We stayed at this cottage on what was a very cold, at times damp, few days in December but were so cosy and warm inside, that we did not even light the fire, or we could have been too hot. It was wonderfully clean everywhere and an extremely well-equipped kitchen, which meant we were able to easily cook and enjoy homemade meals. Whilst the cottage had been decorated with a modern twist, it also still very much retains its character. With the directions, we managed to find the cottage easily in the dark, and whilst there is no parking outside the cottage itself, and a little walk up the concrete slabs to the front door, this too is all part of the character cottage which we loved, though would not recommend to anyone who is not stable on their feet, as it can get a little slippy when damp. It was wonderful arriving to find a decorated Christmas tree all lit up inside the cottage, adding that extra homely feeling.
The weather and time of year put us off going out on the hills but we did enjoy walking/geocaching around Dovestone Reservoir (a short drive away) and along the disused railway line walking distance from the cottage itself. However it was not a good idea taking the dog along there at the same time as the Uppermill Santa Run, which had at least 900 people running dressed as Santa, but that was my fault.
The owner always replied to messages quickly and willing to hear feedback (positive/negative, though think you will find it difficult to find any negative), and suggestions of what can be done to make our stay even better. Think what really helps is the owner actually uses the cottage as their own family home when they are in the UK, so if anything had not been working/issues, they would have experienced it themselves and hopefully rectified it before any guests notice. We fully enjoyed the homely feel of this cottage and look forward to returning next year when my husband’s football club (Leyton Orient) next play Oldham/Salford, being the main reason why we chose this area in the first place.
Trip Advisor – December 2019