We had a wonderful time at the Stone Barn, despite the weather. It was warm and cosy, and very well equipped, including a washing machine, which wasn’t included in the property detail online. Lovely walks all around, and plenty of places to eat really well. We loved in oarticular Downton Lodge and the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey. The dogs loved the large garden, and not even our younger one could escape - although he had a good try!

The outside furniture was rather tired and gave an immediate impression that it was not as beautifully finished as we were hoping. Inside it was a mixed collection of some lovely ,quirky pieces and some cheap and cheerful furnishings, why fake flowers when charging for luxury accommodation.Fresh flowers would have been so much nicer. Having said that the welcome hamper was superb. Everything sourced from the local farm shop and much appreciated! The restrictors on the upstairs windows were frankly awful. The restriction to air flow during the three hottest days of the year was difficult for us both. We understand that it may be a safety measure but as children are not allowed at the property it seemed an unnecessary addition. It also made it look and feel very touristy. An assumption that of course we will be irresponsible and play with the casement windows🤨. I was also startled when enjoying the garden a guy walked through the fenced gate on the right without any knock or courtesy and announced he was going to cut the grass there and then. My little dog is a dachshund so barks at the least noise . She ran to defend me while he just stood there smirking , I felt very uncomfortable and it was an intrusion. Of course the garden has to be maintained but politeness and courteous request would have been appreciated. We were made to feel that we had no right to expect privacy or seclusion by this employee of the Estate. I have given 4 stars for the beautiful location and obvious care by other members of the Downton estate and the very generous hamper.

Fantastic cottage - very well equipped, comfortable, spacious, lots of hot water ! A few points - the fencing was not dog proof as advertised- one afternoon we found a lamb in the garden- our Labrador could have escaped into the sheep field so we had to keep her on a lead at all times in the garden. Whilst we knew there was no washing machine we are surprised this is the case - this would stop us booking the cottage for more than a week.

Stone Barn is top quality throughout, spotlessly clean and offers very spacious accommodation for two people. Would definitely return. Our only criticism is that the barn was far too hot, the Heatmiser controls for the underfloor heating were locked so we could not adjust the temperature and therefore we did not use the log burner, which was something we had been really looking forward to, particularly as we were there over NY. We had to open windows to be comfortable, which in the middle of winter seems so wasteful.