Middleton House by Blue Skies Stays

Fabulous property, everything we needed, quiet area but also close to all amenities, very helpful hosts would definitely stay again

Not a lot, our stay was ruined by the smell of the two dead rats decomposing under the kitchen sink and the lack of care and communication from the landlord.

I would strongly advise against booking this property. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the place hadn’t been properly cleaned or maintained in quite some time. There was visible water damage on the 3rd floor with mould growing around the windows and ceiling and a persistent, damp, musty smell throughout. Rubbish was piled in front of the house, and the living room floor was scattered with dead flies — incredibly off-putting. There was no TV remote, no kitchen knives, and not even a single spoon to use. It doesn't look like the pictures, most of the decorative items are gone, so are the bedside lamps... When I messaged the host, I received an unhelpful reply telling me to "check the cupboards" for the missing items, which is where I unfortunately discovered two dead rats under the sink. The following day, the kitchen stank so badly of decomposition that we couldn’t even step inside to make breakfast. None of our concerns were addressed, and the host failed to follow up or provide any resolution. In its current condition, this property is absolutely unfit for guests. Completely unacceptable experience. I've tried to add pictures of the issues but it looks like they have been censored....

We were there for open jar festival with friends

House in poor state, damp walls pealing. Paint. Front garden full of weeds. Back garden full of rubbish. Couldn't sit in front room as curtains didn't close. Sat in dining room with curtains shut so didn't have to look at rubbish. Carpet dirty and cobwebs everywhere. Had problems with parking as need permits so had to wait for staff from fish mongers to leave. Only had 2 table spoons for 5 of us so had our porridge with teaspoons. Had no mirrors in room and othe room that had a mirrors there was no plug socket to plug hairdr in. Bathroom had about 2 inches of dust on the tiles. Never received our house information pack. House was cleaner when we left and couldn't wait to leave. Never have we experienced anything like that and we pulled weeds out just to get in the front door..Helen who contact s by email has never seen the house. Please save your money and go to a clean hotel or BnB. This house is DIRTY DIRTY. Inside and especially out.

Due to a last minute cancellation by another property (the day before - previous guests had caused damage), I needed to find a property quickly for a short, family break. We weren't planning on going to Hartlepool, but there wasn't much choice (within my budget) at the last minute, especially as it was August Bank Holiday weekend. The property was reasonably priced and looked good. The property is clean, decorated/furnished in a modern style and extremely spacious. There is a reasonably equipped, modern kitchen for a short stay (we ate out mostly) with a useful little welcome pack.The beds were comfortable, with fresh, clean bedding. Bathroom was nicely fitted out, with fresh, clean towels provided. The front room was cosy yet spacious whilst playing family games, with a good sized TV for watching movies. There is a small convenience store around the corner, a pretty good shopping centre a 10-minute walk away, and just a short walk to the pubs, bars and marina. There is an ASDA and Morrisons nearby for shopping.

Location is a little rough and run down. Quite a few scruffy properties on the street/surrounding streets. Hartlepool itself isn't exactly an exciting place. Front garden was full of weeds, back yard had rubbish bags strewn out and a dead seagull in the corner (not recently died). There is no outdoor area, wouldn't take much to deck out the back yard, paint the walls and put a small table and chairs out there. Waterfall shower was damaged, so had to use the smaller hand held shower head. Paint was flaking off the walls in a few rooms, probably due to a bit of damp during winter, needs scraping off and re-painting. We were only using it as a base for the weekend. Although it was comfy and spacious, I wouldn't want to stay for longer than a couple of days.

Clean property. Great location. Ample parking.