The Granary, Burford

Beautiful cottage with stunning views, in an idyllic location. Have nothing but great things to say about this cottage. I have been back many times and never had a bad experience. I note a few comments regarding the locks. They previously had a digital lock for easy access but note some people had issues (although I never had a problem with it and not quite sure how its possible as there are 2 doors to gain access). They have now installed a regular key lock to prevent any access issues. An absolute gem of a property. Highly recommended.

Like the previous reviewer, I booked Granary Cottage and when returning at 10.30pm on the first night, could not get into the cottage due to the complicated electronic locks on both entrance doors. I initialling gained access when I arrived because the cleaner was still there. After I went for dinner at the local pub- The Feathered Nest and returned to the cottage, the lock did not allow me to enter. This was because in the instructions given to me by Sykes Cottages, it stated you touch the screen and enter the code. Well it didn’t work and there was only an answer phone on the emergency number. I returned to the pub but they were fully booked, they did have a cottage however and the charge for one night was £250.00. I had no choice but to pay this. The next day, I contacted Sykes and they said an Engineer would attend. They could not give me a time, it promised the engineer would call me with an e.t.a. After a number of calls and a wasted day, th Engineer eventually arrived at 4pm He told me that you have to place the palm of your hand over the screen in order to activate it and then key in the code. He also told me that one of the door locks was faulty anyway and did not work at all. After returning home, I sent Sykes a copy of the invoice for the accomodation at The Feathered Nest. They informed me that I would be reimbursed but after 2 weeks, they offered half ( £125 ). I refused this offer and took out a Small Claim in the County Court. Eventually they paid in full, ut only after receiving the court summons. I put a review on their website but it wasn’t published ! Avoid this property as there have been numerous problems with the locks all well documented on the Sykes website and the previous reviewer on Trip Advisor.

My elderly parents booked this delightful holiday cottage for a week. It was very clean and well appointed inside, based in a very pretty Cotswold village. Unfortunately, there is a sophisticated electronic key system, that sometimes chooses to go offline. This meant that my 93 year old father and 86 year old mother got back at 940pm one evening and were unable to gain access. Sykes cottages did not take a call and eventually sent someone at 1045am the next day. My parents both require medication in the evenings and mornings, and had no access to these or anything else as it was all locked inside. The one saving grace was The Feathered Nest Inn, the village pub. When my bedraggled and stressed parents turned up there after 10pm, they took pity on them, immediately gave a them a very smart room and an enormous breakfast - and refused all offers of payment. Service, compassion and true hospitality are certainly alive if you know where to find it. So please go there to the Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote and get stuck into their fabulous Michelin-recommended food - but don’t stay at the Granary unless you fancy camping.