SYKES COTTAGES : ROWAN BANK JACOBS WOOD = upset, disappointment, loss of funds and a lot stress! We have been accused and charged for a damage we did not do. We purchased an additional insurance cover before our trip. If we were guilty we would have claimed on that policy! Strangely Sykes Cottages kept advising us to use the damage cover that we took out, however we have refused it, as we DID NOT cause any damage! How it all started... Upon arrival, after quick verbal introduction by the owner Claire, we were kept outside the property (it was raining and it was very cold). I was freezing, so I suggested going inside to carry on the chat. She declined and told us that she has sanitised the property (despite the fact that the pandemic is over). We didn't think much of it. After 15 minutes of standing outside in cold we finally managed to get inside the property. A few hours later (around 11pm) later my partner realised there was a crack on the fireplace side glass. The fireplace seemed to be thoroughly cleaned, therefore we did not think that the owner is not aware of the crack on the glass! So we have left it. Our bad. We should have rang and emailed the evidence straight away. We stupidly presumed Claire knew about it as she is the one who cleans the property! If Claire brought us inside the property and showed us around maybe she would have realised that the damage was already there? Or maybe she already knew about the damage and simply blamed on us (customers) so we can sponsor the repair? I don't know. To top this up, Claire did not inform us about the damage, she requested Sykes Cottages to charge us. Disgrace and lack of professionalism. We are left extremely upset and shocked that Claire accused and charged us for something we have not done. It is unfair to cause someone so much stress and make them pay for something they have not done! Therefore, PLEASE be aware - make sure you conduct a FULL PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTORY to cover your back as soon as you step your foot inside Rowan Bank Cottage in Jacobs Wood. Also, Sykes Cottages will not help you, they will happily charge you for stuff you haven't damaged!