Tregonhawke Farmhouse, Millbrook, Cornwall inc Scilly, PL10 1JH

You may be wondering why I am only just writing this review. This is because we were trying to get at least a partial refund for our holiday.

The farmhouse informed us that the real fire was not in use before we were due to arrive - not a problem as it was August. On arrival at the property there was a large pot hole on the driveway down - even though going very slow one of our family kept catching the bottom of their car because it was so deep. The rubbish was overflowing from the wheelie bins.

On entering the property it seemed nice and there was a welcome pack. The grandkids were very excited to look for the games room (the main reason we picked this over other cottages) but there were no games - in fact the games room had been made into another sitting room, even though the photos were still on the website.

There was also no swings outside as advertised. Three grandkids have autism, so for something as important as this to be missing (after telling them it would be there) is a big issue as those of you with autistic children will know. After one day of staying in the house the damp smell started to appear (as they ask you to keep all windows closed when property is vacant) then the farm smell - expected as next to farm but then on opening windows - loads of flies and no fly zapper or similar to control this. Then there were what we thought to be mouse droppings on an outside window - apparently bat droppings and as protected, nothing they can do - except inform us - which they didn?t do! The internet was about as much use as a chocolate teapot. The BBQ was uncleaned, full of rubbish and buried behind a bush that needed cutting - in fact there were two - neither of any use. The final straw was the dead rat by the cars (again I know we are near a farm) but the now strewn rubbish wouldn?t be helping with that.

I wrote to the owners about all of these points and others but they were unwilling to admit there was anything wrong. In fact they just kept harping on about the things I had already said, I understood they couldn?t do anything about. However it was false advertising for several things (photos were taken down after I complained.) Twice they didn?t reply to my letters. One being the last time when I asked them to confirm they would not be refunding, so I could go down a different route. Some may think that these things are acceptable but we don?t - especially for the amount we paid.

I am so disappointed that they thought it was ok to let these things slide and are clearly all about the money rather than the service.

These pictures do not portray the current accommodation and are very misleading.

Only carpet in one bedroom upstairs, all the others had Lino in them. The sitting room looks nothing like this.

The only true pictures are of the outside, the bathroom and downstairs bedroom.

On stripping the beds as instructed to do on the last day only to find badly stained mattresses.

Pictures attached of what 2 of the bedrooms actually look like and the state of the mattresses.

Advertised as 4 star accommodation with Sykes but I have stayed are far better 3 star than this property

We paid almost ?3,000 to Helpful Holidays now Sykes Cottages for this run down, uncomfortable property. The owner came into the property without our permission and was abusive because we had complained about having such a poorly maintained property. Whilst charging for dogs we were forced to take our elderly dogs out all day in high temperatures. So definitely not dog friendly. Worst holiday property we?ve ever rented.

Tregonhawke Farmhouse - What a gem of a holiday home! Selfishly I don't want to write a good review so as not to alert others to this wonderful place!! The family at Tregonhawke are super relaxed and nothing is too much trouble. The farmhouse itself is so clean, warm and cosy, very comfortable beds, spacious rooms throughout, fantastic farmhouse kitchen table for my whole family of 10 to sit around . Facilities all excellent - unlimited hot showers, unbelievable amount of cutlery/crockery and cooking implements - no need to take anything extra. Beautifully k

The property offers everything you require for a relaxing stay and is well equipped to cater for everyone's need's. Our party consisted of 7 adults and 2 young children and the size of the property and its layout provided more than enough space for everyone to either be together or spend time doing there own thing, be that inside or in the well sized and stocked garden. The kitchen allowed everyone to dine together although the small cooker wasn't quite adequate for 7 hungry adults. Located on a working farm the hills that surround the property are used for