Guest Comments
THESE ARE SOME COMMENTS FROM GUESTS (and why our personalized approach can make a difference)
From Beaverton, Oregon...
We enjoyed our vacation very much. The weather turned out so much better than we expected and everyone loved the cottage. Instead of an impersonal sterile hotel room, we had a home away from home... The cottage was just perfect. ... We especially liked the sunroom and the back yard with the river Soar at the end of it. Several village shops and take-outs were within walking distance and we couldn't believe how huge the traditional Sunday lunch was that we had at one of the pubs... It was nice being able to enjoy the peaceful village life and yet being only a short drive away from downtown Leicester and Loughborough. We took several day trips to London and even a side trip to Paris (via the Eurostar) from the nearby Loughborough train station. There was so much to do and see that we weren't able to fit it all in... We are planning on returning ... we hope that the cottage will be available. R. Cotton
From St. Traer, Iowa...
David - Marcia and I truly enjoyed our time in England. The cottage was very comfortable and homey. It served us well as a home base for our various excursions.
Rosina and Jim Matthews were so very good to us -- we went pub crawling twice and they even invited us to their home one evening -- wonderful people!!!
One thing however -- 'truth in advertising' -- we timed ourselves going to the Navigation Pub on numerous occasions and our time varied from 30 and 1/2 seconds to 32 seconds flat (depending on our level of thirst) but we never made it in 29 and 1/2 seconds. M & B Ketter
From Chandler, Arizona...
We had a wonderful time at the cottage, thank you so much. Loved the boat deck, perfect for watching the boats go by, and an excellent spot for the civilized gin-and-tonic in the evening. We discovered the boat marina, just past the pub, this time, children had great fun with the kayaks, up and down past the cottage! L. Ridgway.
From Houston, Texas...
Well just got back into town from the UK and just had to let you know that my time at the Kingfisher Cottage was fab... whow.It really was great... I'm so impressed with the high standerd at the cottage....it had everything I needed and more...did alot of entertaining and cooking loved the kitchen layout ... well loved everything ... bed was so comfortable decor was lovely (just to my taste) loved the fact that you had certain American touches...
Needless to say I spent most of the time in the garden. ...the weather was wonderful... just watching the boats passing by so idilic the web site does not do it justice at all... oh and the rest of the time was spent in the Navigation...got to know alot of people during my time there... lots of fun...had a barbie in the garden for new & old friends...
Also went over to the Wheatchief and did say hello on your behalf to the son (I think was named Chris?)... we had a great meal there...also another great meal at The Mansion House Quorn...I was so comfortable there that I did not want to come back...
Will I be back? ...you bettcha ...next year and for longer... tentitive time 3 weeks late March/April as I like to be there in the spring...
Many Many thanks Loved it...this could be my second home very warm wishes to you both from a very happy camper at the Kingfisher. P. Rhymes
...and the following year...
...yet again a fun time at the cottage...its getting to seem like a second home. Pencil me in for next April.08 for approx 3 weeks if you are still renting!! Again many thanks. P. Rhymes
From Dallas, Texas...
We made it back home safe and sound. We had a wonderful time and the cottage was lovely. I hated to leave! The peony in the back yard is in bloom and is beautiful! Jim was very gracious and kind and Ralph was SO MUCH HELP! He knows alot about Barrow.
I will definitely pass your name along to anyone I know that will be planning a trip to England in the future. M. Patterson
From Salisbury, MD...
Just a quick note to let you know that we had a wonderful time at the cottage. The cottage and Barrow were everything as you described. G. Jeblonski
From Joplin, MO...
...The cottage and its setting are perfect. I have no suggestions at all as to what you could add to make it more comfortable. Ralph and Jim and Rosina were helpful and friendly, and we appreciated them all. Charlene
From Folsom, California...
We just wanted to say Thank you. We had the best time in the Barrow and at the Kingfisher Cottage. We will remember this part of our trip fondly for the rest of our lives. Jim and Rosina were delightful and invited us for a BBQ on our last night. I told Jim this wasn't mentioned on your brochure. My kids thoroughly enjoyed Jim & Rosina as well, only regretting that we didn't get to hear (Old Spice, his band) playing in person. Also the 29 1/2 seconds to the pub was correct but the way home is a bit further. This also wasn't mentioned. Ha Ha! We had a nice evening with Ralph as well and got the Barrow walking night tour & pub tour. Didn't get to see the pictures for his book which sounds very interesting. Sounds like he'll be moving back to the USA maybe. Your friends are great and we will tell ours about this wonderful place too.
We thoroughly enjoyed every minute we were in Barrow upon Soar and hope to return. We saw so much while we were there even though I ended up at the local clinic with Bronchitis. I got sick on the flight and it got worse in London. The clinic was wonderful to me also and I got antibiotics in about 15 minutes (That would not happen in the States). Also, I think the location of the cottage is perfect for a trip to England. You can see so much in a relatively short drive.
Thank you so much, Kelly & Family
From Vail, Colorado...
We had a wonderful time. Your friends treated us royally. Gay invited us to a charity ball for Radcliff Hall. It was a formal affair but no problem for us as we just got off the QE2 and had the proper clothes. We enjoyed talking to our English friends, the food and wine was good, and the auction was fun to watch. One evening we spent at the pub, the Wheatsheaf with the Hackett's. They lived in Boulder Colorado (our home for over 30 years) for a few years and that along with the Aspen connection made for an interesting evening of conversation. Sunday, the day before we left, Rad and Shirley Thomas showed us around their farm, quite a large operation, over 1800 acres. As usual with farmers the talk led to the abysmal prices for farm crops... F. Rumford
Dear future guests of the Kingfisher Cottage,
Our stay was delightful. The house is well appointed by American standards. All the major appliances for the kitchen plus laundry and very nice modern bathrooms comprise a wonderful living experience. We especially enjoyed the Sun Room off of the main house. It was a great place for meals. The master bedroom has a great four-poster bed and a small terrace off of the room that overlooks the garden and river. There are nice walking trails nearby, bakery and grocery store in the village. Many of Mr. Petty's friends extended us a warm welcome. We enjoyed our week stay and we are sure it will please any future guests. T. Rumford
From Orlando, Florida...
We had another great trip to your cottage. Went to watch Jim's band at his village social -- sat next to a woman who's "known David since he was five" Also joined Ralph for dinner at the revamped Hunting Lodge. That combined with the Quorndon Fox (spelling?) was like a little piece of heaven. M. Coppen
From Chandler, Arizona...
As for our stay in Kingfisher Cottage, we LOVED it!! So pretty, so beautifully decorated and outfitted, so close to the pub! My husband comes from Loughborough and so was very familiar with the Navigation. Jim Matthews was very helpful. It was a somewhat surreal moment when we established that he knew my Father-in-Law, and that they had served in the same Police force together!
We would very much like to return this Summer (2003), probably for a little longer this time, so I shall be calling Jim to make reservations as soon as we have our flights sorted out. Thanks again for your reply, we hope you have a wonderful New Year. L. & J. Ridgway
From Tom's River, New Jersey...
Yes, we are back, had a great time, the cottage was very nice and comfortable. Most days we were out and about but did get to meet Helen at the station, it was nice of her to take the time for a chat. My son-in-law went out for 1/2 day on patrol with 2 of her colleagues, which he really enjoyed. Went in the Woody's but didn't see Simon. Hope we left everything OK at the cottage. Thanks again. R.Richardson
From Inverness, Scotland...
Hello, we are just back from a very enjoyable weekend at Kingfisher Cottage. We had excellent weather, ducks in the canal, and a few beers at the Navigation. The Cottage suited us well as Jerry's parents who live nearby and are wheelchair bound could visit easily. We might well wish to use it again and wonder what your rates are like in the summer months. Maybe you could let us know. Thanks again. S & J Headley
From Coquitlam, BC, Canada...
We were traveling with our two grown children, and picked the cottage in Barrow upon Soar, as it would be close to the area where my husband’s family originated from. The location worked well for us and we found the area to be quite charming.The cottage is roomy and has many amenities to make the stay pleasant and comfortable. The cottage allowed us all privacy, but yet is very cosy. The solarium adds to the charm of the place, as well as the location adjacent to the canal, an added feature of seeing the canal boats putter by. Of course, the pub just down the street was terrific, good food and friendly folk.Dealing with David was straightforward and hassle free and what is described on the website or what was told to us via email, is what we found. We were very pleased with our choice of the Kingfisher Cottage and we stayed in two similar type places, i.e. vacation rentals by owners, in Italy and then in London on the same trip and neither of these measured up to the Cottage, in that it was well stocked with dishes and other kitchen utensils and needs, as well as furniture was in good condition and appliances also were in good repair. We respected what we found and therefore treated it as we would treat our own home. I wish more owners would take a page from your book. The Johnsons
From Saudi Arabia...The Zerfa family
Thank you for another lovely summer holiday.We had a lovely time in the cottage.Might see you this time next year again.
Thank you from Melanie,Mohamed and the gang.
From Eindhoven, Netherlands...The Peletier family
We greatly enjoyed our stay here.All four of us liked the house very much.I don't think I've ever come across a holiday home that was stocked so well,we even found e screwdriver to fix one of the children's toys! Also it was great to find cooking basics and things like dishwasher tabs.On the Tue during breakfast I said that the only thing missing was our black and white cat.By lunchtime,this grey & white replacement walked in and came for a short visit every day.We spent some time with nice walks around Barrow & Quorn,had a good Sunday roast at the Navigation Inn and visited several nice places.Families with school-aged children:we can recommend the National Space Centre and Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville(especially the brilliant Colliers town).We will recommend Kingfisher Cottage for sure!
From Haywards Heath, West Sussex...The Brown family
This is our fourth visit to Kingfisher Cottage and we have enjoyed it just ad much as our previous visits,if not more due to the fact we have had 18 days here.Everything we need is here and we have had a very comfortable and relaxing break.We hope to soon.Many thanks to Jim.
(This is the best cottage ever)-from Bela aged 7 years
From Melbourne, Australia...
Hi David, we are now back in Australia, having really enjoyed our stay at your cottage. Cathy Ingram
From Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania...
Yes our visit was great, really enjoyed the cottage, too. Still lovely place. Terry Stewart