The Belfry at Yarcombe

Unbelievable! We booked 2 nights here for a nice get away. The window in the room is lovely and the hospitality tray is good but that's where it stops. THIS IS NOT BOUTIQUE. The window is filthy the carpet isn't particularly clean and the furniture is old, 1980's bedroom old. The shower room is ok but if your over a size 16 your not getting in it. Toiletries are nice though but podgy people your in for a sink wash. The pillows are extremely soft with no alternative available. I had to use the fluffy throw in the wardrobe for support for my back last night, starting for 2 nights I left it there this morning. Housekeeping have come in and taken it out when they remade the bed...fair enough I thought. Went to the wardrobe to get it out...not there. I found it screwed up in a strange cubby hole in the dressing table, (see photos). The dust and cobwebs were annoying me but I was prepared to let that lye. The fan is filthy and not acceptable. This all bring said I went to find the owners as I would prefer to mention things in person rather than bashing out a bad review without trying to rectify the issues first. Went down, waited while new guests arrived then spoke to the lady owner once we were alone. Said what I'm not happy with, she said can I show her. Up we go. I explained about the throw, showed her where it had been shoved! This was blamed on housekeeping obviously. Showed her the fan...this again isn't something they clean apparently! I told her this is not good enough as your advertising yourselves as boutique, it clearly isn't. Showed her the rusty radiator and the filthy window. Yes in the county you expect spiders, I'm a county girl this I know but dusty cobwebs in a boutique b&b...just no. The mirror over the dresser...filthy lights filthy, curtain rod...filthy.... bathroom door filthy. Seriously it's just not good enough. Scuff marks from lamps and kettle and stained carpet. Breakfast was good though but feel these owners need a wake up call. The owner told me to get over it! I was trying to be constructive but wow that got blown out but her applaling attitude. Disgusting.

Excellent little boutique B&B with good sized rooms, nice bathrooms and a great breakfast. We stayed in Keats room - we found it to be comfortable and liked the bathroom with a rainfall shower and lovely L'occitane products. Hosts were friendly and left a nice list of eateries in the local area which was helpful. Room equipped with teas, coffees and hot chocolate sachets as well as shortbread biscuits. Other reviews mentioned the Church clock chime being very loud - we found this not to be a problem at all, even though my husband is usually a light sleeper. The hosts do provide complimentary earplugs as part of your stay, which I thought was very considerate. Would not hesitate to return.

Nice enough place, clean and inexpensive. Run with minimum people, so there was little in the way of interaction. Very close to the A30 and opposite the church, recommend you use the thoughtfully provided earplugs or take your own for the best night's sleep.