Forthay Bed and Breakfast

Having been impressed by the Web Site, we were very disappointed with the reality. “A warm welcome with tea and cakes” is the heading on one page. None was offered. The “Dog friendly” page indicates that complimentary dog treats will be offered on arrival and that dog beds and bowls will be provided in the room. None of these things were provided. Evening meals are shown as being available, apart from Wednesdays and Saturdays. When we tried to book a meal, we were told that they no longer provided this service. Why has the Web Site not been updated? Guests are invited to enjoy drinks at the licensed bar. We saw no sign of a bar and were given no indication that one existed. If there were hens in the garden, busy laying eggs for breakfast that day, as indicated, they were very quiet. We saw no sign of them. Nonetheless the breakfast menu offered a wide choice and was well presented and cooked. Unsurprisingly, for a building of such an age, the stairs challenge the north face of the Eiger for steepness. A warning to this effect should be shown on the Web Site, as they are likely to be unsuitable and very much of a risk for elderly people. As it was, we were left to struggle up them with suitcases and a dog, with no offer of help from our host, who led the way. Access from the car park to the house is across a muddy unlit lawn. This represents a hazard at night especially, as the owners dogs, obviously use it and leave evidence behind. Also croquet hoops, etc. are in place and could be tripped over in the dark. The weather was very autumnal during our stay. There appeared to be no heating of any sort and our room, the breakfast room and the “snug” were uncomfortably cold. The only wardrobe in our room was full of clothes, presumably belonging to the owners. If they needed to make use of it, surely, it should have been locked. Overall, the house and grounds have a somewhat neglected look. This is a shame, as it is a property of great character, situated in a quiet rural setting, with easy access to many places of interest.

The B&B is certainly dog-friendly as advertised. The owners dog bit me on the leg, so not quite so people-friendly. Be careful if you decide to stay there. Being an old house, the headroom is low in places. The water pump is noisy and wakes youup if anyone turns on a tap or flushes the toilet at night.

What a beautiful place to spend a quiet peaceful New Year’s Eve. Driving from London we were a little bit freaked out arriving in the dark driving along some very narrow and steep dark country lanes, but the cottage was absolutely worth it! A real little countryside gem. The rooms were quaint and clean, and we made best friends with Humphrey the cat. Lots of lovely little Christmassy touches all around the place, and breakfast in the lovely dining room was the perfect way to start the new year. Our hosts Charles and Debs were delightful. We’ll be back when the weather is better to do some walks around the beautiful surrounding hills and lanes.