Under the British Common Standard for Self Catering Ellice Howe achieves a Four Star rating. Part of the Standard is that all critical areas of the property; cleanliness, living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen must each achieve a grade commensurate with the overall rating. Following this assessment the establishment meets these requirements, enabling the rating indicated above to be confirmed.

Physical areas
Very attractive and well maintained period cottage with paintwork fresh and signage noted. Good sized gardens are well tended and the flagged area is lifted with tubs and seating. Window boxes are noted and add to the positive first impression.

Excellent rural location with open views from the cottage.

High standards of decoration noted in the living room with areas of exposed stone and beams lifting the appearance. Flagged flooring is in good order and a large rug softens the appearance. The dining room is well fitted and furnished with quality wood flooring and heavy curtains dressing the windows. Night storage heaters fitted with the stove a focal point of the room. Lighting is well provided for with a number of lamps noted.

Bedrooms are to a very good standard with decoration clean and in good condition. New controllable electric heaters are now fitted and offer very good heating provision for guests. High quality wool carpeting fitted through the bedroom. Matching pine furniture gives ample room for storage.
Both bathrooms have part tiled decoration which is in very good condition with grouting and sealer well maintained. Tiled flooring is of high quality and in very good condition. Modern and well maintained fixtures and fittings with large bath in the house bathroom and showers in both bathrooms. Heated towel rails fitted in both bathrooms providing good background heating.

High quality tiling lifts the appearance in the kitchen with decoration all in very good condition. Quality fitted units offer ample space and good working areas. Modern, high quality equipment is well maintained. Ceiling spots give ample lighting and night storage heating is provided. Very good Wedgewood tableware is provided and glasses and cutlery are of a very good quality. Ample space provided with separate utility off the dining room.

Ellice Howe comfortable achieves a four star rating and the new bedroom heaters will much improve the standard for the guests, particularly in the colder months.

Management efficiency and cleanliness

Pre-arrival information which includes web-site and brochures are very well provided by the agency.
Keys for this property are collected from the agency office where staff are available to greet guests and also offer any assistance required.
The required in house and emergency information is clearly presented, the use of folders adding to ease of use.

Very good range of personal touches provided.
Very good standards of cleanliness were noted at the time of the assessment.