Guests say
The Searle is praised for its cleanliness and modern interior, with a comfortable bed and a hot tub adding to the experience. However, there are concerns about the maintenance of the outside area and the completeness of kitchen supplies. The location's proximity to a busy road and a petrol station has been noted as less than ideal.
Reviews consistently mention the exceptional cleanliness of the interior, with multiple guests highlighting the spotless condition. However, one review noted dirty utensils, slightly lowering the score.
The location receives mixed feedback. While the area is appreciated for dog walking, the proximity to a busy road and a petrol station, as well as the lack of a garden, detract from the peacefulness expected from a cottage.
Guests find the bed very comfortable and the interior cozy. However, the lack of wardrobe space and the noise from the road have affected the comfort level for some.
The hot tub is a highlight, but issues with kitchen equipment, a leaking hot tub, and general disrepair of the outside space suggest that the facilities require attention.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the owner, so it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Rhayader 3.8 miles. Nestled in Nantmel near the small market town of Rhayader, Powys, is this lovely single-storey abode, The Searle. Boasting off-road parking, dog-friendly living and an enclosed rear garden with hot tub, The Searle welcomes two guests to experience the ultimate romantic escape in Mid Wales. Cross the threshold into your new home-from-home to be impressed by a well-equipped kitchen area and allow the designated chef to rustle up a tasty meal to be enjoyed at the intimate dining table. If you prefer to bask in your surroundings a little longer, why not step out into the enclosed garden and delight in an alfresco affair as your pooches play safely? As the stars appear overhead, retreat back inside and take three steps down into the homely sitting room, adorned with a TV and electric fire, perfect for those cooler evenings. If you begin to tire, slope off to the king-size bedroom with en-suite shower room where you can wind down for the day before catching your rest. However you choose to spend your days in Powys, whisk your loved one away to The Searle. Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1128905, 1128906, 1128907 together sleeping 16 guests.
Rhayader is a tiny Welsh market town featuring a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, services, and antiques from the area. a recreation centre with a sizable pool and a regular livestock market is an added plus. A must-see site is the Red Kite Feeding Station, which is located outside of the town. The magnificent dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys are located in Rhayader, which is the first town on the River Wye. The Elan Valley has a number of walking and cycling paths (Rhayader offers bike rentals), as well as a visitor centre with a café and a play area for kids. With its incredible range of nature reserves available for visitors to enjoy, this area is referred to as the Wildlife Centre of Wales. Pony trekking is another activity that is offered nearby. Visit Builth Wells, the annual site of the Winter Fair, Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, and Spring Festival. Alternatively, a beautiful drive will take you 34 miles to the Welsh shore.
Accommodation
Single-storey.
One king-size bedroom with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with electric fire
Gas central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge with ice box, dishwasher.
TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Enclosed rear garden with patio, hot tub and furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.3 miles, pub 3.6 miles, river 0.3 miles.
Note: There are three steps down into the sitting room.
Note: Highchair and travel cot available upon request.
Nearby points of interest
- Rhayader Museum and Gallery
- Elan Valley
- The National Cycle Museum
- Llandrindod Wells Heritage Trail
- Wyeside Arts Centre
- Llandrindod Wells Lake Park
- Motte at Builth Castle
- Gilfach Nature Reserve
Reviews (5)
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Michael
It is an apartment within a converted Pub. Had I known would not have booked it. extremely clean and modern decor. apart from the old disgusting dirty and stained bedroom curtains hanging off the rails. Also issues with lack of clothes wardrobe . The soot and water mix from leaking chimney stack staining the back wall of fire place. The kitchen had long term (see past reviews) breakages and missing cooking items. Self catering!!?? The outside in a state of neglect and dis-repair. Leaking hot tub . Owner switched it off. There is no garden. It is a concrete âyardâ, with a trip hazard foot path from entrance gate. Secondary gate latch hanging off â¦.not pet safe. Render and crack damage around entrance door, walls and damp course level. Blocked (long term growing vegetation) rain guttering, creating a Niagara Falls onto path slabs . Sleep was impossible. Then I saw the Property for sale sign, since March 2024. I concluded this was a significant reason for Searleâs general dis-repair and the owners non- commitment to her property and her guests mental comfort. When sold it is somebody elseâs problem. Three days in I had enough . left and returned home. Left comments in guest book , dated and signed . I text owner Sara Jay/Jane when home. To date I have not had a reply. I did not expect one . This standard is not what I expect from Sykes Cottages. Please see my account list of prev cottages and 10/10 reviews. Kind regards Michael Reid
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Liz
The kitchen was not well stocked with utensils, pans etc, just the very basics and some of the utensils were dirty and we had to wash them before using. The real downside to this property is the location. It is slightly set back from the very busy A road so you hear the traffic all day from very early in the morning. It is also right next door to a petrol station which is not mentioned in the description or in the directions received upon payment. Had we known this, we would not have booked.
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Marion
Kitchen was short on utensils, pots, pans and crockery. Hot tub was lovely, but outside space was tired and weedy. Rose arch so overgrown that it was difficult to exit. Area was beautiful for dogwalking.