1 Apse Castle Cottage - Chocolate Box Cottage, Pet-Friendly 16th Century Cottage, surrounded by Ancient Woodland in Shanklin

It was very pretty and well equipped and comfortable.

Two things were an issue with our stay. The first was that neither of the bathroom doors had locks, and the upstairs bathroom didn’t even have a latch on it to shut the door. Not the level of privacy we expected from this standard of accommodation, especially with a lively 2 year old staying with us. The other issue we had was parking. We understand that the parking area has been reduced due to the installation of the oil tank, but we were informed that there was parking available on the lane outside. The lane is very narrow and not wide enough to park without causing an obstruction, and it is unlit. My son had to park over 100 metres away, which was not safe with a 2 year old child.

High standard of fittings and very clean

Nowhere to hang coats , especially a problem coming in wet. The same for wet shoes.. No clocks working...mirrors placed for decoration only. Double bedroom needed a chair in the corner..not the framed artificial plant. Too much form over function.

Lovely cottage, pretty location, comfy beds and decent kitchen

Parking was poor. You said one car and the other in the road!! Cars drive along the tiny road really fast and so there was no way we'd leave the car on the road!! No garden so not suitable for dogs. Just a driveway rubble area. We were concerned that you charged extra for possible damages when several things were unacceptable in the house eg light fitting in bathroom hanging loose, no locks on toilet/ bathrooms - the upstairs one didn't even shut, stair gate hanging loose from the wall, no clear instructions for cooker or bins.

Our stay was pleasant and met needs during the week stay. Overall we found the Cottage comfortable to stay in and it was in a lovely quite area. And accessible for days out . I like the pluggin night lights as it can be very dark in the college at night.

The college had a smell to it when you first went in it did feel damp inside the Cottage. the bedroom with the two single beds upstairs are a bit old and rickety and the mattresses weren't too good to sleep on. there was some areas of cleanserness that could have been cleaned better. one of the blankets smelt of dog. the tumble dryer was full of water as the tank had not been empted, no floor broom, although there was a small hoover in the cupboard, no bins in the bathroom areas. the downstairs bathroom did not have a blind so you couldn't have a bath even though part of the glass was frosted. It stated in welcome book about leaving the BBQ clean, but there wasn't one to use, only coal bags piled up under the shelter and that area needed a good clean nowhere to hang any washing. they provided an airer, which was flimsy and not adequate. The gas detection box was sat on the shelf above the fireplace and didn't appear to be working. Most of these things that I have listed are easily to be put right to make an outstanding stay.

The location was pretty but was not safe for walking as no path. It was very clean and well stocked.

It wasn't particularly pet friendly as stated. Our dogs are our family and are allowed everywhere we are so to not allow them upstairs was a major problem especially as our friends had a puppy with them who could not be left alone. There was no garden to speak of and no path to walk the dogs especially at night. I don't think the cottage had been lived in much as there was an awful musty smell each time you entered it and everywhere felt damp and it was not very warm inside and we were unable to light the fire to get the heating on so were only using the portable heater.

Well appointed, good location, everything required for a weeks stay

Shower head needed over bath downstairs as upstairs shower is small and often want ti wash hair during a bath. Small bins would be nice in barhrooms and bedrooms for day to day waste.