Damp and active black mould was growing on 2 of the walls of the cottage we hired through Sykes. The smell was overpowering when we arrived and still remained, to a much lesser degree, when we left. We contacted, and sent photos, to the owner who offered to buy and send a dehumidifier for us to use. The dehumidifier arrived after 3nights of our 7night stay. We bought a bleach based cleaner and after setting up the dehumidifier, emptied it approximately 4 times a day for the rest of our stay. This made using the main bedroom more acceptable although not comfortable. It would be a major issue if you have a respiratory problem. We also had to try to air the property and put the heating on in the bedrooms during the day, in the middle of summer. We find it hard to understand how this problem had not been brought to light before. However, the response from Sykes Cottages has been abysmal. Our emails to the Executive Office have been ignored and customer relations have classified it as minor condensation, despite the photos and offered a £50 “goodwill” token. We do not expect to have to clean and maintain a cottage we are hiring. Black mould is a health hazard and not a slight inconvenience. We will be taking this complaint forward until an acceptable refund has been offered. Sue and Wendy