“Property was not quite what the pictures suggested.”
A bit dated inside with few noticeable marks on carpets and plasterwork, damp behind kitchen door, etc. Plus there was nothing in the Lyme Bay holidays listings suggesting the property had shared access and kind of a shared garden space including shared access to the street below via smugglers run. Plus I think the rear of the fossil shop was underneath the sitting room, as during the daytime we could hear tools being used and talking, but was very quiet and peaceful at night once the fossil shop closed for the day. Just the listing doesn't mention any of the above. Don't get us wrong, the stay was great, we had a great break and the property had a charm about it. Just location if we'd of known would not be our usual choice, as we prefer more privacy and own garden, access, etc. Property was just a little on the tired side, but had everything we needed for a comfortable break. There was also a locked glazed door at bottom of inner stairway, which we could not work out where it led. When we called Lyme Bay Holidays to ask what the said door was, they could not say. We reckon it's an old entrance but not sure.
We are saddened to read some of this whilst fully respecting your varied views and opinions.
We continually upkeep what is a Grade II listed building in parts dating from the 1700s and maintain our property to the required standards. We upgraded all of our heating and water systems this year after a flood. With professional help the lower wall behind the kitchen door has necessarily had to be left for periods to dry out and be retreated. We apologise for these current marks.
The house keeping standards as set and maintained by Sykes Holidays will have noted if there were any marks in the carpet and would have addressed them hopefully. Space in lower Lyme Regis is at a premium and we are lucky to be so central yet so tucked away with the huge bonus of central parking. Smugglers Passage Way is not our property or route to Cleve House although we have always been very grateful to be able to use it for access to our house. Our access, as stated on Sykes Holidays, is via private wooden steps from the car park. We don't have any shared garden, again as stated we have a private wooden decking area. I will ensure that this is clear in the Sykes brochure and online information and reflected in the photos.
As you said you enjoyed your stay and the property has a charm about it, we are pleased and thank you.
You asked about a locked cupboard under one of the staircases. This is locked as an owners space for storage and actually contains tools, paint and ladders for on going maintenance and upkeep. These are all visible through the frosted, glazed door. This has always been a cupboard and does not lead to anywhere. It did have a small note on it saying "Owner's cupboard" which must have come off.
I'm sorry that you rated Cleve House so much lower than our other reviews and we have carefully considered each of your points.
With regards.
Property Owner
