We had a pleasant stay in Summer Hayes and the location was perfect for us. When we were there, the weather was quite cold with frosts at night. The heating in the cottage was more than adequate except for the small downstairs bedroom which was cold. This was not a problem as there was only two of us so we rarely went into that room. On the whole the central heating was good and the little electric “log-burner” stove was very efficient. Positives: Great location, cosy and warm, spacious kitchen, plenty of crockery, cutlery, glasses etc. which was good as we had invited three friends for dinner, so we didn’t have to wash up plates half way through the meal. A comfortable bed (we only used the master), good shower plus, our bedlinen and towels were changed half way through our stay. Negatives: Although there was a decent washing machine/dryer, the outside line didn’t work and there was no other means of hanging cloths to dry. Also, no instruction manual for the washing machine. There were two Nespresso coffee machines. One ‘Vertuo’ which was on the counter and an ordinary Nespresso machine in the cupboard. We couldn’t find the capsules for the ‘Vertuo’ (we tried Tesco, Morrison’s and M&S) and the machine in the cupboard was very dirty. Perhaps a couple of days’ worth of capsules could have been provided to make it easier to buy the correct ones. As it was, we abandoned the coffee machines and had to use instant. The saucepans and frying pans were limited and ‘tired’ (loose handle on one of the frying pans). None of this spoilt our stay, but it would have taken it up to a different level had these niggles been corrected. Just a note to take into account. The pictures of the living room on the website show two white, smart sofas and an easy chair. What was actually there were three small black sofas, which although not uncomfortable, they weren’t great.

One of the reasons for booking Summer Hayes was that it had a downstairs bedroom with toilet and shower for one of our party. This was fine and very useful. The location, only a couple of miles away from Broadway was fine. The décor was "Quirky" with a mixed theme. Not sure if it was African or Victorian. The kitchen was very modern and well fitted out although a few more items of crockery would have been useful. Downstairs some of the furniture was well past its sell by date. We were informed that some of this was shortly to be replaced. We were unable to get the Smart TV to work. We were concerned that some of the wiring may not pass a safety test as a cable was running under the front door mat . We would not recommend this should you have small children. To may sharp corners, ornament and wires. Upstairs was somewhat odd but clean with a toilet and shower serving the two room. This was fine but the addition of a shower mat for safety should be fitted. A hair dryer would have been helpful for upstairs. Clothes hanging space was limited. The details stated that there was a BBQ in the Garden. This was a rusty peace of metal. No way would we use it. The garden needed the hedge cutting and basically clearing up. Excellent restaurant only 300 meters away and adjoining neighbour's and opposite very pleasant and helpful. You ask below if we would recommend it? The answer would be No. However if the items that we mention were rectified the answer would be yes.

We had a few issues with our stay. Fair to say, some were outside the control of both Stay Cotswold and the property owner. The customer service was totally excellent though, both while we were there and since we got home - a really first class fast response. I made a detailed report of what went wrong, and have received a very charming email back from the owner by return. He is very much on the case and has pulled out the stops to make amends. There are a few negative comments on previous reviews, some of which reflect what we experienced - but I have full confidence that the situation is being rectified with immediate effect and all will be well for future guests. Summer Hayes is such a lovely cottage, in a beautiful position and so well placed for visiting the Cotswolds. Have no hesitation, book it. Plenty of space for 5 and a dog or two. The ground floor bedroom and powder room was particularly appreciated by one of our party who is waiting for a new hip! Two showers very much appreciated, and the conservatory is a lovely space to dine.

The cottage is in a wonderful location and the village is lovely though neighbours were a little bit fussy about where we parked. The layout of the house was good and we loved the snug room at the back and the courtyard. However, there were too many fussy items like old plastic plants, books, kitchen items that just took up room and needed cleaning. Furniture is old and needs replacing and the bed and mattress in the small double bedroom is not of a standard for a holiday property. Some of the electrics were inconsistent and when the carbon monoxide alarm batteries there were none is the draw where it said they would be. For the price paid I expect it to be of a higher standard. But we still had a lovely few days.