3.8★

2 Guests
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

16 Customer Review(s)

Fiona
October 2024

“I have sent you photos of the mould and damp I’ve explained the lack of working central heating The wet shower room with water always on the floor,and heating towel rail not working My complaint which I have politely made twice over the last two weeks by phone have been sympathetically listened to , with a comment that it doesn’t sound great and you have to wait for the owner to respond .”

I thought I would give you another week to respond. If only we and yourselves had read the reviews!, And still folks are going in there and l spending their money to have a disappointing break

I thought I would give you another week to respond. If only we and yourselves had read the reviews!, And still folks are going in there and l spending their money to have a disappointing break

- Fiona, October 2024
Julie September 2024

“Enjoyed the stay, lovely and peaceful but a little enclosed at times.”

Downside was having no central heating that we could work out. Did telephone the emergency number given for the caretaker but they did not answer or respond to a voicemail or text message. It was difficult to dry towels etc and the temperature dropped a little in the evening but the fan heaters provided were lovely. Beautiful building but did smell a little fusty and damp, to be expected due to age of the building. All kitchen utensils etc clean and everything provided to have a meal at home. I would have liked to have seen a mattress protector on the bed but could not complain about the comfort. Overall we had a lovely stay but you do need transport to get out and about. The village is lovely and the local pub food exceptional.

- Julie, September 2024
Viv August 2024

“Beautiful place, very peaceful and tranquil.”

However, a few points to note: There were cobwebs in the bedroom Lights- no overhead lights in lounge, only two lamps. There was no two way control for light upstairs, so you had to go up, put lamps on, come back down, switch hall light off go back upstairs. There was no curtain over the door, felt quite exposed when sitting down in the evening. The garden area was very unloved. Weeds growing out of the gravel, plant pots with dead flowers- first impressions and all that. Shower room flooded Could do with a mirror on the wall in the bedroom for hair and make up

- Viv, August 2024
Pippa August 2024

“How very disappointing.”

As a regular Sykes customer I have never felt so let down. Tucked away in a parkland setting, what a load of rubbish, this property is at the back of a carpark boxed in by an abandoned building surrounded by high brick walls. I will start with the one positive, the bedroom is stunning with a very comfy bed but it is freezing even in August. Note the toilet and shower room is downstairs (as described) though the kitchen at the back of the property As you arrive at the property you enter through a car park which is open to the public for a business situated on the site and an abandoned Spa facility which is fully boarded up. There is building materials in the yard and work vans. There is a space signposted for Dovecote but this is nether private or secure and the sign reads owners leave vehicles at there own risk. You cannot see your car due to the high walls. You enter a very enclosed grey courtyard which stretches along the front of the property which has old walls and faces the gable of the old spa building and the fire door of that building. This is the view from your sofa. The space at the front of the property is shingle with a few scattered plants in pots and stretches the length of the front of the cottage . There is a dirty looking picnic table which has seen better days. We went outside on Saturday evening the sun was blazing but not in the courtyard which is fully enclosed by high walls and the old spa so it was dark and dismal completely shaded by the walls and buildings. On entering the property there is a large sofa which is described as scrumptious, This has been covered with a large fur like throw to hide the ripped leather which has been repaired and the smelly seats. Four tweedy style cushions were on the sofa which smelt of dog and were covered in coarse white dog hairs. I had to remove the cushions immediately as I started to sneeze as soon as I arrived . Into the hall and there are two walk in cupboards one had hangers for clothes but was also filled with old cardboard boxes with toilet seats and other cardboard. The other held a full length mirror and one chest of draws again for clothes which also held the mop bucket, brush and ironing board and smelt of chemical; there is no storage upstairs. We were not prepared to leave our clothes in either cupboard thus we hung our clothes in the corridor on the coat hooks and lived out of our bags Move into the kitchen which was a very thin galley. described as hosting a superb range of appliances. Well there is a toast, microwave and cooker. No tea pot, no coffee pot or maker,. The cooker trays were filthy as were some of the dishes and glasses in the cupboard. The only place to eat was on the worksurface next to the sink and the bathroom, there is no table to eat meals which could easily be fit into the lounge or link corridor, Lastly the bathroom which is right at the end of the property and is a serviceable shower room however the drain was very blocked which we had to clean The description states rear enclosed courtyard with furniture. step outside to bask in alfresco mealtimes. We open the rear/back door which is labelled FIRE EXIT to look at the rear area and to our delight saw a beautiful grass area with trees and a bistro table. However this is not for the Dovecote and there has been a steel fence erected over the fire door exit to prevent any access. This steel fence blocks any exit if there was a fire as you were unable to exit via that door. It was a good job we checked as we would have headed that way in an emergency If there is a fire in the kitchen and you can not pass the cooker you are not getting out. The cottage had reed diffusers everywhere to mask the small of dog and needed a good scrub. I mopped the floors on arrival as i was not happy with the cleanliness and the water was black In all we were so disappointed this cottage, we so needed a break. We work full time and have parents with Dementia and Alzheimer so do not often get to have weekends alone. We ate out each night as we were not prepared to eat on the kitchen counter and all the food we had taken to make nice romantic meals either went out of date or came home with us. I woke on Sunday morning and started to cry, I was so disappointed and just wanted to go home can honestly say i could not wait to leave and if it was not for the fact that we were taking a break from caring responsibilities we would have come straight home.

- Pippa, August 2024
Thomas June 2024

“Me, my partner and our dog stopped here for two night in a little long weekend break from the 21st to the 23rd June.”

We couldn’t have wanted anymore. Was in a location set back away from the road with everything you need not far at all away!! The house itself was stunning with great facilities,clean throughout and a lovely little paved garden for the dog. Would recommend to anyone. Will definitely be booking up again. Tom, Lauren and Ronnie (dog)

- Thomas, June 2024
Graham June 2024

“Hi,the accommodation was great but the weather not brilliant.”

We had trouble getting in on arriving we did not know about the star key. Thankyou.

- Graham, June 2024
Sharon November 2023

“We stayed here in June and were looking forward to the short break.”

The cottage was lovely as we knew it would be! and the extra heaters came in handy at times when the weather was chilly! The welcome gifts were very much appreciated. From the last time we stayed there is a little maintenance required as the blinds behind the bed aren’t opening/closing properly. Not a complaint at all, just wanted to let you know. Once again we really enjoyed our stay and are likely to revisit again x

- Sharon, November 2023
Lois September 2023

“Was surprised that the cottage was very separate from the village and had to walk along the busy A road to get anywhere to walk the dog.”

Would be good if the sofa had wipeable seats eg leather as the fabric was very smelly of other dogs. However, otherwise the property has been restored to a very high standard but would benefit from a coffee pot for the coffee lovers amongst us!

- Lois, September 2023
Jess September 2023

“We had a lovely holiday in this beautiful cottage!”

There was local information provided which helped us decide on things to do whilst we were away. The cottage had everything we needed and was perfectly clean!

- Jess, September 2023
Sharon August 2023

“We love the property and the bed was comfortable but this is where it ended.”

The cleanliness was extremely poor, clearly it is being neglected. on arrival there was no toilet roll, i have never been to a holiday home without the the initial roll being supplied, this wasn't a major problem as I had brought some along. As the the majority of the flooing on the ground floor is stone, it would be helpful if there was a long handled brush or hoover, I personally like to keep a tidy house and found this difficult to do with the items provided. I was really disappointed when the shower over flowed into the kitchen. My husband cleaned the waste trap, which resolved the issue but he shouldn't have to do, it was that bad it looked like a dead rat had been removed. There was black and pink mould on the shower tiles, some of which could easily be removed with a wipe. The bathroom sink was also backing up and no doubt will remain the same for the next holiday makers, my husband went out of his way to make the garden to look presentable, this is not something we should be doing on a well earned holiday , photos of what we found can be provided if needed

- Sharon, August 2023
Jason August 2023

“Lovely cottage we would stay again and recommend.”

only downside is the drainage from the shower isn’t strong enough. Literally flooded the bathroom so had to to shower quick to stop it from happening the next time, and no sweeping brush or mop. We only stayed 3 days but if you was staying longer I couldn’t cope with not being able to clean the floor, especially when having a dog.

- Jason, August 2023
Martine June 2023

“Everything you need for your stay was there.”

Very comfortable bed. Use of a vacuum would have been handy. Use of Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi code was supplied on correspondence and in the kitchen in the property. Plenty of parking. We think that it would have been useful to know it was stoned from the driveway to the property as we did bring the motorbike as well as the car. One the downside the property was quite dusty with cobwebs but there were quite a lot of spiders that we aren’t particularly fond of, but this was probably due to the location of the property and the surroundings and out buildings. Overall we had an enjoyable stay and would recommend this property.

- Martine, June 2023
Sharon June 2023

“A lovely place to stay, also really good to have a secure garden for our dog.”

Everywhere was clean and we were very comfortable. Can’t fault the place at all. We loved that the original dovecote has been left partly exposed in the bedroom.

- Sharon, June 2023
Phil April 2023

“Very disappointed with this cottage.”

Have never had to write a negative review before. Always felt in safe hands with Sykes but not so, this time! The place was scruffy and uncared for and adjacent to a closed down spa resort with no information in the property about WFi etc. To many snags to list here!!! Left and went home as no phone number working for housekeeper and no response from Sykes on the weekend! Shame! Always trusted this company.

- Phil, April 2023
Yvonne March 2023

“We really loved yr cottage.”

It is lovely and homely, well equipped and spotlessly clean. Location very good and enjoyed the countryside and a quiet restful break. Thankyou very much for having us.

- Yvonne, March 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments and we’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at The Dovecote! Hope you’ll come and stay again! Sarah Property Owner
Josh December 2022

“Good Afternoon Many thanks for making contact and I appreciate the opportunity to provide some feedback about our stay in between Christmas and New Year at The Dovecote.”

There were some issues during our stay at the cottage. My husband liaised with our contact about these issues whilst we were there. She was clearly frustrated herself as a couple of communications with us demonstrated. In one she said "Oh gawd that's not good is it" and in another we suggested very politely that she might have a word with the company who look after the change over to which she replied inappropriately. This is a text that I sent to our contact just before we left on 31st December.... "Hi, we are leaving very shortly. The cottage is lovely and thank you for the fan heaters in case of dropping temperatures. But clearly there have been number of hiccups unfortunately: bins left (ie. rubbish bags from previous visitors which we were asked to move), wood not put out, no corkscrew or tin opener (which tbh I anticipated someone would drop off) absence of any decorations on the tree other than one bauble (see photo attached) no shampoo, conditioner or body wash (would have expected those to have been included). Thanks for the welcome package of wine and Welsh cakes (but no Welsh cakes!!!). I have used one of the bottles of wine from under the stairs but left quite an expensive one in its place. Kindest regards for the New Year"

- Josh, December 2022

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Summary

One mezzanine-style king-size bedroom with Smart TV and woodburning stove
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
Kitchen/diner
Sitting room
Gas central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, slimline dishwasher
2 x Smart TVs, WiFi
Fuel, power, and starter for woodburning stove inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Off road parking for 2 cars
Front patio and rear enclosed courtyard with furniture
One well-behaved dog welcome (to stay downstairs only)
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.5 miles, pub 0.1 miles
Note: External steps lead down from bedroom to rear courtyard, please take care
Note: Adults only (no children or infants)

The property

Tucked away in the parkland setting and grounds of The Coach House, Llanrhaeadr, lies this charming conversion of an old brick dovecote, dating back to the 15th-century, The Dovecote.

Located within the hamlet of Llanrhaeadr, at the heart of the beautiful Vale of Clwyd, an AONB, the property is surrounded by a countryside lifestyle with local opportunities to fish, ride, golf, mountain bike and hike and walk amongst the nearby mountains of the Clywdian Range or along the Offa's Dyke pathway.

Perched between the market towns of Ruthin and Denbigh and within easy reach of North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester, this beautifully presented cottage is arranged over two floors, retaining original, unique features, and stunningly appointed for two guests to relish a romantic getaway.

Cross the threshold into your new home-from-home to discover a stylish, well-equipped kitchen hosting a superb range of appliances; relax at the breakfast bar, as your other half rustles up a feast and enjoy over a glass of wine, or two.

Step outside to bask in alfresco mealtimes with use of the outdoor furniture and plan the days ahead or curl up on the sumptuous sofa in front of the Smart TV, ready to indulge in a movie marathon or catch up on your favourite shows.

When the sky darkens, complete your evening routine in the ground-floor shower room prior to retreating to a stunning mezzanine-floor boasting a lavish king-size bed, high-pitched ceiling, wall-mounted Smart TV and even a woodburning stove; ideal for creating a relaxing ambience as you drift off into a refreshing night embrace.

The original brick sleeping quarters of the doves above the staircase, which have been attentively preserved and maintained, accentuate the appealing charm that this property has to offer.

If you can tear yourself away, be sure to visit St Dyfnog’s Church in the village, the church is perhaps most famous for its glorious Jesse window, completed in 1533 and above and behind the church lies St Dyfnog's Well, once a destination for pilgrims, take a sip from the natural springs, believed to have healing powers or take a day trip to Denbigh where you can tour the superb structure of Denbigh Castle or choose from an abundance of hiking paths to embark upon; treat your loved ones to a hearty lunch and cold beer at one of several pubs before continuing your adventure.

Travel to the seaside resort of Rhyl where you’ll find a delightful display of marine life at SeaQuarium Rhyl or, during warmer months, you can relax in the serenity of Rhyl Beach and listen to the waves crash on the shore.

Be sure you pack your golf clubs as Rhyl Golf Club, Rhuddlan Golf Club and Saint Melyd Golf Club all reside close by or check out current showcases found at Pavilion Theatre Rhyl for some light entertainment.

If it’s the hustle and bustle of city life that you’re seeking, visit Chester where an impressive selection of restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, and eateries can be uncovered, as well as Grosvenor Park, Chester Zoo and the infamous Eastgate Clock.

Snowdonia, around an hour from the cottage, of course also offers a whole host of fantastic activities with thrilling ziplines and slate mines to explore, surfing on the worlds first surf lagoon, climbing Mount Snowdon or exploring the beautiful coastline of the Llyn Peninsula, there is something for everyone!

Explore the wonders of North Wales from your new favourite home-from-home, The Dovecote.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150.

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About the location

LLANRHAEADR

Denbigh 2.9 miles; Rhyl 14.0 miles; Chester 29.5 miles

Llanrhaeadr is a charming rural village situated in the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, Wales. Perched between Denbigh and Ruthin, it houses the medieval parish church of St Dyfnog containing a Tree of Jesse window which dates to the 16th century and is described as the ‘finest glass window in all Wales’. Here you can also find a post office, several shops, and a pub, or travel to Denbigh at the heart of North Wales where the stunning medieval structure of Denbigh Castle can be seen as well as the Cae Dai 50s Museum. Take a stroll along the Town Walls and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding areas; The Burgess Gate, which originally stood at 60 feet, is the main entrance to the old town and offers vast and interesting history. Often dubbed as ‘walker’s paradise’ Denbigh is peppered with trails and even hosts an annual walking festival, with fantastic hikes up to the summit of Castell Dinas Bran, you’ll never be short of a challenge. Well-located here to explore the popular seaside towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn, as well as the bustling City of Chester where the splendid Chester Cathedral and City Walls can be traversed, Llanrhaeadr is the perfect base to begin your adventure.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Llanrhaeadr, North Wales & Snowdonia (Ref. 1084456)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Enjoyed the stay, lovely and peaceful but a little enclosed at times.”

“Beautiful place, very peaceful and tranquil.”

“How very disappointing.”

“Me, my partner and our dog stopped here for two night in a little long weekend break from the 21st to the 23rd June.”

“Hi,the accommodation was great but the weather not brilliant.”

“We stayed here in June and were looking forward to the short break.”

“Was surprised that the cottage was very separate from the village and had to walk along the busy A road to get anywhere to walk the dog.”

“We had a lovely holiday in this beautiful cottage!”

“We love the property and the bed was comfortable but this is where it ended.”

“Lovely cottage we would stay again and recommend.”

“Everything you need for your stay was there.”

“A lovely place to stay, also really good to have a secure garden for our dog.”

“Very disappointed with this cottage.”

“We really loved yr cottage.”

“Good Afternoon Many thanks for making contact and I appreciate the opportunity to provide some feedback about our stay in between Christmas and New Year at The Dovecote.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

LLANRHAEADR