Chris & Cat, UK, August 2018 Testimonials - Heaven on earth

We found this delightful family cottage on a well known holiday lettings site whilst looking for a holiday home for 2018 during our 2017 holiday to Alicante. We didn't want to be right next to a busy beach or resort so the location of this cottage seemed perfect on a map. Before we booked with Pilar we took a drive out to the area and house on our last day. The area seemed very quiet and from what we could see of the house from the road, it looked very attractive and well maintained; so we booked up. Before departure, Pilar sent us directions to a petrol station in Canals about 2 miles from the house (along with his contact number) to meet Nicolas. We had awful trouble getting our hire car from OK Car Rental (booked by us) which caused us over a 3 hour delay in meeting Nicolas at our arranged time. This delay ran into his work time, but Nicolas had his wife and brother, Antonio, on stand by to meet us as he couldnt. Antonio was waiting for us at the pre arranged garage and we followed him to the cottage. Along the way in Canals he pulled over to point out the location of the local supermarkets and market. On arrival at the cottage, Antonio showed us around explaining how things like the air con and alarm worked right down to giving us advice on how to keep the house cool whilst we were out. He took us to every room in the cottage on both floors along with showing us around the gardens. He told us told when the gardener and pool man would visit, where the local amenities and historic sights were and recommended places for us to eat and drink. When he left us we were able to unpack and go straight about enjoying ourselves. The house is fabulous. We can see why its so spevial to Nicolas' family as It has a real homely feel and nothing has been spared to ensure you have everything you need - to self cater and relax. The bedrooms all had clean linen on the beds with a spare set in the wardrobes and there were ample clean towels in all the rooms. Ensuite bathroom had a hair dryer and was plenty big enough for 2 to be getting washed/showered together. The family bathroom was also a good size. Both have showers over the bath. Beds are comfy and there's plenty of wardrobe/drawer space. The three main bedrooms have ceiling fans which was a must have this summer! The lounge is very comfortable with enough couch space for at least 8 bottoms. TV was ok and we managed to find a couple of English channels. The inside dining area was plenty big enough for 5 of us and although a little on the small side, the kitchen was very well equipped. Didn't find a kettle but boiled water in a pan and used the stove top coffee perculator. My 18 year old son stayed in the basement and enjoyed having his own space. There is one bedroom (with fan), bathroom, kitchen/diner/lounge - all very well equipped again. Internal staircase connects both floors and basement doors lead to the outside garden area. Accessed from the garden there is also a very substantial laundry room that had large pool floats and a table tennis table. Plenty of drying room here with lines stretched from wall to wall and 2 airers. The pool is amazing! REALLY big and kept clean by the pool man who visited every 3 days. Gardens are very pretty and, again, well maintained. Lots of lush, green grass, established shrubs, tropical plants, grape vines and planters all make a lovely Meditteranean setting round the house. Outside pool changing room (converted wine vatt) has a toilet and plenty of room to get out of your wet costume without having to go in the house. There is a huge bar b q in a purpose built area with a big solid wood table and bench seats and a further outside eating area on the veranda. We didn't use the tennis courts (way too hot) but I could see this being a fun addition if a couple of families were to stay here. All in all Pilar, Nicolas and Antonio gave first class customer service to us and we wanted for nothing during our stay. Nicolas & Antonio were at the end of a phone if we needed anything and Nicolas was even kind enough to tell us about a severe hot weather warning that was being placed the day before we left. Customer service at its best! Pilar has been courteous and helpful throughout and we were so impressed with all and the house, we booked for next year before we left. Cannot recommend this cottage/Nicolas and his family or Pilar/ Heaven On Earth Property Rentals highly enough. Loved the cottage, the area AND the weather 😀 See you next year!