Quality in Tourism Visit Report Self-Catering Standard Swilland êêêêê Self Catering 92% Gold Award Cyclists Welcome, Walkers Welcome, Families Welcome Hearing impaired (level 2) Visit date: Visit type: QiT No: 01 Nov 2013 Day 607969
Group/Unit Name: Score Exterior Appearance of buildings 5 Grounds, gardens and parking 4 Environment and setting 5 Management Efficiency Pre arrival info including brochure 5 Welcome and arrival procedure 5 In unit guest info and personal touches 5 93% 100% Flooring 4 Furniture, furnishings and fittings 5 Furniture, furnishings and fittings 4 Mattress, bed bases and headboards 5 Bedding and bed linen 5 Bathrooms and WCs Fixtures, fittings and sanitary ware 4 Furniture and fittings 5 equipment 5 Crockery, cutlery and glassware 5 ware, pans and utensils 5 Additional Facilities Recreation 4 Cleanliness Living and dining area 5 Bedroom 5 Bathroom 5 5 88% 91% 88% 95% 80% 100% Key Scores and Sectional Consistencies Overall 92% = Level 5; (87% to 100%) Cleanliness 100% = Level 5; (90% to 100%) 88% = Level 5; (87% to 100%) 91% = Level 5; (87% to 100%) Bathrooms 88% = Level 5; (87% to 100%) 95% = Level 5; (87% to 100%) In order to achieve a star rating the following elements of the assessment need to be satisfied. 1. All Minimum Entry Requirements must be met. (See Minimum Entry Requirement page in this report for detail) 2. The Star rating will be no higher than the level achieved by the overall percentage. 3. Key Area Scores: All sectional consistency areas must be equal to or higher than the overall rating (No areas to be below the overall) 4. The Star rating will be capped if Key Requirements are not met at each rating level. 92% 2
Executive Summary Hearing Accessibility Review A H2 (hearing two) rating is applied to each of the three cottages, the owners having confirmed at the time of the renewal that all items are in place Overview Overall sits comfortably within the Five Star Self-catering banding. It is recommended that retains the Gold Accolade for another year as sectional consistency is achieved in all areas and sits at the higher end of the Five Star banding. The Granary, The Lucam and The Mylen viewed with the owner Mr Wright The owners are content with this current rating and are proactive in ensuring the standards are in place and maintained for the grading to be achieved for future visits. Website Feedback shows as 1st choice when searched using Google. The professionally produced web site provides an excellent first impression with high resolution photography. The tabs are logically sorted and displayed, providing, accurate, succinct information. Facilities include a straightforward home page, with a simple site menu, supported with information About us local attractions". On line booking is available, a simple process allow availability to be viewed. Prices, terms and conditions are clearly explained. Images are simply presented, representative of the facilities shown. The star rating logo, accolade and other awards being proudly displayed on the homepage. Overall the web site is easily navigated and information is easy to find. Cleanliness/Housekeeping Each property was being cleaned at the time of the visit. Deep cleaning evident throughout, which is a credit to the team. Mr Wright checks all properties before the guests arrive which is commendable. Coordinated painted walls provides an ideal backdrop for the beams, exposed brickwork and framed photographs of the local area. Wooden flooring and carpeting is very well fitted and maintained, with no signs of wear or tear evident. Leather lounge seating appears both comfortable and inviting. The glass top dining tables situated in kitchen / diners accommodates guests and all necessary accoutrements, matching high back leather chairs being of a good height from which to dine. Lighting benefits from dimmer switches, providing mood lighting and well placed lamps aiding task lighting. Central heating radiators throughout benefit from individual thermostats, allowing guests to set their own comfort levels. The wood burners providing additional warmth, if required. Offering very comfortable spatial aspects with furniture being well placed aiding guests ease of use. The Granary benefits from a separate dining area. Once again practical painted walls with framed photographs of the local area and beams further enhancing. Carpeting is soft underfoot, with no signs of wear or tear evident. Fitted wardrobes and free standing furniture provides a comfortable level of hanging and storage space for guests belongings. Wooden drawers are lined, thus preventing the snagging of delicate items. Soft furnishings are very well coordinated and presented, blinds enhances the blackout facility to the guest. Well placed lighting and central heating radiators provides a very comfortable ambience. Each of the beds have deep supportive mattresses and firm bases, aiding guests with a good nights rest. Beds are very well dressed with Egyptian cotton bed linen, throws and scatter cushions further enhances. The bedrooms vary in size, overall offering very comfortable dimensions with furniture being well positioned maximising available floor space. Bathrooms 3
Tiles are very well applied, with obvious attention being given to the appearance of sealant and grouting. Tiled flooring presents extremely well, whilst being hygienic for cleaning procedures. Modern fixtures and fittings present to the highest standard, guests benefit from a corner bath and drencher shower in The Granary, with en-suite facilities, ensuring queues do not happen. Recessed down lighting offers directional illumination. Generous sized heated towel rails being thoughtfully provided, ensuring the guest does not become chilled when exiting the facilities. The ventilation units appear to be efficient in operation. Varying in size, overall offering very comfortable proportions with fixtures and fittings being well placed aiding guests ease of use. Exposed and painted brickwork around the working areas presents to a very high standard, splash back provision observed to the cooking areas. Wooden flooring being ideal for cleaning procedures in an area prone to spillage. Modern, shiny black units provides ample levels of storage for equipment and guests food items. Well positioned spot lights offers directional illumination. Forced extraction ensures cooking odours are eliminated at source. Modern, matching kitchen appliances present extremely well - all appear to be in good working order. Ample amounts of matching crockery, glassware and cutlery noted. Stainless steel cooking pots and pans of very good weight and suitable range of sizes. Well planned kitchens with units, work tops and equipment being thoughtfully placed aiding guests ease of use. Management Efficiency Guests are met personally on arrival and given a guided tour of the booked property and facilities. An extensive pack with local produce being left in each kitchen to welcome guests. Potential for Improvement As discussed recommend using the two cupboards on the landings (The Lucam) for hanging space. Highlights The Mill provides a very high standard of comfortable self-catering accommodation with many original features adding charm and ambience. Designated parking is provided and clearly signposted. Private outside areas have matured with quality outdoor furniture being provided, enabling guests to sit in comfort and enjoy the more clement weather. Situated in a peaceful location, yet within easy driving distance to visit the many local places of interest. Guests benefit from the use of a screen, covered hot tub during their stay. 4
Minimum Entry Requirements Group: Standard: Designator: Rating: Specialities: Self-Catering Self Catering Five Star Gold Cyclists Welcome, Walkers Welcome, Families Welcome (The Granary, The Lucam, The Mylen) For a rating to be awarded by VisitEngland a property must meet all Minimum Entry Requirements Key Requirements, as appropriate to the Star level Any Additional Requirements At the time of our visit all of the Minimum Entry Requirements and Additional requirements/key Requirements were provided. Visit Report Your VisitEngland quality assessment report, comprising scores, star rating and commentary reflects the experience of the Quality in Tourism assessor on the day of the visit. Appeals procedure If for any reason you wish to appeal against the rating awarded, VisitEngland has an established appeals procedure, which Quality in Tourism operates on its behalf. A fee is payable, which is refunded if the appeal is upheld. Applications should be made within 30 days of receipt of the report. For details please contact Quality in Tourism at qualityintourism@uk.g4s.com or telephone 0845 300 6996. Details can also be found at www.qualityintourism.com. Additional visits Visits are generally carried out annually, but if you are aiming for a higher rating or accolade and prefer an earlier visit during the same participation year, this can be arranged for an additional fee. Contact Quality in Tourism for details. Publishing of reports This report may, at your discretion, be displayed in its entirety in any printed material or via electronic media. 5