2006 /7 Guest Comments for Secret Cottage

December 2006 / 2007 GUEST COMMENTS FOR SECRET COTTAGE

We have included every comment from our visitor's book - without any editing.

The cottages were closed for major restoration work from November 2005 to December 2006. Thank you all for your kind comments. We are delighted to see that you have enjoyed your time in Pembrokeshire, and particularly at the Pembrokeshire Courtyard Cottages.

Pauline and Malcolm Wilcocks (Xmas 2006). One word sums up our Christmas break at Secret cottage BRILLIANT! The cottage was lovely. Thank you Dylan and Tanya for providing everything we could have wanted – and more. The restoration has been a good job done (so sorry to hear about the flood). The riverside walks are beautiful even in winter. Enjoyed a very good traditional Christmas Day lunch at Castell Malgwyn Hotel. Popped up a couple of evenings after but found it to be closed so limited opening hours in winter. Would love to stay here again. This is an area we know well and ‘Secret’ is the best cottage we have stayed in, very warm and cosy in a beautiful location. Thank you very much !

The Rensmann Family (New Year, Jan ’07). We enjoyed our time in your cosy & comfortable cottage despite wet and windy weather. It was nice to be able to experience the brand new furnishings & equipment. We are confident that the teething problems we experienced can be overcome ! NOTE FROM OWNERS: Cleaners accidentally left only 4 instead of 6 towels – additional towels supplied within hours of notification. Guests jammed key in lock, emergency locksmith called out immediately. Notified of dishwasher leak Sat pm / ev. Plumber attended Sunday morning.

Wyn & Sian Jones (Feb ’07). Had very relaxing weekend here with glorious sunny weather to explore the beautiful coastline. The cottage was beautiful with everything we could possibly need – even a view of the river while I washed up! Many thanks to Lee and Wayne who rescued us when our lock jammed and we couldn’t get in !!

Richmond (Feb’07).Excellent very comfortable cottage in beautfil setting. Will definitely recommend to others. Thanks!

Phil, Linda & Julie Evans (Feb ’07).Lovely cottage beautifully furnished and a perfect setting. The large comfy sofas and woodburing stove made for very cosey evenings watching the excellent video collection. Had some good walks along the river and beaches nearby. Will definitely recommend to others and hope to come again ourselves.

Paul, Sally & Finley Smart, Alf & Spike (the dog) (March ’07). I really enjoyed my holiday in Wales and Secret cottage was just perfect – comfortable, cosy & very well equipped. The courtyard was just right for me to run around in and collect stones in my bucket. The Gardeners and workmen I met were very friendly. Mummy & Grandad said a hook on the back of the downstairs shower room door would have been useful – Daddy and I told them not to be so fussy! We were very disappointed with the Carpenters Arms as we were not made to feel welcome at all and got the impression they were not child friendly so Grandad drove to Cardigan to get yummy fish and chips for us to enjoy in our perfect cosy cottage. A wonderful holiday enjoyed by us all- Thank you very much – Finley ( Aged 1½ years ) xxxx.

Mark, Sarah & Dylan the dog ( March’07). Lovely home from home, thank you! It was great to find so many dog friendly activities to do, from the beaches at Poppit, St Davids + the fantastic beach at Tenby to the coastal park(with 1 seal!!) near Cardigan. We all now feel refreshed + recharged from the break!

Linda, John, Kathy, Lee, Sam, Chris + 2 dogs Sadie + Hamish (Apirl ’07). We have had a wonderful time in the Secret cottage. Excellent facilities. Boys loved the table tennis and table football. Beautiful surroundings. Relaxing nights in front of the log burner. Can we stay here forever? Will love to come again.

Nick, Angie, Georgia & Tamsin Oakley + Freddie (8 mnth old Chocolate Labrador) (April ‘ 07). Our first holiday with the dog and our first to this part of Wales. The excellent location by the river – lovely walk to Cilgerran castle. Best beaches at Poppit Sands, New Quay and Newport – all within easy reach. The girls loved the games room. Freddie seemed to like the spot under the coffee table (we don’t have one at home!). We were very impressed with the cottage and the area – we hope to come again sometime!

J Smith (April ’07). Just a super cottage, comfortable – lots to do – wonderful time.

Fiona & Phil George & Wooster the dog (April ‘ 07). We have enjoyed a very relaxing week in Secret cottage. It’s a very well catered cottage and like being home from home. We also enjoyed the friendly atmosphere in the Courtyard and all dogs had fun finding their status!! Best bits: The walk along the river to Cilgerran Castle (shame we couldn’t take the dog in). Followed by a very dog friendly host at the Pendre Inn – and a much longer walk back! Mwnt was breath taking and would imagine even more so with better weather. Cenarth falls was a very serene walk, didn’t see any salmon though. Had a great meal at Abdul’s in Cardigan, although we did find the food at Castle Malgwyn a little pricey for what it was (Reckon the Sunday roast might be better value). Lee was brilliant with a problem we had with the hot water and all was sorted out by the time we got home that day – big thanks, and for checking up after as well. Would love to come back again and maybe bring the “whole family” – think we’ll need the whole Courtyard !! Great fun, Thanks.

The Cotterells and Timmins (May ’07). We have enjoyed a very comfortable stay in a lovely area. The games room, river and Poppit Sands have kept our 9 year old well entertained. A lovely, cozy, well equipped cottage.

Derek, Maria, Angela & Paul (May ’07). Enjoyed a very peaceful week. Cycled from here to Cardigan and recommend the café at the tourist info centre. Also enjoyed meals at the Carpenters Arms and Nags Head - Set off early as most restaurants finish serving meals by 8:30pm. Local store at Cilgerran sells lovely crusty fresh baked bread & cakes !

Brian & Marie Lennon – Smith (May ’07). Many thanks for allowing us to stay at Secret cottage. It was our 30th Wedding Anniversary and it was particularly thoughtful of Tanya and Dylan to leave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate it. There are very special touches around the cottage that they think about. There was even a jug of milk in the fridge for us to have a ‘cuppa’ when we arrived. It really does feel like home away from home here. We ventured to Poppit Beach one day and the other two days we drove to Pembroke Dock and Barafundal Beach.

The Farrugia’s (May ’07). Family of all ages enjoyed the stay. Thank you for setting us off with milk & drinks. Much needed after a five hour journey. Loved the cottage, very comfortable and clean. Poppit Sands is a must, but not if you have a dog at Mwnt.

Normington ( June ’07). Good weather. Saw Dophins at Mwnt. Poppit Sands, Aberporth + Newport beaches worth the visit. Loads of small brown trout when fishing, and one sea trout in bridge pool. Enjoyed the stay.

Jane and Brian Dunk, Dougal the briard. (June ’07). Good accommodation – very clean – good facilities. Great walking trails + wonderful for dog !

Kate, Mike, Jason, Charlotte, Jude & Huxley (June ’07). Well above our expectations. We survived torrential downpours in cosy safety (the log burner came into its own). We all hope to return.

The Ballantyne Family + Grant (July 07). Wonderful cottage – can’t fault it. Saw Herron from bedroom window. A meal at the hotel is worth it – we had the whole place to ourselves ! Appreciated the attention to detail + efforts to ensure our comfort. Have enjoyed the sunshine when we had it but the rain didn’t dampen our spirits either. Kingfisher on river a real treat. Unfortunately the otters were shy.

Beasley family ( July 07). Wonderful find ! Shame the children haven’t slept better for us! So we left early. It’s a great place to base yourselves. Mwnt beach our favourite place by far – very special. We saw seals at Cardigan Bay, when we went to the wildlife Park. Lucky mix of families who all got on really well – so lots of shared evenings out in the Courtyard at night time. We will come again.

Paul, Beth + Edward Minton (Aug 07). We were lucky enough to have a sunny two weeks here. Wonderful holiday in a lovely cottage. Nearest mobile phone signal ( Orange) is middle of bridge.

Colin and Jill Loveless (Aug 07). Excellent few days to celebrate Johnny Moor’s 70th birthday. Wonderfully equipped cottage & perfect surroundings. Thank you very much.

Betty Couchman (Aug 07). WOT A LOVELY PLACE – Our 3 days unforgettable, so full of joy + fun.

Michael & Judy Simmonds (Aug 07). A wonderful celebration with friends + family in your gorgeous Courtyard Cottages. Extremely comfortable beds !

The Cross family (Sept 07). This was my first holiday and I had a wonderful time. I thought the cottage was lovely. Grandma and Pops want to take the kitchen home with them but it won’t fit in the car! I loved looking at the ceiling beams and looking around the courtyard. My cot was very comfortable and I slept very well as did everyone. We went to lots of exciting places including Poppit Sands and Tresaith. I put my toes in the sea – it was cold! Daddy, Mummy and Auntie Lizzie went coasteering at St. Davids which involves climbing on rocks and jumping in the sea they seemed to think it was fun (but should only be done with a trained instructor). I decided to go around St. Davids with Grandma and Pops. We had Sunday lunch at the Nag’s Head which was a very friendly place and everyone enjoyed the food. Grandma and Grandad came to visit on the last day and we walked down the river to the castle which was lovely. Walking up and down the drive in my papoose for my evening walk was great fun. I loved looking at all the trees and the river. Daddy loved skimming stones in the river. The grown ups all liked the videos to watch and games to play once I had gone to bed and Mummy and Daddy enjoyed playing ping-pong. I hope all my holidays are as wonderful as this and in such nice cottages. Milly Cross – aged 5 months. P.S. We also went to Tenby which was wonderful and worth the drive in the car. I have never seen such wonderful coloured houses.

The John Family, incl Harvey (2yr old black Labrador), (Sept ’07). My wife and I had a very relaxing break in the “cosy” cottage. Harvey enjoyed his walks, his favourite being Poppit Sands, v. nice café too. He also enjoyed the beach at Newport. Very handy to have a Tesco store conveniently located just over 5 minutes away. And a Spar shop further down the hill past Tesco on the left hand side, where I got the Sunday papers nice and early before the other shops opened. A good idea to keep plenty of change upstairs by the telephone, as there is no signal for mobile phones. The telephone doesn’t take incoming calls so you cannot be contacted at the cottage should an emergency arise. The nearest signal I found was over the bridge and up the hill. The downstairs shower is wonderful. Very powerful – just like hydrotherapy. But be careful – it can be very hot so watch the setting. All in all a lovely time was had by all.

Bush family (Sept ‘07). Had a great stay in your lovely cottage, couldn’t fault a thing. Had nice evening meals at The Boncath Inn, standard pub fayre but good standard and The White Hart in Cenarth. All in all a nice relaxing weekend.

Fenwick & Haines (Oct ‘07). Lovely cottage and great setting. Nice character and well worth returning. Excellent position for visiting surrounding areas. Very relaxing – recommended!!

Mrs. Vicki W, Mrs. Alison H, Miss Becky W, Mr.Nigel W, Mr. Paul H, Master Ethan W and Master Owen H. Rhona & William (Oct ’07). This is a very nice cottage. The games room is good for kids , but there are a lot of flies around. We went on a big walk by the river. A very nice kitchen - big and wide. I couldn’t fault a thing. Tanya and Dylan have done a great job. No smell of Dogs. 10 mins away from Cardigan. Hope to come back and stay in the other cottages. Becky.

Donna + Ian Lindsey (Oct ’07). We have had a fantastic break here, you wouldn’t even know other people were staying in the courtyard as it was so quiet ! The cottage was beautiful and was very well equipped! The walk to Cilgerran Castle along the river, even though it poured down with rain! We recommend a visit to Pembroke castle, Tenby and Mwnt. We will definitely be back next year!! Xxx.

Shoebrook family (Oct’07). Everything was splendid, Lee is most helpful & friendly. Many thanks.

November and most of December - Closed for further improvements - including a new bathroom with double Jacuzzi bath, four poster bed in the master bedroom, many new lights including chandelier in master bedroom and balcony area, and dimmer switches in lounge / dining area, new luxury curtains, additional bedroom etc etc. !!!!

2006 /7 Guest Comments for Secret Cottage

December 2006 / 2007 GUEST COMMENTS FOR SECRET COTTAGE

Luxury Holiday Cottages, Pembrokeshire: Self Catering Accommodation at the Pembrokeshire Courtyard Cottages, Wales