Each review shows: source · star rating · date · guest comments. Reviews are grouped by traveler type. Persona ratings reflect the average score from guests in that category.
The cottage is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland. Located 10/15 mins drive from both bamburgh and holy island. Belford is a 2 minute drive which has a local co op which was very handy. The cottage itself is spacious and was ideal for 4 plus a dog, we enjoyed the stay very much and would recommend!
The cottage was perfectly situated when visiting Bamburgh and Holy Island. The large fenced garden was perfect for our dog and was also a sun trap. The cottage was very comfortable, had everything you could need and was beautifully furnished. We had a very relaxing stay. Thank you.
We loved our time here! The cottage was in a fantastic location to explore all the local attractions. The cottage itself was clean and spacious, and offered great grounds for our dogs. Would highly recommend, and we will be returning.
A well-appointed cottage with a secure garden for our 2 dogs. Easy access to the coast and surrounding area. Lovely fish & Chips in local village 5 mins drive away
Great location for Bamburgh and Holy Island. Nice clean place with parking and an enclosed garden. This is good if you have a dog. The only small problem was the wifi didn't work. As I didn't need to work remotely while I was there, this was OK. All in all, a lovely place and good value.
Lovely location. Great for dogs. Easy check in etc. great place
Northumberland Excellent property. Perfect for dogs . A nice distance from the coast
We had a great stay at this holiday house. The location was fantastic. It was close to the beach and an easy drive to lots of places across Northumberland. The house was very clean and the layout worked perfectly for two adults and two children. It was well equipped, so we did not need to buy anything extra during our stay. The furnishings were modern and appealing, which made it feel welcoming and comfortable. A brilliant base for a family break. We would stay again.
Very cosy home, perfect for a family of 4. Typical English cottage feeling :-), and we enjoyed it very much. The communication with Host&Stay is easy with very fast reaction times. The location is perfect for many Northumbrian attractions (Holy Island, Farne Islands, Alnwick Castle, Bambourgh) or for a daytrip to Scotland.
Lovely spot for a family getaway - close to Bamburgh and Holy Island and some nice walks by car. Quiet area and really comfortable little cottage - we’re looking forward to staying again 😊
This cottage was particularly impressive for cleanliness, peaceful surroundings, & furnishings and fixtures were beautiful and well made, I loved this place! My wife, two daughters, & I had a wonderful, restful time here; the Bamburgh castle was only a 10 minute drive away as was the beautiful beach!
A great place to stay ideally located for Lindesfarne, Bewick, Bamburgh, Seahouses and Alnwick, Craster etc. fabulous beaches and great for birds including puffins in the Farne Islands. The house was well serviced and very comfortable with a great enclosed garden perfect for the dog. I would definitely recommend this place if you wish to visit the area.
A lovely base for exploring the Northumberland coast. Positive: Clean, well appointed and in a good location
Melody’s Cottage is an excellent choice for visiting Bamburgh, if you have a car. Close to everything you might need and a great value for the price.
Holiday time in Northumberland Positive: The location was very good for access Lindisfarne, Bambraugh and the whole North Northumberland area. Esay to find and quiet and comfatable. Enjoyed a 5 night stay.
Great place to stay This well updated cottage was clean, light, and airy. It was beautifully furnished, and well appointed for our group of four. It was also perfectly situated for touring the local area.
Positive: The licatiin and house were beautiful with access to everywhere you'd want to visit. The house is stunning, fairly well equipped and spacious with good parking. However..... Negative: It was very unclean, especially the downstairs bathroom. The oven was filthy and set the smoke alarms off and the living room carpet can't have been vacuumed as it was covered in black doghair. If you moved items for instance the microwave, was dusty and gritty. The house was freezing as the owner controlled the heating from home and no one thought to switch it on in preparation for guests. There was no supplies to even get the the fireplace lit. The carbon monoxide alarm had been taken down as the battery needed changing, we had to purchase a battery for our safety. Its just incredibly sad to have to leave this review for what could be a fantastic property
Great location Positive: Lovely cottage with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Location was perfect. Negative: Nothing i didn't like.
A lovely stay at Melodys Cottage. Well equipped for our needs and we had a lovely week exploring the area. Would definitely stay again.
Great location, spacious , enclosed back garden perfect for the dog, would definitely stay again.
This should have been a delightful experience, in an excellent location which we know well. It was however the worst cottage we have stayed in- and we have owned and managed four 4* cottages ourselves for over 25 years. The smell of mildew on opening the back door and the rust inside the microwave oven were only the start and we have made a formal complaint to Host & Stay on nine health & safety grounds. . We had to buy two trailing arms in order to supplement the only socket in our bedroom (hidden behind the bed) and the sitting room, a saucepan with a lid as there was only one lid for several saucepans, and a frying pan. With only one cutlery set per person, the cutlery had to be hand washed in order to have a second meal. We purchased non-slip mats in order to use the bath and the shower safely; there was no ventilation in the bathroom & the window was stuck shut. Not recommended and certainly not the luxury cottage that Host & Stay would like to advertise.
The cottage itself is beautiful & has clearly been lovingly designed, the problem is the people that are supposed to be maintaining it. The first thing we noticed when we opened the door was the overpowering smell from the downstairs bathroom (so strong we had to keep the fan on & doors shut at all times) The cottage is beautifully furnished & is very comfortable & cosy BUT needs a deep clean & maintenance. Issues we experienced were: Bathrooms had not been cleaned for our arrival (& for some time) Filthy toilets with urine stains & hairs Filthy sinks with toothpaste, mould & gunk Dirty bath with black tide marks & hairs Dirty shower with shower gel & black mould on walls Beds had been made but bedding not changed- marks on pillows & sheets & smelly Dirty bath mats & towels Damp & flaking walls A clear wasp nest in the attic as we came home to tens of dead / sleepy wasps on the landing each day. All of this was reported on arrival to the host but the issues were never resolved.
Beautiful and peaceful location. Cottage was a good size with everything you need. We were a little disappointed with conditions of property. Previous damage from alterations and updates had not been repaired, there was some damp in the living room and smaller bedroom that needs addressing and the kitchen, while superficially clean was not really clean (dirty cupboards and oven). The downstairs bathroom has a constant unpleasant smell. We did have good communication with Host & Stay. We had a problem with wasps in the upstairs rooms, probably from a nest in the loft space. We reported this (along with the other issues above) and received prompt reply. While nothing was done during our stay, we were only staying three nights, we were assured they would be addressed promptly.
Avoid- cottage is lovely, but the management company running it are problematical. Positive: The property was lovely. Great location for our visit and suited our needs perfectly. So peaceful. With different owners/management company (they were the issue), I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again if in the area. Negative: Be aware of management company running this property (hence my lower overall score): !. Full payment is taken immediately despite what is says on the booking details.* 2, They will hassle you with extras e.g. booking a private chef (I'm not joking!) 3. They will send a text and then phone instantly so you don't have time to read it and then complain you haven't responded. The text was asking for an additional fee to be paid and I can see, given the aggressive tactics used by the caller, how some might pay in panic/being flustered. 4. This call came from a mobile number (not the company direct which made me suspicious it was a scam). 4. They initially refused to send me the key details until I had paid that additional fee and it was only when I argued that I wasn't going to, they backed off... 5 ..They then said I would get key details by email just prior to the booking start which I was not happy with as I know the area often has poor reception and I didn't want to take the risk of driving for hours not to be able to get in. They tried to argue it was normal policy (I've never encountered this before). 6. Booking details were then only sent to me when I threatened to report them here for being a scam company as that's how the call was coming across. 7. Repeatedly told me during call that I was gong to damage the property (nice!) to the point I recorded it on leaving as back-up proof as I thought I was going to need it. 7. After this, I checked out (belatedly) the score for 'Host and Stay' on Trustpilot. Do it first! *The details on here did say the company would take the payment directly but that notice would be given as to when. We were not making an immediate booking when full payment is requited, and tbh, full payment was fine if they had mentioned that on the booking (full amount was taken within two minutes of the booking going through- it could have caused issues).
Melody cottage was an excellent cottage, great location near to all places we wanted to visit, easy to find, nice large garden prefect for catching the sun after a long day of sightseeing, also good and secure if bringing the family dog with you. Having two bathrooms was also another bonus of the property not having to wait for others. Definitely would recommend this property and would book again And in such a beautiful peaceful location
Perfect country stay near to beaches Positive: Clean. Comfy bed Water pressure very good & bath filled quickly Negative: Bed linen could of been slightly better quality
Disappointing Positive: Spacious property in great location Negative: The place is in need of a thorough deep clean
Cottage was in a great location and had a good secure garden for dogs and children. We had lovely trips to Bamburgh, Ford & Etal estate for miniature steam train, Beadnell beach, Druridge Bay, boat trip from Seahouses for puffin and seal watching, Lindisfarne (check tides before going!)Our arrival left a bit of a sour taste: incorrect Wifi code supplied (correct one is a 20-digit code on back of router - the hosts did not seem to know the correct code and kept giving us the wrong details), hot water not turned on and no instructions of were given - we eventually found a switch in the airing cupboard. And cleanliness was poor: bathroom sink had soap and toothpaste marks from previous guests, fridge was filthy, shower was dirty and didn't drain properly. We also kept finding dead/sleepy wasps on the landing - suspect there is a nest in the loft that needs dealing with...There were limited basic supplies in the cottage (tea, coffee, sugar, two loo rolls and one dishwasher tablet). Things to bring with you: swing bin liners (only one supplied which wasn't enough for a week's stay), dishwasher tablets (only one supplied), dish sponge/brush, salt & pepper etcThe cottage served a purpose and was generally comfortable but cleanliness, upkeep and welcome supplies could be improved. And perhaps a welcome pack of information with info like local co-op in village / fish and chip shop etc would be useful (we had access to an app which wasn't hugely helpful and had a lot of wrong info).
Lovely and clean. Hosts are brilliant responding to queries.Wish Id realised how far the property is from any shops as milk left was insufficient.Very quiet and peaceful stay.
Very enjoyable, comfortable perfect for our needs. As described. Positive: We were self catering, it was perfect for our needs, easy access to local places. Good restaurants within 30 .minutes drive at the furthest. Very comfortable, everything there you would need. Really recommend this cottage. Parking on site for 2 cars . Negative: Nothing really, It was idyllic
Beautiful character property with excellent walks from the door step and close to Belford. We had a lovely time with our dog. Lovely neighbours too ☺️
Loved our stay in Northumberland! Cottage was super central for all the things we wanted to see; Alnwick, Bamburgh, Holy Island. Cottage was pristine and felt super cosy right from the start. Couldnt get logged into the wifi but didnt really need it either with so much to do around us! Would 100% stay there again!
Positive: Good location Negative: Needs a shower attachment on wall in bathroom. Requires anti slip shower matt in shower cubicle. Kitchen cooking utensils poor quality, requires oven gloves, baking trays should be replaced as they are caked with dirt. Oven door will not open without first opening the hall door because it strikes the door handle!
We arrived in middle of storm Amy and first thing that greeted us was appalling smell from downstairs shower and toilet - we had to keep fan on and connecting doors closed for duration of our visit room was unusable due to smell. Other first impressions were that house had not been cleaned well first thing we saw was a very large very long dead spider on kitchen floor! Window ledge was grubby as were glasses mugs and cutlery. But these were minor as on going to bed we found that none of the bedsheets had been changed. There were marks on linen and pillowcases stank of head sweat. We phoned hosts and were advised to go out and buy some more bed linen! This was 10.30 pm we were in a very rural area and there was a storm raging! We thought about placing towels on beds but on inspection these were covered in stains some looking suspiciously like blood. We took photos!Hosts did not send cleaners round till 11.30 next morning to change linen. We have asked for compensation waiting to hear.
Lovely clean house. Good space in the sitting room and kitchen/dining room. 2 bathrooms makes it easy (one upstairs and one downstairs). The garden is a real sun trap in the evening and it’s very peaceful. Local walk/strolls are beautiful. Nice and close drive to the tourists spots.
The cottage is charming and very chilled
Positive: We have stayed in Melody Cottage before and it is cosy in a nice location with short drive to lots of fun places to visit Negative: The property was not clean. Particularly the bathroom, but also other areas. A message saying that it had been cleaned by x & y (names withheld) had a cobweb attached and was propped up against a dusty radio!
Great stay, very comfortable and it a perfect location for our plans
Lovely place, well located to reach all the main attractions of Northumberland. Nice and quiet
Great location, close to Bamburgh. Beds were really comfortable, garden was lovely to have, good parking too. Suited us perfectly for our short stay,.
Comfy in a central location which was easy off A2 Positive: Location and comfortable - easy parking Negative: Traffic passing in early hours Very very fast! It did wake us up. Very musty / damp smell I downstairs shower room which we think is from shower tray leaking
Great location and a clean well furnished property
Beautiful location, peaceful cottage. Had everything we needed. Would definitely stay again, great base for local attractions.
Good location for Lindisfarne and Bamburgh, lovely cottage. Positive: Liked the location and the spacious, bright accommodation and comfortable furniture Negative: The 2 Wi-Fi passwords were incorrect and must be fixed for future visitors. No evidence of deep cleaning having taken place prior to our visit, e.g. oven was not clean and frying pans and baking trays were very greasy; the windows were very grubby and have not been cleaned for a long time, there were cobwebs and dead insects inside the windows.
Bamburgh 2025 Positive: The position was lovely. Cottage comfortable and easy access to attractions in the area Negative: You need to up the web instructions for the WiFi. They are wrong You need to sort the horrendous smell coming from the downstairs shower room. Your cleaners need to look in the amenity cupboard for cleanliness
Melody's cottage is almost perfect Positive: Well equipped, comfortable beds, instant hot water, tastefully decorated, welcoming, spacious Negative: No oven gloves, we did request this.by phone, but no response. Only one t towel WiFi code wrong on the display on the pic frame but correct on router. Soap in bathrooms would have been appreciated.
We had a great time! Looking forward to coming back.
This is a beautiful property with friendly neighbours. It has a spacious garden which was great to sit in the sun in. Nicely decorated and spacious bathrooms on both floors. Very close to the A1 but no sound pollution Very close to Holy Island. Our only tip would be to not open the windows in the evening as this let in a lot of flies. Overall lovely people
Great place and particularly ideal to supplement other accommodation booked at nearby Middleton Hall.
Brilliant host, lovely clean house, it had everything that we needed. Location was great and some lovely pubs/restaurants nearby. Definitely recommend!
Lovely cottage in beautiful location. Close to lots of stunning beaches and castles. Alnwick is a great place to visit along with Bambourgh castle and Holy Island.
Good trip let down by above, would not have tolerated if staying longer, will not use again Positive: Excellent location, nicely laid out accommodation Negative: Smell on entry. Downstairs bathroom shower has doors hanging off, shower is poor flow need to run around to get wet, flooring lifting, sewer smell from shower trap, no attempt to rectify flooring. Beds too soft, whole cottage smelt feisty. We had to rewash crockery before use.
A lovely cottage in a beautiful location. Everything you need for a relaxing holiday. A stones throw from the A1 making getting out and about very easy. So many fabulous places to go in easy reach, best of all Holy Island.
Good Comfortable cottage in lovely location.
Great little cottage in fabulous location for the coast and other attractions in the area.
Great stay The house has everything that you need. It is clean. Great bed. The shower is very difficult to use because the temperature is difficult to adjust and the water gets really hot! There is a small garden but with little privacy. It is a good place to visit Holy Island or Bamburgh Castle. We didn’t liked the agency. They didn’t gave us enough information for collecting the key.
Perfect location Pretty cottage, clean, comfortable, great location to explore the area.
Not as good as it should have been. Not clean enough. Not aligned with Airbnb's T&Cs. Additional charges added after booking. Host seemingly oblivious to Airbnb's expectations (and mine).
Had an enjoyable stay. Very clean and tidy. Had everything we needed for our stay. Good location, comfortable beds.
second stay in last 3 months - ideal property and location for us
OK apart from above. Positive: Was no breakfast. Location OK. Negative: The radiator in downstairs shower room didn't work and wasn't fixed despite telling the hosts. A couple of the pieces of crockery were chipped. The wooden floor divider leading into kitchen was broken. The appropriate link to gain access was missing from emails so we had a half hour wait after a long journey to gain access. We weren't told about building works going on next door which started at 8am and went on all day. Not exactly relaxing.
Lovely 4 day stay at Melody’s cottage. Exactly where we wanted to be. Would definitely return for another visit, thank you!
we were very pleased with the location which suited us very well for our trip
Great cottage in a lovely location and handy for exploring the local area, would definitely stay here again
Enjoyable Positive: Location Negative: Not adequately equipped in kitchen
Accommodation was lovely. Interaction with agent was a little impersonal and generic. Cottage was in a great location to visit Northumberland but busy road and isolated location limited walking opportunities
Clean light comfortable house, well positioned for visiting various parts of coast
Pleasant and well-positioned to explore the area A clean, well-appointed place to stay with all that you need. It is well-positions for exploring Northumberland
Fabulous Positive: It’s was a beautiful place… very clean, tidy and cosy. It was a great location being near to Bamburgh. Negative: Nothing
We had an excellent three days and nights in Melody's Cottage; lots to see and do closeby. Positive: The cleanliness and quality of the decoration. The detailed information that we were sent on the morning as we left home. The garden outlook. Negative: That there was no good restaurant in Belford. The fact that the downstairs shower was leaking. The fact that the written literature and the framed details of the WiFi password were incorrect but this was quickly sorted via an email exchange. I also didn't like the number of times I have been requested to send my feedback!!
A well located cottage but not quiet due to the current building works next door Positive: Excellent location for exploring Holy Island and Bamburgh. Negative: There was extensive building works being carried out in the cottage next door. Had we known the extent of the works we would not have booked this property. There was drilling into the party wall, roof works and an extension being constructed along the side of the property which overlooked the garden. These works started at an early hour which made our break less than relaxing.
Perfect beautiful little cottage Great central location for seeing areas of Northumberland. Lovely cottage that was very clean and well provisioned with everything that you could possibly need. It lacked for nothing. Perfect stay and would recommend the cottage.
Brilliant location for our first visit to Northumberland. Far enough off the A1 that it is very quiet but also close enough that you can get everywhere easily. Short drive to Holy Island which was great. Sea views from the main bedroom! Simply furnished but we had everything we needed for our stay. Kitchen was well equipped but some of the items were old or needing updating (such as blunt knives). Worth knowing that our booking wasn't confirmed until we found our email from the hosts and had to pay our security deposit on a non-airbnb platform but once we had figured this out then it was pretty smooth all the way through to check in with regular communications from the hosts and texts too.
It was just as advertised but could have done with a few more plates and cups ect
A lovely place with beautiful views. Would definitely recommend!
A lovely cottage in a beautiful location. The cottage was clean and well equipped. Communication was fantastic.
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