Tanholt is an amazing property for location, especially if you have dogs, like we do. However, the property itself needs updating but it has fantastic potential to make it an exceptional holiday home.
Tanholt could have a complete overhaul but I think then it would increase the price too much for couples. Some small significant changes could improve the property dramatically.
We knew when we picked it looked outdated however this is our holiday with our dogs so Tanholt suited their needs more than ours, which was more important.
Pros
Amazing garden, especially if you have dogs. The gate at the bottom of the garden is excellent and you can walk straight out on to the costal path and onto the beach. Loved the fact we didn’t need to get in the car to walk the dogs.
In the main the garden is secure however our 2 dogs did manage to escape into next door over the lower part of the fence in the front garden where next doors ground level is higher.
Outside tap for cleaning dogs or wellies
Loads of dog friendly beaches and pubs in the area. Great delis, farm shops if you want to buy local and avoid Tesco. Try the Grove Orchard, great apple juice pressed on site.
Cons
Very small and outdated kitchen, it is a real squeeze for 2 people to be in there at once. You cannot stand in front of the oven, open the door and take out anything as there is not enough room. You have to do it all side on!
No key for the patio doors – did tell the cleaner when we left
Things for improvement
It was disappointing to read feedback in the visitor’s book on small things that could improve the property, where the owners have not taken any notice.
The property sleeps 5 but there is only a 2-slice toaster. This is a quick fix and it’s the small things that make the difference. There was only 2 of us and this was a pain.
Radio was an old cassette FM/AM radio. Invest in a DAB radio, docking station or a Bluetooth speaker (thankfully we took our own bluetooth speaker which was great as we spent most of our time in the conservatory listening to music, reading, watching the dogs enjoy the garden). Again, a quick fix and helps bring the property up to date.
Small TV – if you want to watch it!
Need more info on the area and walks, dog walks, places to eat and drink etc. Some local tips would be good. Like you can walk to the last house and through the nature reserve to the pub instead of going on the read the long way around. Most properties have this. Give the occupants more info on everything. It’s better to have not than not enough.
Need a decent torch in the property for walking at night as no street lighting (walking the dog or back from the pub)
Lights in the garden would be good so you can see dogs at night.
Although we didn’t use it there is a dog kennel outside to use however it is full of stuff and if you want to use it to need to empty it first!!. Get a shed. There is plenty of room in the garden for one.
Headboards for the beds – this was also in the visitor’s book.
Position the double bed some you can get in on both sides. We are adults not children.
Was disappointed to read we had to strip all the beds before we left – again small things.
All kitchenware needs to be checked before new occupants come in. Many of the cups, glasses and pans were dirty. I know this is down to previous occupants but still it should be checked.
Having said all this we would go back for a dog holiday but not if it was just the two of us. We would also recommend it to other dog owners as the location is amazing. Let’s just hope the owners listen to feedback and take some steps to improve the property.