The Old Kennels

4.1★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Hot tub
Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
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

29 Customer Review(s)

Kate
October 2024

“The Old Kennels is in an unbeatably quiet and beautiful location.”

The accommodation is very comfortable, spacious and well organised. We enjoyed our stay and were happy with every aspect of our holiday.

The accommodation is very comfortable, spacious and well organised. We enjoyed our stay and were happy with every aspect of our holiday.

- Kate, October 2024
Odette September 2024

“Cottage was lovely and quiet Lots of spiders and webs especially in the ...”

Cottage was lovely and quiet Lots of spiders and webs especially in the bathroom and light The double bedroom mattress was awful You could hear the springs pinging when you led in it Very uncomfortable We slept in the twin bedroom Please change the mattress Duvet cover on double bed very stained

- Odette, September 2024
Matthew September 2024

“We loved the location and the accommodation.”

It was so well equipped and very comfortable. The hot tub was an added bonus. The owners were on hand if needed . Beds were very comfortable with lovely quality bed linen. Our dog was in heaven with the freedom and we are already looking at dates to book to return visit next year.

- Matthew, September 2024
Carl July 2024

“I definitely wouldn’t stay again!”

Laundry - I didn’t need a “flowery” smell!!! I couldn’t sleep in the bed due to the overwhelming smell! I ended up on the sofa! Gutted .. we were really looking forward to this holiday! Also cleaning needs improving, I counted 15 spiders when we arrived in kitchen alone ? Umm .. perhaps you need to look at cleaning staff!!

- Carl, July 2024
Jane July 2024

“A great holiday in fabulous location.”

Very comfortable with fantastic views. It could have been cleaner and the hot tub wasnt turned on so couldn't use it the first night. Listing is confusing as it describes Boswell Farm cottages layout whereas The Kennels is compley separate and very isolated in the middle of fields nestled under a large Oak tree. We would definitely stay again.

- Jane, July 2024
Julie June 2024

“Gem of a place if you like to get away from It all absolute bliss.”

Our dog loved the freedom of the surrounding fields.Comfortable, well equipped all you could need. One very minor thing was I think the patio area could benefit from a sweep and dead Bush by door removing as it meant we walked in lots of mess. Overall stunning place would go back 2moro.

- Julie, June 2024
Clive May 2024

“We had a very enjoyable week and it was very relaxing in beautiful surroundings ...”

We had a very enjoyable week and it was very relaxing in beautiful surroundings however the only problem was the loss of internet which happened frequently for the television and unable to enjoy the radio programmes

- Clive, May 2024
Emma April 2024

“The most beautiful stay in a prime location.”

Everything you need and more, a lovely set up inside with all the kitchen facilities you need, whilst the lounge and bedroom being very comfortable with amazing views across the fields - which our dog loved exploring. The outside space was lovely, and we even managed to make use of the bbq provided (shame the furniture was soggy but thats the UK weather! Table was broken but there is plenty of other space you can use). The hot tub was just a luxury added extra which we enjoyed! We would definitely recommend to friends and family and hope to visit again. Thankyou for a lovely stay!

- Emma, April 2024
Emma April 2024

“The Old Kennels was a lovely, quiet place to relax and unwind.”

It’s in a great location with easy access to all the local beaches, walks and main roads into Sidmouth and the surrounding areas. The accommodation was well equipped and had everything we needed for our stay.

- Emma, April 2024
Helena March 2024

“Property had been neglected with worn decor, the patio was a key selling point and unfortunately covered in weeds and branches from the tree, we spent 10 mins cleaning this up so it would be safe for our dog.”

A radiator had been removed from the hallway which meant it was very cold down the front part of the property. The shower only went from hot and cold and wouldn’t stay on a comfortable temperature. Hot chocolate provided in the kitchen was out of date by 3 months. Windows in the bedroom were lightly painted and the sky windows had no blinds meaning it got very light in the room in the morning. The property could be really lovely if more care was put into it, it’s a shame as spent a lot of money for our stay only for it to feel as if the owners didn’t want to make the effort.

- Helena, March 2024
Andrew October 2023

“Beautiful property in a lovely rural and peaceful location.”

Extremely comfortable facilties where you really feel relaxed. Used the hot tub every day which helped us to unwind. Only things I would suggest to improve the property are a bigger fridge and freezer. Would definitely return and use the property again.

- Andrew, October 2023
Zoe October 2023

“Had a fantastic stay at this property.”

We had everything we needed. Property was clean and comfortable, everything worked as it should. Great location very peaceful.

- Zoe, October 2023
Lindsay September 2023

“All was good in the main with the exception of the fridge - this was very small, no freezer, only an icebox, and the shelves in the door were broken.”

It meant I could only shop for a couple of days, not ideal for a holiday.

- Lindsay, September 2023
Sue August 2023

“The setting was lovely but spoilt by a few niggles.”

The keycode safe was very fiddly and hard to open. The listed fridge/freezer was anything but as was only a very small fridge with an ice box that wouldnt even hold a small tub of icecream. The village shop was closed each day just after lunch due to staff shortages and had hardly any stock so we had to travel to the larger stores further away and then had no space to store items so had to do a limited shop each time. The salad box was only big enough for 2 items! We tried to use the dishwasher on day 3 when we had built up enough crockery to make it worthwhile using but unfortunately it did not work due to no salt and there was none in the cupboard! There was no control on the hot tub to turn the water temperature down as it was too hot for us to use. The area around the building needed a good tidy up, lots of weeds growing and a very dirty door mat to greet you. The TV only worked on a few of the days holiday as it kept saying no signal and as we dont subscribe to NETFLIX it was a little disappointing. The area around the house was lovely and we enjoyed going for long walks each day. All in all we enjoyed our holiday but a shame it was spoilt by a few small niggles.

- Sue, August 2023
Emma August 2023

“We stayed at the Old Kennels in August 2023 as a family group of 4 adults and our dog and couldn’t have had a better holiday.”

Accurate listing, very clean, beautiful setting and really well equipped holiday home. Having stayed in a few holiday cottages like this over the years we were really impressed by the range of kitchen equipment available, enough to cook a big roast and multiple barbecues for a group of 4. Tea and coffee also provided, which was not expected and above and beyond. Lots of parking. Fast, friendly responses from owners when needed - really lovely people. The hot tub and garden furniture were brilliant as we happened to be lucky with the weather after a very wet July! Location was beautiful and secluded which was wonderful, lots of space for the dog to safely run around, walking distance from the byes, lovely pubs and sidmouth - perfect for a relaxed and pooch-friendly holiday. Would 100% recommend to anyone and my partner and I are coming back in November with the pooch for another week! Couldn’t have asked for any more. Had a really lovely week of quality time with family.

- Emma, August 2023
Laura July 2023

“Beautiful cottage in a great location.”

We would definitely book again. Close to Sidmouth which is a really lovely unspoilt town. The owners were very helpful. Perfect getaway.

- Laura, July 2023
James July 2023

“My wife and I stayed at the Old Kennels Cottage Accommodation for 6 nights at the end of July 2023.”

We payed over £1300 for our stay. One of the main reasons we chose this cottage, was because it had a washing machine. We had traveled from Switzerland via France and had already been on the road for 9 days. Upon our arrival, and to our surprise, there was no washing machine. The booklet in the cottage said it had a washing machine as well as on the Website of Sykes Cottages, who we booked through. After contacting the Site Manager, we were informed that the washing machine was broken. The Site Manager said that they would return the next day to discuss the matter. We never saw that person again for the duration of our stay and no message was left for us to say that they had stopped by and that we should contact them. Had we had not contacted the Site Manager, no one would have told us that there was no washing machine available. There was ZERO communication prior to our arrival that the washing machine was broken and not available at the property. This was a huge inconvenience to us and certainly was not the nicest experience to start our holiday with. We were offered to have our washing done by the site manger at the farm. Which was a nice gesture. But after seeing how dirty (particular the bed sheets and towels) the cottage was when we arrived, we did not accept this offer. Also, this was certainly not a sufficient solution to having no washing machine at the property. We certainly did not pay £1300 for a stranger to do our washing on another property. On our departure day, we asked the owner that we be refunded accordingly as they did not provide us with a washing machine that we could use, at our own convenience, in the cottage. The owner refused to refund us. In addition, upon our arrival, the property was not cleaned properly, not even to a minimal standard of cleanliness. In the Kitchen all the door handles and appliances were sticky and dirty to touch. The drawers where the cutlery and toaster were kept had not been cleaned. There were still ALOT of left over crumbs in the toaster from the previous week. The tea towel provided had a huge stain on it, and the dish sponge was black and smelly. It certainly didn’t give us much confidence that the rest of the utensils and kitchen were cleaned properly?! In the Bathroom the bath mat had stains on it and didn’t look clean. There were a number (more than should be tolerated) of hairs around the toilet, sink, floor and shower area. In the main double bedroom the sheets had a stain in the middle of the bed, and the mattress protector was covered in stains, and looked liked it hadn’t been washed in a long time. It was disgusting! There were cobwebs everywhere and no sign that any had tried to be cleaned. Dog hairs were also evident on the sofa and floor of the lounge area. There were left over pieces of litter in the small bin of the main bedroom. The bin had not been emptied. The Hoover (a Dyson) had not been emptied, it was full and we had to empty it our selves to use it the first night, because there were dead insects everywhere. Therefore, I would highly recommend that you DO NOT BOOK AND STAY HERE. For the price you pay, it does not equate to the the service and quality you expect to receive. You will find much better accommodations and hotels with a much higher level of cleanliness and standard of service in the nearby area. Lastly, there are similar feedback comments on the Sykes website dating from Oct 2022. Therefore, the owner has not dealt with these issues sufficiently and the management of this property has some serious problems.

- James, July 2023
Saul July 2023

“Really great cottage, we very much enjoyed our stay.”

The location and view was a total winner. Really nicely equipped and furnished - very comfortable. We would absolutely recommend The Old Kennels. Andy & Rosie were incredibly helpful and friendly so a huge thanks to them both. The only thing that could be improved would be to add an outside storage locker for the cushions for the patio furniture. That would work better than having to have the cushions piled up in the lounge at night and when it rained.

- Saul, July 2023
Graham July 2023

“Beautiful property in a lovely setting, we will be back !”

- Graham, July 2023
Margaret June 2023

“We stayed at The Old Kennels to celebrate our first anniversary and we were not disappointed.”

The views are stunning. We relaxed in the evenings, on the patio sofa or in the hot tub, watching the sun go down. Accommodation has everything you need, clean, and homely. If you are looking for a retreat on the fringe of local amenities then we would highly recommend this place. Maggie and Ken

- Margaret, June 2023
Deanna May 2023

“Lovely stay, a few dust webs visible, a soft broom would have been handy to do a quick sweep to remove outside debris.”

We had a lovely stay and would definitely book again, thank you.

- Deanna, May 2023
Guy April 2023

“Idyllic getaway.”

Just perfect. Hope to return.

- Guy, April 2023
Paula December 2022

“Property needs maintenance… shower needs updating… basic items which have been mentioned before in reviews still not provided ie bottle opener.”

. as it has hot tub .. robes and slippers should be provided .. kitchen and hallway very cold. Pricy in comparison to other places we have stayed in which haven’t had these issues. Positives great location and quick response from manager when problem with hot tub. Wouldn’t book again purely because standard of accommodation ☹️

- Paula, December 2022
Sarah October 2022

“Whilst the property was nice enough, it does really need a good clean - we walked into the property with over 20 large flies buzzing at the main bedroom window (which doesn't open!”

), dead bugs, cobwebs and too many spiders hanging from the ceilings that suggests that a proper clean hasn't happened. The shaving plug doesn't work. You have a TV listed in the property but it's only internet-enabled/streaming only (which should be noted). The kitchen also lacked same basic products such as a bottle opener. Also it gets very cold in the kitchen and hallway without any heating available. This was sadly made worse from ill-fitting windows and front door (water actually pooled when weather was particularly bad). The property Also lists a fridge freezer which is inaccurate given only a fridge is available with a small freezer compartment-there is a huge difference especially when staying for a week. Also no welcome provided which felt most odd and when we did make contact the response felt very cold and standoffish. Overall it made for a very disappointing stay.

- Sarah, October 2022
Ed October 2022

“Loved our stay at the old kennels great retreat would recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet relaxing time with stunning views all around.”

- Ed, October 2022
Richard September 2022

“Set in a peaceful location with stunning views, this cottage is absolutely beautiful and it's just a 15 minute walk to the local hostelry and village shop.”

The owners have thought of everything, which makes this cottage home from home. The lovely town of Sidmouth is around 45 minutes walk away and has lots of shops, restaurants and pubs. We would definitely recommend a stay at The Old Kennels.

- Richard, September 2022
Sarah August 2022

“A beautiful place to stay - loved the view from the patio.”

Definitely felt like we were ‘away from it all’ - very relaxing! Not far from the beach at Sidmouth so easy for days out. Hosts were really helpful.

- Sarah, August 2022
Kerryn August 2022

“This property was truly stunning.”

Very comfortable . We will definitely return.

- Kerryn, August 2022
Sandy August 2022

“There were no reviews when we booked this place & turns out we were the first guests at this beautiful converted barn!”

The pictures looked great but the place & views are amazing, the lovely owner popped to say Hi & you couldn’t be in a nicer area, complete tranquil setting & down the road everything you need! The barn is very comfortable, fully kitted out, comfy beds & stunning scenery!!

- Sandy, August 2022

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Summary

Single-storey
Two bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
Kitchen
Living/dining room
Electric central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
TV, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Private driveway
Garden with lawn, patio, furniture, and hot tub
One well-behaved dog welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.8 miles, pub 0.5 miles
Note: The property is not suitable for children

The property

Sidford 0.9 miles.

Set in Harcombe, near the charming village of Sidford in Devon, is this contemporarily designed, single-storey cottage, The Old Kennels.

Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting panoramic views, a tranquil setting, and a private hot tub, whilst featuring original beams, stylish furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen, the cottage is perfect for a group of four friends, or couple's alike, hoping to experience a countryside retreat; one well-behaved dog is also welcome, to make the most of your nature-filled surroundings.

Flexible sleeping arrangements, an area to dine and unwind, outdoor furniture, and sleek fixtures are found throughout The Old Kennels, providing a relaxing environment to plan and enjoy your Devonshire break.

Explore the delights of Devon with The Old Kennels as your base.

Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 1075529 together sleeping up to 10 guests.

Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages

Nestled in slopes of the Sid Valley in an area of outstanding beauty, this pairing of delightful cottages offers a high standard of accommodation and are open all year round. Based around a large historic courtyard, each property boasts their own private entrance as well as their very own garden, ideal for dogs. On-site, make use of the tennis court, table tennis, fishing lake, and children's play area as well as a handy laundry room to refresh your clothing. Inside the properties you will discover well-equipped kitchens, charmingly adorned bedrooms, and plush sitting areas, so you can relax and unwind in a home away from home. Enveloped in the views of hills and woodlands, you can simply spend your days admiring the surrounding scenery, or if you want to explore, Sidmouth has much to offer including the Jurassic which is perfect for walkers and showcases breath-taking beach's where you can relax, sink your feet into the sea or even hire a paddleboard. The cottages are also within proximity to local amenities, found in the nearby village; stock up on the essentials at a SPAR, whilst the chef of your group can have a break and enjoy a delicious meal at The Blue Ball Inn. Just a stone's throw away, arrive at Sidmouth Museum, providing insight into the local history, Chit Rocks, perfect for a coastal walk, and Beer Quarry Caves, an underground quarry, made of beer stone, ideal for guided tours. Keen nature enthusiasts will enjoy treks to Hooken Cliffs, visits to Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre, offering handling experiences, and strolls around Orcombe Cliffs, with access to the turquoise shoreline. Northernhay Gardens, Topsham Museum, and Wildwood Escot, a wildlife retreat with woodlands and a maze to discover, are all recommended for a memorable stay in Devon. Make lasting memories by staying with Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

About the location

SIDFORD

Sidmouth 1.9 miles; Exmouth 12.6 miles; Exeter 14.3 miles.

Sidford is a charming village resting between Sidmouth and Sidbury. The village is well-known for its exceptional location within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers a good selection of attractions, including the Sidford Tennis Club and the River Sid, whilst dining options include The Rising Sun and Blue Ball Inn, while you can stock up on essentials at the nearby convenience store. Within easy reach of the village is Sidmouth, where you will find the further attractions of Sidmouth Beach, Sidmouth Museum, Jacob’s Ladder, Blackmore Gardens and the Norman Lockyer Observatory.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“The Old Kennels is in an unbeatably quiet and beautiful location.”

“Cottage was lovely and quiet Lots of spiders and webs especially in the ...”

“We loved the location and the accommodation.”

“I definitely wouldn’t stay again!”

“A great holiday in fabulous location.”

“Gem of a place if you like to get away from It all absolute bliss.”

“We had a very enjoyable week and it was very relaxing in beautiful surroundings ...”

“The most beautiful stay in a prime location.”

“The Old Kennels was a lovely, quiet place to relax and unwind.”

“Property had been neglected with worn decor, the patio was a key selling point and unfortunately covered in weeds and branches from the tree, we spent 10 mins cleaning this up so it would be safe for our dog.”

“Beautiful property in a lovely rural and peaceful location.”

“Had a fantastic stay at this property.”

“All was good in the main with the exception of the fridge - this was very small, no freezer, only an icebox, and the shelves in the door were broken.”

“The setting was lovely but spoilt by a few niggles.”

“We stayed at the Old Kennels in August 2023 as a family group of 4 adults and our dog and couldn’t have had a better holiday.”

“Beautiful cottage in a great location.”

“My wife and I stayed at the Old Kennels Cottage Accommodation for 6 nights at the end of July 2023.”

“Really great cottage, we very much enjoyed our stay.”

“Beautiful property in a lovely setting, we will be back !”

“We stayed at The Old Kennels to celebrate our first anniversary and we were not disappointed.”

“Lovely stay, a few dust webs visible, a soft broom would have been handy to do a quick sweep to remove outside debris.”

“Idyllic getaway.”

“Property needs maintenance… shower needs updating… basic items which have been mentioned before in reviews still not provided ie bottle opener.”

“Whilst the property was nice enough, it does really need a good clean - we walked into the property with over 20 large flies buzzing at the main bedroom window (which doesn't open!”

“Loved our stay at the old kennels great retreat would recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet relaxing time with stunning views all around.”

“Set in a peaceful location with stunning views, this cottage is absolutely beautiful and it's just a 15 minute walk to the local hostelry and village shop.”

“A beautiful place to stay - loved the view from the patio.”