Steppes Farm Cottages

I stopped in my car to take a phone call, and a strange woman took it upon herself to bang on my car window and swear at me to move on. Charming. I'd advise staying elsewhere.

The grounds were lovely, the location worked perfectly for the wedding in Monmouth, and the beds were comfortable. We booked two nights and brought our two young children. The cottages are cosy and very nice, and would have felt romantic if it had just been my wife and me. But having to pay separately for electricity, hot water and heating felt unjustified at £130 a night. There was no hand soap, and the Wi-Fi didn't work. The double bed was basic size, not king or queen. These cottages cover the basics, but they certainly aren't the 'Luxury' they claim to be.

The upstairs living space had lovely views, and Owl Cottage has a charming converted-barn feel. Its living area is laid out well and makes a cosy place to relax with family. Some things let the stay down. The electricity meter needing coins was very annoying, and the crockery was dirty and cracked, with a leaking teapot. The footstool castors were broken and the twin bed springs had gone. There was little soap, tea bags and toilet paper, and no coffee or milk, so after a long drive we had to get back in the car for basics. It was OK, but didn't have that special holiday feel.

We stayed in the 'Haywain' cottage and only wished we'd had more time there. The stone-built cottages have been restored beautifully, with a high modern standard and a charming feel. Ours was spotlessly clean. It's handy for Monmouth and well placed for getting around the Wye Valley and nearby areas. We'll return, which says it all.