Megan - verified booking

"This is a beautifully decorated, new cottage that has gorgeous furniture and *almost* everything you could want for a break away in the countryside. Unfortunately the hot tub wasn't hot, and we could find no instructions on how to increase the temperature (and we did ask the owner as well but received no response), so we weren't really able to use it even though we had specifically chosen the property because of that feature. The sauna again had no real instructions for use but we managed to figure it out and warm it up eventually. This too was a little lacklustre, although it is a lovely and unique feature. The house itself has plenty of room and is so well equipped except for a couple of things (no matches - to light the cosy woodburning fire - and no dishwasher tablets for the dishwasher). We would have expected those items to be there, however there was a lovely welcome basket full of goodies which was so nice to receive!!The surrounding area is stunning and right on your doorstep for walks and exploring. It really feels you're in the middle of nowhere, but it's also easy to get to from Norwich station. Some clearer walking routes and maps would be useful in the Information Book, and also some better directions on how to get to the cottage itself as it's quite difficult to find (particularly in the dark!).Overall we really enjoyed our stay and this is a stunning property in a great location; there are just a few elements that could be easily improved to give it the real wow factor."

Valerie - verified booking

"The location is absolutely unique. We were were privileged to have access to the observation which is attached to the house, from which we could look across the Solway Firth to the Lake District. At dawn and dusk we watched up to 20,000 barnacle geese filling the sky, looking for morning grazing and evening roosting sites. The sound of the geese in the air is wonderful.. Add to this, the whooper swans, freshly arriving from Iceland landing the pond in front of the conservatory and badgers outside the conservatory in the evening. The house itself is warm and comfortable with good facilities. Attention has been paid to detail. There is a cafe on the reserve which is open in the daytime. If you want an urban experience, this is not the place for you. It is fairly remote, but with a car, you can visit the hometown of Burns or the handsome caerlaverock castle and beyond.There is a walk along the marsh to the castle. It is a privilege to be able to stay in the heart of a nature reserve. We did have beautiful weather so it was very easy to be out of doors."

Nicky - verified booking

"Great location, felt so rural, with Norwich city just 15 mins away! The cottage comfortably housed 8 of us and was perfect for our birthday celebrations. We all commented on the lovely comfortable beds! However, there were some negatives that could so easily be rectified and make this cottage into such a beautiful and perfect place to stay. For us the house wasn’t well equipped enough for 8 (ie only 4 bowls, 4 small glasses, 2 tea towels etc). We had to buy a bread knife as there wasn’t one. The bbq was a great addition but was filthy and no tools to clean it and our biggest negative was the most uncomfortable corner sofa in the lounge... The hot tub and sauna was a brilliant addition and would have been perfect had the tub have been warm. We contacted the owners who ordered a new element and quickly fitted it but it was a shame it wasn’t working.If you have the choice, choose the cottage next door as the hot tub is to the side of the house rather than the front... just felt a bit more secluded."

Kate - verified booking

"We were disappointed that the garden wasn't enclosed having taken two dogs and it being on a very busy main road. The house was nice, however, needed some maintenance such as broken toilet seats, oven fan and heating elements and overall cleanliness. We found evidence of mice, bedding looked like it had been screwed up before being put on which made us question the cleanliness, evidence of balloons and party poppers from previous guests that hadn't been cleaned up. Overall, location was okay- even near the busy road- lots of nice walks with the dogs and easy to access local area. Owner of the property very nice and lovely welcome pack. The cleanliness was the biggest problem. You don't expect to go to a property and see mice droppings, stains of what we assume are from animals on carpets and broken facilities. We wouldn't stay again as we felt it was expensive for what it offered, asked the enclosed garden and had very poor standards for arriving guests."

Rachel - verified booking

"I recently stayed at Narrowgates cottage over the bank holiday weekend with friends and their children. The cottage is absolutely stunning inside and out. It was clear the owners have put a lot of thought and effort into the cottage and everything you would need was provided (condiments, board games, etc). The personal gifts that were provided for the two children (pepper pig lunch box and an infant toy) with personalised messages to them was just so lovely and a nice surprise. The adults very much enjoyed the wine and local food (bacon and sausages) as well! I have recommended the cottage to everyone! I will most definitely be returning again in the future. The phone signal was not great however the owners were very accommodating and helpful in sorting the WIFI for our stay. We could not ask for more. Great stay for families and friends."